Guests: Michelle Cook (in studio); Charles Youel (by phone from MPLS)
When you’re hanging out with Michelle Cook (@operationBfit and @roxburyrides on Twitter) it’s really difficult to stay on just one topic. She is involved in almost every facet of local cycling here in Boston and we pick her brain about all of it.. Michelle is the first female African American League Certified Instructor in town and has been teaching women of all ages to ride bikes through the Roxbury Rides group, the Neighborhood Ride Series, AND the Women Learn to Ride initiative. Whew! An all around bold and brilliant advocate for safer streets and healthier living, she brings the cycling love down to the basement studios of WMBR and we had a blast.
We then shift gears to talk with Charles Youel, founder and director of Artcrank, a traveling bicycle-themed art show that is about to celebrate 10 years spreading bike love across the US and Europe. Artcrank events engage local artists to create limited edition bike-themed works, curate an open and free event to sell those works at an affordable rate, and donate all proceeds from beer/wine sales to local bicycle advocacy. Charles dials in from Minneapolis to discuss the legacy of Artcrank, why doing so much good is not always easy to sustain, and his plans for the future. Wanna see some of the bike art we discuss? Check out artcrank.com
Finally, Galen recounts his experience of the recent Tour de Donuts, a benefit ride in memory of Rick Archer who was recently killed in a hit and run crash on Boston. Galen’s field recordings show the breadth and depth of the local and New England scenes and includes a particularly inspiring chat with event organizer, Brooke Kahn.
It was a packed show per usual, thanks for listening! Be sure to follow us on Twitter @biketalk881, and please ride safely.