PHOTOS OF THE RACKETEERS AT BIKE FALL
Posted by Julia Theil on Monday, Oct 10, 2011 at 2:42pm
http://www.chicagoreader.com/Bleader/archives/2011/10/10/photos-of-the-racketeers-at-bike-fall
I stopped by the Hideout on the early side Saturday for the Bike Fall festival—too early, as it turned out. It was supposed to start either at 11 AM or noon, depending on which website you chose to believe, but at quarter to 1, things were still being set up and the crowd was pretty small. Eventually John Greenfield sang a few bike-related songs (with some pretty entertaining lyrics), and the Racketeers performed. Now a year old—they celebrated their birthday last week with an alleycat ride/scavenger hunt and party—they're a BMX dance troupe that performs at bike events like Critical Mass and this year's Tour de Fat. Other activities and demos were scheduled for later in the afternoon, with bands and a bike film festival in the evening, but I wasn't able to stick around for those. More Racketeers photos after the jump;
all photos by me. ( Julia Theil)
all photos by me. ( Julia Theil)
Weekend events: two ciclovias, two bloomingdale trail charrettes, and two bike rides
By Steven Vance On September 29, 2011 · 3 Comments
A car-free Ridge Avenue in Evanston, Illinois. Photo by Esther Chicago.
It’s a busy weekend for bicycling events and the next step in the Bloomingdale Trail design process. The weather forecast on AccuWeather.com shows sunny and 60°F on Saturday and Sunday.
Saturday, October 1, 2011
Open Streets
10 AM to 3 PM
1 N State Street
Enjoy the ultimate urban playground as State Street opens for pedestrians only to play, walk, bike and enjoy healthy recreation in the heart of the Loop on a seven-block stretch of State Street, from Lake Street to Van Buren Street, into an urban playground for all ages, Saturday, October 1, from 10 AM to 3 PM.
Bloomingdale Trail Design Open House
3 PM to 6 PM
1834 N Lawndale Avenue
Drop in and meet the architects, designers and planners working on the framework plan for the next phase of the Bloomingdale Trail. Share your ideas and see the progress to date. (Repeats on Sunday, see below.)
Wrap up event on Tuesday, October 4, 2011, from 6-8 PM, same location.
Racketeers’s Alley Cat Ride & Birthday Bash
Registration at 3 PM, Birthday Bash at 7 PM
1329 W Grand Avenue
“Most Alley Cats are about speed, however, that’s not our style. We encourage a fun-spirited scavenger hunt to seek out our favorite spots that hold significance to The Racketeers. You will have 2.5 hours to leisurely find your way to our secret places.” (Grid Chicago is sponsoring a prize in this event.)
The Racketeers BMX dance troupe. Photo by Justin Savage.
A car-free Ridge Avenue in Evanston, Illinois. Photo by Esther Chicago.
It’s a busy weekend for bicycling events and the next step in the Bloomingdale Trail design process. The weather forecast on AccuWeather.com shows sunny and 60°F on Saturday and Sunday.
Saturday, October 1, 2011
Open Streets
10 AM to 3 PM
1 N State Street
Enjoy the ultimate urban playground as State Street opens for pedestrians only to play, walk, bike and enjoy healthy recreation in the heart of the Loop on a seven-block stretch of State Street, from Lake Street to Van Buren Street, into an urban playground for all ages, Saturday, October 1, from 10 AM to 3 PM.
Bloomingdale Trail Design Open House
3 PM to 6 PM
1834 N Lawndale Avenue
Drop in and meet the architects, designers and planners working on the framework plan for the next phase of the Bloomingdale Trail. Share your ideas and see the progress to date. (Repeats on Sunday, see below.)
Wrap up event on Tuesday, October 4, 2011, from 6-8 PM, same location.
