Results of city council meeting about ESPP

I think Jason summed it up best. I was sitting right behind him as he was typing this up.

Update (9:23pm): There were two people who showed up for the variance, and about 25-30 cyclists who opposed it. After a bit of discussion the board decided to delay their decision for another month so that Lee could meet with the neighborhood association. Several members of the board wanted to move to deny the motion (specifically boardmembers King and Van Olen), but they got beat to the punch by the motion to delay. One board member mentioned how parking his dually on that street effectively blocked traffic, and agreed with the adverse effects increased street parking would have. This was a good outcome.

Next meeting is November 10. More later, but everyone's leaving for beers and I'm going with. Good work y'all! See you in a month, same bat time, same bat council chamber.

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Update (9:13pm): We got first crack at the podium. Lee went first, after which 6 other ESPP-friendly speakers said their peace. We went 2-minutes over, so the people seeking the variance were also given an additional 2 minutes. Since most of the points of street usage, community and historical preservation were covered, I mentioned how it would impact the commuter cyclists of the east side if the shop were removed.

The guy seeking the variance is saying that Lee's business has nothing to do with the building or the variance requested, and should have nothing to do with the issue.

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Update (9:00pm): It's on. The guy who's speaking on the two ladies' behalf is a hard-ass.

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Update (8:56pm): If you want to read the motion for variance in its' entirety, you can do so here:

http://www.ci.austin.tx.us/agenda/2008/downloads/e12c1520080138_101308.p...

Their specific request is to waive the requirement for a minimum of 12 off-street parking spots if they're to remodel the building for use as a restaurant or (in this case) a cafe. This would force patrons to park on the street, increasing the use of right-of way by parked cars and also increasing the danger to bicycles of being caught in the "door zone" of a parked car. Since there are no bike lanes on this portion of 6th St. and there's no way of widening the street, allowing this variance would only take away from the limited amount of pavement through which a cyclist can navigate their way down the street. Talk about some bullshit.

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Welcome to ATXBS' VERY FIRST Liveweblog! Oh shit! That's right, we're getting with the times...

Speaking of time, you've still got time to get down here and sign the paper to help keep them from shutting down East Side Pedal Pushers with this zoning variance. The wheels of justice turn slowly, and this is taking forever. There's probably another hour of this crap before they get to Lee's case, so if you're in the area bike down to City Hall at Caesar Chavez and Guadalupe, enter the front door (leave your contraband at home), and sign this thing. If you're on Lee's side, this is how you want to sign the paper:

C15-2008-0138 - Against - Your Name - Your Address

Afterwards we're gonna grab a drink (if I can convince everyone else to go). Hope to see y'all here!



So there you have it. The next meeting is on November 10th. Not sure what time it will be, but hopefully it won't take as long as it did this time. I was there for three and a half hours.


OLC

Race Update!!!

So I decided that if anyone wants to register for the race early you can. Call me or send an email if you do. What this ensures, is that you get a t-shirt for the race. I will be making about 45-60 shirts, but this doesn't necessarily guarantee you a shirt.

You know you want to! Plus I might key you in on what kind of check points you will be going to.

Today at 5:30 What are you doing?

I know what I am going to be doing. Eastside Pedal Pushers might have to move, because someone wants to cash in on the "eastside" and putting another coffee shop/gallery were ESPP is. We don't need another one. There are at least three in the same general area. This was sent to me in email the other day, so I am posting it up again.

Hey everyone.

Quick breakdown - strange things are afoot on the east side of Austin
TX and Lee needs help. Some hipsters are trying to remove him from
his shop to put in *another* coffee shop on the east side. You all
ride bikes, so you know we need more shops in town than we need more
coffee shops. Don't get me wrong - I love some coffee, but there are
already 3, that I know of, within a mile or so. And Progress it HUGE!

Anyway - if you like Lee, or bike shops, or fighting the power, here's
the stats:

City Council Chambers
301 W. 2nd.
5:30 pm on Monday the 13th

Show up, ride your bike (of course), and try to look *real* mean.

Thanks for your support.


