We couldn’t have asked for a better start to the 2009 season.
 
The weather was perfect, the Tour de Fat carnies were a well-oiled machine, and Chicagoans came out in force.

Last year we had 1500 people come out and raise $12,000 for West Town Bikes. This year, we had 3,000 people, raising more than $20,000 (we're still counting)! Waste diversion also went from 82% diverted from the landfill to 91%.

And Paul bid farewell to his Subaru in exchange for the far superior Black Sheep commuter bike.Read more

Zach and NB comrades,

Don't let the raised hood fool you- the putt still runs. This car was purchased brand new by my mom in 1972. There was an energy crisis back then too. Remember when you could only fill up your tank on certain days, and petrol stations ran dry? The Putt was there!Read more

Dear New Belgians:

I write you today to describe the tattered relationship I share with my 1995 Dodge Avenger, a vehicle I wish to trade for your most excellent bicycle. My vehicle and I have grown apart and your offer of a bike in exchange for it is the trigger I've been seeking to leave her.Read more

Chapter 1, Book of Ballyhoo for year of our bike 2008:

1: Welcome back fans of old, and new apostles alike. The Wreckoning is upon us, and the carnies have been unleashed onto the vehicular world as we know it. 4 months until the carpocalypse (or the end of festival season for us) and between now and then we have much work to do. As each tour is launched, new tales, trials, and tribulations unfold, and if we are lucky a new city to boot. Before I proceed however, let us pour a tinge of malted adult refreshment onto the soil in the name of our brethren in Missoula and Flagstaff…wonderful towns full of wonderful bicycles…we won’t be rolling their way this season after many years. We will continue to support their bike communities, although not with this travelling nut show…

2: In order to spread the gospel about the Bicycle, one of the greatest inventions of all time, we have found ourselves opening this season with a new addition to the list of stops…a city deeply steeped in traffic issues and congestion…a city unable to keep up with the wear and tear of street caused by vehicular usage. This city being the windiest of them all and the 3rd largest in the nation, yes ladies and gentlemen, we are talking about Chicago. Talk about a crappy place to drive…but on helluva spot to ride a bike!

3: On this 21st day of the 6th month, We were blessed by many gathered in the name of acknowledging and celebrating the possibilities of the human power over horse power. In the heart of an expansive city whose size alone tests a riders’ metal, 500 cyclists joined forces and took to the streets on our Cruise-ade. 1500 reveled in the sun and showers for all things pedal powered and good.

4: Over the course of 6 hours, we rode, we rejoiced, we imbibed, and we grew stronger. For all those rolling forth upon pedaled wings revivalated, and those new to the bike were indoctrinated...and you know it was good.

5: What have we done?!

• We raised money for West Town Bikes $11,878 to be exact. Ride on!
• We saved ourselves from dumpnation by diverting 82% of our trash from hell-fill with the help of the Illinios Recycling Association… so many people, so little trash. Ride on!
• We also committed as a city to reduce our car miles for bike miles by joining Team Wonderbike and pledging to ride 126,820 miles in the next year! thats a whole lotta pounds of CO2 not going in the air
• We got another car-free convert, Joe Marinaro who donated his 2001 Jeep Cherokee ride for a new Black Sheep commuter bike.

7: And for all of you who came properly attired and awesomely inspired… and you know who you are… many thanks and much appreciation.

Time is on our side…
Reverend C Ballyhoo, the Deacon of Freakin’, Oscar the Gashole, our angels and demons, and of course the hardest working man in showbiz, TK.