Westside BikeSIDE!

A first time rider might be mystified by Venice Critical Mass. We probably spent more time stopped than riding, and we played a lot of soccer, sometimes with dogs.

The ride, founded by the cycling LOLcat KNITTENS, was initially plagued by bad weather and poor promotion. Consequently, the ride was reduced nine riders one month, and looked to be at the edge of destruction. Instead, thanks to the chill attitude of beach side riders, and the sporting attitude of Mihai Peteu, Venice Critical Mass is rising from it’s slumber.

The ride mixes intoxicating beach flavors with Westside ride party culture to become parts Mary Jane, Old English, futbol, and CRANK MOB. Mihai made the decision two rides ago that the ride should stop for soccer breaks, and so the group played a pickup game for half an hour on Santa Monica City Hall lawn. This ride we played for 45 minutes in the park on Rose. After a rambunctious puppy at the liquor store showed us how dogs play soccer (aggressively!), Mass riders were inspired to play similarly. Unfortunately, one woman, Caroline, was concussed when she stood her ground when a player charged downfield with the ball atop his feet.

She walked off the field to applause, and we took it as a signal to move on. We rode to the gas station, and then the group disintegrated. One small group rode to the Venice Pier by way of Ralph’s. There we kicked the soccer ball around, hung out, and flew kites until my soccer ball ended up floating in the Pacific and security closed the pier.

If you like soccer and bikes, then come to Venice Critical Mass, last Friday of the month, gathers at 7:30pm, leaves at 8:00pm. I’ve got two new soccer balls.

(more VCM photos by awesome super dope photographer Digablesoul and new VCM ryda Annmarie Philbin)

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