So if you have the time, please come out and support a local owned bike shop that is on the eastside. We don't have to many.

til next time

OLC

Route to Work/MS 150

So this is my new route to work. It has some hills, but they are not to bad. What sucks about them is that they are long gradual hills. I would rather just fight a hill and climb it, then just have one drag every last bit of juice out of me.






So Jenn and I are registering on Wednesday for the 2009 MS 150. So it kind of works for me that my new job is 30 miles round trip because I get to train for it just by riding to work. There will be days that I bike and bus, mainly on Mondays and Fridays, that way I can take a weeks worth of clothes and some lunch. What is nice is Apple has a gym for me to work out at, and of course it has showers. So that means I will get a fresh shower every morning when I ride so I am not stinking up the place. I rode up there the other day, left at 830 in the morning and got there at 945. Temperature was about 70 and the high for the day was 89. My shirt was completely soaked. I can only imagine when it is 105 out in the summer. That is gonna suck ass, but oh well. I will soon be in great shape again. Having been in the wreck made me gain twenty pounds and shrink an inch.....AWESOME!!!! So with that being said, I am looking forward to the rides to work. It will be like "getting two birds stoned at the same time"


til next time


OLC

It's a beautiful day.

So go out and ride your bike. It is one of the best days of the year to be out riding....so go do it. I'm heading out now!!

Margot is home

So Margot made her way home after her 24 hour adventure. I was trying to not let her being gone get me down. I just had a feeling it wasn't going to be the last time I would see her. We put up flyers, went to the animal shelter and I posted a blog and a few other things on the internet. Jenn was still real sad, but I knew there was nothing else that we could do. We had planned on going to the animal shelter everyday to see if she was there, but now we don't have to do that.

Overall I am really happy that she is back. I gave her a bath to make sure she didn't have fleas and what not, plus she had burs all over her, probably from hiding out on bushes all day.

So now that I am in a good mood again, and not feeling sad. Here are some pictures of her when she was a little bitty kitty with her brothers and I think one with Lestat.







til next time

OLC

My cat Margot is missing!!

If you happen to live on the eastside of Austin, past airport and see her please let me know.







She is very much missed.


OLC

WOOOOOHOOOOO!!!!!!

So a little bit of a happier post now. I GOT THE JOB AT APPLE!!!! WOOOOOOHHOOOOOOOOO!!!! So when I get done with my training, all you folks who have macs can ask me how to fix them!!!!

Good job here I come!!!!!

Bike Wars continue

Yesterday I brought up this whole "bike wars" on Craigslist. It seems that this guy or girl are still going at it. The post today made me wan to do something about it.

The Bike War Continues (South Lamar)
Reply to: pers-869748385@craigslist.org [?]
Date: 2008-10-07, 9:52AM CDT


Well it is going quite well! I have taken down 4 bikers in total, only one with heavy damage though. (It is a lot hard than you think to make it look accidental). Thank you to those of you who understand how this war is much bigger that terrorism or a bailout. We must make a stand and destroy all bikers


After reading this I contacted CL and said I know that the rants and raves section is just for that rants and raves, but I think this is taking it to far. I would like if you could get this persons IP address, because I am a cyclist and I feel this is a direct threat on my life and others. I am contacting local law enforcement as well. This is the post just in case it is flagged.

The Bike War Continues (South Lamar)
Reply to: pers-869748385@craigslist.org [?]
Date: 2008-10-07, 9:52AM CDT


Well it is going quite well! I have taken down 4 bikers in total, only one with heavy damage though. (It is a lot hard than you think to make it look accidental). Thank you to those of you who understand how this war is much bigger that terrorism or a bailout. We must make a stand and destroy all bikers


and this is the link. http://austin.craigslist.org/rnr/869748385.html

You can go back a few days and see all the post that are about doing physical harm to cyclist. I have copied them all down via screen shots and also posted them in my blog.

Please do something about this. This is getting out of hand. I was recently hit and had my back broken in five spots and two broken ribs. This is not funny nor a rant or rave, this is assault and potentially murder.

