Lance Armstrong Foundation Weekend 
If you're one of those curmudgeonly Austinites who goes apoplectic at the sight of bicyclists on the road, you're in for a long weekend. Throngs of brightly-clad cyclists will be racing through downtown streets and Hill Country highways as the Lance Armstrong Foundation hosts a series of races and rides culminating with Sunday's Ride for the Roses. A festival atmosphere will prevail as world-champion cyclists, Olympic stars, politicos, and other celebrities gather to support the work and mission of the Lance Armstrong Foundation. When Armstrong survived a life-threatening bout with cancer, he decided he wasn't content to merely survive; he wanted to whip cancer like it was some fat guy riding in the Tour de France. His foundation has now become a major powerhouse in the search for a cure and in helping people manage and survive cancer through research, awareness, and education. The Ride for the Roses has become the Foundation's most visible and rewarding fundraising enterprise, attracting donors, fans, and riders from around the globe. Here's the weekend in a nutshell: Thursday night, it's the big "Live to Ride" Gala with guests Governor Bush, Longhorns coach Mack Brown, ESPN commentator Chris Fowler, and cycling legends Miguel Indurain and Greg LeMond. Friday and Saturday, the Austin American-Statesman sponsors a Bike & Sports Expo, featuring all kinds of biking equipment, health screenings, Ride for the Roses registration, and autograph opportunities. Friday night you can see the speed and beauty of pro racing at the Downtown Criterium, a race around a short track in the heart of the Sixth Street district. Amateur racing begins at 6pm, Women's Pro Race is at 8pm, and the Men's Race begins at 9pm. Saturday there's a 5K Kids Fun Ride led by Lance Armstrong, and Sunday is the big Ride for the Roses, starting at Motorola's Oak Hill Plant on William Cannon. Riders of all ages, skill levels, and places of origin are welcome to ride in 25-, 50-, or 100-mile courses through the Hill Country. Bike & Sports Expo: Fri, May 28, 12-7pm; Sat, May 29, 10-6pm, Austin Convention Center, 500 E. Cesar Chavez; Downtown Criterium: Fri, May 28, 6-10pm, start/finish at Sixth & Trinity; Kids Fun Ride: Sat, May 29, 9am, Zilker Park; Ride for the Roses: Sun, May 30, 7:30am, Motorola Oak Hill, 6501 William Cannon. For all events: 800/496-4402 orhttp://www.laf.org. -- J.C. Shakespeare |
Events YELLOW BIKE PROGRAM OPEN HOUSE Grab the first yellow bike you see and pedal over to the Yellow Bike Open House. Find out about the impact this program has had on the community and what the future holds for free yellow bikes. You'll meet some cool people and be part of a cleaner, healthier, kinder, gentler world. Yeah. Thu, May 27, 6-10pm, 1182 Hargrave. 443-7626. COMMUNITY GARDENING DAY There's a garden party going on! The gang at the community gardens in the Blacklands neighborhood invite you out to see what a busy, productive spring it has been. There will be expert gardeners on hand to answer all questions and to discuss options at the gardens on renting plots so you can grow your own food. After the meeting, stick around for the kids' graduation celebration from the Spring 1999 Youth Gardening Program; my, how they've grown! Sat, May 29, 11am-2pm, Alamo-Mosby Community Garden, 2100 Alamo. 458-2009. MEDITATION SEMINAR As my uncle who ran away with the Bhagwan used to say, "Don't just do something, sit there!" The Know Thyself as Soul Foundation invites you to a free seminar entitled "Reach Home Before Sunset: Meditation for the New Millennium." Well. That should give you something to think about. All peace, contentment and bliss can be had through contact with our eternal Divine Self in the form of Holy Inner Light and Sound. Hallelujah, brother! Pass the hummus! Sat, May 29, 2:30-6pm, Casa de Luz Cielo Room, 1701 Toomey. 482-0374. "GOLDEN GIRLS" CLASSIC CHASSIS CAR CLUB Pistons will be pumping and driveshafts will be spinning as Austin's only gay car club holds its 11th annual car show-off, including a variety of classic American luxury cars, sport and muscle hot rods (ahem), and a few furrr-un vee-hickles as well. Check your oil, mister? Sun, May 30, noon-3pm, Doubletree Hotel, 1016 La Posada (just east of I-35). $5 ($10 includes pizza & salad lunch). FIRST TUESDAYS FREELANCERS GROUP Austin is home for thousands of fortunate, talented people who earn their livings as freelancers. It can get lonely out there working by oneself, so one should mingle with like minds and discuss pertinent issues affecting the fate of freelancers. Do so at this group which meets on the first Tuesday of each month. The June meeting focuses on "Contracts and Billing 101," and will cover structuring contracts and fees, ensuring timely payment of invoices, legal tips on creating contracts, and other related topics. Attendees are encouraged to bring successful systems, contracts, and other items to share. Tue, Jun 1, 11:30am-1pm, Yarborough Library, 2200 Hancock. 