Hi Friends,

 

Mark your calendar for this very special event.

 

 

Bring your bike right inside the Cathedral.  Our friend Reverend Thom*, will say a few kind words and then sprinkle our bikes with Holy Water. There is a moment of silence to remember those cyclists we’ve lost in the past year, a chance for everyone to ring their bicycle bells in celebration of cycling, and we’re gone.  

 

 

Regardless of your religious beliefs (I happen to be Jewish - go figure!) it never hurts to have some extra help in your corner when you're cruising down Fifth Avenue at night in the rain during rush hour.

 

We'll be holding this event INSIDE the Cathedral of St. John the Divine. If you've never been, this is one of the great cathedrals in New York, if not the world. (Please -- no cathedral-ranking e-mail from you architecture experts out there!)

 

Wear what you like - your usual cycling and skating gear is fine - but if you have cycle shoes with exposed cleats (such as Look or Speedplay), and you don't have rubber cleat covers, you will be asked to take your shoes off and leave them at the door so you don't scratch up the floors.

 

The interesting thing about this entire event to me is that some people take it very seriously, some think it’s all a big joke, and some are deeply offended. No mater which of those opinions works for you... good on you!

 

This is a particularly special year for us -- a large portion of the Cathedral has been closed for years in order to repair the damage from a fire in 2001, and this is the first time since then that we will be back in the Cathedral’s beautiful main section.  This also marks the 10th anniversary of the Blessing of the Bikes.

 

The Blessing of the Bicycles is free.  However, before you leave we will pass the hat (pass the helmet?) to raise some money for the church. They are not charging us for this event, and they do great work in the neighborhood for the homeless. (Besides, they have electricity and heating bills to pay too, just like everyone else).  No matter what your religion I personally believe that these folks deserve our support. The contribution is ENTIRELY VOLUNTARY, although I would suggest that you kick in as much as you spent during your last snack break while out skating or cycling. One hundred percent of the money you donate will go directly to the Cathedral.

 

This schedule is still a little loose, so your suggestions for music or other features are welcome. (Although we will be keeping it short, so no lengthy speeches, please!)

 

• • •

 

 

Drop me a note with your questions or suggestions.  See you April 26th.

 

Glen

 

__________

*Properly this should be The Reverend Canon Thomas P. Miller S.T.M. of the Cathedral Church of St. John the Divine, but he’s a pretty easy-going guy, so...