On October 25, the streets of Florence will be transformed into a unique inflatable art scene, when the public take to their bikes and don their special costumes for the Aeolian Ride. The artist Jessica Findley, who is also a designer and teacher, explained how this idea came to her. When working at a “boring job” about ten years ago, she would bike to the office everyday, and began to love the feeling of the wind catching her jacket, and blowing up behind her. This provoked her to start designing costumes, meant to inflate in the wind creating fun shapes. She loves the idea that while being a work of art, it takes people and human energy to bring it to life, and also believes that it creates the opportunity to see a city through a new lens, and reminds that there is always something new to discover. The event first took to the streets of Manhattan in 2004, and since then, it has taken place in 19 cities throughout the world and will now make its debut in Florence, thanks to Ciclica.
Cycling through some of Florence’s most picturesque spots, complete with the inflatable outfit, the participants can enjoy the feeling of being carried along by the wind and spectators can marvel at the spectacle. The bike ride leaves at 4.30pm from piazza Poggi in Florence and is open to everyone. There’s is no charge for the event, but you can register at www.aeolian-ride.info for a free helmet and you can donate online to local charities promoting environmental education. Helmets must be worn and adults taking small children must first register them by sending an email to giancarlo@ciclica.cc
In case of bad weather, the event will be postponed until October 26.
After the cycle round the city, the festivities continue at the Murate (piazza delle Murate) at 6pm with an aperitivo and concert. So hop on your bike and prepare to inflate Florence this Saturday! See www.aeolian-ride.info for more information and to sign up.
