Bike Month & Bike to Work Day (Every May) In the mid-90's, Austin started having a Bike Week to promote cycling, with bike fairs, discounts at local stores for people who biked there, and a Corporate Challenge to see which business could get the highest percentage of its employees to bike to work on the designated day. By the end of the 90's, Bike Week had grown into Bike Month. By 2000, the City's Bicycle Program, which had done most of the organizing of the event in recent years, decided to no longer organize the event, in favor of devoting its resources to more pressing bike projects (such as putting together a Bicycle Commuting Packet to make available to major employers located on existing, usable bicycle routes). Since 2000, local activists took over organizing the events. The Austin Cycling Association has a calendar of Bike Month 2006 events. Some of the events from previous years are listed below for historical purposes. Bike Month 2005 The ACA did the Bike Month 2005 website but apparently didn't archive it, so it appears to be gone now. Bike Month 2004 See the Bike Month 2004 website. Bike Month 2003 For the first time in years, no organizations got together to plan a big Bike Month schedule of activities. David Foster did organize the traditional Political Pedal ride, and on May 16 some cyclists got a mini-Bike-To-Work-Day going, but on a much smaller scale compared to previous years. Bike Month 2002 NOTE: Eric Anderson (512-476-7304) has been the primary organizer or compiler of this section. I can't vouch for accuracy. Also, this is an abbreviated list. Pick up a free copy of Southwest Cycling News at a local bike shop or at Wheatsville for the complete schedule (though note a few corrections below). BIKE TO WORK DAY, Friday, May 10th Organize your own, post to the email list. Traditional time is 7:00 - 9:00 AM. Be ready to buy your muffin this year. and Friends of Upper Boggy Creek Bikeway will host a breakfast station at the Sacred Cup, 1809 Manor Road The bike club at Applied Materials will also hold a breakfast station for their members. At Cafe' Mundi, Friends of Lance Armstrong Bikeway and Texas Bicycle Coalition will host another un-official bike to work day celebration. POLITICAL PEDAL & HAPPY HOUR, Friday, May 10, 5:00 PM The Political Pedal began six years ago in response to the death of cyclist Tom Churchill on South Lamar Blvd. This event has occurred each year with the participation of Austin City Council Members, Congressman Lloyd Dogget, Travis County Commissioners, and Texas legislators. Gather at 4:30 PM at south bridgehead of the Pfluger Bicycle/ Pedestrian Bridge. Meet adjacent to the dedication plaque "In Memory of Chris Kern and Jack Davis Slaughter, Jr.". Be ready to ride at 5:00 PM. [Ed. Note: This usurps the Courteous Mass ride which was already scheduled for 5:30pm at the same place. CM'ers might want to arrive early, if they can, and ride on the Political Pedal instead. I doubt there will be a CM ride because of this other ride. It would have been nice if Eric had bothered to contact me about this before changing the time of the Friday ride.] For those unable to make the "Political Pedal", do be sure to stop by "Bicyclists' Happy Hour": Opal Divines Freehouse, 700 West 6th Street, at Rio Grande, will host Bicyclistís Happy Hour. The Bicyclists' Happy Hour will commence upon the arrival of the Political Pedal at 6:00 PM, second floor deck of Opal Divines, and conclude at 7:30 PM.   Wheatsville Bike Swap, Sunday, May 26th, 12:00 Noon to 5:00 PM   (Yellow Bike "Cycling News" piece incorrectly states 5-25) Your traditional swapping of excess bike parts, tools, dialed-in bikes and bargains. Drop by and also check out Austinís Yellow Bike Project ìWheatsville Mini-Shopî.     "Austin Bikes! Month" Full Moon Bike Ride, Sunday, May 26th, 10:00 PM   Meeting on the new Pfluger Bicycle Pedestrian Bridge. Dress code determined by the weather; after ride mid-nite party atop Guadalupe and 13th parking garage.     