I also then submitted a ticket with APD. After that I called 311 and asked what the next course of action was. The lady I talked with seemed very concerned and transfered me to non emergency police. I told my story again and this lady didn't seem to give a flying rats ass. She told me to call crime stoppers and gave me a bogus number that turned out to be a fax. So I looked crime stoppers up and waited on hold for about ten minutes before someone finally got to me. On a different note, the hold music seemed like is was a porno at first because there was alot of moaning and groaning, and then went into some Jesus music. So I filed a report with them and got a report number.

Jason over at ATXBS is taking it a little lighter than me. He has come up with what this guymight actually be like. I've put a little bit of thought into it (very little bit, as you can see) and I'm just imagining some 48 year old balding guy with horrible near-sightedness and a bad case of epilepsy, living in his mothers' basement and playing Grand Theft Auto all hours of the day. He's not legally allowed to drive a car, but is too out-of-shape and clumsy to actually support himself on a bicycle without falling over. His one attempt at cycling for transportation ended in a traumatic skinned knee and a lot of crying. Ever since that point his anger towards cyclists has festered and grown, slowly becoming what you see before you now.

Instead of DOING what he's talking about, he's created this fantasy world for himself based on an amalgamation of his computer gaming persona, his disappointment at never being behind the wheel of an actual car, and his resentment towards people who are in the physical condition to actually stay aloft and propel themselves on a bicycle. All the things he's been going on about have ACTUALLY TAKEN PLACE in this world he's spun for himself within the confines of his twisted psyche. In this world he's the great slayer of cyclists, routinely racking up kill rates of 75-150 a month. He's become an automobile-driving KILLING MACHINE, at least in his own mind. It's this fleeting fantasy that sustains him, and gives him a reason to wake up another day and play another computer game, secretly wishing he could be one of the ones to take to the road as an active participant, and not just the passenger he's always been relegated to.

Thank the bike gods he's not actually allowed to drive, for if he were to get behind the wheel of his mom's car he might actually be a danger to more than just himself.

At least that's how I imagine him. I truly hope that is the case.

If you want to get involved (you should, if you ride a bike at all) then follow some of the course of actions that I did. You can call crime stoppers at TIPS Hotline - 512-472-TIPS (8477) OR 1-800-893-TIPS (8477). The more reports and calls to APD there are, means that maybe they will take some action.

Also, if you are assaulted, please contact me here, or at lesbennett@ymail.com. Also, if someone throws something at you or tries to run you off the road, you can report it. Call 311 and give them their license plate number. They will log it and hopefully the person or persons will feel some kind of repercussion from it.


Stay safe out there.

til next time


OLC

Just a little upsetting

So every now and then I peek into the world of rants and raves on craigslist to see what people are pissed off about. Some of the stuff on there is pretty funny and others are not. Today seems to be full of people who want to kill and hurt cyclist. I am just going to give a few examples of what has been said so far.


"As I drove to work today in a silly attempt to make money, I inadvertently got caught in you bike race. And after waiting for over an hour on a bridge caught in some no man's land for you lance Armstrong wanna Be's to pass me so that I could continue my drive to work. I hope many of you crashed and are laying in a pool of blood by the side of the road. But if not I am sure going to do my best to run as many of you off the road as I can on my way home today. I will now be doing this on a daily basis until my need for revenge is satisfied. Get a car you bunch of cheap bastards. I hope you guys can bike faster that I can drive or you are in for an accident! Also if any one who participated in this event would like to meet me in an alley some where I would love to beat some biker ass."




"Today is day one of the bike war! And I am one for one. Yes it was you (yellow shorts) on 360 today! Did you think the liquid that hit you was water? No it was just piss! Hope to hit at least 50 by the end of the week."


"I am through slamming on my brakes to avoid hitting a cyclist who runs a stop sign or red light. This has happened 3 time this month (Sept). I am through slamming on my brakes to avoid hitting a cyclist who zips past me on the right side when I am making a right turn. I am through slamming on my brakes when a cyclist pulls in front of me on Lavaca when I am trying to pass them in the center lane and they are in the outer lane. I figure if I can put some of these idiots in the hospital the others will get the message. Cyclist follow the traffic rules and you will not be hurt. Don't use you signals, ride with your head up your ass and YOU will be hurt. I am not slamming on my brakes anymore to avoid hitting you just because you ride a bike.
Olediablo "


"So to offend you but war is hell. It was the biker's that drew first blood. And this is going to get a lot worse before it gets better. I am going to take down at least three bikers a day. Today was just a friendly glass of warm love tomorrow it will be a little cock tale..."


