Our indymedia working group will work with the village to make sure individuals are comfortable. The media working group is open to all riders with the caravan and is open to village input. The aim of our indymedia working group is to get the message about bicycle transportation/social justice and the US Social Forum to the wider world.

If you are interested in joining the media working group, please email grassroutescaravan@gmail.com and we will add you to the media list-serve.

-thistle and boi

Greetings. I rode in the grassroutes caravan to St. Paul in 2008. I am Stephen Mikesell aka Laughing Coyote, bicycle enthusiast, anthropologist, backyard gardener, clay stove builder and volunteer at WORT, 89.9 FM Radio in Madison. I encourage everyone thinking about coming on this ride to get moving on it and sign up!!!

Abby tells me we need to know how many are coming to get the discounted ferry tickets. Please apply by MAY 17th!!!

This year, I am helping to organize a media working group, which will document the ride and promote its experiences and values to the wider world. I have video cameras, computers and connections for operating a mobile Indy Media Center, and anybody interested in "being the media" are welcome to participate. If you would like to be part of the media working group, please contact me!

We are set to do our Grand Kick-off Extravaganza at the Just Coffee Warehouse, 1129 East Wilson Street in Madison, on June 6th. http://www.justcoffee.coop/

There will be live music, great food, permaculture workshops, info-sessions and more!

I heard rumor that there might even be a pinata in the shape of an SUV that we can SMASH to pieces before we ride.

We are also planning bike maintenance workshops and practice rides to get ready to roll.

There are still a few spots left for the leg of the journey on the Michigan side so send us your application now!

~ Thistle
of the Elements Collective
Organizing Force Behind the Ride

Just wanted to give a shout out of appreciation to the following Madison businesses, organizations and restaurants who are supporting our benefit extravaganza:

Download the poster here.

Organizations:

Madison Infoshop
Family Farm Defenders
Food Not Bombs
Drumlin Farm

Restaurants providing yum yums for the show:

The Weary Traveler Freehouse
Tex Tubb's
Ha Long Bay
Gotham Bagels

Raffle Prizes:

Lazy Jane's, Revolution Cycles, Four Star Video Heaven, RP Pasta, Just Coffee, Rainbow Books, Mimosa Bookstore, the Pipe Fitter, Community Pharmacy, Glass Nickel Pizza, B-side records, Alchemy Cafe, Machinery Row, the Porchlight, Mother Fool's, Budget Bicycle, Machinery Row Bikes and Lakeside Press.

Check out the pamphlet we've created about the ride under the "Info" tab at the top. We're distributing this pamphlet far and wide, so if you haven't seen them at the places you frequent, print out a few and release them into the wild.

One thing to note is the new application deadline of April 25, 2010. At that point, we will review the applications and confirm riders. We've already received a few -- thanks to all who've submitted already, and keep 'em coming! Even though there's still snow on the ground here in Madison, the ride will be capped at 50 people. So if you know you want to be a part of this, it's not too early to secure your spot.

Also - watch this space, in a few days, our zine giving much more detailed info about the bicycle village will be here.