Thursday, April 8, 2010

Bikes in Bloom

With sizable factions of fixie-fixators and downhillers, Budapest's cycling scene sometimes seems a little heavy on the testosterone. An event coming up next weekend at Hunyadi tér could provide a nice tonic to that: a contest to see who can festoon their bike with flowers in the most eye-catching way.

"Borulj virágba" (Burst into flower!) is organised by Kincsünk a Piac -- Hunyadi tér, a group dedicated to defending the historically protected Hunyadi market place. For the past few years, the group has been fighting efforts to convert it into office space and excavate the property to build a humungous underground parking garage.

This event is apparently a gambit to attract new people to the market -- and preempt arguments by the local council that it's outlasted its usefulness.

According to the event poster, all you have to do is bring your bike. Organisers will supply the flowers and you decorate your ride as you like. Sponsors are offering prizes such as bike bags and fair trade books and coffee. A kids programme is also promised.

  • What: Borulj virágba bike-decorating contest
  • When: 11 a.m. - 1 p.m. Saturday, April 17
  • Where: Hunyadi tér

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