And see some mazing photos by Martin Reis here:

http://www.flickr.com/photos/martinreis/6903435897/in/set-72157629386569707/

This Saturday, the 18th, is the day of the annual Icycle race and party! Just a heads up and reminder on what will be happening:

• The shop will close a little early, most likely at around 5:30pm
• The race takes place at 7pm at Dufferin Grove park
• The party will be at Bike Pirates when the race is over, most likely around 10pm

See you there!

This month (on Friday, February 24) critical mass will be followed by hot chocolate at bike pirates! Come one, come all on a bike ride through Toronto and warm up with us at the end.

Critical mass departs from Spadina & Bloor at 6:30pm (meet at 6pm).

Last month, we introduced the Rainbow (LGBTQ) workshops. See here to read about the goals of the workshops and the planned schedule.

The second workshop will be on February 15, from 6pm to 9pm. This workshop will be on Basic Bike Repairs: Brakes, Flats, and Drive Train Maintenance.

Note: Bring your bike in for extra help at the end of the workshop. The Bike Pirates workspace will be reserved for members and allies of the LGBTQ community and closed for regular DIY bicycle repair hours. We accept a pay-what-you-can donation.

Announcing a new, continuing 3-week series of bicycle workshop for Women and Trans folks. Presented by Bike Pirates’ Women & Trans Sundays and the Wenches with Wrenches collective, Gear Up! workshops aim to educate and empower women & trans-identified folks to be strong, independent cyclists. By providing a safer space we hope to encourage people to access our space who may otherwise not find it accessible, and the Gear Up! Workshops target those who learn better in a more structured teaching environment.

Workshops are held at the Bike Pirates workspace and run the first 3 Sundays of each month. There is no registration required, and the price is $5 or pay-what-you-can!

The first workshop will be an introduction to bike anatomy and flat fixing, and will take place this Sunday, February 5th from 6:30–8:30pm.

See the trans & women page for full details and schedule!

The Icycle Race is Toronto’s most anticipated event of the (if we get any cold) winter. This year it will be on February 18th, from 7pm to 10pm. (But please note that we are still awaiting confirmation from the city). The event takes place at Dufferin Grove park—come one, come all!

It is completely free to watch the event from the sidelines, and only $5 for a box seat. All proceeds go to Charlies Freewheels.

PLUS, there will be an after party at Bike Pirates! (1292 Bloor St. West.)

30 January, 2012 – 12:00 – 13:30
Coldest Day of the Year Ride, a comfortable, car-free, group ride to celebrate and promote winter cycling. Cyclists will ride down University Avenue from City Hall to Front Street, with free hot chocolate provided at the end courtesy of the Fairmont Royal York to warm up riders!