I’m loving IdeaFest and IdeaFest related stuff more and more. The latest object of my affection? 240 bicycles positioned at checkout stations around downtown that anyone can check out and ride for free. Free!
The free bike efforts are part of something called Freewheelin (that I think is a Humana initiative) and they need volunteers and participants to make this awesome idea (get it? Idea during IdeaFestival, good gracious I’m funny. Or not.) a success.
The stations will operate like the ones Humana and
Bikes Belong set up recently in Denver and Minneapolis for the nominating
conventions.Volunteers are needed to help lead group rides for
breakfast and lunch each day of IdeaFest, Wednesday through Saturday,, Sept.
24-27. The Freewheelin bikes are all Trek Lime
three-speed automatics.Rides start and end at Fourth Street Live. To
volunteer as a leader, just show up at the Fourth Street Live Freewheelin
station 20 minutes early for briefing and bike checkout.Here’s the schedule, Wednesday
through Saturday, Sept. 24-27:Morning Toast With
Edison
9:30 a.m. breakfast ride to Toast on Market and Edison House on
Washington St.Lunch With The King Of Rock and Roll
11:30 to
Third Avenue Cafe and St. James Court – Old LouisvilleHoosier
Ride
11:30 lunch ride to Buckhead Mountain Grill, across the Clark
Memorial BridgeFreewheelin can use as many volunteers as they can get –
it only makes the ride more visible.No bike or bike gear necessary.
Freewheelin provides bike, helmet, locks, everything. Wear street
clothes.Let the Humana
folks know you’re there to help.
September 22nd, 2008 at 12:34 pm
http://www.freewheelinwaytogo.com/
You’re right, it’s a Humana program. They’ve been doing it for their own employees in Louisville for a year and a half or so and had a huge launch at the Democratic and Republican National Conventions last month.
It’s a pretty awesome program, I’ve used it a bunch of times since moving here in July (FD: yes, I work at Humana now). My only advice is to use the 3-gear auto-shifting cruisers (the green model) only if you’re just staying downtown. They’re not really built for riding up into the Highlands or further out.
September 22nd, 2008 at 12:40 pm
Awesome, thanks for the info LB.