Middle of the Road Ride (MOTR)--Creedmoor
Date: December 1, 2012 @ 8:30 am to 11:30 am
Location: - Mellow Johnny's Bike Shop
400 Nueces
Austin, Texas
Led by the University of Texas Cycling Team
This ride is a great fit for the intermediate rider who has spent some time on the bike riding in groups and on urban roads, but is looking for a bit more challenge in distance and speed. This no drop, co-ed ride averages 17-20mph in the front group, and 15-16mph in the second/sweep group. We typically start in one large group of 50+ people, and naturally split into intermediate and advanced groups. Routes vary from 30-40 miles on in-town bike routes and/or on roads with low to moderate traffic. Riders for this group should have experience riding in groups and understand the etiquette of group riding, be able to change a tire and address minor mechanical issues.
This 35 mile ride begins with a roll out through downtown. The group continues riding south and east to Creedmoor traveling varied terrain. Riders pass an exotic wildlife ranch and spend some time on the old Tuesday Nighter course. There are wonderful views of the city atop the rolling hills along this route.
General group ride expectation: helmet, bike in good working condition, water and nutrition, flat changing tools, and no headphones. We encourage you to ride your bike to the shop. However, if you do drive, please park in the street.
For pre-ride coffee or snack, meet at Juan Pelota Café a half hour before ride time.
For more information or questions contact us by email here.
Bike rentals http://www.mellowjohnnys.com/products-and-service/rentals/
Scout-a-Route Ride: Southern Culture (off the grid)
Date: December 1, 2012 @ 9:00 am to 12:00 pm
Location: - Mellow Johnny's Bike Shop
400 Nueces
Austin, Texas
This 18-mile route takes us south of downtown via Bouldin, rolling through the Emerald Forest to South 1st Street and back.
These rides are co-hosted by Mellow Johnny’s and the Austin Cycling Association. This no-drop, co-ed group ride is perfect for the cyclist new to riding or bike commuting, returning to the bike or just looking for a more casual ride. The routes are designed to help riders navigate the city bike routes and other safe bike commuting options.
Thank you for making this a popular Saturday morning ride. In response, we are now hosting two groups for this ride. The first group is designed for those who can average 14-16mph for 20-30 miles with one or two regrouping points. This group follows the same route but is provided with an extended mileage option.
The second group is our traditional Scout-a-route. We average 12mph for distances between 15-25 miles with regrouping points.
Both rides are intended to explore, so leave your heart rate monitor at home, bring some spare dollars for the occasional refreshment stop and enjoy the view.
General group ride expectation: helmet, bike in good working condition, water and nutrition, flat changing tools, and no headphones/radios. We encourage you to ride your bike to the ride but if you are driving, please, park in the street.
For pre-ride coffee or snack, meet at Juan Pelota Café a half hour before ride time.
Questions or information contact Stephanie or Julie at ride@mellowjohnnys.com .
Bike rentals http://www.mellowjohnnys.com/products-and-service/rentals/
Sunday Violet Crown Ride
Date: December 2, 2012 @ 8:15 am to 10:45 am
Date: December 9, 2012 @ 8:15 am to 10:45 am
Date: December 16, 2012 @ 8:15 am to 10:45 am
Date: December 23, 2012 @ 8:15 am to 10:45 am
Date: December 30, 2012 @ 8:15 am to 10:45 am
Location: - Mellow Johnny's Bike Shop
400 Nueces
Austin, Texas
The Violet Crown Ride, one of the oldest group rides in Austin meeting every Sunday morning for over 30 years, has moved to Mellow Johnny's!
The Sunday Violet Crown Ride is less intense than the Saturday VC Ride, but still a speedy group ride. This ride is a great fit for the intermediate rider with good fitness who is accustomed to riding in groups. This co-ed ride averages 17-18mph for 50-60 miles. Riders for this group should have experience riding in groups and understand the etiquette of group riding, be able to change a tire and address minor mechanical issues. Riders should come expecting a challenging road ride and bring the proper equipment. Please don't wear headphones or bring tri-bars on a group ride. We typically ride out against the wind and have a tailwind on the way home as nature intended. Speaking of nature, expect one "nature break" around 20 miles into the ride, and one store stop around the mid-point of the ride.