Racketeers’s Alley Cat Ride & Birthday Bash
Registration at 3 PM, Birthday Bash at 7 PM
1329 W Grand Avenue
“Most Alley Cats are about speed, however, that’s not our style. We encourage a fun-spirited scavenger hunt to seek out our favorite spots that hold significance to The Racketeers. You will have 2.5 hours to leisurely find your way to our secret places.” (Grid Chicago is sponsoring a prize in this event.)
The Racketeers BMX dance troupe. Photo by Justin Savage.
the chicago reader agenda section: The Racketeers turn one
To celebrate its first year together, the all-female BMX bike-dance crew The Racketeers is throwing its very own alley cat/scavenger hunt, appropriately titles the Ride the Rack Alley Cat Ride. The "leisurely," two-and-a-half-hour scavenger race gets going at 4 PM, and the Racketeers will hand out prizes for first overall, best out-of-towner, and of course Dead Fucking Last (DFL), among others. The registration fee includes admission, a spoke card, a $10 gift card to Tulip Toy Gallery, two beers to start, and pizza from nearby Coalfire at the birthday bash afterparty. ($8 separate admission for party-only attendees). 3 PM registration, 1329 W. Grand, ridetherackalleycat.weebly.com, $13, $10 in advance.
Grid Chicago article by john greenfield
http://gridchicago.com/2011/rack-concerts-tour-de-fat-and-pitchfork-highlight-the-need-for-good-bike-parking-at-festivals/#more-413
Rack concerts: Tour de Fat and Pitchfork highlight the need for good bike parking at festivals By John Greenfield On July 19, 2011 · 6 Comments
Last weekend there were at least two fabulously bike-friendly festivals in Chicago. New Belgium Brewery’s Tour de Fat celebrated craft beer, bicycles, bands and other forms of “sustainable folly,” raising thousands of dollars for West Town Bikes community bike shop. Meanwhile the Pitchfork Music Festival included the Chicago Reader Biker Village with an attended bike parking area that docked over 1,000 bikes at a time – and it still wasn’t nearly enough capacity. More on that later.
I arrived early Saturday at Palmer Square Park for the Tour de Fat, in time to catch the Racketeers, Chicago’s BMX dance troupe, performing sassy moves and astounding tricks with their bikes. They coasted with hands on the bars, one foot on the saddle and the other in the air; turned their cycles upside-down, rested hands and feet on the front and back pegs and did high kicks; and lay on their backs in the street, holding their bikes aloft, pedaling them. Despite the fact that it was way too early in the morning for Lady Gaga, it was an awesome spectacle.
Next was a wonderful bike parade around Logan Square and Humboldt Park with hundreds of cyclists of all ages with lots of great costumes and “freak bikes” that must have been a big surprise to bystanders. After that came musical performances by Mucca Pazza, a local “circus punk marching band” that often brings their instruments to gigs via bike trailer, plus touring music groups and carnival performers, culminating with an homage to the Von Steuben Day parade scene from Ferris Beuller’s Day Off.
Needless to say, most people pedaled to the event, but the organizers provided plenty of the galvanized steel fences that are becoming the standard for bike parking at Chicago fests. These are not ideal, since you have to throw your front wheel over the top and figure out a way to secure the wheel and the frame to the fence with a U-lock. If I was riding a fancy bike I probably wouldn’t want to lock this way for fear of chipping the finish. Still, parking did not seem to be a problem at the Tour de Fat.
Rack concerts: Tour de Fat and Pitchfork highlight the need for good bike parking at festivals By John Greenfield On July 19, 2011 · 6 Comments
Last weekend there were at least two fabulously bike-friendly festivals in Chicago. New Belgium Brewery’s Tour de Fat celebrated craft beer, bicycles, bands and other forms of “sustainable folly,” raising thousands of dollars for West Town Bikes community bike shop. Meanwhile the Pitchfork Music Festival included the Chicago Reader Biker Village with an attended bike parking area that docked over 1,000 bikes at a time – and it still wasn’t nearly enough capacity. More on that later.
