Tomorrow night I am showing up at Embarcadero with my planning friends to attend the famous Critical Mass Halloween bike parade. I usually scream at these people for causing traffic problems and irritating the frustrated, harried drivers trying to go across town. So, strangely, tomorrow, I am joining them.

What happened? What made me reconsider the virtues of CM? I certainly don't believe in the CM mission, which is, as far as I can tell, to make some kind of political statement about the usefulness and power of biking. And I don't really have much in common with bike advocates, either. I've talked to a few who think it's a good idea to put a lane for bikes on the Bay Bridge - like that's the cost-wise answer to the Bay Areas commuting problems.. Yeah, right.... Lastly, I don't wear a helmet and probably never will until I get hit or get propelled across the hood of a sedan commuting to school or work.

The reason I have slipped to the other side of the CM slope is because I like to mix it up every so oft. I want to see what all the raucous is about. Plus, it's an opportunity to wear my wig in public. I like wigs and this one doubles as a warming scarf so it's a practical accessory as well for the night in question.

At least I now have a worthy bike for this CM event. My Mongoose cruiser, well, I love riding it, but taking it into the city on BART is usually a disaster because the handlebars are so wide. My road bike is more compact and I can carry it much more easily, too.

After the ride, I will head to Cafe du Nord to meet my friend Arela to see Willy Mason.

Watch out for the long blonde lady wig with the green do rag.
That's me.

Over and out.