A day late and a dollar short. Sometimes that’s just how it is and all you can do is fess up. This invitation should have gone out at least a week ago. I guess it’s poor form to send it now, but I am anyway. My proper French-Creole great-aunts would not have approved, but I’m a Californian now and that’s how I roll.
It’s late because I’ve been busy organizing Silicon Valley’s 2nd annual Bike to Shop Day, which has grown to over 130 businesses in 15 Silicon Valley cities, plus a whole slew more in San Francisco and Portland where thankfully, other people are taking up the charge. In March, I had the opportunity to speak at the National Summit of the League of American Bicyclists. In an pre-event interview, they asked how I saw it spreading. All I could say was I hoped others would join in if we got the word out, and they did. I am beyond pleased.
So, everyone, please hop on your bike on Saturday, May 23 and shop. If you live in Silicon Valley or San Francisco, please stop at the businesses who are participating by making special offers to bike shoppers. And if you want some company while you shop in the Mountain View and Palo Alto area, this invitation is for you.
You are invited to join a Shop ‘Til You Drop tour in Mountain View and Palo Alto on Saturday, May 23, 2015.
Tour starts with coffee at 10 am and finishes with a pizza dinner at 5:30 pm.
You are welcome to drop-in or drop-out as you please according to the schedule below.
My dear husband and I are going long with an all-day shop & ride tour of Mountain View and Palo Alto that you can customize to suit your interest and schedule. Drop in on the tour where you like, drop out when you’re done. Take Caltrain to skip ahead or get back quick; you’re never more than three miles away from the train. The whole tour is 15 miles, but with all the shopping it’s a grueling shop-a-thon. Are you trained for it?
10-11:30 am Downtown Mountain View. Begin the morning with coffee and books at Dana Street Roasting, Books Inc, and BookBuyers. Meet back at 11am at Dana Street Roasting to ride to Mountain View library for the start of the Courier Challenge with Cowgirl Bike Couriers.
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- Dana Street Roasting – 744 W. Dana Street, Mountain View
One free small coffee, single espresso or tea – OR – $1 off any larger size coffee or espresso beverage.
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- BookBuyers Used Books – 317 Castro Street, Mountain View
Coupon, good for two weeks, for 20% off purchase
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- Mountain View Library – 585 Franklin Street, Mountain View
Free book bag (show helmet and library card at 2nd floor reference desk)
12 noon-1:15 pm California Ave, Palo Alto. Dine at Izzy’s Bagels, Mediterranean Wraps, Starbucks or shop at Leaf & Petal, Gray Matters, The Cobblery. Meet at Starbucks at 1:15 pm to ride to Town & Country.
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- ray Matters – 330 California Ave, Palo Alto
10% off a single item
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- Mediterranean Wraps – 433 S. California Ave, Palo Alto
10% off purchase
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- Leaf & Petal – 439 California Ave, Palo Alto
10% off all purchases + free mojito
1:30-2:30 pm Town & Country Village, Palo Alto. Shop at A Street Bike Named Desire, Athleta, Bel Campo. Meet at Street Bike at 2:30 to ride to University Ave.
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- Athleta – 855 El Camino Real #37, Palo Alto
Free headband with purchase. *while supplies last
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- A Street Bike Named Desire – 855 El Camino Real #16, Palo Alto (Town & Country)
20% off any bicycle accessory
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- Belcampo Meat Company – 855 El Camino Real #161, Palo Alto
20% off all purchases
2:45-4 pm Downtown Palo Alto. Shop at Patagonia, Title 9, Keen. Meet at Patagonia at 4 pm to ride back non-stop back to Mountain View, or take the 4:15 Caltrain.
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- Patagonia – 525 Alma St, Palo Alto
20% Off Entire Transaction. Discount limited to stock on hand. Some exclusions apply.
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- Title Nine – 208 Hamilton Ave, Palo Alto (Downtown)
9% off all purchases and refreshments
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- Keen Garage – 278 University Ave, Palo Alto (Downtown)
20% OFF entire purchase
4:45-6:30 pm Downtown Mountain View. Last chance for shopping! Meet at at Amici’s East Coast Pizza at 5:30 pm for dinner.
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- Boutique 4 – 279 Castro Street, Mountain View
15% Off All Purchases
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- Cognition Cyclery – 903 Castro Street, Mountain View
15% off all accessories and a free waterbottle (while supplies last)
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- Amici’s East Coast Pizzeria – 790 Castro St, Mountain View
20% discount
If you want to do it all (or pick and choose) this shop & ride tour is for you! RSVP HERE or given how late this is, look for me on the big red Dutch bike with the Bike to Shop Day sign on it.
Happy Bike to Shop Day! Where will you be shopping by bike today?
