Hi thinktankers. Don't worry, Toronto is still standing after the G20, though some of us are battered and bruised. We are indeed still looking forward to hosting our own [awesome, radical, subversive!] conference in the city. As of yesterday we are getting into Bike!Bike! organizing full-force. The following email was sent out to everyone who has registered so far, but I figured a lot of you are still putting it off. So here is a bit of info to entice you to get on over to the website and register. The website will also have a bunch of stuff updated over the next few days.
Thanks! Ainsley.
Hello all! you are receiving this email because you have registered to attend Bike!Bike! 2010 in Toronto this coming August, or because we wished to invite you to attend. We are now trying to set up housing, bike lending, volunteers, and workshop schedules, with the hope of being able to communicate important information to you 1-2 weeks before the beginning of the conference (August 12th).
If your plans have changed in any logistical way - i.e. if you do not intend to attend Bike!Bike! or if you will be here earlier/later, if you do/not need a bike or housing, please send us an email and let us know. We want to be prepared to facilitate everyone’s needs as best as we can.
Also, if your shop is sending more than one representative (it is more fun in groups!), then let us know and we can add this to your profile, and try to match you up with housing.
Please ensure that you are prepared and have proper documentation if you are crossing the border. If you are crossing the border by bicycle be sure to look into which crossings you can access.
For reference, here is what the basic schedule is looking like. There will most likely be 4 workshops each session (1.5 hour period) for about 35 total. a few workshop will span two sessions (3 hours) where it is deemed appropriate.
We know what the evening events will be but want to keep them secret for now ;)
Basic Schedule Outline: Thursday: 12-6pm registration 4-7pm special shop hours for Bike!Bike! bike fix-ups 7-10pm ride and casual welcome dinner for those who have arrived.
Friday: breakfast 8:30-9:30 Workshops 9:45-1:00 Lunch 1:00-2:00 Workshops 2:15-5:30 Event (tba) 8pm-12am
Saturday breakfast 8:30-9:30 Workshops 9:45-1:00 Lunch 1:00-2:00 Workshops 2:15-5:30 (may end earlier for special event) Event (tba) 10pm-2am
Sunday breakfast 8:30-9:30 workshop/final brainstorm 9:45-11:30 Closing meeting, Bike!Bike! 2011 discussion 11:45-1:30 goodbyes 2pm onward
The conference will be occurring in two downtown neighbourhoods - at Bloor and Lansdowne where Bike Pirates and the Free Gallery are located, and at the central U of T campus where we will utilise a large green space, cooking facilities, a cafe, and the Bike Chain workshop. There will be a bike bus taking folks from one neighbourhood to the other between sessions, as well as signs at the 2 major intersections along the route, so as to minimize confusion or navigational stress.
If you have any questions or concerns please feel free to contact us at bikebike2010@gmail.com and please continue to register and suggest workshop topics.
Looking forward to seeing everyone and showing you around our city. Thanks!