Live Storytelling Event Benefits BTA’s Safe Routes to School Program

Thursday, January 15, 2015

Üma Kleppinger, GoLocalPDX Contributor

Surprise your sweety to a special pre-Valentine's Day treat—tickets to the 5th Annual Live the Revolution storytelling evening on Friday, February 13th.

Live the Revolution brings together luminaries from the cycling world and everyday riders who share a passion for the world of two wheeling. Created five years ago by Sugar Wheel Works, the event not only benefits the Bicycle Transportation Alliance's Safe Routes to School program, it's also a fun evening for kids of all ages who enjoy bikes and bike culture. Strategically scheduled for a time of the year when cycling events aren't too numerous as to create conflicts, the event is a big draw among cyclists from all walks—or rides—of life.

"I remember my dad teaching me how to ride when I was little, but a lot of city kids don't get that opportunity," said Jude Gerace, owner of Sugar Wheel Works." Safe Routes to Schools helps teach kids good bike riding skills and also helps them learn how to navigate safely."

The event has raised over $10,000 to benefit the Safe Routes program. "As a business owner, it's part of my mission to give back to the community. This program was appealing to me not only personally, as someone who learned to ride a bike as a kid, but also because every dollar raised goes to the Safe Routes program. We do this by engaging other community sponsors who also want to support the Safe Routes program."

The evening centers around the live storytelling of 4 main speakers. This year the BTA is also calling for video submissions from the cycling community, leading up to the event. One featured video maker will be included as a bonus storyteller. This year's featured storytellers are:

   • Thomas Pikaart, American Coffee and Barista School
   • Megan Schubel, elementary school teacher and new mama
   • Laura Crawford, Bicycle Tourism Specialist
   • Chris DiStefano, Communications Director for Rapha North America

The evening includes live music by an "old timey band", raffles for prizes from area businesses, and Hopworks beer.

For more information visit www.btaoregon.org/bikestories

Üma Kleppinger is a Portland-based copy writer, author and bike addict. A recovering sesquipedalian who blogs about life in the saddle and outdoor adventure, she is also the author of Bike Yoga, a flexibility and recovery program for cyclists. When not writing, she can be found riding and racing her mountain bike throughout the Pacific Northwest. If you have cycling-related news to share, events to promote, or deep thoughts about this or any other cycling related matters, shoot her a nice email.

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