A trip to London on the same day as the tube strike was not looking promising.
Although delighted to be going to see the good people of econsultancy, particularly the uber talented
Michelle Goodall, the prospect of fighting my way through masses of peed off Londoners was not something to relish.
And then, thanks to Twitter, my day took an unexpected turn…
…..keen biker and digital man (not simultaneously) Paul_Clarke, came up with an inspired 'social experiment'. Use the power of Twitter to give a helping hand to those in need of transport in London aka #tweetbike.
Next minute I am speeding along Euston road leaving tourists and pigeons in my wake.
Truly a Knight on a Shiny Bike and an example of why I love my social networks, (gushy I know, but it's true). It demonstrates the true power of social media – people, connections and trust. Five years ago I would never have got a lift on a motorbike from a complete stranger for nothing. I wouldn't have been involved in organising a massive charity event with loads of people I'd never met from hundreds of cities across the globe and I wouldn't know any of the great people I do now.
Awesome.
Just don't tell my mum about the bike thing.
*NB very pleased with my self discipline for avoiding the 'I got a great ride in London' gag.
11/06/09 UPDATE: the BBC covered the story today
Katie – What a great story. And good on Paul. Warms the cockles and restores your faith in human nature. Cheers, Wadds
What a lovely chap and a great story.
So pleased that you made it daaahn saaahf to see us on such a difficult day and to see Tweetbike mentioned on BBC.co.uk
http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/talking_point/8093595.stm
However, neither of these articles mention the fact that you had a dose of bikers-thigh after your wild ride through London
See you soon!
Michelle