If it could be later in the afternoon than last year, I could make it! I was so tired after work that I didn't want to go home and then leave immediately.
Any interest in a 2012-Version of EPIC VIKING RIDE & POTLUCK?!?
Hey ya' all!
So, I've been MIA from the board 'cause life has been busy, but was wondering if there's any interest for another VIKING RIDE this year?
If there's interest, say so!
Prolly be around the same deal: Bike ride around the city in a non-too-fast fashion, end up at Southside River Park for grilling meats & veggies & potluck afterwards, food donations will be taken for the Community Food Bank, and viking costumes are HGHLY encouraged but not required.
As for a date, I'm thinking Sat 3/17 or Sat 3/31
So, yeah, let me know!
Here are some great photos that Dan took from the ride last year.
Holy hell this looks awesome. Id be down.
I'm in. Still have the horns.
I missed last year's after-ride festivities, but stopping by the bridal-gown shop where my daughter works, in full Viking garb, was quite the hit for staff and clientele alike.
Yes.
i'm absolutely down for this. it was alot of fun last year and was nice to put faces to msg. board names. nice conversation around the fire, good food, good times. i will put together a viking outfit this year too!
I'm in. Especially if Psuda brings libations like last year
In!
& either date is fine.
Awesome! Should we shoot for 3/31 Then?
I'll probably be in for this as well, although I don't own any viking gear (yet!)
How many miles are we talking? 'Cause I can think of a few families that would love this...
Wow, my naivete is showing again...where do I get viking gear?!
You have to sack a ship.
[edit]
seriously, though, a lot of people made stuff last year (the father and son pictured above make most of their stuff with bicycle parts and tape). you can probably get some horns at a party store.
"ODIN!!!!!"
Back to Ikea to get meatballs. And pepparkakor. I need to buy bookcases as well.
This is last year's map-route.
It'll probably be the same this year.
Depending how many people we get, we would split into short-route for kids/families, and long route for everyone else.
Viking Gear? Just make it!
Last year I had some small prizes for the best costumes!
I'd just look for old fur coats at goodwill... but there are other options!
http://www.squidoo.com/how-to-make-homemade-viking-costumes-for-halloween
http://www.ehow.com/info_8769035_homemade-viking-hats.html
http://www.costumes4less.com/viking_Costume_Text-5258_Store.aspx
Getting word out to the Pittsburgh HashHoundHarriers might help increase participation a bit too (http://pgh-h3.com/wp/).
Perhaps a combined viking run and ride is in order
Sounds good, if I'm not traveling for business I will be there....costume TBD.
We (as in the father son team from last year) would probably be in again as well, depending on our schedule....Im gonna have to redo some of my viking gear though, as some of it didnt survive punk bike enduro.
For those looking for costume ideas, you can get faux fur from any fabric store and make a decent costume using tha, safetty pins and some duct tape. no sewing required.
@headloss --- I think that we're ok with whatever people on the board & such show up. This is not a drinking ride or anything like that, just a "homage" to the Valhalla Gods and good camaraderie!
My husband, somehow, found a band that classifies itself as "True Scottish Pirate Metal" (Alestorm). They have a startling variety and number of songs, given such a narrow niche. My favorite of their songs (unfortunately, yes, I've listened enough to acquire a 'favorite'), begins with Pirates stumbling across a mari-time-machine that sends them back to when the vikings ruled the seas, and the pirates claim to have out-plundered the vikings. It has a refrain that explains why pirates win over vikings:
"You put your faith in Odin and Thor
We put ours in cannons and whores
Your viking gods won't save you now
When pirates strike from the starboard bow"
I'm not sure how I feel about either pirates vs. vikings or the more pressing conundrum of how I get that song out of my head now, but it seemed tangentially relevant.
I'm in, just let me know when.
" This is not a drinking ride "
I wasn't really implying that it was. The same people who are members of HHH tend to be the ones who organize events in most cities along the lines of Santarchy, Brides-of-March, etc. Just people that like to dress up and find camaraderie. Anyways, just a suggestion and no offense taken if you want to limit it to the bikepgh crowd.
Pseudacris would sacking a ducky count? (Viking Rule #1 Pillage then burn.)
^soooo tempting!
For anyone else that would like to get True Scottish Pirate Metal stuck in their head:
For some reason, I was suprised to see them on Amazon...
Im so there!!! and hope to have some libations to share with everyone.
Bikey Girl,
loved last years ride and I like I said im looking forward to another one. but you should know from the last years map that our pillaging spot has closed (right by nature i think it was called) so some alternate planning is in order.
^ also the route across the island may need to be tweaked slightly due to 31st st bridge construction.
Saleems would not be a bad stop if people want to grill chicken or lamb.
dback, lemme know if you want to carpool...
Could we pillage at Wholey's?
I think the trails give a great opportunity for families to participate on an out and back type route should they so choose.
31SB is still open to river ave isn't it?
