Two years ago, the downtown Whole Foods decided to explore doing deliveries by bike.  I have been wanting to start a monthly segment highlighting jobs in the Austin area where people are making a living on a bike.  Whole Foods is a perfect starting point. I arranged a time to meet up with Matt Whetstone, the coordinator for bike deliveries.  While we waited for an order to come in, we talked a little about the program.

How many riders are currently delivering groceries by bike?  We currently have 5 full-time riders and a couple of part-timers.

How does one go about ordering groceries, and get them delivered by bike? Call 512.542.2243. Tell them what you want.  Pay.  Wait for your delivery to arrive within an hour or two.  The delivery zone is roughly 15th Street to the north, Town Lake Lady Bird Lake to the south, Mo-Pac on the west, and Springdale Rd to the east.  If you aren’t sure if you live in the delivery area, give them a call.

Bike lanes are great when you have 100lb of food behind you.

What is the delivery radius?  The delivery zone is roughly 15th Street to the north, Town Lake Lady Bird Lake to the south, Mo-Pac on the west, and Springdale Rd to the east.  If you aren’t sure if you live in the delivery area, give them a call.  

Is there an App for that? How is payment handled?  Currently all of the orders are taken over the phone, but in the very near future there is going to be a website dedicated to ordering some of the most common things being ordered.  No app yet, but who knows.

How much does it cost to get groceries delivered to your door?  Absolutely FREE, as long as you buy $10 worth of stuff.

What do you deliver?  Anything we sell in the store, a lunch order from the salad bar, a pizza, and entire weeks worth of groceries, crates of water.  The only exception, sadly, is alcohol.  It if was legal for alcohol to be delivered by bike, you might need twice as many riders, but for everything else in the store if we sell it you can get it delivered.

What kind of bikes are the used to do the deliveries?  We started with 26′ hybrid bikes but quickly discovered those were not going to work.  Now we have a couple of additional road bikes.  Riders of similar size share rides when possible.  Anything to avoid riding those previously mentioned hybrids. Along with the racks, there are a couple of trailers which can carry up to 200+ lbs of food. 

Notice the additional reinforced supports for the wheels on the trailer, carrying all that Topo Chico is hard on the already rugged trailers.

The bike cage, where all the bikes get looked over before heading out each day.

All that riding must mean you have quite a bit of maintenance, who does the wrenching?  Each rider is responsible for the basic day to day maintenance, but most of the big stuff is handled by a partnership with Austin Bikes.

What are five things you carry with you at all times?  Phone, Breakdown kit (tube, tools, etc), helmet, WF wicking shirt, bag. 

How does one become a bike deliverer?  Up until this point, everybody who has become a bike deliverer has already worked at the store in some other capacity.  We get more than enough applications from current employee’s, but that being said, this isn’t an easy job where riders are out cruising around, we expect the bike crew to be working hard and make as many deliveries as possible (rain or shine….except for lightning).  

Do the riders get any special training?  Obviously the interview process is a little different because we are looking for people who already have some experience riding bikes or are going to be comfortable riding in traffic.  Riders still get additional training on appropriate riding techniques.  The riders out on the street are representing the store when they are making deliveries, so it important riders are modeling appropriate riding behavior.  Our riders are different than your stereo-typical bike messenger, no fixie’s, slower riding, bigger loads.

You wouldn't know it from looking at the trailer, but there are 100 baguettes in that trailer.

Eventually an order was ready to go out for delivery.  Justine’s Brasserie in east Austin orders 100 fresh baguettes nearly everyday, and nearly everyday this are delivered via bike.  I rode along with Adrian as we shot nearly straight east from Whole Foods HQ.  We moved at a steady pace, heading due east, and because it was the day before Thanksgiving, traffic was light.  Riding past a number of “door zones” I asked Adrian where the most dangerous areas to ride were, surprisingly the he said he was most careful right around the store.  Without any bike lanes, high volume traffic, and people pulling in and out of the store, it is real easy for a cyclist to get lost in the mix.  The entire 7 mile trip, took less than 35 minutes.  I seriously doubt you could do the entire trip by car in less than 45 minutes.  Normally this type of trip would include additional deliveries on the way back to HQ but since it was a slow day we just headed back.

