Hey everyone, I wanted to say thanks to everyone who came out for Leave It Green’s first annual Bike and Music Festival. The turnout was great! The long day started off with a bike maintenance class courtesy of Scott Medeiros!

At two, we kicked off the critical mass bike ride; we had close to 80 cyclist show up ranging from all ages. We took over the small town of Slippery Rock riding through campus, up and down main street, and then down Kiester road, all to raise awareness and promote bicycling.

After the ride, we had guest speakers Dave Krack and Scott Bricker. Dave Krack is from Butler and runs a free bike shop and a bike giveaway program called Fixed Gear. Scott Bricker is from Bike Pittsburgh. Both speakers covered many topics that involved biking in general, building a biking community, and how to stay safe while biking.

After the speakers three bands played late into the night. Brad Yoder from Pittsburgh provided some mellow and fun tunes, Dali Rocket drove all the way from Michigan just to entertain the crowd. Slippery Rock’s own The Unified Theory, finished the bands off with some energetic jamming tunes. Soon after the bands finished the tents went up, the camp fires were lit and s’mores were made.

It was an amazing and successful day. Leave It Green would like to thank several people for making it all happen, The Pa Film Institute and Larurel Dagnon for the funding (remember, the films show in the ATS auditorium at 7:30 Monday-Thursday); the Cycling Club for the free bike that was raffled off; Julie McNeil for her organizing skills; the speakers for their knowledge; the bands for their tunes; and of course all the participants.

I would also like to personally thank Rachel DeWolf for all of her hard work, this festival was her idea and she made it happen, thanks Rachel!

It is also important to note that one of the original Leave It Green founding members, Abbie Spear showed up to the Festival. Abbie has inspired Rachel and I in so many ways, it was good to see her back at the campground that wouldn’t be there if not for her efforts last year. Thanks Abbie!

Remember this festival was the kick-off to Leave It Green’s annual camp in. Leave It Green members will be camping out all week this week to honor and remember the original Leave It Green movement. Come down and camp-out with us! Everyone is welcome to join!

Lastly do not forget the Green Fund Vote is this week, check your emails and vote “YES”!

Hey guys,

I just wanted to make a quick note in light of the recent Rocket article. While we support the Green Bike Intiative FULLY, it is important to note that Leave It Green did not found the organization. The Green Bike initiative was founded by Dan Wilson and Dan Cannon, and we are so glad they put such a great organization on the map at SRU. The Green Bike Initiative is its own entity, and look out, because it’s only getting better.

Slippery Rock University will be holding its first ever Critical Mass ride on Friday, November 9th at 4:30 PM at the ARC. More information can be found on the Facebook event page.

From the event page:

The purpose of thes[sic] ride is to raise awareness of bikes and the Green Bike Initiative on campus and in the town. Anyone is welcome to come to this event we plan on riding for 40 minutes or so around campus and town in a non-disruptive manor. Anything that rolls is legal, just let Steve-O or Dan W know if you need a bike.

Critical Mass is a worldwide movement to raise awareness for environmentally friendly modes of transportation. I currently live in Pittsburgh, and we have our Critical Mass ride on the last Friday of every month. The pace is slow, the ride is leisurly and the company is fun. I’m sure the ride at SRU will be just as good. Join your fellow riders to raise awareness for a good cause. Be sure to bundle up, ’cause forecasts call for cold and rainy weather (expect any less at Slippery Rock?!).

– Alex

Today marks the start of Leave it Green’s next big project. In cohorts with the SRU Cycling Club and Outing Club we hope to work with Slippery Rock University to create a community bike program for use by any and all community members. The project will encourage eco friendly transportation, individual health, community activism, and something everyone is looking for fun. So support the latest cause by letting us know that you would gladdly take a ride on a community bike. If you have any questions, comments, or suggestions for the latest cause feel encouraged to e-mail me.