Here’s a quick run down of recommended events for the coming week from our comprehensive calendar of all cycling events. As always, if there is an event you know about that’s not on our calendar contact us, and we’ll add your event on and possibly add it to the weekly round up.

Thursday, January 26

Thursday Night Bike Polo
5:00 PM, Metz Park, 2407 Canterbury St
The Austin Bike Polo Club’s holds 3 hardcourt matches a week, Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Sundays, at Metz Park. All bikes and skill levels are welcome and spare mallets and balls are available if you don’t have any. Check out our article on bike polo for more info.

Thursday Night Social Ride
7:30 PM, Plaza Saltillo, East 5th & Comal
“This week we will be cruising south side to The 04 Lounge for some free beers and good times.” Meet up at 7:30, ride at 8:00. Read our article on the weekly ride. Join the Social Cycling Facebook Group.

Saturday, January 28

Mellow Johnny’s Scout-A-Ride: From Mellow’s to Nelo’s & Major Taylor Meet Up
*NEW START TIME* 9:30 AM, Mellow Johnny’s, 400 Nueces St
Saturday mornings spent exploring City of Austin bike routes finding new neighborhoods and ways to get around on your bike. This week’s theme: From Mellow’s to Nelo’s & Major Taylor Meet Up. We’ll head north along the west side of downtown with a stop at Nelo’s Cycles new location near Steck and Mesa. Our ride will provide us with beautiful rolling hills and a downhill return. Major Taylor Meetup Rides are a call out to cyclists of color to come network and help shape the Major Taylor Austin club in anticipation of a weekend of launch events in late February. Join us for a pre-ride coffee or snack at 9:00 at Juan Pelota Cafe. Helmets required. If driving to the shop, please park in the street.Contact:Stephanie at Stephanie@mellowjohnnys.com.

FrankenBike #78/FrankenBabe #4
10 AM- 4PM, The Parlor, 4301 B. Guadalupe Street
Austin’s monthly free bike swap returns. If you’ve got bike stuff to sell or trade, just show up with a table or blanket to hawk your wares. Come and and join us for a great Saturday Party with Bikes, Bands and Brew to kick off 2012 FrankenBike and our fourth annual tribute to the lovely ladies of biking, FrankenBabe!!! BryCycle will be offering complimentary tune ups for the ladies and we have a great line up of bands including Lucas Cook and IPD

Sunday, January 29

AFWC Ladies Ride
9:00 AM, Mellow Johnny’s Bike Shop, 400 Nueces St.
Join the women of the Austin Flyers Women’s Cycling Club every Sunday for an intermediate, ladies-only ride. This friendly, 2.5-3 hour ride averages 15-16 mph, with routes varying each week. It is a great opportunity for women looking to continue their fitness, learn new routes and meet new riding partners. Beginner women are encouraged to check out the Saturday Scout-a-Route ride for a shorter, more casual route.

Tuesday, January 31

Dirt Derby
Gates open at 5:30, 1st race at 6:30, Austin/Del Valle Motorcross Park, 15400 Pearce Ln
The Dirt Derby is a weekly short course mountain bike and cyclocross race series that takes place at the Del Valle Motorcross Park. It is held every Tuesday night on a lighted course. There are three racing levels, Beginner (20 mi @ 6:30), Intermediate (MTB 25 min @ 7:00/CX 25 min @ 7:30), and Open (30 min @ 8:05), and you do not need a USA Cycling license to race. In addition to weekly prizes, there will be 3 six week series racers will be scored on for more prizes. Registration closes 10 minutes before each race. Cyclocross racers start one minute behind Short Track MTB, use slightly different courses, but everyone finishes on the same lap. $10; women, beginners only $5. Second race same night $5. Kids are free!

Austin Bike Chix Beginner Ride
6:30 PM, Northwest District Park, 7000 Ardath St.
There is a new series of bike rides in town for those new to cycling or for those that just need to dust off that bike. Austin Bike Chix will be offering a series of rides to Austin Area adults. The rides will start at Northwest Park on March 22 at 6:30 PM and will continue on Tuesdays for 6 weeks. The series of rides will be more like mini clinics (with topics ranging from chains to hills) to give new riders knowledge about the bike and confidence to be able to do the shorter distances on some of the local charity rides and beginner rides in town. These rides are perfect for those wanting to do ride in the Tour de Cure or are a first time triathlete. We will be riding on the road, all bikes are welcome. All rides are free.

Wednesday, February 1

Free Women’s Only Maintenance Classes
6 PM, Bicycle Sport Shop South, 517 S. Lamar Blvd
Free maintenance class covers pre-ride safety inspection, wheel removal, tire change, and proper cleaning and lubrication. You’ll learn the basics to keep your bike rolling safely and smoothly. This class is women only and taught by a woman mechanic on the 1st Wednesday of each month.

Restorative Yoga for Cyclists
7:30 PM, Mellow Johnny’s Bike Shop, 400 Nueces St
Spend your winter keeping the body warmed and relaxed with Restorative Yoga for Cyclists at Mellow’s Johnny’s. Long miles accompanied by yoga will help you release tension, stay injury-free and set you up for a blazing Spring. Our class is great for non-cyclists, beginners and elite athletes. Join us after a ride, run or long day at work or school. Every Wednesday 7:30-8:30pm (downstairs) Suggested donation of $10 or $5 if you bike ride to class. Mat provided by MJ’s.