Pick a partner for biking benefit

At least one Atlanta business is booming. The Sopo Bike Co-op, a nonprofit community bicycle repair shop, reports record numbers of cyclists coming in for tune-ups or repairs.

“We’re pretty slammed,” said director Rachael Spiewak. “That means we always need more volunteers and more donations.”

She’s hoping the co-op’s fifth annual Broken Hearts and Bicycle Parts concert, scavenger hunt and fund-raiser being held March 6-7, brings in both.

“This isn’t directed at athletic or competitive cyclists, just anyone who likes to ride bikes with their friends,” Spiewak said. Organizers hope to top last year’s numbers —- a crowd of 150 that raised $2,000 —- with more folks than ever taking the two-wheeled approach to transit.

The event begins with a March 6 concert at Lenny’s Bar (486 Decatur St.). At 6 p.m. March 7, cyclists will gather at the Graveyard Tavern (1245 Glenwood Ave.) to register and get their scavenger lists. In two hours, everyone gets back together at WonderRoot ( 982 Memorial Drive) for fun and prizes. The scavenger hunt is done in tandem and doesn’t sound all that terribly difficult. You might pick up a Tootsie Roll Pop at one stop, and at the next stop answer that age-old question, how many licks does it take to get to the center?

“The most challenging part is going to be figuring out how to get from place to place in the quickest, safest way,” Spiewak said. “It’s all about being willing to do silly things with your friends.”

We should point out that prizes generally will be given for style rather than speed. Be sure your costume includes a helmet and reflective gear.

Founded in 2004, Sopo is a volunteer-based, do-it-yourself shop that operates a community bicycle repair shop. The address is 465-C Flat Shoals Ave. For information on the shop or the benefit, call 404-425-9989, e-mail info@sopobikes.org or see www.sopobikes.org.

In other green-scene news

The Party for the Parks on Ponce, sponsored by the Olmsted Linear Park Alliance, starts at 6:30 p.m. Sunday at Fernbank Museum of Natural History. This year’s eco-fabulous theme is “Dream in Green,” and the event features silent and live auctions, food, an open bar and an Imax film. Chairmen are Kevin Steward and Philip Thompson and the committee includes Lynn Alexander, Steven DeFrancis, Kirk Elifson, George Ickes, Leisa Presmanes, Julie Ralston, Jennifer Richardson, Robin Salter, Claire Sterk, Tally Sweat and Barbra Vogel.

For information, call 404-377-5361 or see www.atlantaolmstedpark.org.

Release the hounds!

Atlanta developer Hal Barry and wife Linda would love to have y’all down to the country this weekend.

Bear Creek Farm, the Barrys’ spread in Coweta County, plays host to a day of equestrian fun Saturday. The event, sanctioned by the North American Point to Point Association, includes jockey conditioning races for professional steeplechase riders, a draft dash, six foxhunters’ races, pony rides for children and the Bear Creek Hounds Parade.

The event benefits the Joan Hope Latiolais Foundation and the Shepherd Center. Joan Latiolais has been a patient at the Shepherd Center since October, when she was severely injured while riding her horse. She’s planning to attend, as are Alana and Harold Shepherd.

The farm is at 1539 Bear Creek Road in Moreland, about 45 minutes from Atlanta. Gates open at 10:30 a.m. and events start around noon. Admission is $25 in advance, $35 on race day, $10 for ages 7-15 and free for children 6 and younger. For information, call 404-992-6112, e-mail mwoodham@mindspring.com or see www.bearcreekhounds.com.

butterfly@ajc.com