Not since the "Tour of the Creeks and Tunnels" ride in February, 2000, where just seven riders rode in a resounding downpour, has there been such a small Critical Mass in Berkeley, but the diverse massers readlily embraced the school of fish metaphor over the normal flock of birds enactment.

The riotous rollers were greeted with explosive cheer all along the way, from motorists and pedestrians alike. A number of bicyclists joined in the stream.

"This ride was the best in like two years," exclaimed Jesse Palmer, Berkeley Bike Wingnut. "Everybody knows I'm a bike wingnut and I don't care," he continued. Palmer wielded a water pistol and set his sights on silliness by riding rear saddle on his rack to "low rider". "Whoever made that musical mix was a genius! This just proves you can have a great ride in the rain and there's no reason to stay off your bike in wet weather".

Riders held an in-swim conference as to whether to take only one lane due to their small size and the rain, but with a sound system glittering with faerie lights and traffic already slowed by the wetfall, riders soon did what comes naturally and filled the street.

In the end, no new bike lanes were added, no parking was converted to affordable housing, and no one got out of their car to smelt it down and make cool nonmotorized contraptions, but the joy which the riders and so many they encountered felt will surely help sustain the will to confront the everyday car calamity which is befalling this failing society.

The low turnout may be related to the very recent beginning of the rainy season, with people still adjusting to the new conditions and figuring out their gear. Last month a tremendous ride was held with a prominent anti-war, anti-FTAA theme. The riders rolled to AK Press in Oakland where they enjoyed a book release party for the new Critical Mass book with entries from around the world, "Critical Mass: Bicycling's Defiant Celebration", edited by Chris Carlsson.

I hope this video is enjoyed by one and all. Included here is just the first part.

The Berkeley Critical Mass rides every second Friday of the month, gathering at 5:30 PM at the Downtown Berkeley BART to depart after 6 PM.

[Diversity information: the ride included one native american man and one with some native and African blood, one Chicano male, one woman of color, two "middle aged" or older (one male, one female), one African American male, one Asian male, and a number of "white" appearing men and women of unknown background, one of whom got a flat tire and one of whom may be from Siberia. Average age estimated to be 27, minimum age late teens, maximum age 60's. No children this ride. Males outnumbered females close to 2:1 at the beginning, although at the end the ratio was 4:3 with two women joining the ride in transit, and several males leaving. Economic classes included homeless and wage slave, no known ruling class. Diversity information provided here due to the extended onslaught of unfounded attacks in a recent indymedia story, and to foster understanding in extending welcome to all. The ride is queer friendly. Everyone using gentle transport welcome at Critical Mass. Wingnut power. Given the severe divisions and barriers which complicate acting collectively along lines of class, race, gender, religion, sexual orientation age, and so much more, the diversity and potential enjoyed at Critical Mass rides is appreciated].