I arrived early Saturday at Palmer Square Park for the Tour de Fat, in time to catch the Racketeers, Chicago’s BMX dance troupe, performing sassy moves and astounding tricks with their bikes. They coasted with hands on the bars, one foot on the saddle and the other in the air; turned their cycles upside-down, rested hands and feet on the front and back pegs and did high kicks; and lay on their backs in the street, holding their bikes aloft, pedaling them. Despite the fact that it was way too early in the morning for Lady Gaga, it was an awesome spectacle.
Next was a wonderful bike parade around Logan Square and Humboldt Park with hundreds of cyclists of all ages with lots of great costumes and “freak bikes” that must have been a big surprise to bystanders. After that came musical performances by Mucca Pazza, a local “circus punk marching band” that often brings their instruments to gigs via bike trailer, plus touring music groups and carnival performers, culminating with an homage to the Von Steuben Day parade scene from Ferris Beuller’s Day Off.
Needless to say, most people pedaled to the event, but the organizers provided plenty of the galvanized steel fences that are becoming the standard for bike parking at Chicago fests. These are not ideal, since you have to throw your front wheel over the top and figure out a way to secure the wheel and the frame to the fence with a U-lock. If I was riding a fancy bike I probably wouldn’t want to lock this way for fear of chipping the finish. Still, parking did not seem to be a problem at the Tour de Fat.
The Derailleur Critical Mass - Critical Profile : The Racketeers
Willow: Tell me about The Racketeers. What do you do?
Shar: Bike dance! No, Really!!! We choreograph dance moves while incorporating the BMX bikes. We come up with innovative ways to use the bikes and their parts in ways cyclist usually don't. Mere amateurs at tricks thus far but coming along nicely. Where are those BMX boys anyways????... Shout out!! Come play with us and help us with our bike tricks.
Kellie: We are the newest group to join the bike dance revolution. Not surprisingly, this began in the West Coast, but has made its way across the globe, literally. It incorporates both biking and dancing in a very non-traditional way. Hopefully, this provides not just a great show, but also empowerment and visibility to bikes and those who ride them. Not to mention, it’s just further validation of the best reason to ride, ‘cause bikes are freak’n fun!!!!
Willow: Who came up with the idea?
Shar: It was Kellie and I who decided to create a bike dance troupe in Chicago. I asked her if she ever saw the ladies at Tour de Fat 2 years ago that danced with their bikes b/c I think it would be crazy fun to do something like that. Kellie enthusiastically responded "Uh, yes! The Sprockettes". Kellie lived in Portland for awhile and is a big supporter and friend of The Sprockettes. She had been wanting to put something together similar to that for awhile.. I guess she found the right person to kick start it with since I have a passion for shaking my bootie, a.k.a Dancing, Choreographing and Coordinating.
Willow: When did you come up with the group?
Shar: It was the end of August when Kellie and I sat at happy hour with Katie Paffhouse discussing this concept and coming up with our name. Katie and Kellie are amazing brainstormers... so full of great ideas. From there Kellie and I started practicing at the beginning of September to get a little something together then by the end of the month a handful of our fellow lady cyclist joined in the fun and was learning our first routine, Stray Cat Strut.
Willow: Are you related to The Sprockettes?
Kellie: In that we are all sisters, yes. A couple of us were lucky enough to be given an invite from The Sprockettes to perform a sneak preview at Mini Bike Winter in Portland this year. And I remain thrilled at the reception and the support on their part
Karlene: The Sprockettes have been amazingly welcoming and supportive of us, as have the other bike dance troupes –The Bay Area Derailleurs, the B:C:Clettes from Vancouver, the Greasy Gears up in Madison. We’ve talked about doing some performances together, perhaps this fall, which would be absolutely fantastic!
Willow: How much time and effort is put into this?
Shar: Quite a bit of time is put into it on a weekly basis; during and away from scheduled practices. Working on choreography, fixing the bikes, bike tricks, coordinating people and their time, cutting music, and team bonding is a priority as well.
