I’ve done it now.

This morning, I posted a ridiculously sensationalist piece about the police helicopter riding herd on last Friday night’s San Jose Bike Party. It kind of went viral and spawned discussion in various social media about the unlawful miscreants who cause problems for the rest of us, along with various sub-discussions among Internet lawyers about the legality of declaring unlawful assemblies when somebody shoots off a few large fireworks in a quiet residential neighborhood in the middle of the night.

I think I gave that impression that Bike Party is an uncontrolled mob of violent anarchists bent on overthrowing everything good and wonderful about America.

Yeah, we probably have a few people like that, but Bike Party mostly consists of everyday people just out to have a good time. There’s no statement except “This is fun!” This is what 5,000 people on bikes in heavy traffic looks like in America.

For a more positive spin on last Friday that gives a better impression of the overall vibe of the event, I recommend a visit to Tian Harter’s description of the ride.

Corinne Winter of the Silicon Valley Bicycle Coalition will lead a SPUR-sponsored ride on the Guadalupe River Trail on Saturday. This is my daily commute route and I can easily recommend this ride for anybody who wants a relaxed 14 mile ride tomorrow. This trail runs from downtown San Jose to the Bay in Alviso and is a real gem.

Expect temperatures getting in the 80s during this morning ride so bring some water.

If you ride this trail, you might also check with the various agencies with jurisdiction on the Guadalupe River. This morning, I and several other dozen bike commuters encountered this work truck blocking the trail at Montague Expressway.

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