Garrido's to cater our Gala

We were so excited to announce that our Fundraising Gala had sold out, but then found out we were able to open it up to a few more people so there are still a few tickets available for sale.  We really hope you'll join us and take part in supporting our cause.

As our way of enticing you, we thought we'd sneak you a peak at the food we'll be serving at our fantastic event.  Catering our event is the deliciously fantastic restaurant, Garrido's.

Below is a sampling of what they'll be serving on November 12 and to purchase your tickets, please visit www.bekindtocyclists.org.

2011 Gala Menu includes:

• Chips, Guacamole, Salsa & Queso
• Smoked Salmon dip with Habanero and capers
• Pork Bocaditos with watermelon and Goat Cheese
• Shrimp Bocaditos with chipotle and horseradish
• Pumpkin rice balls with Jalapeno crema
• Guajillo Hummus with tortilla chips
• Brisket tacos with truffle aioli and pico
• Mushroom tacos with ancho crema and rajas
• Pastel de Calabaza with Lemon Crema

Gala Update

We're a month away from our first annual Fundraising Gala and the excitement continues to build.

Not only do we have some of the most amazing musical talent this city has to offer, but many of Austin's top business people and city representatives will be there as well...including Bruce Todd and Chris Riley.

In addition to all of this, our silent auction is sure to provide so many temptations that you'll just need to bid on.  Items included in our auction are being added every day with some of the latest additions being from Perlas Restaurant, Austin Paddle Sports, The W Hotel, Paramount Theatre, and Kruger Jewelry.

Tickets are still available, and we hope you'll join us on November 12th at Pure Austin Fitness.  Purchase your tickets right here.

Share the Road Animated Video

Have you seen the new Share the Road animated video that was put together to increase bicycle safety awareness here in Austin?  Be sure to check it out and watch for the cameo by our very own Al Bastidas and the Please BE KIND to Cyclists logo.

This video is a creative collaboration amongst local Austin businesses for increased bicycle safety and awareness. Original music from Austin based composer Justin Sherburn from Okkervil River.

Toronto Cyclists Union

We're all in this together....so when we see other organizations doing great things to promote healthy communities and safe cycling, we like to take notice.

The Toronto Cyclists Union is just one of the great organizations out there doing fantastic things.  Have a look at what they wish to achieve:

The Toronto Cyclists Union is a member-based organization working to create a city where anyone can ride a bike safely and enjoyably, regardless of age, ability or location. We envision a transportation system where an 80 year old man in Etobicoke can bike with his grandchild to the park, where a mother in Parkdale with 3 kids can run errands, get to work, and buy groceries all by bicycle, where a morning commute is no longer gridlock and frustration, but a swift and safe bike ride from St. Clair to Bay Street. Getting more people using bicycle transportation for trips under 3 km is the fastest, cheapest and healthiest solution to the real challenges of congestion, pollution and rising energy prices, particularly as we experience population increase. The city developed an excellent bike plan – unfortunately, the chain fell off. The Toronto Cyclists Union is the citizen’s tool for getting the city tuned up and shifted into high gear, through discussion, education and advocacy.

Congratulations to the Toronto Cyclists Union and we wish them all the best in achieving their goals.

The Dutch Cycling Embassy

So much can be learned from the Netherlands and how they have successfully integrated cycling into the lifestyle of their country and created an incredible cycling culture.

We look up to the Netherlands and our organization is here to make sure to move our culture in that direction.

Please enjoy this magnificent video from the Dutch Cycling Embassy:

A Great Day for Riding a Bicycle

This past Sunday, we held our annual Please BE KIND to Cyclists Ride. It was our fourth year of holding the event which is intended to promote bicycles on the road, safe riding, and to celebrate the bike.

It was a fantastic morning in Austin and the riders who participated enjoyed some beautiful weather as they embarked on the 20 Mile and 40 Mile (well actually about 35 mile) routes.
When everyone got back to the parking lot at Pure Austin Fitness, we had a huge array of food and drinks for everyone.  Breads, pastry's, Beanitos, Coffee, and Sweet Leaf Tea....and enough of it to feed an army.

We have a whole bunch of pictures posted on Flikr from the ride so please click this link to view them and see if we were able to capture you in a few.

https://picasaweb.google.com/108554922973800131727/2011PBK2CRIDE?feat=email

Please also check out this link with the news story on the ride covered by KEYE TV:

http://weareaustin.com/fulltext?nxd_id=179687

Thanks again to everyone who participated in this year's ride and we hope to see you again next time.  A big thank you also goes out to our sponsors for the event: Pure Austin Fitness, Beanitos, Sweet Leaf Tea, Bicycle Sport Shop, Jack and Adams, Taco Deli, Whole Foods, and Central Market.

SafeLanes

We are very fortunate and extremely happy about the support that www.safelanes.com has provided to Please Be Kind to Cyclists.  With a mission statement like this, how can we not be:

Our mission is to promote bicycle awareness, safety and education for all people. Our goal is to raise $50,000 to help Please BE KIND to Cyclists and BikeTexas in their campaigns.

So far they have raised over $16,000 which will be split between our organization and Bike Texas.  We are so very thankful for all that has come in so far and look forward to them reaching their goal of $50,000.  This funding will be extremely helpful as our organization moves forward and begins to implement all the programs and ideas that we have in order to help create harmony on the roads.

We will not rest until our mission has been fulfilled.