452-2448. TEXAS BIRTHING Pregnant? Heard enough horror stories to make you think about having your baby at home? Well, for one thing, midwives never switch babies at birth. Find out about the natural, safe option of home birthing at this free introductory talk. You'll be able to speak with working midwives who will answer all your questions. Wed, Jun 2, 7-8pm, Health Associates Bldg., 1910 Justin. 451-8755. WOMEN'S RETREAT Where and who would we be without our friends? Nowhere, no one. This weekend retreat, "In The Company of Friends," celebrates the role of friendships in our lives. The retreat will be hosted by Linda Pritchett, who teaches writing and literature at UT-San Antonio and Palo Alto College, and her friend Beverly Charles, owner of Connect Consulting, specializing in community building, personal and professional development, conflict resolution and coping with change. Take a friend and make a friend (or two). Fri-Sun, Jun 4-6, Magnolia Oaks Bed & Breakfast, Columbus, TX. $250 (inc. meals & lodging) 749-7755 orConnectwBC@aol.com. SUSTAINABLE FOOD CENTER FARMERS' MARKETS Get the freshest produce around and support the SFC as it helps Austinites grow food for themselves and their communities. The SFC will operate five farmer's markets this summer, employing at-risk youth and giving them valuable business experience. Here's where and when to find them: Wed, 8am-noon, Montopolis Rec Center, 1200 Montopolis; Thu, 3-7pm, Dove Springs WIC Clinic, 5405 Pleasant Valley; Thu, 3-7pm, Rosewood-Zaragosa Neighborhood Center, 2302 Webberville; Sat, 9am-1pm, E. Seventh & Roberto Martinez; Tue, 2-6pm, El Jardin Alegre, E. Second btw. Chicon & Chalmers. 385-0080.
Civic Interest AUSTIN SIERRA CLUB Smart Growth -- it's the official buzzword these days. You've heard about it, you've read about it, but what does it really mean? Join the local chapter of the Sierra Club at their monthly meeting for a panel discussion entitled "A Closer Look at Smart Growth." The panel includes Austin Librach, Susan Handy, Jeff Jack, and Karen Rae. Tue, Jun 1, 7pm (doors 6:30), Hancock Board Room, LCRA, 3701 Lake Austin Blvd. 305-6296. UCPA COMMUNITY CONNECTIONS PROJECT The United Cerebral Palsy Association is looking for big-hearted volunteers for this program which pairs people with disabilities with a "Connector." Volunteer Connectors are matched with people with disabilities according to mutual interests, goals and experiences. Participants might join in community activities, work on individual goals, or just hang out and be pals. Volunteers are asked to give a minimum of three hours per month for a six-month period. There is an application and training process prior to being matched. 834-1827. HANDS ON HOUSING Put your construction and home repair skills to good use with this program run by Austin Metropolitan Ministries. Hands on Housing volunteers rebuild communities one house at a time. If you've been lying around on the couch watching Bob Vila reruns, why not get out and bang some nails? There are several projects currently in the works, and volunteers are always needed. 472-7627, x26. LIFEWORKS CALL FOR VOLUNTEERS It's a crazy mixed-up world and we could all use a little help to get through it. It's hard enough being a teenager today, but imagine being a teen and a parent at the same time -- a pretty daunting proposition. That's why LifeWorks, a network of volunteer agencies, is asking caring community members to serve as volunteer mentors for at-risk youth and teen parents. The next volunteer training session begins on Jun 1 and they would love to have you join them. 327-8018 x15. AMERICAN HEART ASSOCIATION INTERNET PROGRAM The Seton Heart Center is launching a cyberspace program to help people at risk for heart disease and strokes. They are looking for folks to participate in an Internet-based program which will offer educational materials on physical activity, nutrition, smoking, stress, blood pressure, cholesterol management, and treatment adherence. Anyone 