(Ed.'s Note: Have you had a look at the route of the Cinco de Mayo Cyclobia event to be held from 6:30 to 7:30 p.m. on Friday? The good news is that this time they won't close downtown and hurt the struggling businesses there. The bad news is that the Rose Gowen-sponsored event comes on the day before Election Day when she is running for reelection against Erasmo Castro.
Just as the selection of the 7th and Park cycle-coffee shop raised eyebrows because of the owner's association with Gowen and the city's subsidizing of advertising on the local Cinemark and newspaper ads to promote the Bicycle Friendly Business program, this year's timing and route is also raising questions.
If you notice, the event starts out in Washington Park, heads west on Jefferson Street, and then turns right on Palm Blvd. In fact, it ends at Retama Street, the street where Gowen lives. It is also suspiciously close to three of Tony Martinez's businesses, Lola's Bakery and Spanky's Burgers just two doors down from the Retama Palm Blvd. intersection.
The cyclobia starts at 6:30 p.m. and is scheduled to end at 7:30 p.m. The cyclists will probably get to rub elbows with Rose over at Tony's place and get gently reminded that she could use their votes tomorrow. And it may be convenient (some say a little too convenient) to stop and grab a burger at Spanky's and pay Da Mayor a visit.)