Wheels down at 8:15am.
Route: routes will vary.
Pace: 17-18 mph for 50-60 miles. Moderate pace with some stops, but it is not a "no drop" ride.
What you need to bring: road bike, clipless pedals, helmet, bike in good working condition, the experience and tools to change your own flats, water and nutrition. Please no headphones/radios. We encourage you to ride your bike down to the shop. If you do drive, please park in the street. For pre-ride coffee or snack, meet at Juan Pelota Café a half hour before ride time.
For pre-ride coffee or snack, meet at Juan Pelota Café a half hour before ride time.
For more information or questions contact Stephanie or Julie at ride@mellowjohnnys.com
Bike rentals http://www.mellowjohnnys.com/products-and-service/rentals/
Tuesday Morning Blazing Saddle Ride
Date: December 4, 2012 @ 6:15 am to 8:45 am
Date: December 11, 2012 @ 6:15 am to 8:45 am
Date: December 18, 2012 @ 6:15 am to 8:45 am
Location: - Mellow Johnny's Bike Shop
400 Nueces
Austin, Texas
Join Mellow Johnny’s and Team 787Racing for a blazing fast morning road ride. Meet at the shop for a 6:15am sharp roll out. This ride is for the cyclist who wants to put in some fast miles before heading off to work. It is NOT a “no drop” ride. Rides average 20+mph, covering ~40 miles (2-2.5 hours) of hill work in West Austin. So, if you can’t keep up, you may find yourself rolling along solo.
***LIGHTS ARE A MUST*** (this time of year)
General group ride expectation: Lights, helmet, road bike in good working condition, water and nutrition, flat changing tools, bike lights and no headphones. We encourage you to ride your bike down but if you are driving, please park in the street.
For more information or questions contact Stephanie or Julie at ride@mellowjohnnys.com
You can contact bike rentals at http://www.mellowjohnnys.com/products-and-service/rentals/
Middle of the Road Ride (MOTR)--Rising Sun: Elroy
Date: December 8, 2012 @ 8:30 am to 11:30 am
Location: - Mellow Johnny's Bike Shop
400 Nueces
Austin, Texas
Led by the University of Texas Cycling Team
This ride is a great fit for the intermediate rider who has spent some time on the bike riding in groups and on urban roads, but is looking for a bit more challenge in distance and speed. This no drop, co-ed ride averages 17-20mph in the front group, and 15-16mph in the second/sweep group. We typically start in one large group of 50+ people, and naturally split into intermediate and advanced groups. Routes vary from 30-40 miles on in-town bike routes and/or on roads with low to moderate traffic. Riders for this group should have experience riding in groups, be able to change a tire and address minor mechanical issues and understand the etiquette of group riding.
MOTR will take riders out east past McKinney Falls State Park into Elroy, Texas and then back into town. This 35-mile route varies in terrain...flat, rolling and often great tail wind sections.
General group ride expectation: helmet, bike in good working condition, water and nutrition, flat changing tools, and no headphones. We encourage you to ride your bike to the shop. If you do drive, please park in the street.
For pre-ride coffee or snack, meet at Juan Pelota Café a half hour before ride time.
For more information or questions contact us by email here:
Bike rentals http://www.mellowjohnnys.com/products-and-service/rentals/
Scout-A-Route: From Mellow's to Nelo's
Date: December 8, 2012 @ 9:00 am to 12:00 pm
Location: Mellow Johnny's - 400 Nueces
We'll head north along the west side of downtown with a stop at Nelo's Cycles near Steck and Mesa. Our ride will provide us with beautiful rolling hills and a downhill return. The distance is about 20 miles.
These rides are co-hosted by Mellow Johnny’s and the Austin Cycling Association. This no-drop, co-ed group ride is perfect for the cyclist new to riding or bike commuting, returning to the bike or just looking for a more casual ride.