Kellie: I think this varies. We may practice a little more as we approach a show, but the standard is about 4-6 hours a week. This also depends on out own attention spans!!!
Andrea: Probably everyone whom I tell what we do or who sees us perform thinks this is an awesome idea. I think a lot of ladies want to be a part of this or something like it, but the fact of the matter is….this takes time and commitment. In order for the Racketeers to progress as a group, all of us need to progress individually and participate in development, creation of, and memorization of the routines. I think today we pride ourselves on being adaptive and flexible, but with that comes with a lot of work! The Racketeers is a priority in each of our lives.
Willow: How many people are involved?
Currently there are 7 ladies actively performing in the group. Andrea Bolks, Laura Oliver, Katie Paffhouse, Monica Mejia, Karlene Hanko, Kellie Walters and Shar Finley
Willow: What kind of bikes do you ride?
BMX performance bikes and a couple children’s bikes we rigged to work somewhat like a BMX. We are constantly trying to fix them b/c we are really rough on them.
Willow: What can we expect at a performance?
Kellie: We dance, ride bikes, drink beer and objectify you. You’ll love it!
Shar: Rock’n red and white outfits. High energy movement, dancing, jumping on and off bikes and getting the crowd excited. I’ll say it again BIKE DANCING!
Willow: Where can we see you perform next (besides the April CCM ride)?
Shar: May 7th, 12 p.m. We will be hitting the Chicago Ladies Rugby fields to do a half time show for them. Near Montrose Harbor... the fields are off of Wilson.
Kellie: We’ve also been invited to do a performance at a Chicago Outfit roller derby game this summer and the Chicago Bike Polo tournament on June 25th & 26th! And Schubas bike bash on June 11th
Willow:Why is each person involved?
Shar: 3 things really: Exploring a new area of bikes for me, Being a part of a performance group again (with amazing women who are like family now), and most of all! Dance (huge love of my life that has been lost for many years) very glad to have that back in my routine. Especially in an environment that is not competitive, judgmental, or weight restricting. There is so much freedom and fun in this that I am truly addicted.
Kellie: Shiiiiit, who wouldn’t? I have an itch to perform as well and if it can be done with a bunch of rad girls on a bunch of DIY bikes, shaking it to some fun music, all the better!
Katie: This offers an opportunity to spend time with intelligent, hilarious, lovely women and learn new dance moves & bike tricks. (shar): katie means ‘shake her tailfeather’
Laura: Dancing isn’t my thing, BUT bikes, wrecking things and causing a scene sure are! I joined because the ladies involved. The motivation and excitement that we put into The Racketeers pools over into other areas of my life, causing me to work harder and better all around. Plus, performing gives me a real high!
Karlene: I was relatively new to the Chicago bike community when Shar and Kellie told me about the idea for the Racketeers and asked me to join. I said ‘yes’ because it sounded like fun and a great way to meet even more cool people… and I haven’t been disappointed. I love these ladies to death, and we have an absolute blast every time we perform, practice, or just hang out and have a beer!
Monica: I'd like to say I was recruited. I walked into a bar one night and walked out of it a Racketeer. It was a BLUR.I'm involved with these girls because they are all quirky, outgoing, honest, and love shaking what their mama’s gave them and biking as much as I do. I consider them all my "badass" mentors - strong and remarkable. Rarely stupid."
Andrea: I had just moved to Chicago from Minneapolis, and I threw myself into the bike community as quickly as I could, where I met many of my fellow Racketeers as the idea was just evolving. I am involved with the Racketeers not just because it’s fun as hell to come up with new bike moves, or get overly excited when they work with the music, then string it together into routines. And not just because there is nothing more fabulous than having a beer and riding around on bikes, but also because these ladies are really something special.
Willow: What are your stage names if you have them?
Kellie and Shar: Of course we have stage names!!!!
