10 March 2009 - early morning
See photos of the Summit
Waiting at the airport to get on my way to D.C. Hard to believe that the “summit” starts this afternoon.
First order of business is to find the Harrington Hotel and then the restaurant where I am meeting one of my best friends for lunch. We haven’t had a chance to have a sit-down for many years and we are both anticipating the all-too-short time we will have to catch up.
“Orientation” for new Summit attendees begins at 4:15 and then there is a welcoming dinner, etc. etc. I’m “bunking in” with a couple of other bicycle dealers including Linda Black from College Park Cycles in Maryland.
The real work begins tomorrow morning. I haven’t yet chosen the three breakout sessions I want to attend – I’m leaning toward Climate Change Prospects for 2009-Transforming Ideas; The Role of Bicycle Dealers in National and Local Advocacy; and, Bicycle Friendly America – Smart Investments in Businesses, Communities, and States. Dunno, there are a couple of others that sound very interesting although I’m not sure what direction they are going to take. Don’t have to choose now and will be meeting up with other Ohio “delegates” to hear what they want for the State.
Will keep you posted as the day progresses. Have a good morning.
9:46pm ... whew
Just got back from the welcoming dinner and three hours of "speeches". Actually, it was all interesting. Dinner was VERY formal in service, but we all were pretty casual in attitude and dress. I'd estimate 600 in attendance.
Started with an "orientation" meeting. This was supposed to be for those who have never attended the Summit before, but of course there were some ringers. The point of this session was to give us an idea of how things work in Washington. We heard from several factions from BikesPAC (the money/lobbying arm) to Stephanie Vance, an advocacy expert who was about as dynamic as they get. I learned a lot about what we need to do, and say to "get it done" in the few minutes we will have with each legislator and/or staff member.
We received a package of information in a nylon League of American Bicyclists shoulder bag including a Polar Bottle, a Congressional directory (very cool), a folder filled with information, and the Summit program. Included in the folder is a booklet - The 2009 Bicycle Friendly America compilation from Bikes Belong. It immediately gave me pause to wonder "what would it take for NE Ohio to be included in this list for 2010?" I'm hoping to find out some of that while I'm here.
Friis Arne Petersen, Denmark's Ambassador to the U.S. gave a GREAT presentation about cycling and bicycles in Copenhagen.
So, suffice it to say, my head is full of stuff to ponder and sort out. Tomorrow's session start bright and early. I'll be back!
DL
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