Thank you for making this a popular Saturday morning ride. In response, we are now hosting two groups for this ride. The first group is designed for those who can average 14-16mph for 20-30 miles with one or two regrouping points. This group follows the same route but is provided with an extended mileage option.
The second group is our traditional Scout-a-route. We average 12mph for distances between 15-25 miles with regrouping points.
Both ride distances are intended to explore, so leave your heart rate monitor at home, bring some spare dollars for the occasional refreshment stop and enjoy the view.
General group ride expectation: helmet, bike in good working condition, water and nutrition, flat changing tools, no headphones, and please park in the street
For a pre-ride coffee, meet a half hour before ride time at Juan Pelota’s Café. If driving to the shop, please park in the street
For more information contact Julie at julie@mellowjohnnys.com
Bike rentals http://www.mellowjohnnys.com/products-and-service/rentals/
Webberville Cyclocross Race
Date: December 9, 2012 @ 8:00 am to 2:00 pm
Location:
Cyclocross is ON with Mellow Johnny's! There's no better way to spend a Sunday outside riding your bike and heckling your friends.
Grab a six pack and bring your heckling skills to the Webberville Cyclocross race. Mellow Johnny's is proud sponsor with Violet Crown Sports Association to host the Webberville Cyclocross Race Sunday, December 9th! This race is promised to bring tons of cash payouts, great product giveaways from Louis Garneau and a few extra prizes of surprise. This race is part of the TXBRA series.
Our very own Mellow Johnny's staff will be racing and providing race mechanics.
2013 New Year's Ride and Open House
Date: December 11, 2012 @ 1:11 pm
Location:
Start the New Year off right! Mellow Johnny's invites you to spin the legs out and open house after the ride.
Join Mellow Johnny’s and our amazing women's team, the Austin Flyers, for your choice of 2 great FREE New Year’s Day rides. Routes will be 25 and 40 miles. (Route descriptions here). Both rides leave at 9am, we will be open at 8am so you'll have plenty of time to fuel up with our breakfast tacos and Stumptown Coffee.
Questions or information contact Julie@mellowjohnnys.com
Bike rentals http://www.mellowjohnnys.com/products-and-service/rentals/
Why We Open at 7 am
Date: December 12, 2012 @ 11:57 am
Location:
Anyone scheduled to open the Shop has it a little tougher these days. It’s a dark commute. We open at seven a.m. each weekday, which is cruel and ungodly for those who are accustomed to a 9, 10, or eleven o’clock wake up call. You can probably imagine that not many new Madones are rolling out the door at 7:30 am on a Tuesday.
This begs the question, "Why open so early?"
It’s our belief that the answer to this seemingly simple query says a lot about who we are as a bike shop and what we are trying to accomplish. Conceived as something beyond the basic, Mellow Johnny’s works hard to promote the cycling lifestyle and provide a commuter hub for the downtown Austin area. We’ve got clean showers, day-use lockers and everything else that you would need to get ready for a day of work. If you ride your bike to MJ's you can get a fresh towel and we’ll even store your bike for the day—no lock required all for $1. This is all based around the simple premise that if we make commuting easier, more people will commute. Amazingly enough, extolling the virtues of biking to work goes over a lot better when you’re not taking a bath in your office sink.
We’ve also added staff to our service department. A lot of staff. We’ve committed ourselves to a quick turnaround time at the shop. Chances are, if your bottom bracket is creaking on t
he way to work, by the time you pick up your bike on the way home it’ll be fixed.
But that’s only a small portion of what we’ve been doing. Our behind the scenes work with organizations and events like Bikes for Kids and People for Bikes, our efforts to bring Bike Share to Austin and even our Director of Operations seat on the board of Movability Austin reflects our commitment to cycling and this great city. Many of our employees are going to city council meetings and getting involved with new projects on a weekly basis.
The hours that we put in for things like this may not have a direct economic impact on our shop. Instead, they help to promote the sport/transportation we love and grow the community in a healthy way over the long term. Besides the espresso, it’s one of the greatest things about this place.
