BICYCLE BOOZE CRUISE >>>
Doing its part to keep Tacoma's Halloween celebrants from choking on family-friendly pabulum, the Tacoma Mob Riders will resurrect their Reaper Ride this Saturday. The ride marks the group's one-year anniversary.
You might have seen the spectacle last year: a large group of bicyclists keeping it weird, looping around the north end of Tacoma, in costume, popping into bar after bar, tossing back Flaming Dr Peppers and Irish Car Bombs like there's no hallows' eve ever again. We previewed it on Spew last year here.
I caught up with Tacoma Mob Riders organizer Kristofer Nystrom for the latest scoop on his death on two wheels ride.
WEEKLY VOLCANO: Happy anniversary Kristofer. One year, huh?
KRISTOFER NYSTROM: Yup. It's been a great year. We've been averaging about 30-plus riders. We had nearly 50 riders last time. This past year we've seen all kinds of bikes - road, mountain, single-speed, fixies, banana seat, antique cruisers, hand-welded trikes, you name it. The joy for all continues to be simply riding in a big pack. A mob ... Tacoma Mob Riders.
VOLCANO: Where is this year's Reaper Ride launch venue?
NYSTROM: We'll meet up is at The Acme Grub Cage at 7 p.m. We never give out the route beforehand. Each destination is announced when we mount up.
VOLCANO: What was the best costume last year?
NYSTROM: Hmmm, the best costume was probably the Skeleton Girls. They were head to toe in full skeleton attire - complete with skull face paint.
VOLCANO: Is there a trick or treat aspect to the bike ride?
NYSTROM: No trick or treat aspect. Well OK ... alcohol is the treat I suppose.
VOLCANO: Did anyone wipe out after his or her costume caught a spoke?
NYSTROM: Strangely enough no one's costume was consumed by spokes or crank. Most crashes involve folks failing to put a foot down when stopping.
VOLCANO: So, will there be another year of rides?
NYSTROM: The Mob Rides will continue. We own the streets! Stay tuned for an alley cat series, which will announce soon.
Rain or shine, come in costume
Saturday, Oct. 23, 7 p.m., no admission fee
The Acme Grub Cage, 1310 Tacoma Ave. S., Tacoma