Day 4: Easter Sunday.  Hmmm.  Sundays are tough for us, transportation wise.  We are a one-car, two-church family.  If he’s going to church alone, Elliott is perfectly willing to ride his bike; it’s 7 miles each way, and even though there are lots of long climbs involved, he is undaunted.  My church, however, is 3 miles further on, 10 miles from our house… and did I mention the climbs?  I am extremely daunted.  Throw two kids in the mix and you have yourself a bike-loving family using a combination of car, bus, and walking on Sunday mornings.  Is there a way to make this work on bikes?  Maybe.  But I know better than to experiment with this when it means my kids might be late for the Easter egg hunt and all it’s sugary loot.  Today’s bike ride ends up being a relaxing roll around the block after the kids are in bed.

Days 5, 6,  7, 8: Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday.  This is an absolutely crazy week, with a meeting ever day after school at a campus about 7 miles away.  Could I handle a 14 mile round trip?  Maybe.  Could I get there in time for the meetings?  No way.  On Tuesday I managed to take my bike the way I usually do in the morning, then race home, grab the car, and drive like a maniac to get to my meeting.  On Wednesday, I figure out a way to carpool with a friend.  But every afternoon, for four days in a row, I find myself sitting in my car.  One afternoon, traffic comes to a complete stop.  I just missed the off ramp.  I’m locked in a steel and glass box and I feel trapped, trapped, trapped!  A guy zooms past us on the shoulder and cuts in front of me, and I experience the worst case of road rage I have ever had in my life.

Now I know that for some folks a 30 minute commute each way is just a normal day; that used to be a normal day for me.  But now, a normal day for me usually involved no more than 10 minutes in the car, sometimes less.  More than about 20 minutes in a car and I start to feel antsy, anxious, confined.  For me, a normal day usually starts off with a bike ride; chatting with my son, listening to the birds, breathing hard on the big hill.  These 4 days I have not had that relaxing start I have become accustomed to, and I realize that not only do I enjoy it, I think I actually need it.

The silver lining?  I am developing an appreciation for the after-dark, after-the-kids-are-in-bed leisurely ride around the neighborhood.  It’s so quiet, and my familiar neighborhood is suddenly mysterious, almost exotic.  Normally my riding is utilitarian; I ride to work or to daycare or some other errand.  But on these late-night escapes, I feel the same lightness that I felt as a kid, out riding my bike just because I like the breeze in my face, wandering with no specific destination.  Some nights I go riding around in the dark in my pajamas, which feels deliciously scandalous.  The thrill of sneaking away from my sleeping children is surprisingly similar to the thrill of sneaking away from my sleeping parents so many years ago, and I suddenly feel young.  Sometimes, if it’s really late, all I can hear is the sound of the wind in the trees, and I look up to see Orion keeping watch over me.

Bikes on the beach at Pace Bend

Ridge Riders in a nutshell…
When the Ridge Riders was established in 1987, mountain biking was still in its infancy. As mountain biking has grown, so has the Ridge Riders. If you ride on a trail in Austin the Ridge Riders have likely had a hand in it. Besides trail work, the Ridge Riders promote safe environmentally friendly biking, organize rides, volunteer at biking related events and work to the benefit of mountain biking in the greater Austin Area. The Ridge Riders are as passionate about giving back to the community as they are about having fun. Calling them a club may be selling them short as an organization. If it’s Austin and its mountain biking, it’s also the Ridge Riders.

An organization reflected in their president…
After spending five minutes speaking with Judi Ronkartz, you understand why she was elected club president. Her enthusiasm for mountain biking and the Ridge Riders gushes forth. Judi started biking seven years ago, after a running injury forced her to seek out a new method of keeping in shape. Her new hobby quickly turned into a passion. Like many people, Judi became addicted to the little victories you get every day mountain biking. Those victories may be that sketchy downhill section you have never cleared or that loose rocky climb that you have always had to walk up. For Judi, running is work, but biking is fun. There was a natural draw to the Austin Ridge Riders. In 2006 she was elected vice president of the club and was elected president in 2007.

Rides rides and more rides…

Group Ride at Pace Bend

It doesn’t matter what level of biker you are, the Ridge Riders has something to be involved in. If you picked up your bike yesterday, you can ride on any number of group rides organized by the Ridge Riders. Membership is not required. It is a fantastic way to get the wheels under a first time rider. Group organizers are friendly and willing to help. Feeling timid about biking? Worried about flat tires or broken chains? Group rides are perfect, everyone is there to help and show you the ropes. All of the rides are ‘no drop’, so there is no chance of being left behind.

Group rides are also a great place to meet other bikers. Some popular rides are the Sunday ride at Walnut Creek and the monthly club ride that takes place at different locations around Austin. Keep an on their website or the A2W calendar for dates and times.

