NY Dance Parade With Diane Passage and Ariel

PoleRiders was honored to have the creator of Pole Superstar Diane Passage join the team for the 2010 NYC Dance Parade. Her 2009 Pole Superstar dance competition benefited S.P.I.N. (Single Parents In Need) and NYC’s Single Parent Resource Center. Check out her blog and her column in the Huffington Post and if you missed it last October, check out this clip from the Post with Ariel and PoleRiders at the competition.

Ariel also danced on Saturday and introduced her new concept in minimalist pole footwear. Remember folks you saw it here first. I think this is the most innovative use of vinyl electrical tape since Wendy O'Williams of the Plasmatics. If you recall, Ariel tore up her foot pretty well in the 5 Borough Bike Tour.

I love parades!

Diane was stunning as usual.





Defying gravity.

Thankfully the (always amazing) parade marshals had us lined up with the the Burners and the Hoopers this year. (We love you guys!) Last year before we moved, they thought we were Polka dancers and had us lined up in front of a Mormon marching band which I believe is the universal polar opposite to the Plasmatics.

Thanks for joining us Diane and please come back anytime. You were fabulous!

Ariel just texted me and said she had an "awesome time". She also said that she "loved dancing with the electrical tape on her feet" and it made her "feel like a pony". Stay tuned for our next surprise appearance...

PoleRiding on Sunday with Body and Pole

We took a spin with Kyra and Lian from Body and Pole on Sunday around Union Sq. and the Meatpacking District. Body and Pole is the #1 Pole Studio in NYC and it was a great show! I stopped by the studio last night to pick up a T-shirt for Ariel to wear in Dance Parade and stumbled into a pole dance bachelorette party. (Actually I think they just got tired of me watching them through the letter slot and invited me in) Thanks to everyone for explaining so clearly what booty poppin' is and I promise next time I am around for a booty pop workout I will join in.

PoleRiding with Pantera

Pantera couldn't wait to go PoleRiding!

Thursday night I met up with Pantera at the Intrepid. After shooting some pictures we rode along the Hudson River bike path for a while so she could get used to the motion.

Lian from Body and Pole was there taking pictures. See Lian and Kyra PoleRiding on Sunday.

After a few blocks on the path we turned east and hit the streets.


I can't really explain why but this was one of the best nights of my life. Everything was perfect and I felt like I was more a part of the whole dance rather than just the "chauffeur" Riding the PoleRider trike is always exhilarating. PoleRiding with Pantera was somehow surreal...


Nice shot by Ariel; great color!

We eventually ended up in Union Square where someone in the crowd threw a burrito at Pantera. Anyone with information that might lead to the capture of the Burrito Bandit should contact me immediately.

5 Borough Bike Tour '10

Ariel warming up for the PoleRiders 3rd season opening ride in the 5 Borough Bike Tour.


When I first met Ariel she told me she was very bikable...


When the little foot is on the 8 and the big foot is on the 1 it must be time to start the ride!

I took the first shift and made it to around Radio City when my knee started bothering me. It's doing better, thanks for asking.




So effing cute!

Matt Godina took the second shift in the saddle.

I Love this shot in front of Radio City! I entered it in the 5 Boro photo contest.

Cruising through Central Park...


...and into Harlem

PoleRiding on the FDR. Ben took the last shift.


PoleRiding on the FDR was amazing. The looks on the faces of the people stuck in traffic on the Northbound side was priceless!

Once we got to the Queensboro bridge we were at the back of the pack. With no one to dance for through the remaining boroughs and with the sweeper car egging us along, we decided to call it a day and go to the park.
Ariel lost a big patch of skin on her foot but that didn't stop her! After numerous expenses for signage, backup riders and entry fees we raised close to $500.00 for SPIN, Single Parents in Need. The donations will go to the Single Parents Resource Center of New York as soon as y'all mail me those checks! Thanks to all of our sponsors and everyone who participated in the event: Ariel, Matt, Ben, Diane, Rosalie, Lindsey, Heidi, Fritz, Yvonne, Wendell, Chris (Nick-a-day) Long (even though you flaked out you still inspire us) Rahr Breweries, Pole Superstar/ SPIN, Bad Kitty, Weathergal, Fastsigns, Body & Pole and Bern Helmets.

Yay Team PoleRiders!!!

5 Borough Tomorrow!

Ready to roll for PoleRiders opening day 2010.

Because of my injured knee I have two volunteer special guest pilots to ease the burden. I want to stop by the Toga tent at Church and White to get a signed copy of Bike Snobs new book so that might be a good place to catch up if you want to roll with us. Feel free to give us a little push on the hills as you pass us! A little help goes a long way.

Thanks to All of our amazing sponsors for contributing!