Cycle Chic takes over the streets and Civic Action exhibit opens

  • Karen Briggs
  • Posted: Thursday, July 2, 2009 12:01 a.m.
    UPDATED: Thursday, March 22, 2012 7:42 p.m.
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Last week, Cycle Chic saw a slew of women and men riding bikes through downtown Charleston.
Karen Briggs/Last week, Cycle Chic saw a slew of women and men riding bikes through downtown Charleston.

Cycle Chic Last Wednesday: "Because we love to ride pretty"

Last Wednesday, Cycle Chic No. 2 put Charleston's ladies on center stage. Well, center street that is.

The all-gal bike ride was orchestrated to bring awareness to the importance of using bikes in lieu of cars. Most importantly, it was to have fun. A gaggle of snazzy ladies arrived at Marion Square sporting festive heels, skirts and accessories. My favorite was one woman's flower adorned straw hat under her helmet!

Road bikes, cruisers, rickshaws and one step bike all joined together to cruise the city. The critical mass inspired caravan toured down King Street, around the Battery and ended at Fuel Caribbean Cantina. Along the way, we picked up some suitors. A gentleman on a low riding bike joined our ranks as well as some talented guys doing wheelie tricks.

At the end of our ride, Fuel was kind enough to keep all of our bikes in their courtyard while we enjoyed cool Fat Tire Ales. The now co-ed gang socialized, met new biking friends and reveled in the afternoon ride.

To learn more about Charleston Cycle Chic visit http://charlestoncyclechic.com.

Civic Action Exhibit Opening

Last Thursday marked the opening of The Civic Action Exhibition at the Charleston Civic Design Center.

The downtown showcase was created to bring recognition to the work of grassroots organizations improving the city. Participating groups exhibited graphic boards and installations detailing their contributions to Charleston. Organizations such as The Charleston Arts Coalition, The Holy City Bike Co-op and Louie's Kids took part. Guests mingled about, getting the chance to learn about each group and meet their representatives.

After waiting for a torrential thunderstorm to pass, everyone filtered outside to listen to short presentations from each of the eleven participants. Representatives were asked to discuss the most promising opportunity to improve community, and what they were doing to make a difference. Highlights included a speech from an elementary school girl in favor of Lowcountry Earth Force, future plans from Charleston Moves and inspiration from Fields to Families.

If you missed the opening, the exhibit will be on display until August 7.

For more information, visit http://www.charlestoncity.info/dept/content.aspx?nid=343&cid=12791.