"
One more dead biker.....


BREAK


THE

LAW CAUSE YOU THINK YOUR ABOVE IT

AND

FIND

OUT


WHAT HAPPENS


SPLAT!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!"



"ANOTHER DEAD CYCLIST??? What will it take????? Maybe if lots and lots if them die, they will "get it" that they need to follow the law, too??? You know they guy who hit the cyclist will not even get a ticket, BECAUSE THEY DID NOT BREAK THE LAW, the red light running and NOW DEAD CYCLIST DID!!!!!!!!!!!!!


AND TO THE GUY WHO WORKS IN THE HOSPICE< YOU GO>>>I CAN"T WAIT TO HEAR HOW YOUR "GASSING" GOES, they deserve it!!!!!"








What the hell is wrong with people? I mean I understand that when a cyclist breaks the law it upsets you. I get it, but if someone actually hits and kills a cyclist, that is murder. I understand that sometimes there are elements at play, such as the sun was in my eyes, I didn't see them riding there and so on. What if these people are actually following through on their threats over the internet? Do they use these excuses and get away with it?

Another Dead Cyclist
Reply to: pers-868655748@craigslist.org [?]
Date: 2008-10-06, 1:02PM CDT


These are things that frustrate the ever loving piss out of me. How am I supposed to feel safe riding to work or to the store just knowing that there are people out there that want to kill me just for riding a bike? Whenever you are dealing with people there are always going to be douche bags and people who aren't douche bags. You have drivers that run red lights, stop signs, don't use turn signals, turn (while they are in the far right lane) left and cut everyone off. There are also cyclist who do it too. I am not saying that all car drivers are bad or all cyclist, but there are always bad apples in the bunch. Just because one does something that pisses you off doesn't mean you should take it out on someone else.

I try my damnedest to not get irate when a car driver throws shit at me, I used to chase their asses down and confront them, but where does that leave me? Usually getting into a fight, which didn't resolve the problem. Now I get their license plate number and call it in. Whenever someone throws something at you, that is assault, and they can be prosecuted.

I know that most cyclist are going to ride slower compared to how fast you are driving, but really how much time of a car drivers day does it take up? Maybe 10-20 seconds? Is it really worth almost or killing someone because they inconvenienced you for maybe half a minute? Do you get super irate when you are in line at the drive thru because your order is taking so long? Do you take it out on the person that is taking your money? Or when you are at a restaurant, do you get pissed off because the table next to you sat down after you and ordered their food after you and they get their meal before you get yours. Do you want to kill the waiter or waitress? do you get up and knock over he persons table who got their food before you? No, chances are you don't. So why would someone get pissed off enough to where they want to physically harm the next cyclist they see, just because they go slowed down for a second, or got cut off by a cyclist or fuck they even ran the red light.

Shit happens and not everyone is the same. Not every cyclist runs red lights. Not every automobile driver runs red lights, but you know what???? It happens.

I know that the section of rants and raves, is so you can do just that. What happens when someone follows through? Should craigslist get in trouble? I know that CL can block peoples IP addresses from posting, so why wouldn't they block the folks that are posting that they are going to kill someone and take a log of it and report it to the cops? If I hear of a cyclist getting hit at all this month, I am going to have a copy of each post (screen shot) and give it to the cops, so that maybe if someone does run a cyclist off the road or hits them, they can be prosecuted. My girlfriend works off of 360 and rides to work. Even though she is only on 360 for maybe a mile, it scares e to see stuff like this on CL. What if the next asshole driver tries to take her out? She stops at all stop signs and red lights. I would go absolutely ape shit if someone "took her out" because they are pissed at another cyclist.

Please be safe out there and watch you back. It seems that some people are going to try and "take you out" for no reason, other than you being a cyclist.


til next time


OLC

Eastside Pedal Pushers

So I just saw this post over on ATXBS.

