After reading Steel's post on David from Fix Buffalo, I happened to run into him at Caffé Aroma. He was in the midst of planning the '08 Tour de Neglect. Now that people have gotten their bikes tuned up, they should start preparing for these grueling tours. Grueling not due to the amount of riding, but grueling on the brain - by the time you are done with the tour your head is spinning with all of the East Side achievements and possibilities.
As of moments ago, David, a long time East Side resident, had chosen this summer's dates for the tour. If you are not familiar with the tour, then here are a few of the details from David:
"2008 is now officially scheduled and sponsored for 2008. Meet-up and return at the Sonic Café (across from Art Space on Main Street). Tour is about 3.5 hours and winds through 8 miles of the City's East side. Tour de Neglect is offered in cooperation with Buffalo Rising this year. The tour costs $10/person and all proceeds will go directly to Queen City Farm.
We'll be crossing this on the way back and slowly winding our way through the Fruit Belt, up Ellicott and back to the Sonic Café. The narrative - despite the neglect and decay - is one of opportunity and hope. No registration required, just show up the day of the tour. We'll be leaving promptly at noon. Bring a lunch, plenty of water and make certain that your bicycle is in good working order.
Seeing the City by bike, especially parts that are slightly off the radar like these, is really an amazing adventure!"
The '08 schedule is, May 24th, June 28th, July 26th, August 23rd and September 27th. The $10 rides are being sponsored by Buffalo Rising online and magazine with proceeds benefiting Queen City Farm. Rain dates take place on the following Sunday.