Solstadas Mystery Bike Ride

What do you get when you mix the traditional Mexican celebration of Las Posadas with the feisty-heathen celebration of Winter Solstice and add bicycles? SOLSTADAS!

Long celebrated in towns across Mexico, Las Posadas is the re-enactment of Joseph & Mary's search for shelter during their trip from Nazareth to Bethlehem, where a procession goes from house to house, gathering people along the way - singing, holding candles, and asking for shelter. The Winter Solstice (also known as Yule) on the other hand, is the celebration of the longest night of the year, signaling the return of the sun, and the turning of the season from Fall to Winter.

Join your fellow velo-rutionaries as we celebrate (possibly for the first time anywhere), the merging of two holidays under a full moon! Beginning in downtown Santa Cruz on the corner of Pacific and Cooper (across from Cinema 9), with the Sun in tow, we'll search for shelter through the neighborhoods, observing the seasonal decorations, stopping to sing Bike/Solstice carols, and collecting goodies. Ride will end at mystery spot where end of year party will ensue.

DO: decorate yourself/bike (blues, golds, or silvers work but also rich Mexican colors too...there'll be a costume contest at the end of the ride), bring lights, warm clothing, tinsel, jingle bells, noise makers, instruments, Solstice lights (if you can figure out a way to put them on your bike), a mug, food to share, beverage, a friend!

Donations for expenses will be welcomed but not required.

Rain/Armageddon cancels.