Newsletter - September 2008

Dear supporters of Yellow Bike,

-The Yellow Bike Project (YBP)

BICYCLE FILM FEST -  The international Bicycle Film Fest is finally making it to Austin, September 19 and 20.  There will be four screenings of different collections of bike themed cinema (including Tandemonium, a short directed by YBP's Nathan Wilkes), all showing at Studio 501, on the corner of E. 5th and Brushy Street.  Tickets for the whole series are $25.  See http://bicyclefilmfestival.com/2008_site/austin/ for a full schedule and to buy passes online.

PARK(ING) DAY EVENT - Also on September 19, Austin is observing Park(ing) Day, "a one day global event. . . where artists, activists, and citizens transform metered parking spaces into parks, playgrounds, and social spaces."  Yellow Bike and several other groups will be participating in the transformation on Colorado Street, between W. 2nd and W. 3rd Streets.  See http://www.artseenonline.com/parkingday.html for more details and be sure to roll by and enjoy the festivities.

YBP HALLOWEEN PARTY - Speaking of festivities, YBP is planning a Halloween night party at Spider House, at 2908 Fruth Street.  The event will be a fund-raiser for our New Headquarters Fund and should be a certified blow-out in the tradition of our 11th Birthday Party, held across the patio at the United States Art Authority.  We have another exciting and varied musical line-up planned (including Queen, David Bowie, and the Artist Formerly Known As..) and if you were at the Birthday Party you already know you want to be there Halloween night.  But if you missed the Birthday, trust us, you don't want to miss the hoopla this time.  Mark your calendars and stay tuned for more details. 

TOUR DAS HUGEL - It's not too early to start training for this years Tour Das Hugel, planned for November 15.  The ride, now in its fifth year, has a route of 105 miles and takes participants up Austin's most grueling hills, featuring 14,600 ft of climbing.  The ride focuses on "fun and the love of bikes, community, and hills," and the organizers are encouraging participants to make donations to Yellow Bike's New Headquarters Fund, in lieu of ride fees and " in the spirit of giving back."  Symbolizing of our long uphill struggle against car culture, YBP volunteers will help with ride support on race day.  For more info, go to http://www.tourdashugel.com/Home.html.

YELLOW BIKE CAR CRUSHER - Our main focus is still on bicycles as transportation and getting unused bikes back on the road.  But we also don't mind getting a few gas guzzlers out of circulation while we're at it.  Since announcing this program in last month's newsletter, three cars have been crushed.  Thanks to those who donated and to long-time YBP collaborator and Austin Bike Zoo-keeper Jeremy Rosen for coordinating the program.  If you've got an auto you want out of your life, why not double your carbon/karmic credits by donating it to benefit YBP's New Headquarters fund?  Email us (austinyellowbike@gmail.com) to get the ball rolling.

BIKE LANE CLEARANCE - Stuart Werbner is the mastermind behind a new scheme to make Austin's bike lanes safer and debris-free through the synchronized efforts of bike-commuters. He envisions an informal adopt-a-bike-lane program, in which individual cyclists commit to stewarding a section of their daily route, clearing it of nails, sand, glass or other hazards as necessary.  If you're interested in joining the two-wheeled hand-broom army, drop Stuart a line at stuwerb@gmail.com .

LANIER HIGH SCHOOL BIKE CLUB - Lanier High School teacher Liza Eyster is sponsoring a new Bike Club, which meets weekly at the school, during students' advisory period.  The Club's activities will include group rides, mechanics and safety training.  YBP is happy to contribute by donating a full tool set to the group.

NEW HEADQUARTERS FUND - As you can probably tell by reading thus far, our fund raising drive is still going strong. Our site development process and long-term lease negotiation are both progressing as well.  In addition to attending parties and rides you can also click here to donate online.  We are hoping to open our new headquarters by Spring 2009, so please give what you can to make this a dream a reality.

We are still looking for help from licensed electricians, plumbers, and general contractors as well as general help with digging, framing, shop organization, painting, and planting (click here to let us know how you can help). Thanks to everyone who has already contributed or expressed interest in lending their expertise toward making our vision a reality; we will keep your contact information handy, and be in touch to take you up on your offer of help as the building process evolves and the time comes to get your hands dirty.  Visit our website for more details on our new home and how you can contribute.

Rendering of YBP's planned headquarters at 1200 Webberville Road (more details...)

ACCOUNTANT ADVICE NEEDED - We are still looking for professional guidance on keeping our book-keeping up-to-date and accurate as we continue to grow as an organization.  If you have the expertise and time to sit down with our treasurers, please email us (austinyellowbike@gmail.com).

TREASURE CITY SHOP UPDATE - We are maintaining a four day a week schedule at our Treasure City shop.  Stop by to work on your bike, peruse our selection of ready-to-ride bikes or volunteer and gain new skills while rehabbing donated bikes.  The thrift store is staying open late Friday nights and so are we, with a weekly bike-in movie commencing at 9pm.  For more info on this and other Treasure City events, see http://www.treasurecitythrift.org/ .

SCHEDULE - Subject to change after the first Tuesday of the month - check the website before coming by . . .