The Ballard Chamber of Commerce are Losers. (And I am a Winner!)

First, the good news – next time you see me I will likely be sporting my new Fat Tire hand-crocheted hat, which I just WON in a raffle for supporting of the AWESOMENESS of Tacoma Bike Ranch and the Courage Classic Bicycle Tour. Matt says

I made this one-of-a-kind hat just for the raffle. It features actual, re-used Fat Tire Amber Ale aluminum beer cans. It’s neo-retro art Americana in its finest wearable form! I’ve been perfecting this form of haberdashery for 15 years after finding a few 1970′s can hats in my grandma’s attic. Suitable for any occasion and keeping your melon surprising warm.

Thanks Matt! My balding melon needs all the help it can get.

The "Missing link" between Seattle's great urban bike trails. (Photo: MyBallard.com)

Now the bad news, the paltry amount I donated to Mary Bridge Children’s Foundation in support of Matt and the ride is about one gazillionth of what Cascade Bicycle Club needs to fight off this asinine lawsuit from a coalition of Ballard industrial businesses, industrial associations and the Ballard Chamber of Commerce. Cascade says:

We learned on Wednesday night, July 15, that Cascade Bicycle Club and the City of Seattle are being sued by a coalition of Ballard industrial businesses, industrial associations and the Ballard Chamber of Commerce. The lawsuit is an appeal to the Superior Court and challenges the city’s plans to complete the “Missing Link” of the Burke-Gilman Trail. The project would improve traffic management and allow for improved safety and access for all users — pedestrians, bicycles, cars and trucks — through the corridor.

We are deeply disappointed that the appeal has been filed, particularly since the prior decision was clearly in our favor. While that the Ballard Chamber of Commerce wastes its members’ dues, improved safety in the community is once again stalled.

The appeal process will likely cost Cascade tens of thousands of dollars, but we will not give up this battle for your safe access to the public right of way. Your financial contributions will help make a dent in those legal fees. Please give to the Burke-Gilman Legal Defense Fund today.

Or, as David Hiller, advocacy director for the Cascade Bicycle Club, put it to the Ballard News Tribune,

This foot-dragging has gone on for two decades,” Hiller said. “If (the businesses and industries) could ban puppies and rainbows they would, because that’s the kind of people they are.”

Time to break out the Visa card and make another donation to help Cascade with legal bills. Maybe we could sell some fundraising pins: