This week is Bike to Work Week, and it will culminate on this Friday with Bike to Work Day which will include breakfast stations all over Austin from 7- 9 AM at these locations:
AJ’s Cyclery, 10019 W. Parmer Lane.
Banister Lane at Casey Street.
Bicycle Sport Shop, 517 S. Lamar Blvd.
BikeTexas, 1902 E. Sixth St.
Bouldin Creek Cafe, 1501 S. 1st St.
Capital MetroRail, Plaza Saltillo Station, 2910 East Fifth St.
City Hall Plaza, 301 W. Second St.
One Texas Center, 505 Barton Springs Road.
Flipnotics, 1601 Barton Springs Road.
Freewheeling Bicycles, 24th and San Gabriel streets.
Mellow Johnny’s, Fourth at Nueces streets.
The Peddler, 5015 Duval
Shoal Creek Boulevard at Far West right of way.
Thunderbird Coffee, 2200 Manor Road.
Wheatsville Coop, 3101 Guadalupe St.
Whole Foods, Sixth Street at Lamar Boulevard.
Whole Foods Gateway, 9607 Research Blvd.
Yellow Bike Project, 1200 Webberville Road.
If you want to give this biking to work thing a try, check out our Getting Started section for some pointers. If you aren’t sure or are looking for some inspiration, check out my wife Amy’s very well written series about taking the 30 Days of Biking challenge back in April.
I’ve been riding to a lot of business meetings lately which means riding in a suit. I’ve been riding on a Dutch bike, and one of the advantages of these bikes are that because they are equipped with chain guards and fenders you can wear a suit or slacks without worrying about bike grease or road spray. One of the other advantages (at least I choose to see it as an advantage) is that Dutch bikes are best ridden at a slow pace, 12 MPH tops. You can try to ride faster, but honestly the bike fights you. Trying to ride fast on a Dutch bike isn’t a whole lot of fun.
Since they force you to ride slow, I can make it to meetings in the morning in business attire with little or no sweat. I’ve often heard people say they don’t bike to work because there is no shower for them once they are there. This may be legitimate especially with those whose commute is over 5 miles, but it may also be a rationalization. I’d suggest slowing down as an option. Riding a bike does not always have to be a workout. Enjoy your mornings and showers will not be necessary. Just a thought.
on May 18th, 2010 at 7:25 pm
I’ve been reading your blog just about every day since I found out about it a month or so ago. Just wanted to correct one little thing in today’s post: Last year, The Peddler moved from North Loop to 5015 Duval, next to Flight Path coffee house. Keep up the great work!
DaveW
on May 18th, 2010 at 9:01 pm
DaveW,
Thanks for the heads up. I was aware they moved, but cut and pasted this list from another source and had not looked at each entry. I’ve updated the list.
on May 19th, 2010 at 9:49 am
That source would be my article in Southwest Cycling News, reprinted on our website. I am so very sorry for that error. The address IS correct on the map that was printed in SCN and that is online at austincycling.org and on the City of Austin bike month website. I will get it changed in the article on our website. (I ride out of The Peddler frequently and know it moved, I made the mistake of starting with a list of last year’s stations when I wrote that article for SCN, and didn’t catch the address. I sincerely apologize.)
Thank you, Elliott, for promoting Bike to Work Day. I hope to see you at Whole Foods on Friday.
on May 20th, 2010 at 2:37 pm
Support the breakfast stations – visit several on your travels on Friday, snap a photo and meet up at Mellow Johnny’s at 9:00. One World Bikes is providing a t-shirt to the top male and female cruiser. Last year Frye and Kate made it to 12 of 13 but this year there are even more stops! Remember this is not a race… see ya at 9:00.
on May 20th, 2010 at 6:17 pm
I used to let the summer heat and inconvenience of a shower keep me from commuting – then I walked across campus one day for a meeting and realized it would be no worse riding my bike. I now bike in the 6 or so miles, refresh my deodorant and change my shirts and I am fine – even my wife agrees! And every morning I ride, I feel great!
on May 21st, 2010 at 2:55 am
Hey don’t forget to ride your bike tomorrow – free breakfast from 7-9 am in Austin. http://bit.ly/9xtomr #AustinBikeRide
on May 21st, 2010 at 11:22 am
I was foiled by the Shoal Creek/Far West stop for the 2nd year in a row. Last year they were packing up at 9:55 when I rolled by, but this year I rolled by at 9:30 and didn’t even see them.
I guess the moral of the story is I will have to volunteer next year to ensure those cyclist that work a bit later will still get to work with a full stomach.
on May 21st, 2010 at 1:15 pm
RT @austinon2wheels: Happy Bike to Work Day. Ride by one of these stations by 9 AM for some free breakfast http://bit.ly/9xtomr