Cafe Mundi Movie Madness, Memorial Day, Monday, May 27, 8:00 PM   "We Are Traffic", Ted White documentary regarding San Francisco's Critical Mass convergence, "The Red Bicycle" (a "sweet film") following a birthday-bike though its permutations in Central Africa, and ìHands on a Hard Bikeî, short-cut shot at Clown Dog Bikes this January.   Cafe Mundi is located at 1704 East 5th St., on the tracks, between Comal and Chicon. Bike to Work Day 2000 Bike to Work Day (Friday, May 12th) Contact Kathryn Otto or David Foster at 707-8580 for more information. (1) Start your morning 7-9AM with free continental breakfast at one of the following stations: Whole Foods (6th and Lamar) Upper Crust (45th and Burnet) La Madeline (all three locations) Cafe Mundi (1707 E. 6th) Ruta Maya (4th and Lavaca) Wheatsville (3101 Guadalupe) Kerby Lane (Both South Lamar and Research locations). We are still looking for volunteers for Kerby Lane (North and South) and La Madeline (360 and Bee Caves). (2) Show your support for bicycle transportation by riding in the Political Pedal, a short ride with your favorite city council members and other politicos such as Anne Kitchen, Amy Babich and Clare Barry. The ride will begin at 8th and Congress at 4:30PM. Ed Note: This ride was attended by: U.S. Representative (D-TX) Lloyd Doggett City Councilmember Daryl Slusher City Councilmember Jackie Goodman City Councilmember Gus Garcia City Councilmember-Elect Will Wynn City Council Candidate Raul Alvarez City Council Candidate Amy Babich (3) Finally don't forget to stop by Ninfas from 5-8 for a bicycle happy hour, a great chance to hob-nob with fellow cyclists and elected officials. And if you are too pooped to pedal home, Capital Metro is also giving free bus fare for worn-out cyclists. Bicycle Austin! Month 1999 May 1999   This isn't the final list. For late-breaking changes and additions, call the KXAN Info Line at (512) 703-5318 (to be activated April 15) or call the contact number listed for an event.  Saturday, May 1   American Lung Association Clean Air Challenge Bicycle Ride Location: Harris Branch (on-site registration opens at 7 a.m.) Distances: 3, 6, 12, 20, 30, 45, 62.5, and 100 miles Start times: 100-milers leave at 7:30 a.m. Fee: $20/rider until 4/16; then $25. Prize drawings and food after the ride Contact: Courtney Lyons-Garcia, 800-LUNG-USA (in Austin 467-2534)   Children's Bicycle Safety Rodeo (held in conjunction with the Clean Air Challenge)-5 bicycle helmets will be given away in a drawing; all participants will receive free surprise gifts and a bike tune-up by Dr. Bike (mobile bike repair) Location: Harris Branch Fee: Free! Time: 8-10 a.m. Contact: Doug Ballew, 708-0513 Sunday, May 2   Subaru Outback Blowout Mountain Bike Race (part of the 1999 Texas State Championship Series) Location: Waco, TX Time: 9:00 a.m. Contact: Bicycles Outback, 254-772-2453   United States Triathlon Series International Distance Triathlon Location: Pace Bend Park Time: All-day event Contact: Austin Triathletes, 314-5773 Monday, May 3   Violet Crown Bicycle Club meeting Location: Mangia Pizza North (Randalls shopping center at Mesa and Spicewood Springs) Time: 7 p.m. Contact: Richard Whittington, 478-1364   Velocity Masters Bike Club meeting Location: Cycle 360 bicycle shop (Loop 360 at Westlake) Time: 7 p.m. Contact: Danette Chimenti, danette@lim.com   Bicycle Film Festival Location: Ritz Theater on 6th Street Time: Two show times-8 & 10 p.m. Contact: Sam Bollinger, 457-9011 Tuesday, May 4   Bike to Grocery Day @ Wheatsville Co-op Riding your bike for errands will have more than the usual rewards today! Members will enjoy specials throughout the store while nonmembers can shop at member prices! Just show up pedaling and think of a creative way to show the cashier you rode your bike! Location: Wheatsville Food Co-op at 3101 Guadalupe Time: 9 a.m.