Saturday Excursions: Bicycle Science November 14, 2009

Excursion, MEMBERS ONLY

How do you stop and steer a bicycle? What forces keep it from falling over? Why is the bicycle such an efficient way to travel? Join Exploratorium educator Ken Finn to discover the answers to these questions and more. We’ll share tips on keeping our trusty bikes in good repair and learn how to fix flat tires (the most important bike-maintenance skill you can have). We’ll ride out to the Wave Organ—a wave-activated acoustic sculpture located on a jetty in the San Francisco Bay (be sure to dress appropriately; it can get chilly out there!)—and then continue on to the Outdoor Exploratorium at Fort Mason, where we’ll learn how to use the Golden Gate Bridge as a thermometer. We’ll meet at the wind sock by the Crissy Field restrooms on November 14 at 10:30 a.m., and be back by about 12 noon.

In the event of rain, we’ll meet at the Exploratorium’s main entrance for a fun and informative workshop that will include an in-depth investigation of wheels, drives, and gears, look at different frames and materials, watch a short film on the energy output of a professional bicycle racer, and much more. Either way, it will be a great day!

Price is $15 per person. To ensure safety, all participants must have their own bikes and helmets and be capable of riding a total distance of 3 miles. Children must be at least 8 years of age and accompanied by a parent or adult guardian.

Official Website: http://exploratorium.edu/membership/workshops.html