SFBC’s Reid Brothers Bike Tour

Downtown San Francisco

The San Francisco Bike Coalition (SFBC) sponsors periodic bike oriented events in the city.   We’ve seen many of these rides publicized in the 96 Hours supplement to the Thursday Chronicle.  With a trip up to the city, we dropped in on one of SFBC’s recent tours.

The Bike Kitchen in San Francisco

Andy Thornley, the Bicycle Coalition’s program director, led a gaggle of bikes through the streets of San Francisco.  Along the way, Andy highlighted the architectural work of a prolific but under appreciated duo, the Reid Brothers.  The Reid Brother’s most noted project is the Cliff House, but their work extends well beyond this one building.  As the large, uncoordinated mass of riders navigated the streets of San Francisco, Andy pointed out a host of buildings with Reid Brothers’ roots.  The brothers were indeed busy.

The Reid’s architecture itself is utilitarian.  Distinctly of the era, the structures tend to fit in rather than stand out.  Beyond the Reid buildings, a tour like this provided an opportunity to look more closely at the city.  With the slow pace of the bike tour, you notice things, the details in the urbanity that you weren’t looking for.  You just hope those details that come you your attention are not on the fast moving Honda Civic that you just swerved to miss.

Details on Lotta's Fountain in San Francisco

It was fun to take the tandem out.  And, as a bonus, we were introduced to “The Wiggle.”  The Wiggle is a zigzag bicycling route from the Duboce Triangle to the Lower Haight that minimizes the steep hill climbs.  Hey, The Wiggle must be important.  There’s a Wikipedia entry for it!

Don't jump: The bike tour examines details on a Reid Brother's building

Thanks to the San Francisco Bike Coalition, we had a good ride and we now know a little about the streets of San Francisco.  We’re looking forward to joining another SFBC bike tour.

The Wiggle:

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Wiggle

San Francisco Bike Coalition’s activity calendar, including the Bike About Town rides are here:

http://www.sfbike.org/?chain

More about our ride:

http://articles.sfgate.com/2010-01-14/entertainment/17828161_1_san-franciscans-architecture-firm-san-francisco-bicycle-coalition

A little about the Reid Brothers:

http://www.outsidelands.org/reid.php

Profiles at Lotta's Fountain