Tales from the Trails

“Tales from the Trails” returns July 14, 2024 at the Sketchbook Taproom & Brewery in Skokie. We are calling for submissions for stories and more. This year’s theme is “Bike Intelligence: What I’ve learned (or not) while riding a bike”. See below for event and submission details.

When: July 14, 2024 – noon to 2:00pm

Where: Sketchbook Taproom & Brewery in Skokie. 4901 Main St., Skokie.

Key Dates and Details:

Show & Submission Guidelines:

The Skokie Bike Network’s “Tales from the Trails” storytelling event returns in 2024 with more stories by local cyclists. The theme for this year’s event is “Bike Intelligence: What I’ve learned (or not) while riding a bike.

We are calling for submissions of short personal narratives of no longer than 1000 words (7-8 minutes, max) that may include a song, or a poem on what you have learned or experienced while riding a bike. We ask that your work be original and true to the best of your memory.

Your story, poem or song will be presented by you – live – at the Sketchbook Tap Room & Brewery in Skokie Sunday July 14th between noon and 2 pm. Whether this is your first attempt at telling a story or you are seasoned pro, you are encouraged to submit and participate.

This is intended to be a positive event for storytellers and the audience. Language should be family friendly – PG-13. While we welcome accounts and reflections on life’s difficulties and struggles, we encourage humility and humor.

We are introducing a new art form – Baiku (pronounced “bi-koo” like haiku for the bike). These are short poems or passages that are short and sweet.

Example of a Baiku

Did I tighten that?

No, I certainly did not.

And now, down I go.

­Submission Schedule and Procedure

The schedule for submissions, review and the event is as follows:

Monday, April 1: Open for submissions

Sunday, June 2: Submissions due

Monday, June 17: Announcement of storytellers

Sunday, July 14: Show – 12-2 pm

Please send inquiries and submissions to the Skokie Bike Network at skokiebikenet@gmail.com

Written submissions should be in Word, Open Document text (Open Office, Libre Office), PDF.

If you would like to perform music, send a recording and the lyrics. We do not have an advanced sound system so this should be an acoustic solo or small ensemble (up to four acoustic musicians). We will not have the capacity to amplify/mix music.

Tales from the Trails 2023: For a sense of the event and what to expect – look back to last year’s event.

Be well, live well, ride on!