^ yep - nevermind.
Just stating the obvious....
March 17th is St. Patricks Day. It is probably (not confirmed) that it is also parade day.
Might not be a day worth considering for a viking ride. If nothing else, it will result in a LOT of confused Irishmen, and wannabe Irish......
Be careful. You mix Irish and Pirates and you get: Dr. McNinja
that comic is hilarious. thank you for that.
HAHAHAH!!! I forgot about the irish.....
OK - DATE is MARCH 31th -Rain or shine! SAVE THE DATE!
Anyhow!
I will be making a new poster and map-route with info soon.
For now, start thinking of costumes!
Also, if anyone wants to volunteer in helping me out with organizing-ride logistics stuff for the date-of-the ride, I would appreciate it!!
its downright scary some of the things come up with a google search of viking biking.
I know this has absolutely nothing to do with vikings, but please also look to the ben hurt chariot wars for epic inspiration.
:p
headloss, you post the best pics.
^^
I just wish I had more time to fine tune it! LOL It's definitely missing a terrible towel.
^^ LOVE IT!!!!! The Bike with the Viking!
Will have to use for the poster somehow!
stopped at costume world last night to pick up my horns for the ride. talked to the people working there, telling them about the ride. they want to put it on their facebook page. anyway bike PGH could make this an event on their facebook page or should I just send the costume world people a link to this thread?
Oh Oh......
I'm crafting a Facebook event for it, but not yet since I'm busy.
You could send them to this thread I guess for now, but I don't plan on having the "event" fully ready until the beginning of march.
All there is to know, is to "save the date" for March 31th.
so awesome!
LMAO!!!
they all look like me. stef has threatened violence if i start braiding parts of my beard though.
@colin: you know, I see a lot of local hair salons carrying feathers to be woven into one's hair...I bet a few of those would really snazz up the ol' facial fur.
haha he can borrow the feathers from his niece
OOOhh, I wonder if I can find the (knitting) pattern for the Kordite designs on ravelry?
I just did a quick ravelry search for "viking." I found lots of fun hats and a bearded toque.
@cburch stef has threatened violence if i start braiding parts of my beard though
Cool!
Made a video, plz.
TY.
Ok -back from vacation!
I shall be posting concise information & maps for this by the end of the week.
Once again, we'll be collecting items to donate to the Community Food Bank -deal?
Is the date still in the air? If it is, I recommend the 17th. For one, the vikings were enemies of the Irish, so upsetting Irish Americans or wannabe Irish people would be fun.
Secondly, I may be out of town on the 31st.
upsetting Irish Americans or wannabe Irish people would be fun
You like shooting fish in a barrel, too?
--Danny O'Blumenfeld, proud 1/64 (or 1/128, maybe) son of Eire.
I will almost certainly be in Syracuse with The Big Idea for the Upstate NY Cooperatives Summit.
Sad that I'll be missing this again
I always drink with the Irish on the 17th, so I prefer the 31st for the Viking rade.
I hate being out on st patrick's day.
I'm up for it again this year!!! I think I still have my gear from last year around somewhere.
The date reserved/decided earlier in the thread was 3/31.
ejewme is right: The set date is 3/31
Let the Irish be Irish, and the Vikings be Vikings
yeah, tempting the fates in the midst of ten-hundredy-thousand-million drunks on st. patty's day, not my idea of fun!
I rode through the South side last March 17. Oddly, the hard part was motorists stopping when I had a stop sign but they did not, and refusing to go when they got to a 4-way first, even with waving on my part.
Sadly, 4999 drivers like that don't make up for one killer.
I'm in! (as long as no work travel, and I don't expect travel) Sounds really fun.
@LoriF - Welcome to the 'Burgh and the board! You've found a very welcoming and helpful -- if strange on occasion -- set of cyclists here.
For your viewing pleasure, here are links to a couple of message board threads from last year, the first of which contains a link to a Flickr page with a whole bunch of pictures. Page 2 of the thread shows me toodling down Grant Street, Downtown, on my way to the ride. (Doesn't everyone wear bright orange and horns when they go for a ride?)
First thread, with Flickr link (about 3/4 down on 1st page)
An earlier thread, with various discussions of where to have it, T-shirt designs and silliness
The original thread where we came up with the idea, 188 posts of a couple dozen crazy people, ALL of whom can be relied on to give you LOADS of good info about cycling around here, not just in Shadyside!
Ya' all!!!
Apologies for the delay ((have been busy-hectic)), but will be posting formal ride-info by this Wednesday.
Regardless, that is no excuse for people to not be working on their viking gear!!!
If you have progress-photos, don't be shy post them here!
Hope to see you there!!!!
ONCE AGAIN: To make the pillaging more fun, please ALSO bring a can or unperishable item from the list on the link below to-be donated for the PITTSBURGH FOOD BANK!!
