I rode in my first Critical Mass yesterday. Though I wasn't sure what to expect, it turns out that being surrounded by hundreds of cyclists in either direction is pretty darn entertaining.

It was a perfect night for a slow-as-molasses bike ride through the city. I rode near the front, with trumpet-guy and surfboard-BMX-dude. Many people on the street and in their cars were supportive of the whole affair. However, I did see a few incidents involving a moron driving over a woman's bike with a huge luxury car at St. George, and a showdown at Yonge/College with a crazed streetcar driver leaning on his horn.

The highlight of the ride was definitely the run up Augusta through Kensington. It felt like a parade through my hometown after winning a championship of some sort. Speaking of which, Critical Mass and tomorrow's Pedestrian Sunday in Kensington are great warm-up events for the upcoming Toronto BikeWeek 2007. Keep pedaling for a condensed list of bike-centric events...

Sunday, May 27
Pedestrian Sundays in Kensington Market (1 - 7 PM, Kensi): This event welcomes bikes as much as pedestrians. Have a check-up with the 'Bike Nurse' and/or join the Community Arkestra with your bike bell/horn/etc. at 7PM at the north end of Augusta.

Monday, May 28
Bike Week Breakfast (8:30AM, Nathan Phillips Square): Freebies include t-shirts and a hot pancake breakfast. Part of the 18th Annual City of Toronto Group Commute, with 5 meeting points: Bloor/High Park @7:30AM, Yonge/Lawrence @7:30AM, Danforth/Woodbine @7:30AM, Dundas/Kingston @7:30AM, and Bloor/Yonge @8:00AM... all converging at Nathan Phillips by 8:30AM. The new 2007 Toronto Bike Map is also launching after the breakfast. There's some sort of lunchtime fair going on at Nathan Phillips with booths and events.

Wednesday, May 30
Bike Joint Breakfast (8 - 10 AM, 290A Harbord): Free breakfast and bike check-up!

Let's Bike to the Ex! BBQ & Music (6:30 - 11 PM, Exhibition Place Centennial Square near Dufferin Gate): 5th Annual BBQ celebration of bicycles and sustainable technologies. Food, drink, music, displays.

Thursday, May 31
La Carrera Breakfast (9 - 11 AM, 106 Harbord): Free breakfast at their new location, with an expanded shop and art gallery.

ARC Parking Meter Party (6 - 8 PM, meet near 761 Queen W at Euclid): Liven up the scene in the normally dull-as-nails parking spaces of Toronto.

BikeWeek Cabaret (8:30 PM, Clinton's): BikeWeek organizers are throwing a party featuring comedy, live music, and more.

Friday, June 1
Free Biker Breakfast (8 - 9:30 AM, 408 Bloor W at Grassroots): Show up with your bike and receive a free breakfast. Next door, Curbside Cycle will also have a free breakfast.

Saturday, June 2
MEC Weekend Bike Repair Shop (10 AM - 5 PM, 400 King W): MEC staff will be offering minor bicycle repairs and tips.

Kensington Park Punk Rock Bike Fix and BBQ (12 - 6 PM, Kensington Park): Learn about bike maintenance from local bike shop mechanics and instructors. Free event with food. Time is subject to change. Call Shannon at 416-668-0433 for updates.

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BikeWeek events actually continue for another 8 days past the first week. I've barely covered the tip of the iceberg here, people. There's lots more going on besides free brekkies and maintenance events. Visit the BikeWeek page for more details, or pick up the brochure at a local bike shop!