A Cyclists Guide to SXSW

I’ll arrive at SXSW for the Mobile Socials, Built, and a talk about making stuff on Saturday. Also to see friends, party, and congratulate Zeldman on his “hall-of-fame” status. This month we launched our new Velocity collection and once back in town, will settle into the Spring, Summer, and then Cross season with the D-Plus. In Austin, I’ll have a new project bike with me and maybe some Italian steel too.

Gowalla and Bikehugger Mobile Social Bike Ride - SXSW 2010 Festival - Austin, TX

Photo by KK+

Bike Hugger’s more than 5-year history is intertwined with our friends in Austin. It’s there that I came up with the idea for a blog about bike culture, riding socially at tech events, and launched Built.

In recent messages, I’ve been asked

Where can we find bikes?

and

Do we need a badge for that?

This year it’s easier than ever to get a bike with SXCycles, a free bike share program. Reserve one from Velolet now. Also check the local shops in town for rentals, craigslist, and thrift stores.

Austin is a total bike town and that’s another reason we visit every year. Also, even for the casual cyclist, here’s a tip: downtown Austin is about to get gridlocked and the smart attendee zips around on a bike.

To the badge questions, the free Bike Share requires a badge, but the Mobile Socials do not. You do need a wristband to get into the Google Village for the start and end of the ride on Saturday. The ride on Saturday requires no badge or wristbands.

Note: riding with us is not required either, you’re welcome to just show up for the party.

Mobile Socials at a Glance

Mobile Social SXSW 12 with Google Maps

map image This is the first ride that starts and ends at the Map House inside the Google Village.

  • 4:00 – 5:00 PM – meet up at Bar 96 with Google at their Map House for Swag + Fun
  • 5:00 – 6:00 – ride with Social Cycling ATX at Festival Beach
  • 6:30 – 10:00 – arrive back at the Google Map House

Mobile Social SXSW 12 with Social Cycling ATX and Tern

tern icon This is the second ride with Social Cycling ATX and Tern.

  • 5:00 – 6:00 PM – meet at Club Deville for cheap beer and a Marching Band
  • 6:30 – 8:00 – ride with Social Cycling ATX and Tern
  • 8:00 – 10:00 – arrive at The Frontier for free beer and food with the Grill Girls.

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