That way the ride will be EVEN more EPIC and AWESOME
http://www.pittsburghfoodbank.org/pdf/shopping_list.pdf
Facebook invite!
PLEASE RSVP here or on FB to have an idea of what to expect!
https://www.facebook.com/events/261566293930739/
@StuInMcCandless Thank you for
the links so I understand more of this Viking ride history! I love how it came about so whimsically and people made it into a fun event. Love the bright orange with the horns you wore. Inspiring - this weekend I am going to try to put a Vikingish look together, too.
@bikeygirl - confirmed on facebook, too!
I'll be getting tattooed up in Rochester. So no one will have to worry about feeling less Vikingy because of my magnificent beard.
haha awesome! I wish that I was going to make it, but my schedule put me in Pittsburgh this weekend, earlier than expected.
So for the potluck part, I'm trying to figure out what to do. I could cook something or make a salad, but keeping the food temperature-safe (or lettuce from wilting) through the whole ride in the sun might not work, even with both my lunch freezer gel-packs. The scheduled pillaging at stores would definitely work, though - if they have it, I could pick up cold mead (beer), lemonade, good bread and hummus, or some mix. Or something else - are there any requests? In addition of course to the item to donate.
Boo, can't do this this time due to family matters. Have a great time!
Oh Ed.....
The 200k is this weekend. Sorry
Have picked up Swedish meatballs and pepperkaker.
Haven't picked up anything yet, but I'm planning on bringing some vegan goodness again this year.
I'm in, and I'll be driving down, I can put a couple coolers in my car if that would help.
I'll bring something, waiting for inspiration to strike.
Awesomeness!
Don't forget that the ride is TOMORROW SATURDAY!!!!
Hope to see ya' then
Sadly, we are not going to make it this year. My son is doing his first bouldering competition at Climb north. Have a fun time!
I'm in. I'm bringing fresh pineapple & strawberries. Same old costume...
i wish i could do this ride. you should move it to sunday. i was up in NY getting this done today and there is no way I'm making it bak in time tomorrow.
Well, if I can find it I'll be in last year's get up. If not, I'll be going as a modern viking.
Argh, I will have to catch up near the end if I am able to make it at all...
Gah! I'm also annoyed I'm missing this ride and I'm not even out of the city. Why did I volunteer to work on Saturdays until May!
Clearly we need another viking ride, but at night! How could we go about attaching flaming torches to our bicycles?
Also, are there any legal issues with transportingwalking around with flaming torches?
For anyone else who is going to use Google Maps Navigation for Bicycles to get there, this gets within a couple blocks: Merriman St, Pittsburgh, Allegheny, Pennsylvania 15203
GPS coordinates (someone please correct me if this is the wrong place!): +40° 25' 56.68", -79° 58' 32.44" (40.432412, -79.975678)
Lori, the park is right on the south side river trail that runs from station square to glenwood. If you are trying to get to it from Carson St turn toward the river on 17th and it will take you right there.
A wonderful little event! How many did we have on the ride, six? seven? Then picked up about three more post-ride for pillaging and festivities.
We took a simple tour of trails and couple of bridges: Riverfront Park to Jail Trail, into Downtown, along Fort Pitt Blvd to Commonwealth Place, left at Liberty into Point State Park, south over the Ft Pitt Br to outbound/westbound West Carson, past the Duquesne Incline, looping into Station Square along the trail along the Mon, and back to the park.
Welcome LoriF to The Burgh! I have your corkscrew.
Lucia, thanks for the lift home. I think my helmet stayed in your car, maybe?
@STU: You did leave your helmet in my car, but I'm away visiting family until next week. Once I get back into town I'll contact you.
AND tanks everyone for coming tobthebrude yesterday!!!!
It was a lot of fun!!!
To VALHALLA!!!
Thanks for organizing everything, had a great time!
I know I say this every year, but I'm hoping to do more group riding this year. Especially now that I work about 2 blocks from where the flock starts.
Sad I missed this, I was hanging out in Upstate NY.
But I DID see some rubber duckies at the Moosewood Cafe in Ithaca that were celebrating the Viking, despite not being in Pittsburgh!
Co worker asked me yesterday: "What were you doing on the hot metal bridge with a battle axe?"
Considering I started this job in Feb, I think I'm quickly becoming "that guy." Not sure if that is good or bad....
Revel in it. I've been "that guy" for decades.
"What were you doing on the hot metal bridge with a battle axe?"
A: Keeping Pittsburgh safe.
"What were you doing on the hot metal bridge with a battle axe?"
A: Enforcing the new 4 foot passing law
def:
that guy-(n) 1.one who enjoys being outside experiencing the world around him rather than being strapped in a metal box decrying traffic conditions. usually physically fit and with a positive attitude.
On skepchick.org, they are highlighting this shirt:
http://skepchick.org/2012/04/keep-the-thor-in-thursday/
Which a real, order-able thing. Thought I would pass it on to my viking friends. To bad it isn't a jersey....