New A2W Sponsor: CycleTracks App
by elliott        Austin on 2 Wheels
Austin on Two Wheels is pleased to announce our latest sponsor, the CycleTracks Application. The smartphone application was developed by San Francisco County Transportation Authority to help determine the need for new bicycle facilities and is currently being tested in Austin by the Texas Transportation Institute at the Texas A&M…

Bike tour of CowParade Austin
by By Pam LeBlanc        Fit City
Time to get moooving.

The Austin Cycling Association will lead a bicycling tour of CowParade Austin from 6-9 p.m. Sept. 12.

Participants will pedal through urban pastures, photographing as many of the 100 painted bovines in their native habitat as they can round up.

The tour will start with light snacks, socializing and an introduction of group members who are running for the club’s 2012 board of directors. Afterward, riders are invited to share their photos and enjoy dessert (cookies and…

Living ‘off the grid’: Man loses job, wife, home, decides to bike across the world
By CONOR MAKEM        cmakem@fosters.com
Two years ago, Ari Gold’s life was at a tipping point. The company he worked for in Las Vegas, which made slot machines, had gone belly up and he couldn’t find a replacement job. He and his wife had divorced and he had to leave his house. Gold had no idea what to do. …

…Upon leaving Texas, Gold made his way north, looking once again to cross into Canada. He was waiting for his wife to send him a passport. Short of it, the Canadian government needed several pieces of ID, which he had, thanks to bank statements, military IDs, a driver’s license and more. Then they told him they needed proof of $1,000 in income a month to prove he could…

Elbowz sweeps Tour of Austin; McRae, Purcell battle in women’s race
By VeloNews.com
With support staff sporting neon orange tank tops and muscle T’s, a race packet containing an assortment of costume mustaches, and a queen stage on the historic grounds of the Austin State Hospital (formally named the Texas Lunatic Asylum), the Tour of Austin, a three-day criterium series over Labor Day weekend, fully embraced the town’s official motto: Keep Austin Weird. …

Officer Placed on Administrative Leave After Allegedly Beating Bicyclist
by Steven Romo – sromo@kristv.com
ARANSAS PASS, Texas – The officer accused of police brutality in Aransas Pass has been put on paid administrative leave, according to city officials.

On August 10th, Martin Ortiz was riding his bicycle home and was allegedly in a confrontation with Officer Jason Torres.

Ortiz remains hospitalized unable to speak, according to family members. …

Labor Day Ride and Picnic Photos
by marc@mcmumby.com (Marc Mumby)
Thanks to everyone who helped by leading, bringing food, telling stories, organizing, cleaning up, and just for showing up!

We had a GREAT Labor Day event this year with a wide range of ride and food options.

And, it was all in temps BELOW 85. …