18 or over who has two or more cardiac risk factors is eligible. You must be willing to fill out an e-mail questionnaire and access the Web site at least once a week for six months. If you don't have a computer, they have a couple at the Heart Center that you can use free of charge. They are recruiting volunteer participants through Jun 30.324-3057 or sdillon@seton.org. AUSTIN TENANTS' COUNCIL Texas is pretty damn landlord-friendly when it comes to housing disputes, so it's good to know that someone's on the side of the little guy. We pay enough rent to keep these fat cats in the money, so the least they can do is maintain the places we live in. If you've had a problem with your landlord that can't be resolved by rational conversation, ask the Austin Tenants' Council what you can do. 474-1961. YWCA CLASSES The YWCA of Greater Austin, formerly the University YWCA, offers a wide range of useful classes through its womens' counseling programs. Classes on chemical dependency, relapse prevention, self esteem, stress management, and therapy are currently forming. Most are free or low cost. Call for class schedules and registration: 326-1222.
Benefits PROJECT TRANSITIONS PRESENTS TEXAS SWING You have a week or so to practice up on your swing steps so you can dazzle them on the dance floor at this fourth annual fundraiser for Project Transitions. They provide housing and support for individuals living with HIV/AIDS; all you have to do to help out is drink, eat, and dance. Alvin Crow provides live music, and there will be plenty of barbecue and a cash bar. Y'all come on down, y'hear? Fri, Jun 4, 8pm-12:30am, Saengerrunde Hall, 1607 San Jacinto. $25 ($20 advance). 454-8646.
Kids BOBBI'S BIRDS Bobbi Colorado's Tropical Bird Revue will delight you and the kids as these colorful macaws ride bikes, play poker, and ham it up in a 25-minute show. You'll also learn about the dangers facing exotic birds as their natural habitat continues to disappear. Finally, a show that's by the birds instead of for the birds! Sat-Sun, May 29-30, J&M Aviaries, 8647 Hwy290 W. 288-2199. AUSTIN SYMPHONY: CHILDREN'S DAY ART PARK Every Wednesday morning from now until the end of July, children are invited to get up close and personal with the musicians and instruments that make up the wonderful world of a symphony orchestra. Incorporating stories, dances, mimes, magicians, music, and the Instrumental Petting Zoo, ASO's Children's Days are fun for the whole family. Doors open at 9:30am, performances start at 10am and feature special guests (Wed, June 2: Joe McDermott). After the performance, the kids can follow the Pied Piper to the Art Tent and make their own instruments. Picnics encouraged. Wed, Jun 2, 9:30am, Symphony Square, 1101 Red River. 50¢ per child (accompanying adults free). 476-6064. ORGANIC GARDENING SUMMER CAMP Though kids probably don't understand the intricacies of TDA certification and double-digging methods (heck, neither do we), organic gardening can teach them respect and responsibility for living plants and animals even smaller than themselves. Applications are currently being accepted for summer and fall organic gardening classes for young tikes from the ages of two to six. Each child, decked out in rubber knee-boots, gets his or her very own garden to tend, and they get to care for baby chicks too! Ronda's Montessori Garden, 4300 Mount Vernon, 707-8635. TERRA TOYS "Pardon me, sir, but do you have any Grey Poupon? No? How about a tube sock with red stripes?" South Austin's favorite toy store hosts free weekly scavenger hunts all summer. Clue lists are handed out at noon every Saturday Jun-Aug, and the first person or group to return by 6pm with all 20 items wins $15! Second and third place gets cash prizes too; all other players get their pick from the store's treasure chest. Terra Toys also has a regular Sunday afternoon reading of children's books at 1pm. 1708 S. Congress. 445-4489. KIDS STORYTIMES Barnes & Noble Arboretum takes a "Trip Around the World": Tue, Jun 1, 10:30am. Mrs. Lisa's Fish Stories: Wed, Jun 2, 10:30am. 10000 Research. 418-8985. Bookstop Mon storytimes are followed by a craft, so if you can get the kids to sit still through the story, they get to make something fun. Mon, May 31, 11am, 4001N. Lamar. 452-9541. Borders Books & Music kicks off Memorial Day weekend with stories about the earth. Sat, May 29, 11am. 10225 Research, 795-9553. Toad Hall Children's Books Baseball stories: Sat, May 29, 10am & 1pm, 1206 W. 38th. Free. 323-2665.