Ride like a girl…
Women who are interested in mountain biking can sometimes feel intimidated by the predominately male participation in the sport. That is why the Ridge Riders have created the Ride Like a Girl program. This program is specifically by and for women riders. The volunteers will show female riders the ins and outs of mountain biking in a safe, friendly and supportive environment. Before long these girls will be showing the boys a thing or two! Ride Like a Girl generally meets every Monday through the end of September at various locations around Austin.

Ride like a kid…

Kids Trips 2008

Perhaps one of the most rewarding aspects of the Austin Ridge Riders is Kids Trips. Kids who participate are educated in mountain biking skills, etiquette and safety. The Ridge Riders work to develop the next generation of safe courteous mountain bikers by instilling in the children the six basic IMBA rules. Volunteer ride leaders engage the kids in numerous outdoor physical activities. A fleet of kid-friendly bikes and equipment for the children is provided for those who need them. Often times Kids Trips is the first exposure children get to mountain biking. All youth groups are welcome and fun is the name of the game! Visit the Ridge Riders website for more information.

Riders on patrol…
Mountain biking, perhaps more so than other activities, is prone to difficulties. Anyone who has ridden for any length of time has likely experienced a flat tire, broken chain, or a gnarly fall. Sometimes riders go out unprepared for the ride or possible problems they may encounter. The Austin Mountain Bike Patrol is there to help. With the guidance of the IMBA this group of ARR volunteers prowls the trails on a regular basis, providing mechanical assistance and first aid for bikers.

Mountain bikers sometimes get a bad reputation. They are accused of damaging trails or endangering hikers. Some of these accusations are grounded in reality. The Austin Mountain Bike Patrol works to teach riders proper trail usage rules. Prevention is always the best medicine and the more bikers following the rules, the better we all look.

Play hard, work hard…
Mountain bikers need trails. Fun, fast, technical, rideable, exciting trails! A great deal of the Ridge Rider’s efforts goes into improving and expanding the Austin trail network. At any one time they may have three or four ongoing trail projects on the burner in various parts of Austin. The work is done during trail days, often a Saturday or Sunday. It is always done with the consent of the land managers responsible for the area. Having the consent of the land managers is paramount. Rogue trail work can cause a great deal of damage to the natural habitat and it is also illegal.

Trail work is not just great for mountain bikers. It is also a boon for organizations that support it. After trails were completed at Muleshoe Park there was an increase in year round attendance, in part due to mountain bikers taking advantage of the new trails. More trails also mean that the trails are less crowded overall as hikers and bikers have more places to spread out and enjoy.

This summer the ARR has major ongoing trail work at Pace Bend Park. They are collaborating with Austin County Parks to add six additional miles of sweet mountain bike trails. Work is from 8am to noon with a tasty sandwich reward at the end. Work will be ongoing through September, so be sure and check the dates and times. Bring your bike to hit the shiny new trail afterwards.

ARR has already completed five miles of trails at Lake Georgetown. An additional six miles are planned with the help of the Army Core of Engineers. The new section will stretch from Cedar Hollow to Tejas. This will create a 26 mile trail around the lake and promises to be an awesome ride! Also in the planning stages is an additional corridor at McKinney Falls state park that will double the trail length from three to six miles.

If you would like to get involved with any of the trail work go to their website to get dates, details and contact information. Much of the work is sponsored by local bike shops, REI and other businesses. There are often prizes, food and other benefits. For all of the TMBRA racers out there, the trail work qualifies for PayDirt hours. This nets you up to sixty extra points in the series!

Membership has its benefits…
You may be asking why you should become a member of the ARR. After all anyone can attend any Ridge Rider event. Besides the simple fact that membership is awesome, there are a number of other benefits. For only $20 you get a drawstring shoe and bag as well as a subscription to Southwest Cycling News. There is also free park entry at ARR events and free food at monthly group rides.

Mountain biking is not just about riding…
Sometimes it’s about hanging out with new people and drinking a few beers. ARR will have a strong presence and be providing volunteers for Tour de Fat. This event, organized by New Belgium Ale, raises money for cycling related non-profit organizations. Besides some great beer it will be great fun! Keep October 17th open on your calendars, bring your bike and come early!

If you are interested in anything discussed here, the ARR website is a great place to start. Get your membership papers filled out and come to the Muleshoe Birthday bash on August 8th!

