Volkswagen announces two-year partnership with Peopleforbikes.org and Bikes Belong
Peopleforbikes.org
Our movement is taking a major step forward today. Leading auto company Volkswagen of America announced its sponsorship of Peopleforbikes.org and our parent organization, the Bikes Belong Foundation. VW will donate significant funding to support our key initiatives to improve bicycling in the U.S., including the PFB movement and the Safe Routes to School National Partnership, which is dedicated to getting more kids safely biking and walking to school.

We are working with VW as part of its Think Blue initiative, which encompasses all of the company’s efforts to promote eco-friendly mobility and encourage environmentally conscious behavior. VW has a history of working to improve its sustainability. Its factory in Chattanooga is the only auto manufacturing plant in the world to be…

Austin Bike Culture Calendar Events: 1/26- 2/1/12
by elliott            Austin on Two Wheels
Here’s a quick run down of recommended events for the coming week from our comprehensive calendar of all cycling events. As always, if there is an event you know about that’s not on our calendar contact us, and we’ll add your event on and possibly add it to the weekly round up.
Thursday, January 26
Thursday Night Bike Polo
5:00 PM, Metz Park, 2407 Canterbury St
The Austin Bike Polo Club’s holds 3 hardcourt matches a week, Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Sundays, at Metz Park. All bikes and skill levels are welcome and spare mallets and balls are available if you don’t have any. …

FrankenBike is taking over the world! (Plus canoe races and swim clinics)
By Pam LeBlanc            Fit City

Six thousand runners, including me, have registered for Sunday’s 3M Half Marathon & Marathon Relay on Sunday, but three other cool outdoorsy events are planned for this weekend.

Prefer biking? …

Asheville bids for 2014-15 cyclo-cross nationals
by Neil             carolinacyclingnews.com
Asheville bid organizer Will Black
Three cities are in the running to host the 2014 and 2015 cyclo-cross National Championships: Boulder, Colorado; Austin, Texas; and Asheville, North Carolina.

To determine viability, USA Cycling examines the strength of each bid after reviewing the proposed course, venue location and available facilities. Additionally, USA Cycling meets with the local convention and visitors bureau and sports commission staff. …

Recent downpour puts temporary damper on cyclist’s quest
By Rachel Mehlhaff / Staff Writer            Denton Record-Chronicle
Rain slowed Michael Hunter down a bit as he makes his estimated 25,000-mile trek around the United States to raise money for a youth mentoring organization.

“Riding in this kind of rain isn’t on my to-do list,” Hunter said Wednesday.

To follow the journey, visit www.tinyurl.com/7uxg6dc

So far, the 22-year-old has traveled more than 4,000 miles, reached 13…

Severe storms drench Texas, spawning tornadoes 1/25/2012
www.cbsnews.com
HOUSTON — Buckets of rain and powerful winds that apparently spawned several tornadoes swept across Texas on Wednesday, forcing drivers to abandon cars on flooded roads but not dropping enough water to make up for a historic dry spell.

The squall of storms swept from north to south, first pounding Dallas and Fort Worth overnight. At dawn, rescue workers were able to peek into car windows to make sure people weren’t stuck in cars stranded in windshield-high water. …

…By midday in Houston, some roads and freeways were flooded, and the Houston Independent School District cancelled all afterschool activities. The National Weather Service also confirmed that a weak tornado tore the roof from a bicycle shop in Pearland, about 18 miles south of Houston. …

Hyundai Weekend Outdoor Report – Texas Independence Bike Tour
www.myfoxhouston.com
DR. JIM SIEBERT  Chief Meteorologist
Every Wednesday, Thursday, and Friday night on FOX 26 News at Nine, Chief Meteorologist Dr. Jim Siebert features a weekend outdoor event as part of the Hyundai Weekend Outdoor Report. Below you’ll find the most recent even mentioned on-air.

Summary:
The Texas Independence Bike Tour is a one day event bringing cyclists from the Houston area together to tour the San Jacinto Battleground and adjacent communities raising funds to support the Deer Park Rotary Club…

Schedule of Events – 2012
www.texsunrandonneurs.com
Endurance cycling across south Texas
Official cue sheets, which may include revisions, will be available at the ride start. Start times will be sharp.  Please arrive with sufficient time to depart on schedule.  There is no guarantee that someone will be available to provide ride materials after the official start time.
There are no fees to ride. In the spirit of randonneuring, these rides emphasize self-sufficiency. There is NO formal SAG or other support. Riders may receive personal support only at the control stops along the route.

January 28
200KM ACP Brevet
Port Isabel, Texas – Lighthouse Square
Sign-in: 06:30 – 07:15 / Start Time: 07:30
Pre-registration only. Registration must be received by January 25.
February 25
200KM ACP Brevet
300KM ACP Brevet
Port Isabel, Texas – Lighthouse Square
Sign-in: 06:00 – 06:45 / Start Time: 07:00
Pre-registration only. Registration must be received by February 22.