Healin' From Killin', Bike Ride For Peace

I saw this poster around town back at the begining of July, snapped a shot and forgot about it.

Last Saturday, GG and I headed down to circumambulate Lake Merritt, which we try to do once a week or two. There is a bird sanctuary and gardens that both change nicely with the seasons.

We parked in our usual spot and as we approached the First Wildlife Refuge in America (designated 1870), we heard the Oomp Pah Pah of the Brass Liberation Orchestra (BLO).

We joined the small crowd to hear a song or two. They weren't amazing but smiles were had by all as we realized it was kind of a Surreal Moment, unexpected and musical.

They finished their second song and I was getting antsy for the 3.5 miles around the lake, when a pick up arrived across the street pulling an open trailer. Both the truck and trailer were filled with Scraper Bikes and soon they were being unloaded and having their front wheels put on.

I, of course, crossed over and started snapping.

Is that fork backwards?

Then, as this is happening, a huge posse of at least 30, maybe closer to 50, Scapers roll up.

And start circling. There were a few trikes with Booming Systems.

They circled and circled and rode wheelies and waited. The Organizers made speeches about Safety and Unity, and passed out maps, while more and more cyclists arrived.

And then they were off.

On the back of the Map was this:

After witnessing an unconscionable 124 murders in Oakland last year, 2009 started off with a bang, literally and figuratively. Following the killing of Oscar Grant on New Year's morning, we have experienced close to 60 losses already.

60 lives cut short, 60 families who are grieving. 60 murders too many.

Today, young people and elders alike are coming together under the banner of Bikes 4 Life to call for a stop to all the killings. We come together to stand united, because even with all of our differences, we share a common desire to live and to show that we as a community have more in common than we have in differences. When violence plagues our community, we are all impacted. And we must all come together to find a solution.

The ride ended at the DeFremery Center, a well facilitated park, where a new skatepark opened. There are plans for a community bike center.

One Fam