Bike Film Night | Edition 2 Review

On 24th April 2013, the second edition of Exeter's #BikeFilmNight took place at the Exeter Phoenix.

Slightly over capacity (a good thing for us), the audience turned up for 90 minutes of mind blowing films.

It all started at around 8pm with "40 years in Paris" - all about BMX in the French Capital with a stunning backdrop and a rather relaxing soundtrack.

The main film was "Line Of Sight" by cinematographer Lucas Brunelle. The opening scene was clear and did set the mood of the following 65 minutes....adrenaline, speed, urban, fixed gear, couriers... without forgetting the music adding that extra onboard feel.

Finally, a short promo film by David Salas titled "Why Chapeau!".

Before and after the films the audience interacted with:

• Bikelands, 
• VeloVentures, 
• MagicBikeMike, 
• NoGutsNoGlory,
• Coven Magazine's Editor (Juliet Elliott) and Photographer (Dave Noakes).

We also want to thank all the people who turned up to this free social event, showing that Exeter and Devon has a real (growing) cycling community - as well as Claire from Exeter Phoenix Digital and our guests who gave their time to attend this evening bringing together riders/cyclists. Last but not least Lucas Brunelle who gave us the green light to screen his film.

PS: As a reminder, We are also trying to have regular fixed gear/single speed rides (we are not racing and there is no leader in the community - no real itinerary and everyone is welcome to join and bring new ideas regarding events or destinations). Always check #CoffeeShopRide on Twitter or join and keep an eye on the Facebook Group "Fixed Gear Exeter".

Idea – illustration – screen print – t-shirt

It all started in December 2012.

We wanted to have something more than a spoke card.

Beside our BikeFilmNight and CoffeeShopRide, we needed a little extra to show that there is a real fixed gear and single speed community in Exeter.

During a HandmadeArcade  organized by NoGutsNoGlory , we met Michael Jennings. His work is neat and detailed…ideal for a visual identity.

After a few exchange of emails and ideas regarding the main subject then the fonts and the layout, Mick came up with this one:

Why a bird?! Why not! It was important for us to have something not featuring a bike or anything directly linked to the minimal geometry of a cycle.

Coffee Shop Ride: 1st of November

Thanks to everyone who came out to the last Coffee Shop Ride, it was nice to meet some new people and the turn out was great despite the rain. We rode to the Turf Locks which was fun if a little dark (I almost rode into the canal at one point!).

Anyway... the next Coffee Shop Ride will take place this Thursday the 1st of November. We will meet at the Exeter Cycles Cafe (on the Quay near Bar Venezia) from about 5:30pm onwards to leave at about 6pm. We will head towards Topsham and probably stop at the chippy before heading back.

Everyone is welcome - we normally have a mix of people riding Fixed Gear/Single Speed/Geared bikes so whatever you ride you're welcome to join us.

Coffee Shop Ride: 25th of October

The first ever Coffee Shop Ride was a great success (even if we do say so ourselves).The weather was unexpectedly great and other than a puncture everything went to plan. Thanks to everyone who turned up!

In order to suit people who aren't available on weekends we decided that the next ride should be held on a weekday evening. So... the second #CoffeeShopRide will be taking place this Thursday the 25th of October.

Exeter Cycles have recently opened a bike shop and cafe on the quay so we will be meeting there. It's near Bar Venezia and in front of the Clip and Climb centre, this link should take you to a map if you're not sure where that is.

We will ride to Topsham and back which is mostly on cycle paths but please brings lights as it will be dark. If you don't have lights shout on Facebook or Twitter as I'm sure someone will have some you can borrow.

Please join us, everyone who rides fixed gear or single speed is welcome and if you want to join us on a geared bike then that's fine too!

Exeter fixed gear & single speed community plans

During our great not sunny Summer 2012, it appeared that Bristol - only up the road from Exeter - has a major fixed gear cycle community.

What is this all about?

It is not about racing but meeting up to share the same enthusiasm and passion: riding a simple and easy bike with only one sprocket!

The @OneGearExeter twitter stream was started with the aim of gaining local followers to build that missing Exeter fixed gear cycle community.

There are more and more cyclists, but no community! Once again it is clear that we aren't about competition level but about enjoying the rides, feeling the thin tyres stroking the road. Each bike being different and almost unique to match your personality to a certain extent.

 

What's next, you might ask?

First of all, getting enough people willing to meet-up most likely Saturday mornings/afternoons - as now darkness comes early - and go for a few miles within and around Exeter...all in a friendly manner.

The meeting point will be in Queen Street Exeter outside/inside Devon Coffee Shop. A great meeting place where you can get a nice brew before and/or after a ride. Great choice of teas and cakes too.

To know the evolution of such #CoffeeShopRide (important hashtag to remember for the future) our twitter account is here for live and direct updates.

Secondly, we hope to be able to organize little events including something along the line of Bike Film Night...not making films but watching films. A few movies are already on a shortlist. All details will be confirmed as soon as we have more information according to possibilities/options.

Local players would be involved as well. However, it is a real logistic puzzle to get the projection space, the eventual speakers and guests at the same time in the same space. Be patient with such thing but we hope that it will happen faster than initially thought.

This cycle community is not about making cash from participants but just about blending around the same subject that is pedal-power on a rudimentary machine.

You can also interact with us via Instagram:

Show us your fixie by tagging your Instagram photo with #fixedgearexeter and it will appear on our blog. Finally, if you see fixed gear or single speed riders in Exeter engage with them, whatever their age.
Until next time...be safe!