Laura: Each of our nicknames reflects a part of our personalities. I am Demolition, I am always the daring one willing try out something that will most likely danger me or others. It’s normal for me to fall off my bike, wreck into something, or do something a little dumb. I rarely hesitate to try something new.
(Shar): “that’s an understatement” (Andrea): “I just turn my head and try not to look sometimes.”
Katie: I’m known as Bruiser b/c I'm the one who tends to try odd activities that result in bruises… also am a clutz who tends to bruise easily:) Plus I like to beat up people.
Karlene: Kellie’s is Boom Boom a nickname from her Radical Cheerleading days in Portland that stuck with her, I am Dr. Dangerpants, Shar is Drill Sergeant for her ‘focus and get it done attitude’, Andrea is Marilyn Monspoke and Monica is Red, White, and Cute (a.k.a. our “Baby Duckling”)
Willow: I heard at the art ahow closing party that one of your
performers would be absent that night because she just got bit by a
dog but you were able to find a replacement and practice with her
minutes before your performance. Is this true? How's the bite
healing?
Kellie: That is oh so true. A neighborhood dog attacked my dog and me minutes before I was going to leave for the performance. He had to have his ear reattached that night and I just needed some antibiotics.
We’re all good now though! I just wish there was some video from that performance so I could see how well these chicks pulled it off. Hang on, as I wipe this tear off my cheek.
Laura: What a night…. We did find a replacement for the evening. Our dependable Bruiser ,Katie, happened to be on Critical Mass that evening. She had temporarily stepped out of this particular performance due to other life priorities… but just like that she jumped back into left-over red and white clothing the rest of us had in our bags. Then without skipping a beat was on the dance floor again! It was like she was never gone. Pretty impressive with only 2 run thrus before we hit the stage
Andrea: As I pulled up to to the bike art show to change into my Red and White, my stomach sank when I heard Kellie and her dog had been attacked, and it sank a bit deeper when I realized we were going to have to change everything up last minute. I am starting to come to terms with the fact that we can be ready as we can be for a show, but a million things can go wrong…music cuts out, dogs bite our members, the space may not be the right size… but the show still goes on!
Willow: Any funny stories to tell about practices or performances?
Kellie: When we were first coming up with our chant, we couldn’t seem to say it accurately or with any rhythm. Every time we tried, we said about 3-4 too many E’s. We got it now though!! R-A-CKE-TE-ERS!
Shar: too bad all the attendees at FBC and Marauder rides for a couple months had to endure listening to us try to get it right over and over and over again.
Willow: Anything else to add?
We are always looking for new members to join in our fun and performance options!
Hit us up at [email protected] or follow us on Facebook , Twitter, or The Chainlink
Shar: Bike dance! No, Really!!! We choreograph dance moves while incorporating the BMX bikes. We come up with innovative ways to use the bikes and their parts in ways cyclist usually don't. Mere amateurs at tricks thus far but coming along nicely. Where are those BMX boys anyways????... Shout out!! Come play with us and help us with our bike tricks.
Kellie: We are the newest group to join the bike dance revolution. Not surprisingly, this began in the West Coast, but has made its way across the globe, literally. It incorporates both biking and dancing in a very non-traditional way. Hopefully, this provides not just a great show, but also empowerment and visibility to bikes and those who ride them. Not to mention, it’s just further validation of the best reason to ride, ‘cause bikes are freak’n fun!!!!
Willow: Who came up with the idea?
Shar: It was Kellie and I who decided to create a bike dance troupe in Chicago. I asked her if she ever saw the ladies at Tour de Fat 2 years ago that danced with their bikes b/c I think it would be crazy fun to do something like that. Kellie enthusiastically responded "Uh, yes! The Sprockettes". Kellie lived in Portland for awhile and is a big supporter and friend of The Sprockettes. She had been wanting to put something together similar to that for awhile.. I guess she found the right person to kick start it with since I have a passion for shaking my bootie, a.k.a Dancing, Choreographing and Coordinating.
