If you don't already know what the Velosocial is I'll tell you, it's the hottest night of the month for cyclists of all different sets, from BMX to Fixed to Road to MTB to Courier to Commuter to Casual, even if you don't ride a bike it's a great party! You can meet new people from all over the world, hear local DJ stars and rap rhythms of local and visiting hip hop artists. Several big flat screens display bike videos from an eclectic mix of local contributors and the occasional big budget bike flick. It's a social for everyone, don't let me fool you with all this hip hop talk, I've seen all age groups represented, except the sub-19 set, cause it is a bar after all, a damn fine bar!
Every month it seems there is something new, there is always new information and stuff at the merch/info table that is there every month, new videos, new DJ sets, and new faces. Sometimes exciting announcements that get everyone in the spirit! For instance, this month SunnyD, the founder of Velosocial and the main driving force that has kept it going had really exciting news of her own. One of the Velosocial sponsors, Crumpler Bags, namely Jason Wood of Crumpler Canada, decided to reward all of the hard work that SunnyD engages in to bring Toronto this event every month. 
If you don't know Sunny let me tell you, she's a hell of a bike courier that believes in bikes, music and Toronto. In 2006 she won the Global Gutz race in Toronto and was sent all the way to Sydney in Australia to compete in the Cycle Messenger World Championships (CMWC) with funds raised by local messengers. In 2007 she won again and got to go all the way to Dublin, Ireland for the 07 CMWC, again with funds raised by local messengers! In 2008 she stayed home to compete in the CMWC 2008 here in Toronto. This and other good stuff served to pump up SunnyD and get her involved in local cycling to everybody's benefit! She worked so hard that it took a serious toll on her health and her pocketbook, and because of this she didn't see a way for her to achieve one of her goals this year which was to attend her fourth CMWC.
Upon learning that SunnyD might not be able to get to the 2009 CMWC in Tokyo, Japan, Jason Wood from Crumpler Bags Canada offered to provide SunnyD with her airfare and travelers insurance thereby making her attendance in Tokyo, representing Toronto, a sure thing! So once again Sunny will set sail for a faraway land to represent Toronto in an international competition! Doing good may be it's own reward but it doesn't hurt to be appreciated either, does it Sunny?
Sunny D is also a hip hop artist in her own right and will probably rock the very foundation of Tokyo during her stay there, we hope she will send us updates.
In the meantime Velosocial will continue and I hope you will come out and say "Hi!". Velosocial is held the second Thursday of every month at The Augusta House 152A Augusta in Kensington Market. The doors open early (4-5pm) if you want to come early and enjoy the wonderful menu at The Augusta House including a locally famous wonton soup and spicy pad thai! The party itself starts at 9pm and goes until you leave or get thrown out around 2am.
Some other attractions include an open mic contest with prizes, door prizes, a photography booth, there is something different all the time so come see for yourself!
Velosocial at The Augusta House, 152A Augusta in Kensington Market, 9pm - 2am. The next Velosocial is May 14th, so come help get in the spirit for Bike Month with a great party for everybody!
Velosocial Facebook Page