-11 p.m. Contact: Devra Austin, 478-2667 Wednesday, May 5   Commuter Clinic panel discussion. A panel of experienced bicycle commuters will discuss routes, rigs, and riding techniques for getting the most out of your bike commute. Bringing your bike is optional, but come and exchange information/insight with others. Location: REI, 9901 Capital of Texas Hwy (next to Whole Foods Market) Time: 6-8 p.m. Fee: Free! Contact: Fred Meredith, 282-1987 Thursday, May 6   Austin Yellow Bike Program Women's Night- A women-only bicycle mechanics workshop. Learn, teach, or just practice maintenance skills on bicycles. Time: 6-10 p.m. Location: 419 W. Johanna Fee: Free! Contact: Lee Gresham, 443-7626 Friday, May 7   Bikes on Buses! Board a Capital Metro bus with a bike on the 7th and ride free! (The bike rides in the rack, of course, and always rides for free.) Vans for Van Pools have bike racks, too Bus Route info, 474-1200; Van Pool info, 476-ride Saturday, May 8   Armadillo Hill Country Classic Bike Ride-raises funds for children's bicycle safety education and free helmets for area kids. Location: Leander High School (on Bagdad Rd., northwest of Cedar Park) Distances: 20, 50, 62.5, and 100 miles Fee: $18/rider until 5/1; then $20. $25 to register on ride day Contact: Pete Oxner, 251-6477 Sunday, May 9   Monday, May 10   Austin Triathletes monthly meeting Location: Vinny's on Barton Springs Rd. Time: 7:30 p.m. Contact: Mark Walker, 452-5376   Austin Cycling Association monthly meeting Join Austin's recreational/touring/commuting (mostly on the road) bicycle club Location: LCRA, the Long Bldg., Rm.L217, Lake Austin Blvd. Time: 7 p.m. Fee: None; membership not required to attend Contact: Preston Tyree, 441-6056   Bicycle Film Festival (See May 3 listing for details) Tuesday, May 11   Bike to Grocery Day @ Wheatsville Co-op (See May 4 listing for details)   Bike Fit Clinic-Bring your bike and have your riding position checked out by professionals. Tips and hints on setting up your bike for maximum efficiency and minimum pain. Set your bike up right and ride it to work on Friday's Bike to Work Day. Location: REI, 9901 Capital of Texas Hwy , in the back room Time: 6-8 p.m. Fee: Free! Contact: Fred Meredith, 282-1987 Wednesday, May 12   Austin Ridge Riders monthly meeting Join Austin's off-road bicycle club Location: Mangia Pizza North (Randalls shopping center at Mesa and Spicewood Springs) Fee: None; membership not required to attend Time: 7:00 p.m. Contact: Mark Zahn 835-8411 Thursday, May 13   Friday, May 14   Austin's Bike to Work Day-Ride to work and enjoy a FREE breakfast at one of the following: Whole Foods (all locations) Kerbey Lane (all locations) Texas French Bread (all locations & UT) Upper Crust Bakery Quack's 43rd St. Bakery Wheatsville Co-op Mi Madre's UT, 21st & Speedway Ruta Maya Coffee Exchange Time: 7 - 9 a.m. Register to win one of 16 free entries into the Lance Armstrong Foundation Ride for the Roses bike ride on May 30. Contact: City of Austin Bicycle & Pedestrian Program, 499-7032 Saturday May 15   Austin Cycling Association Commuter Clinic Ride-Come learn helpful techniques for riding your bike in an urban setting. A certified Effective Cycling Instructor will lead an instructional ride through central Austin, with a coffee stop at Ruta Maya and ending at the Bicycle Swap Meet. Location: Wheatsville Co-op, 3101 Guadalupe Time: 10:00 a.m. Contact: Preston Tyree, 441-6056 or Fred Meredith 282-1987   Bicycle Swap Meet-Buy, sell, or trade bicycling-related goods at the 4th annual Bicycle Fair & Swap Meet. Other activities include live music, children's activities, and a bike mechanic on duty. Time: 1-5 p.m. Location: Wheatsville Food Coop parking lot, 3101 Guadalupe Contact: Devra Austin, 478-2667 Sunday, May 16   National Public Works Week begins. Thank you to the City of Austin Public Works & Transportation Department for supporting the Bicycle and Pedestrian Program.   