We open early because it’s necessary. Because work starts at eight. If you’ve ever thought about commuting, come and see us. Show up on one of our Scout a Route rides to get a feel for biking in the city. New bike lanes pop up daily, and there’s just something remarkable about riding through a vibrant town on a bike. I can guarantee that it will give you a new appreciation for the city.
JB & Sandy's Bikes for Kids 2012
Date: December 15, 2012 @ 7:00 am to 5:00 pm
Location:
Bikes for Kids Distribution Day
Saturday, December 15 • 7 am
Mellow Johnny’s Bike Shop is a proud partner with Mix 94.7 and the JB & Sandy Morning Show for a fifth year to provide bicycles to needy Central Texas children through the 16th Annual Bikes For Kids campaign.
Mellow Johnny’s turned into Santa's Workshop and recruited a large number of volunteers to participate in “build parties” where over hundreds of Trek bicycles have been assembled, tested, and ready to be given to children and families who are nominated based on need and merit. "On behalf of Mellow Johnny's, we would like to give heartfelt thanks to all the volunteers who helped this year. We finished two weeks ahead of schedule and couldn't have asked for better volunteers". said Mellow Johnny's marketing director, Lauren Ziedonis.
“Receiving your first bike is a special memory that stays with you well into adulthood, one that every child should have the opportunity to experience,” said Mellow Johnny’s general manager,
Craig Staley. “This event provides that experience, and we feel more fortunate than ever to be involved with such a rewarding community event.”
Donations have been raised by individuals as well as corporate sponsors. A donation of $150 will provide a child with a bicycle, lock and helmet.
The giveaway will take place on Saturday, December 15th 7am-10am at Mellow Johnny’s, which is located at the corner of 4th and Nueces Street. The JB & Sandy Morning show will be broadcasting live from the event.
Middle of the Road Ride (MOTR) Happy Buda Route
Date: December 15, 2012 @ 8:30 am to 11:30 am
Location: - Mellow Johnny's Bike Shop
400 Nueces
Austin, Texas
Led by the University of Texas Cycling Team
This ride is a great fit for the intermediate rider who has spent some time on the bike riding in groups and on urban roads, but is looking for a bit more challenge in distance and speed. This no drop, co-ed ride averages 17-20mph in the front group, and 15-16mph in the second/sweep group. We typically start in one large group of 50+ people, and naturally split into intermediate and advanced groups. Routes vary from 30-40 miles on in-town bike routes and/or on roads with low to moderate traffic. Riders for this group should have experience riding in groups, be able to change a tire and address minor mechanical issues and understand the etiquette of group riding.
We will ride the Happy Buda route, a 35 mile route that takes us through south Austin to Buda and back again. There will be a water stop at the turn around point in Buda. We will roll out together to Old San Antonio Road stopping at the Walgreen’s on Loop 4 to regroup for the return ride back to the shop.
General group ride expectation: helmet, bike in good working condition, water and nutrition, flat changing tools, and no headphones. We encourage you to ride your bike to the shop. If driving, please park in the street.
For pre-ride coffee or snack, meet at Juan Pelota Café a half hour before ride time.
For more information or questions contact us by email here.
Bike rentals http://www.mellowjohnnys.com/products-and-service/rentals/
Scout-A-Route: North X Northwest
Date: December 15, 2012 @ 9:00 am to 12:00 pm
Location: - Mellow Johnny's Bike Shop
400 Nueces
Austin, Texas
These rides are co-hosted by Mellow Johnny’s and the Austin Cycling Association. This no-drop, co-ed group ride is perfect for the cyclist new to riding or bike commuting, returning to the bike or just looking for a more casual ride. The routes are designed to help riders navigate the city bike routes and other safe bike commuting options.
Thank you for making this a popular Saturday morning ride. In response, we are now hosting two groups for this ride. The first group is designed for those who can average 14-16mph for 20-30 miles with one or two regrouping points. This group follows the same route but is provided with an extended mileage option.
The second group is our traditional Scout-a-route. We average 12mph for distances between 15-25 miles with regrouping points.
