It's time to put those buns back on your saddles and get riding again, Phoenix. Well, if you need more inspiration than that, Phoenix Spokes People are throwing a "big bike party," according to organizer Libby Coyner, and the cycling is only half of the fun. Hello Vélo will be the first of its kind event in Phoenix, though if you're a fan of Tour de Fat in Tempe, it will likely be right up your alley.
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On Sunday, October 19, grab your bike and head over to the Arizona Historical Society for Hello Vélo. Sponsored by New Belgium Brewery and Tempe Bicycle Action Group (both of which put on the annual Tour de Fat festival), you can be sure there will be plenty of bikes and beer at this event. However, you can also expect a vintage and handmade bike show, music, dancing, food trucks, and more all for free.
Any donations you make at Hello Vélo (and you should definitely bring money to donate) go to support Phoenix Spokes People, a local non-profit bike advocacy group. You can be sure your donated money will go to good use as the organization is known for getting stuff done. Case in point, in their first year of operation, they effectively lobbied nearly every city budget hearing and got funding for bicycle infrastructure in Phoenix to increase from $50,000 to $1.5 million. Now they have their sights set on a bike rack program and to file for their official non-profit status.
The event is free, though you have to RSVP via Eventbrite to get in. However, you should also bring some cash to spend on tips for Hello Vélo's bike valet because the money goes back to the Phoenix Spokes People to continue promoting bicycle culture and infrastructure in Phoenix.
For more information, visit the event's Facebook page.