I would like to introduce myself. My name is Logan Maynard. I am the newest contributor to Austin on Two Wheels. With my mountain biking experience I hope to compliment the experiences of Marcus and Elliott. I am still getting familiar with the layout, but I hope to contribute to all aspects of Austin on Two Wheels.

I have been biking since I can remember. In fact, I can remember. I got my first bike at about four. It was an awesome bike, for a four year old. A bright yellow BMX, training wheels and it seemed huge. It was not. I have since had many bikes, but I really started riding in 2001 while in California. It was the first bike I ever purchased for myself, a Gary Fisher Hoo Koo E Koo. It was a good bike and it traveled with me to Germany, however it fell into disrepair while I worked in Kuwait. It could not come with me and I could not ride it there if it did. When I returned to the US in 2008 I had a choice of places to live. I chose Austin. I also had a choice of bikes. I chose a Specialized Stumpjumper FSR 29er. It’s a big bike, but I’m a big guy. However, I wanted something to take me to the store and around town, so I got a Redline Monocog Flight 29er as well. It’s a great bike for running around and dirt simple. I now ride nearly every day that weather allows. Much of my riding is at Walnut Creek. If you want to go for a ride, feel free to drop me a line. I ride mostly for fun and I do not maintain a grueling pace, but I am almost always willing to go.

Biking the 'nut on my single speed

As with any new position I will undoubtedly make mistakes. I hope that I will be forgiven. You will likely see me at various bike related events around Austin. Please stop me and say hi. As always Austin on Two Wheels appreciates your bicycling related stories, tips or events. Please submit them by e-mailing us or using the contact form.

What bike(s) do you ride?

I ride a Specialized Globe City commuter bike. I also own a 1981 Bridgestone Regulus which I intend to repair and ride some. My wife owns a Raleigh 3-speed which we intend to tune up so she can ride and so that I can put a child’s seat on the back for our grand daughter.

Are you car-free, a one car family or a 2 car family?

My wife and I own one car.

Do you commute to work by bike? If not, how do you get to work and why not bike?

I have been biking to work again for months, and now that the weather has cooled, I ride home as well. Earlier I would put the bike on a bus for the return trip.

Do you use your bike for other errands? Which ones?

I ride for work errands or to lunch during work. I run few errands otherwise and will drive on the weekend if it is 5 miles or more. I will use the bike for short trips on the weekend to the grocery store.

What can stop you from riding?

Hot weather, mainly; sometimes an early morning business meeting that requires clothing not suited to biking.

What has been your best experience on a bike?

Perhaps the time my wife and I crossed the Rhine River while riding from Heidelberg to Speyer many years ago with a couple of French friends.

What has been your worst?

A bad fall in Germany when the bike wheel slipped between the streetcar tracks and the paving stones.

What accessory on your bike could you not live without?

Rack and panniers, and above all the water bottle.

If you could be any fruit or vegetable, what would you be and why?

A carrot to match my hair. I have been called ‘carrot face’, but only by friends.

What do you wear on your commutes? Does your work offer any facilities for changing clothes or showering, or do you use an outside source such as a gym?

I wear a t-shirt and shorts and change into more suitable clothing once I arrive. We do not have showers at work and I do not clean up much.

What is the largest load you have carried on a bicycle?

I once rode home with another bike, holding it with one hand with the other hand on my bike..more than once, I think. I have carried many heavy things on the back of my bike. In Germany, I would ride to the American grocery store on base and come back with a loaded pannier, a loaded basket on the back rack, a backpack full of groceries on my back, and two loaded canvass bags, one on each handle bar. I drew a lot of attention.

How long have you been using a bicycle for transportation/errands etc?

I started in 1976 in Denton TX, then rode much in Germany in 1980-81; then rode from married student housing on Lake Austin Blvd to the UT campus in the 1980s while in grad school… then back in Germany again from 1989-93, when we did not have a car–I rode everywhere.

What physical & emotional changes have you noticed from cycling?

Loss of weight now that I have started again; a great feeling at the end of the ride. I get a rush when I complete my return trip home knowing that I have been able to climb those S. Austin hills.. I call these moments my ‘Lance Armstrong moments.’

Why did you start cycling?

Environmental reasons I suppose… in the wake of the 1973 oil embargo, which changed my perspective in a number of ways.

Do you wear a helmet when cycling?

Yes but do not believe in helmets should be mandatory.

Loaded and ready to ride

Originally uploaded by austinbikeblog

Nicole’s commuter and around-town bicycle: step-through frame, comfortable geometry, and a great milk crate loaded with everything needed for a day out.