From ibikeu Wiki

A spoke card is most typically a laminated piece of artwork issued out at the beginning of urban social bicycle rides to the riders. The card is then mounted in the wheels of riders' bikes, using the interlaced spokes to hold them in place. Spoke cards usually include the ride title and date into the design.

Contents 1 Purposes 1.1 Directions 1.2 Commemorate 2 Materials 2.1 Alternative Materials

Purposes

Spoke cards were originally given out prior to Alley Cat races as a way to differentiate participants.

Directions

Often times, and especially on long routes, turn-by-turn directions are listed on the back of a spoke card. This helps minimize confusion within a large group. It is also useful when riders fall behind or become lost.

Commemorate

A spoke card is a great memento of an accomplished ride. Many Ridazz have extensive collections of spoke cards from prior rides.

Materials

More often than not, spoke cards are of printed, text-weight paper (can be color or black & white). Lamination is usually added to provide rigidity and also weather-proofing.

Alternative Materials

Spoke cards in the past have also been quite original. They can be hand-painted, screen printed, physical objects (ie dollar bills), cut-outs, spray-painted or printed on vellum.