Wanted to let you know that Lee, Scott and the rest of the ESPP community are about to be removed from their spot if the bike community doesn't take action. There are two girls who want to kick them out to build a cafe / art gallery there. I'm a little unclear as to how the bureaucratic details work out, but I know there's a hearing with the Neighborhood Association for that area on Monday, Oct. 13th that is open to the public and they're basically going to be deliberating over the fate of the space. So if enough people show up and give Lee support, the shop might have a case for community value (as opposed to yet another of the many already existing yuppy cafes on E. 5th/6th) and could reasonably work out a deal to stay put. I mean, he's got the only real legit bike shop on the east side (minus YBP of course) so I don't see how he could possibly be deemed unimportant if there's a big enough crowd.

If you know Lee, you'll know he's one of the most un-assuming and worthwhile guys around. In other words, I think it's going to take the rest of the community to be the loud-mouthed obnoxious supporters.

So if you could maybe get in touch with Lee and see what the details are more specifically, would you mind posting about it on ATXBS?

Thanks and good riding,

I just got off the phone with Scott, and the neighborhood association meeting will be on October 13th @ 5:00 pm. Scott said that the girls that are trying to buy it out are looking to have parking spaces and if they can't get them (provide them) they may not be able to buy the building.

I have been going to ESPP for about 2 and a half years now. The shop as of recently has been picking up more and more business. Lee and Scott are two of the nicest and most knowledgeable people I know. They let me come in and work on my bike, and offer and advice and answer questions when I don't know how to fix something.

If you live on the east side, and frequent ESPP then pleas come out on the 13th and show your support.




til next time,

OLC

It's been awhile....

A lot has happened since the last time I made a post. First there was the 26th Annual Harvest Moon Ride. This is by far one of my favorite group rides of the year. I would guess there was about four to five hundred people on the ride. My camera hasn't been working so I didn't get to take any pictures, but Brian McGloin wrote a blog about it and took some pictures. Joe Diamico from the League of Bicycle Voters took a couple of pictures as well. Yes that is fire coming out from the back of the bike with a naked dude riding it. Doug MC took alot of pictures from the ride. I'm not in any of them, but I could give a rats ass if I was.




Next was the bicycle film festival.



I didn't get to go, but there were alot of pretty cool movies from what I hear. I really wanted to see the Lucas Brunelle.
My favorite Lucas video is the drag race in NYC.



It originally didn't have the Broken Social Scene song bandwitch, but I think it fits better with the video....maybe it is just me.

Anyways, I did however get to race in an alleycat before I had to go to work. Ben put the race on, he usually does the fall alleycat. Last year when he put it on I got 5th. This year I got 5th in the race again. I think that he should just give me the prize for 5th anytime I enter one of his races. So first was Danny (bike messenger on a geared bike) second was John Trujillo (bike messenger single speed) third was Lurch (bike delivery geared bike) fourth was a kid named Andrew (I think) he was on a fixed, and then there was me. I rode my steamroller, which is set up fixed. I was happy getting 5th, because I also basically got second as far as fixed.

There is also going to be a crack down on cyclist who don't follow all traffic laws. I am fine with them doing this, but at the same time, I think that they should crack down on people in their cars who hit cyclist. I mean there are some people who intentionally try and hit cyclist, because "they" the cyclist are in the way. There in my mind is a huge "Us vs Them" mentality here in Austin. Cyclist are fed up with the way cars drive, and car drivers are just fed up with cyclist. You can look at any news story that involves cyclist and read the comments about how angry drivers are. It crosses the line when they follow through on their anger.

To piggy back on the "Us vs Them" I don't think this helps. I know that it looks fun, but this in my opinion is not helping the situation.


A Leisurely Friday Afternoon Cruise in Austin, Texas c/o Critical Mass from Jason ATXBS on Vimeo.

Jason and I are friends, and he even said that he didn't want to do it again, but it seems that comment was removed from his site ;)

We also had the tighty whitey pub crawl that is organized by Jessica.

**BEWARE THERE MAY BE SOME BALLS JUST HANGING OUT**









That was one of my favorite Midnight Ridazz rides. The next ride is the Safety is Sexy ride.




