Bold Face Names Attend Sunset Soiree

Bike advocates from across Orange County gathered last night for a Sunset Soiree in support of the Orange County Bicycle Coalition. Co-host and OCBC Executive Director Pete Van Vuys invited the assembled to contribute to the non-profit and by the end of the evening $3,000 was raised to support better biking in Orange County.

I knew from experience that when you host a sunset event in February you spend a lot of psychic energy hoping for a warm, dry evening. The weatherman delivered in spades which added to the ambiance of the party.

At the end of the evening what most people mentioned was the good crowd that had assembled; the like-minded bike advocates benefited from hearing of each other’s challenges and successes. Many agreed; we’re a stronger group when we collaborate.

Bike riding school teacher Stacy Kline shared her stories of cycling just about everywhere and continuously across the OC. Monica McCarthy made the trip in from her Bike Club of Irvine, inviting many to join her rides. Don Harvey and Jax Bicycles’ Brian Cox from the OCBC board came to show their ongoing support. Brenda Miller arrived early to share stories of how she had been calling Republican Congressmen all day advocating for transportation funds for Safe Routes to School. The bikeNewportBeach gang was there in numbers — Matt O’Toole one of the few to actually come by bike while Dan Murphy helped with everything from tying off wayfinding balloons to pouring the wine. Charlie Gandy and BikeStation’s John Case made the trip down from Long Beach. Oakley’s James Ince-Scott came in from Yorba Linda to contribute. Laguna’s Les Miklosy made the trip north to share his stories of riding along the Coast Hwy. Our paths had crossed a couple of times recently so I was pleased to have UCI’s Ramon Zavala and his lovely wife at my home. OCTA’s Bike Lord, Wes Parsel shared news of the RFP for a Fullerton-based bike share. My whale watching partner Stuart Sharpe and I discussed other cetacean ride possibilities. Mark & Carol Knaeps from Lido Island’s Boy Scout Troop 37 reminisced the rides we shared while the scouts earned Cycling merit badge — which is how I met Pete Van Nuys originally. Laura Curran dropped in before heading off to teach her UCI Good Government class — I wasn’t the only one to say that we need more people enrolling in her class. RBF’s Paul Martin enjoyed the company and the views. Neighbors: Mr Everywhere, Dan Purcell, and Wes Hatfield who recently spoke in favor of removing the fire rings, live so close they could walk home. David Huntsman and Errett Cord shared stories of applying for the new Bike Safety Committee, about to start again soon; Barbara Danzi and Steve Sholkoff of the outgoing Committee joined the party.