The Marin place to be later this month is its annual Mountain Bike Film Festival & Party (Blowout!!!) on Sunday, May 17, in San Rafael. This is an incredible scene, with lots of local icons a la Joe Breeze and Gary Fisher often present, helping to benefit a number of local worthy organizations. The main presentation this year won’t disappoint: “Freedom Riders,” which premiered at Sea Otter (and we reviewed).

Florida and California led the nation in bicycle fatalities in 2007, according to this study from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. Washington State is pretty middle-of-the-pack with just 14 deaths, although its percent of total, 2.5, is higher than average. If you want to improve your odds, move to North Dakota, Vermont, Delaware or Wyoming. No bicycle fatalities in those states.

Bike deaths by state

Finally, we leave you with an inspirational image from Elle Macpherson…

To get a feel join the Fluidride Forum and start planning! See y’all there!

Be sure to check out the rockin’ vids (scroll down the first link)!