Texas Mountain Bike Racing Series Championship-State Champions will be crowned! Location: Warda, TX Time: All-day event Contact: Scott- 713-864-9657 or Dennie 409-776-8898 Monday, May 17   Tuesday, May 18   Bike to Grocery Day @ Wheatsville Food Co-op (See May 3 listing for details) Wednesday, May 19   Thursday, May 20   Friday, May 21   Political Pedal - Join your local elected officials on a ride through downtown! Ride ends at a Bicycle Happy Hour hosted by the Texas Bicycle Coalition. Take the opportunity to discuss transportation issues with local decision makers. Bike ride time: 4:45 p.m. Location: 8th & Congress, proceed to the Capitol, then go to happy hour at Ninfa's on West 6th Street Contact: Texas Bicycle Coalition, 441-6056; Scott Johnson, 447-4595 Saturday, May 22   Austin Ridge Riders Beginner Mountain Bike Ride and Clinic Location: Pace Bend Park Time: 10 a.m. Contact: Tom Delaney, 453-1955 Sunday, May 23   Austin Metropolitan Trails and Greenways (AMTG) Shoal Creek Ride-Explore Shoal Creek and learn about the Shoal Creek Master Plan on this easy and informative ride. Location: Meet at the Austin Music Hall at 3rd and Nueces Contact: Shelley Wallace, 377-3131   Texas Bicycle Coalition Bicycle Safety Rodeo & Ride Location: Steiner Ranch Community Center Time: 1 p.m., 8 yr old & under; 2:30 p.m., 9 to 12 year olds; 4 p.m., Mountain Bike Ride for bicyclists 13 yrs of age and older Fee: Free! Contact: Stormy Bryan, 266-3865   XTERRA mountain bike Triathlon Location: Pace Bend Park Time: 8:00 a.m. Contact: Rick Margiotta, 328-6064 Monday, May 24   Tuesday, May 25   Bike to Grocery Day @ Wheatsville Food Co-op (See May 3 listing for details)   Austin Metro Trails & Greenways (AMTG) general meeting Location: LCRA 3700 Lake Austin Blvd. Time: 5:45 p.m. Contact: Jeb Boyt, 475-3786 Wednesday, May 26 Thursday, May 27   Austin Yellow Bike Program Open House-Come learn about community bike programs and make some new friends. Location: 1182 Hargrave (between 11th and 12th) Time: 6-10 p.m. Contact: John Thoms, 443-7626 Friday, May 28   Critical Mass ride, 5:00 at the UT West Mall (~2300 Guadalupe) Lance Armstrong Ride for the Roses Expo (and Roses ride registration) Location: Austin Convention Center, East Cesar Chavez Time: Noon-7 p.m.   US Pro Criterium Series Location: E. 6th and 7th Streets (Entertainment District) Time: Cat races, 6:30 p.m.; Pro race, 9 p.m. Contact: Lance Armstrong Foundation 800-496-4402   Bicycle Valet Parking (Oregon Style) available for the Criterium Contact the Yellow Bike Project for details, 916-3553 Saturday, May 29   Full Moon Rides: 10:00pm from Wheatsville (3101 Guadalupe), and 11:59pm from Ozone Bikes (33rd & Guadalupe) Lance Armstrong Ride for the Roses Expo (and Roses ride registration) Location: Austin Convention Center, East Cesar Chavez Time: Noon-7 p.m.   Kids Ride, Bicycle Safety Rodeo and Carnival! Fun for the whole family! Celebrity appearances by Lance Armstrong, Miguel Indurain (5-time Tour de France winner), and others to be announced Location: Zilker Park Time: 9:00 a.m. Contact: Lance Armstrong Foundation 800-496-4402 Sunday, May 30   Lance Armstrong Foundation Ride for the Roses Bicycle Ride and Fund Raiser Location: Start/Finish to be announced Distances: To be announced (? to 100 miles) Time: 7:30 a.m. Contact: Lance Armstrong Foundation 800-496-4402 Monday, May 31   Sit back and count the Bike Month activities you participated in. Promise to do more next year. Decide to ride your bicycle a lot between now and then. Support bicycling and cycling-related issues. Don't just talk about it, do something!   Yes, there are some open dates and, yes, a couple of the events are a ways out of town, but it's in the spirit of encompassing all kinds of cyclists. Of course on the open dates which are Saturdays and Sundays you can participate in any of the regular bike rides around town sponsored by ACA or the Ridge Riders. During the week open dates should just challenge everyone to make up your own utility, transport, or recreational ride--whatever turns you on.   Note: Thanks in advance to Annick (Souhami) Beaudet and the City of Austin Bicycle and Pedestrian Program for bringing it all together for Bike Austin! Month. See the planning notes for Bike Month 1999.