Today: Patrick Stephenson of Minneapolis is one of the organizers of 30 Days of Biking. He and Zachariah Schaap launched the social movement in 2010, encouraging people to ride every day in April. The effort has morphed into kickoff events, pledge night parties and community rides, and has a global following. Everyone who participates is encouraged to share their riding on social media with #30daysofbiking. Last year, there were about 5,000 pledges. The Twin Cities kickoff party is at Red Stag Supperclub at noon March 31, sponsored by Surly Brewing Co. and Sociable Cider Werks. More event and registration information is online at 30daysofbiking.com.
Reading
Mostly children's books to my daughter, Iskra, who's 1 ½. We've made a routine out of reading to her every night before her bedtime at 7:30. She's become a big-time lover of books, so much so that she's pulling down my wife's accounting textbooks and flipping through them with a very serious expression on her face. I have gotten so into the kids' books I read her that I'm genuinely excited to discover that, for instance, there is more than one Madeline book (a whole series even!) and, look at that, a new Corduroy book!
Following
The movement on my mind the most is the one I organize: 30 Days of Biking. It's a pledge to ride your bike every day in April and share your adventures online with #30daysofbiking. I'm organizing a kickoff party on March 31 at Red Stag, four weekly rides, and a bike campout ride at the end of the month to celebrate our accomplishments. We are also trying to raise $30,000 for World Bicycle Relief, a nonprofit organization that brings bicycles to riders in rural Africa. Our fundraising this year will benefit a school in Zambia.
Watching
Well, "True Detective" just ended, and I'm still sad about that. What an incredible season that was. What gets me through the week right now is the promise of new episodes of "Star Trek: Discovery." This new Star Trek is firing on all cylinders (on all nacelles?), and I love just about every character on the show. The creators really get the openhearted, hopeful, optimistic spirit of Star Trek, and they're bringing that to life with characters who have way more depth than Star Trek characters have ever had before. It's so charming and wonderful.
Listening
My favorite podcast is the "The Daily 202," hosted by Washington Post political correspondent James Hohmann (who happens to be from Minnesota). Every morning, I listen to this thoughtful rundown of the day's most important topics, including, of course, what's going on with the continual chaotic drama that is the Trump administration. When James takes a day off, my morning feels like it's missing an essential component.
Doing
As mentioned, I'm planning a variety of bike-related events. I've also got my mind set on organizing a family ride for later this summer that will meet at Bread & Pickle, ride around Lake Harriet, and then return to Bread & Pickle for ice cream. I got my daughter all set up on our cargo bike, so I'm all about bringing her along on fascinating experiences that are all the better if they end with ice cream.
Program: Stephenson and co-organizer Mario Macaruso will speak about 30 Days of Biking at 5 p.m. March 30 at the REI store in Bloomington.