GAME PLANS FOR THE WEEK OF MAY 28-June4 by J.C. Shakespeare TURNBACK CANYON REGATTA This is the longest-running, most popular boat race on Lake Travis, and you can kick back at many of the lake's restaurants and enjoy a margarita while the brilliantly colored sails drift by. The two-day, 50-mile race is more about fun than competition, and it is open to all sailors. Good spots to watch include the Oasis, Iguana Grill, Carlos 'N' Charlie's, or Shades Restaurant. Sponsored by the Austin Yacht Club. Sat-Sun, May 29-30, 9:30am start, Lake Travis. 266-1336. RIDE FOR THE ROSES The culmination of a festive bicycling weekend, the Ride for the Roses sends thousands of bikers pedaling through the Hill Country. There are races of 25, 50, and 100 miles; registration takes place Fri-Sat at the Bike & Sport Expo at the Austin Convention Center. The event is a huge fundraiser for the Lance Armstrong Foundation. (See box for more info.) Sun, May 30, 7:30am, Motorola Oak Hill Plant. 800/496-4402 orhttp://www.laf.org. BACKPACKING CLASS Ready to head for the hills but you don't know how? "Get Packing! Backpacking Basics" will fill you in on what to take on an overnight hike, how to pack, and where to go for your beginning backpacking adventure. The class is taught at the McKinney Roughs Environmental Learning Center, which is run by the Lower Colorado River Authority. Sat, May 29, 9am-noon, McKinney Roughs, Hwy 71, 13 miles east of Austin-Bergstrom Int'l Airport. 800/776-5272 x8021. ROT HILL COUNTRY CLASSIC BIKER RALLY Get out the chrome polish and spruce up the Hog; it's time to ride. The fifth annual Republic of Texas (no relation to the militia group, thank you!) Biker Rally roars through town, and some 10,000 bikers and fans are expected to flock to the Expo Center for this rally that's starting to rival Daytona Beach and Sturgis, South Dakota. All clubs and all makes of bikes are welcome, for we are all one in the brotherhood of the bike, no? Jun 4-6, Travis County Expo Center. 972/866-8363 or http://www.rotrally.com. AMERICAN CANCER SOCIETY 1999 TEXAS GOLF PASS Here's a great way to golf all over Texas; the golf pass gets you free green fees at 259 courses throughout Texas. The pass makes a great Father's Day gift, and all proceeds benefit the American Cancer Society. The pass is valid through Dec 31, 1999, and it's only $35. Send check or money order to: American Cancer Society, 2433 Ridgepoint, Austin, TX 78754, or call 800/227-2345. CHARITY GOLF TOURNAMENT Play one of the most scenic courses in Austin, the River Place Country Club, and help out the Texas Association of the Deaf and the Self Help of Hard of Hearing. It's a two-player scramble format using a special handicapping system that gives everyone a great chance to win prizes. Take the day off from work and go have some fun. Tue, Jun 15, 8am, River Place Country Club, 4207 River Place. $180 per team until Jun 1, then $220 per team. 346-6784. |
