“Our way of life,” write the Ginger Ninjas, “threatens our way of life.” For that reason, they started the Pleasant Revolution.

Who, exactly, are the Ginger Ninjas?

Well, they’re the rock-n-roll group that’s taking “roll” seriously… rolling all the way, in fact, from North San Juan, California to southern Mexico.

On bicycles.

With all their gear, including a 1000 watt PA system.

5,000 miles in all.

And what, exactly, is the Pleasant Revolution?

According to the group, it’s a philosophy of not just looking and talking about our way of life differently, but actually living differently.

And so, the Ginger Ninjas are traveling through Mexico, by bike, giving concerts along the way, playing with local musicians, and raising consciousness about sustainable living.

I think it’s pretty cool all the way around, but if it’s a little too granola for you, just check out this video for their song “Dick Cheney (Needs More Love) to confirm that these guys have a great sense of humor:

Photos: dustinj (Flickr creative commons)

MusiciansCyclingCulture + Religion
 

About The Author

Julie Schwietert

Julie Schwietert Collazo is a writer, editor, researcher, and translator currently in New York, formerly of Mexico City and San Juan. She is Matador's managing editor and is the lead faculty member of MatadorU's travel writing program.

  • Hal

    Wow. Having just returned from a bicycle tour of a measly 1,000 miles, I can say that cycling 5,000 with a full PA system isn't granola…it's freakin' hardcore!

  • Benjamin10

    I met and jammed with Ninjas in Mexico when I was down there a couple of months ago. What was beautiful is that because they are such a scene (with their bikes and gear) everybody asks what they are doing, thus constantly facilitating a dialogue about our "way of life". Like Hal, I give them much respect for not only their mission, but for the logistics they are dealing with to keep the big wheels turning.

  • Julie

    Hal- Thought you might like this piece! :) And Ben, how cool is it that you met the Ginger Ninjas? I think they deserve lots of credit for opening up conversations in a meaningful, gentle, and non-sarcastic, non-angry way.

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