Willow: When did you come up with the group?
Shar: It was the end of August when Kellie and I sat at happy hour with Katie Paffhouse discussing this concept and coming up with our name. Katie and Kellie are amazing brainstormers... so full of great ideas. From there Kellie and I started practicing at the beginning of September to get a little something together then by the end of the month a handful of our fellow lady cyclist joined in the fun and was learning our first routine, Stray Cat Strut.
Willow: Are you related to The Sprockettes?
Kellie: In that we are all sisters, yes. A couple of us were lucky enough to be given an invite from The Sprockettes to perform a sneak preview at Mini Bike Winter in Portland this year. And I remain thrilled at the reception and the support on their part
Karlene: The Sprockettes have been amazingly welcoming and supportive of us, as have the other bike dance troupes –The Bay Area Derailleurs, the B:C:Clettes from Vancouver, the Greasy Gears up in Madison. We’ve talked about doing some performances together, perhaps this fall, which would be absolutely fantastic!
Willow: How much time and effort is put into this?
Shar: Quite a bit of time is put into it on a weekly basis; during and away from scheduled practices. Working on choreography, fixing the bikes, bike tricks, coordinating people and their time, cutting music, and team bonding is a priority as well.
Kellie: I think this varies. We may practice a little more as we approach a show, but the standard is about 4-6 hours a week. This also depends on out own attention spans!!!
Andrea: Probably everyone whom I tell what we do or who sees us perform thinks this is an awesome idea. I think a lot of ladies want to be a part of this or something like it, but the fact of the matter is….this takes time and commitment. In order for the Racketeers to progress as a group, all of us need to progress individually and participate in development, creation of, and memorization of the routines. I think today we pride ourselves on being adaptive and flexible, but with that comes with a lot of work! The Racketeers is a priority in each of our lives.
Willow: How many people are involved?
Currently there are 7 ladies actively performing in the group. Andrea Bolks, Laura Oliver, Katie Paffhouse, Monica Mejia, Karlene Hanko, Kellie Walters and Shar Finley
Willow: What kind of bikes do you ride?
BMX performance bikes and a couple children’s bikes we rigged to work somewhat like a BMX. We are constantly trying to fix them b/c we are really rough on them.
Willow: What can we expect at a performance?
Kellie: We dance, ride bikes, drink beer and objectify you. You’ll love it!
Shar: Rock’n red and white outfits. High energy movement, dancing, jumping on and off bikes and getting the crowd excited. I’ll say it again BIKE DANCING!
Willow: Where can we see you perform next (besides the April CCM ride)?
Shar: May 7th, 12 p.m. We will be hitting the Chicago Ladies Rugby fields to do a half time show for them. Near Montrose Harbor... the fields are off of Wilson.
Kellie: We’ve also been invited to do a performance at a Chicago Outfit roller derby game this summer and the Chicago Bike Polo tournament on June 25th & 26th! And Schubas bike bash on June 11th
Willow:Why is each person involved?
Shar: 3 things really: Exploring a new area of bikes for me, Being a part of a performance group again (with amazing women who are like family now), and most of all! Dance (huge love of my life that has been lost for many years) very glad to have that back in my routine. Especially in an environment that is not competitive, judgmental, or weight restricting. There is so much freedom and fun in this that I am truly addicted.
Kellie: Shiiiiit, who wouldn’t? I have an itch to perform as well and if it can be done with a bunch of rad girls on a bunch of DIY bikes, shaking it to some fun music, all the better!
Katie: This offers an opportunity to spend time with intelligent, hilarious, lovely women and learn new dance moves & bike tricks. (shar): katie means ‘shake her tailfeather’
Laura: Dancing isn’t my thing, BUT bikes, wrecking things and causing a scene sure are! I joined because the ladies involved. The motivation and excitement that we put into The Racketeers pools over into other areas of my life, causing me to work harder and better all around. Plus, performing gives me a real high!