Both rides are intended to explore, so leave your heart rate monitor at home, bring some spare dollars for the occasional refreshment stop and enjoy the view.
Route: Today's 25 mile ride will take us through wonderful bike friendly Austin neighborhoods like Old Enfield, Tarrytown, and Allendale.
General group ride expectation: helmet, bike in good working condition, water and nutrition, flat changing tools, and no headphones/radios. We encourage you to ride to the shop. If you do drive, please park in the street.
For a pre-ride coffee, meet a half hour before ride time at Juan Pelota’s Café. If driving to the shop, please park in the street
For more information contact Stephanie or Julie at ride@mellowjohnnys.com
Bike rentals http://www.mellowjohnnys.com/products-and-service/rentals/
Teach a Kid to Ride
Date: December 18, 2012 @ 12:27 pm
Location:
We all cherish our first solo ride without training wheels and without adult assistance. Freedom! Independence! Speed! But most of us don't remember the pain, suffering, and anxiety our parents endured while trying to give us that cycling experience. We've done a lot of that here, too, and we've settled on a pretty simple, effective, and empowering teaching method.
1. Find a Grassy Place to Learn
Find a grassy area like a field or park with a mild downhill incline. Ideally, it finishes on a flat or slight uphill to slow him down. Give yourself plenty of room without obstacles. Inevitably, the child will take a spill, but a soft landing will be forgotten quickly, and maybe a bit fun. Make sure to laugh when it happens. Plus, the soft friendly surface will be less intimidating than tarmac.
2. Take the Training Wheels Off
You won't need them. The child will experience balancing and coasting without aid—and without trauma .It's important that this sensation is part of the experience.
3. Lower the Saddle
This allows the kid to comfortably put her feet firmly on the ground. Also, you can take the pedals off to avoid foot tangle, effectively creating a balance bike. This is optional.
4. Hold the Bike While the Kid Mounts
Stand behind the bike while your child steadily mounts the bike and put his feet on the ground.
5. Practice Walking
Simply tell the kid to walk with the bike. Gradually get faster, with longer strides and more "air."
6. Stay Behind the Kid
Speak instructions and encouragement while not being a visual or physical distraction. Don't grab the handle bars, as it creates an additional crutch to overcome.
7. Coast with Both Feet Off the Ground
Let the incline provide momentum, and the kid will lift his feet, experience solo riding, and gain confidence.
8. Repeat!
Practice this, as the kid will get used to balancing and really riding on her own. Incorporate pedaling at this time.
9. Raise the Saddle and Advance to Pavement
Try the driveway, a parking lot, or cul de sac for advanced practice.
Middle of the Road Ride (MOTR)--Western Hills Wander
Date: December 22, 2012 @ 8:30 am to 11:30 am
Location: - Mellow Johnny's Bike Shop
400 Nueces
Austin, Texas
Led by the University of Texas Cycling Team
This ride is a great fit for the intermediate rider who has spent some time on the bike riding in groups and on urban roads, but is looking for a bit more challenge in distance and speed. This no drop, co-ed ride averages 17-20mph in the front group, and 15-16mph in the second/sweep group. We typically start in one large group of 50+ people, and naturally split into intermediate and advanced groups. Routes vary from 30-40 miles on in-town bike routes and/or on roads with low to moderate traffic. Riders for this group should have experience riding in groups, be able to change a tire and address minor mechanical issues and understand the etiquette of group riding.
MOTR will dance the Western Hills Wander. This is a great ride for those who love climbing! The 32 mile route takes you out Loop 360 to Bee Caves road all the way to Hwy 71 and then back the same way.
General group ride expectation: helmet, bike in good working condition, water and nutrition, flat changing tools, and no headphones. We encourage you to ride your bike to the shop. If driving, park in the street.
For pre-ride coffee or snack, meet at Juan Pelota Café a half hour before ride time.
For more information or questions contact us by email here.
Bike rentals http://www.mellowjohnnys.com/products-and-service/rentals/
Scout-A-Route: Mueller Meander (extended)
Date: December 22, 2012 @ 9:00 am to 12:00 pm
Location: - Mellow Johnny's Bike Shop
400 Nueces
Austin, Texas
This 20+ mile route takes us into the wonderful rolling hills of east Austin to check out the Mueller development. We've changed up the route a bit to add some distance.
