Bike Norfolk, our local group of bicycle enthusiasts, will be riding in Norfolk’s Grand Illumination Parade on November 20 for the first time this year.

The theme of this year’s parade is Lights, Camera, Action!

Artist rendition. (Art | Bike Norfolk)

The Bike Norfolk float is a mobile movie set featuring two riders on stationary bikes in front of a projection on a screen. A cameraman films the riders as they pedal in a mock race, racing against each other as well as against the riders in the movie projected behind them. The projector is powered by batteries and the lights on the float are being powered by the two riders; the float itself is being pulled by a tandem bicycle.

Surrounding the float are a bunch of characters one might recognize from various movies. The music is Queen’s “Bicycle Race,” as well as movie themes relevant to the character rider accompanying the float.

We’re down to just two weeks before the Grand Illumination Parade on November 20. The float is coming along, but we still need to fill up the roster of characters who will ride with the Bike Norfolk float. We’re looking for 10 riders in all.

So far, we have local cyclists who are bold (and awesome) enough to dress as the following:

Yes!

PeeWee Herman (you know); Bicycle Repairman (Monty Python); Miss Gulch (Wizard of Oz); Steve Zissou (The Life Aquatic); Michael Brace (Brainstorm); ET and Elliot (ET); Penny farthing rider (no movie, just cool).

Here’s some more suggestions for characters.

Paperboy (Better Off Dead)
Dorothy (Wizard of Oz)
Mary Poppins (Mary Poppins)

Jack Casey (Kevin Bacon from Quicksilver)
Storm (or Scout) Trooper (Revenge of the Jedi – speederbike)
Guido (Life is Beautiful)
Butch Cassidy (and the Sundance Kid)
Nick Miller (Timechasers)
Andy Stitzer (40 Year Old Virgin)
Delivery boy (Buster Keaton)

So, here’s your chance to be a part of the fun and to claim your character. It can be one from this list or something else that fits the theme of bike riders from the movies.

We’re going to do a dress rehearsal after work on Wednesday, November 17, to make sure we’re all ready for the event. If you’re a costumed character, please make sure your costume is complete by then. I’ll send out more information on time and place as we get closer to the 17th.

On a related subject, we’re also looking for some hardware to finish up the float. Here’s the list:

Happiness.

Flat black spray paint

1/2-to-1 inch x 1/2-to-1 inch x 1/8 angle, steel or aluminum,
about 10 feet.

car battery

If you want to ride, or if you can help with materials, please contact us at bikenorfolk@gmail.com.

Thanks, and we’ll see you at the parade!