Last night, Austin Chronicle reporter Dan Mottola had his bike stolen from his house near 38th and Guadalupe. Bummer! He sent out this e-mail asking everyone to keep an eye out for it.

I was getting ready to go out and had the bike in my back yard for maybe 10 minutes while I took a phone call. The thief apparently entered my backyard through the gate in my privacy fence from our alley. The bike was not easily visible from the alley. Please call me at 512-809-2505 if you see it. I’ve already filed a police report, but if anyone spots the bike or someone riding it, I’d prefer to recover it myself. Here’s a brief description:

Frame: All black 56cm with silver/white Bianchi logo. Black and Silver Kriptonite U-lock mounted on the top bar.

Handlebars: Silver albatross/cruiser-style with black grips

Tires: skinny with white reflective sidewalls

Headlight: Mounted to handlebars. Hub generator in front wheel. AT LEAST ONE BULB ON THE LIGHT WILL BE ILLUMINATED IF THE WHEELS ARE IN MOTION, EVEN IF THE HEADLIGHT ISN’T ON.

Other unique characteristics: Black Fenders, black Trek rear rack, red tail-light with white plastic exterior

It looks just like the bike below except for the rear rack and silver albatross handle bars

So give Dan a shout if you see any suspicious characters riding a Bianchi Valle. In the meantime, check out our article on securing your bike so this doesn’t happen to you. (Step one, take a picture of your bike so you don’t have to rely on the producer’s promotional materials.)