Karlene: I was relatively new to the Chicago bike community when Shar and Kellie told me about the idea for the Racketeers and asked me to join. I said ‘yes’ because it sounded like fun and a great way to meet even more cool people… and I haven’t been disappointed. I love these ladies to death, and we have an absolute blast every time we perform, practice, or just hang out and have a beer!
Monica: I'd like to say I was recruited. I walked into a bar one night and walked out of it a Racketeer. It was a BLUR.I'm involved with these girls because they are all quirky, outgoing, honest, and love shaking what their mama’s gave them and biking as much as I do. I consider them all my "badass" mentors - strong and remarkable. Rarely stupid."
Andrea: I had just moved to Chicago from Minneapolis, and I threw myself into the bike community as quickly as I could, where I met many of my fellow Racketeers as the idea was just evolving. I am involved with the Racketeers not just because it’s fun as hell to come up with new bike moves, or get overly excited when they work with the music, then string it together into routines. And not just because there is nothing more fabulous than having a beer and riding around on bikes, but also because these ladies are really something special.
Willow: What are your stage names if you have them?
Kellie and Shar: Of course we have stage names!!!!
Laura: Each of our nicknames reflects a part of our personalities. I am Demolition, I am always the daring one willing try out something that will most likely danger me or others. It’s normal for me to fall off my bike, wreck into something, or do something a little dumb. I rarely hesitate to try something new.
(Shar): “that’s an understatement” (Andrea): “I just turn my head and try not to look sometimes.”
Katie: I’m known as Bruiser b/c I'm the one who tends to try odd activities that result in bruises… also am a clutz who tends to bruise easily:) Plus I like to beat up people.
Karlene: Kellie’s is Boom Boom a nickname from her Radical Cheerleading days in Portland that stuck with her, I am Dr. Dangerpants, Shar is Drill Sergeant for her ‘focus and get it done attitude’, Andrea is Marilyn Monspoke and Monica is Red, White, and Cute (a.k.a. our “Baby Duckling”)
Willow: I heard at the art ahow closing party that one of your
performers would be absent that night because she just got bit by a
dog but you were able to find a replacement and practice with her
minutes before your performance. Is this true? How's the bite
healing?
Kellie: That is oh so true. A neighborhood dog attacked my dog and me minutes before I was going to leave for the performance. He had to have his ear reattached that night and I just needed some antibiotics.
We’re all good now though! I just wish there was some video from that performance so I could see how well these chicks pulled it off. Hang on, as I wipe this tear off my cheek.
Laura: What a night…. We did find a replacement for the evening. Our dependable Bruiser ,Katie, happened to be on Critical Mass that evening. She had temporarily stepped out of this particular performance due to other life priorities… but just like that she jumped back into left-over red and white clothing the rest of us had in our bags. Then without skipping a beat was on the dance floor again! It was like she was never gone. Pretty impressive with only 2 run thrus before we hit the stage
Andrea: As I pulled up to to the bike art show to change into my Red and White, my stomach sank when I heard Kellie and her dog had been attacked, and it sank a bit deeper when I realized we were going to have to change everything up last minute. I am starting to come to terms with the fact that we can be ready as we can be for a show, but a million things can go wrong…music cuts out, dogs bite our members, the space may not be the right size… but the show still goes on!
Willow: Any funny stories to tell about practices or performances?
Kellie: When we were first coming up with our chant, we couldn’t seem to say it accurately or with any rhythm. Every time we tried, we said about 3-4 too many E’s. We got it now though!! R-A-CKE-TE-ERS!
Shar: too bad all the attendees at FBC and Marauder rides for a couple months had to endure listening to us try to get it right over and over and over again.
Willow: Anything else to add?
We are always looking for new members to join in our fun and performance options!
Hit us up at [email protected] or follow us on Facebook , Twitter, or The Chainlink