Which kind of brings me to my next part. I think as a cyclist you need to be aware of everything that is going on around you., but not only that, you should protect yourself and make yourself as visible as possible to cars. I have lights and wear a helmet. Sometimes I am caught without it on, but 95% of the time I am wearing it.

Christoper Davis was hit on Sunday the 28th. He died on the way to the hospital. From my understanding it was very early in the morning and the driver was on their way to work, and Chris on his way home from work. The driver hit Chris and stopped. That seems to be a rare thing here in Austin, because not all the drivers stop. It seems like 9 times out of 10, they don't stop. Those are not specific facts, just my guess. God speed Chris and ride in peace.My friend Allie is putting on a benefit for Chris on October 12th at the Alamo drafthouse downtown. Please come by and give your condolences and support to a fellow cyclist who died just trying to get home. I will be going to this.

I promise guys I will try and keep the blog more up to date from now one. I know that there are some of you who check on it daily and there is nothing new. Bare with me :)


Now to give you a friendly reminder




I know it is shameless promotion for this race, but I want people to come out and have a great time and eat free food and drink free beer!!!!! Just don't forget to bring a digital camera or have one in your phone!!


til next time

OLC

RACE DAY!!!

Worst of ATX Craigslist #8

So I have to start out with one, that I sent to the BSNYC.

One of a Kind, Kick Ass, Classic Bianchi Fixie - $1300 (Central)
Reply to: sale-837131947@craigslist.org [?]
Date: 2008-09-11, 5:46PM CDT






This is a 1972 Bianchi frame bought straight out of Milan, vintage campy set-up, 52:18, Selle seat, put the whole thing together myself check out the picture and email with questions.


Okay, I Know the bike snob has the pista dex totally covered, but when I saw this pop up in my own home town, I had to say something about it. I have seen plenty of other pista's go for prices almost as high as this, but not quite this high. I understand that it is from the 70's making it vintage, but really the bike is only worth that much to collector's. Just sayin, I wouldn't pay 1300 for a pista.

Edit: Whoever is selling this changed their posting after I posted this blog, the new link is here.

OLC


Aluminum Fixed Gear - $500 (West Campus)
Reply to: sale-837031175@craigslist.org [?]
Date: 2008-09-11, 4:25PM CDT



55cm brushed aluminum conversion, a fresh build with about 10 miles on it. Fits a rider under 5'10".
-New formula hub wheelset, 48/17 ratio, 17 tooth flip flop freewheel.
-Aero fork, drop bars (shown) or risers if you prefer
-Toe cages, finger brake and new handle bar tape of your choice (not shown in the picture).

This bike is a definite looker.

Give me a call if interested
512-964-xxxx
-Will



Well I guess it doesn't matter what the frame is as long as it is aluminum. I mean it could be a walmart bike for all we know. It also looks as to have a HUGE dent in the chain stay. No description of the wheels, except that it has a flip flop hub. Well, he didn't say what kind of frame either, so I guess that is to be expected. I'm surprised he put what size the bike is. I do love the choice of risers or drops, and choice of bar tape!!!! woooohooo!!!


This one just made me about laugh and piss myself.

vintage SCHWINN Sprint single speed - $275 (NORTH)
Reply to: see below
Date: 2008-09-11, 2:59PM CDT









red SCHWINN Sprint
single speed
54 cm
drop handlebars with new grips
front brake

needs new tires
bike is in good condition
ready to ride
512 554 xxxx


*sorry for no pictures, do not have access to a camera*
this picture however is very similar to the bike being sold (minus the water bottle holder, the back brake, the grips are yellow instead of black, it is a single speed and older tires)


Okay??? Seriously?? Why would you be asking 275 for a bike you don't even have pictures of? I mean I get not having a really bad ass digital camera, but almost everyone has a crappy cell phone camera. Don't ask that much for a bike that you don't even have a picture of, I doubt that thing is even a Schwinn.



til next time


OLC

a couple of video's I think fit

So I found a couple of video's that I think fit into what this blog is some what about. I mean it does deal with cars, and bicycle's.

Enjoy, second one is a little goofy.




(Stolen from Adriel over at Austin Cycling News


til next time


OLC