These rides are co-hosted by Mellow Johnny’s and the Austin Cycling Association. This no-drop, co-ed group ride is perfect for the cyclist new to riding or bike commuting, returning to the bike or just looking for a more casual ride. The routes are designed to help riders navigate the city bike routes and other safe bike commuting options.
Thank you for making this a popular Saturday morning ride. In response, we are now hosting two groups for this ride. The first group is designed for those who can average 14-16mph for 20-30 miles with one or two regrouping points. This group follows the same route but is provided with an extended mileage option.
The second group is our traditional Scout-a-route. We average 12mph for distances between 15-25 miles with regrouping points.
Both ride distances are intended to explore, so leave your heart rate monitor at home, bring some spare dollars for the occasional refreshment stop and enjoy the view.
General group ride expectation: helmet, bike in good working condition, water and nutrition, flat changing tools, and no headphones. We encourage you to ride your bike down. If driving, please park in the street.
For a pre-ride coffee, meet a half hour before ride time at Juan Pelota’s Café.
For more information contact us by email here.
Bike rental information: http://www.mellowjohnnys.com/products-and-service/rentals/
Flyers Ladies' Sunday Rides
Date: December 23, 2012 @ 9:00 am to 12:00 pm
Date: December 30, 2012 @ 9:00 am to 12:00 pm
Location:
SUNDAYS: Flyers Ladies' Sunday Rides– Led by the Austin Flyers Women’s Cycling Club. Sorry boys, only girls are allowed on this intermediate and friendly 2.5-3 hour ride averaging 15-16mph. It’s a great opportunity for ladies who want a good workout, new routes, and new riding partners.
*Wheels down at 9:00am. Please arrive prepared with a road bike, clipless pedals, fix a flat gear, and have confidence to ride with others in a group. If you're on the fence or not sure, call or email Julie@mellowjohnnys.com (512) 473-0222. We will be offering road skills clinics on a monthly basis and the Saturday Scout a Route ride is a great option.
Wondering what Intermediate means? We've come up with a system that describes the level of ride experience and are comfortable riding in groups. Click here to read more. This ride is geared for Allie's and Betties.
Scout-A-Route: McKinney Falls
Date: December 29, 2012 @ 9:00 am to 12:00 pm
Location: - Mellow Johnny's Bike Shop
400 Nueces
Austin, Texas
This 20 mile out and back ride provides a variety of riding terrain (flat, climbs, descents). The shorter group stops at the park for a break and to regroup. Then heads back to the shop. There is a 6 mile extension option (for a total of 26 miles) that continues past the park, regrouping at the gas station on the corner of Salt Springs and Thaxton. We continue on Salt Springs to Willlian Cannon. Once back on Mckinney Falls Pkwy, we head back the way we rode out.
These rides are co-hosted by Mellow Johnny’s and the Austin Cycling Association. This no-drop, co-ed group ride is perfect for the cyclist new to riding or bike commuting, returning to the bike or just looking for a more casual ride. The routes are designed to help riders navigate the city bike routes and other safe bike commuting options.
Thank you for making this a popular Saturday morning ride. In response, we are now hosting two groups for this ride. The first group is designed for those who can average 14-16mph for 20-30 miles with one or two regrouping points. This group follows the same route but is provided with an extended mileage option.
The second group is our traditional Scout-a-Route. We average 12mph for distances between 15-25 miles with regrouping points.
Both rides are intended to explore, so leave your heart rate monitor at home, bring some spare dollars for the occasional refreshment stop and enjoy the view.
General group ride expectation: helmet, bike in good working condition, water and nutrition, flat changing tools, and no headphones/radios. We encourage you to ride your bike down. If you do drive, please park in the street.
For pre-ride coffee or snack, meet at Juan Pelota Café a half hour before ride time.
Questions or information contact Julie at julie@mellowjohnnys.com .
