It sounds like a good plan for a summer night — bike around, then set up a makeshift movie theater and enjoy the show.
Jon Ramos, a volunteer from the Boston Cyclists Union, said he is hoping to raise $975 for a high-quality, battery-powered LED projector and 120-inch portable movie screen so that cyclists can meet in a central location, go for a ride, and then stop to view a film of their choice.
“We will set up our movie nights picnic-style, in a park or green space that people may have never visited in the past. It’s a great way to get to know some of Boston’s best hidden gems,” Ramos said.
The idea is to squeeze at least a few movies in this season, before winter hits.
The movies would be free, but a donation jar to support pro-bike organizations would be on hand.
Once Ramos purchases the projector and screen, the Boston Cyclists Union would take ownership of the equipment.
“It’s just an awesome idea . . . and we want to help support things like this,” said Pete Stidman, executive director of the non-profit pro-bike group.
As of Wednesday, Ramos had nearly reached his goal on the fund-raising site GoFundMe.com.
He said he was inspired to kick off the fund-raiser after hosting an impromptu “bike-in” movie this summer, using materials such as a screen made of a tablecloth, an old projector, and car batteries for power.
Ramos said the gear was loaded into bike trailers.
Cyclists then headed to an off-the-grid, “mystery location” that’s only accessible on two wheels.
“Before I knew it there were 40 to 50 people,” said Ramos.
But because the items used to create the last-minute movie experience weren’t topnotch, the group only got two-thirds of the way through the film — it was “Clue” — before the equipment called it quits.
“The batteries gave up. I learned that older model projectors are very power-hungry,” Ramos said.
Upgraded equipment — the new projector would be more energy-efficient — will ensure that future movie nights will go off without a hitch, he said.
Ramos is confident he will reach his intended goal, thanks to the area’s dedicated cyclists.
“The bike community never ceases to amaze me with their willingness to support ideas like this, and to dig into their pockets to help make it happen,” Ramos said.
Steve Annear can be reached at steve.annear@globe.com. Follow him on Twitter @steveannear.