Even though it was early Saturday morning around 7:30 AM, I felt excited to be heading out and kicking it into high gear for the 2nd annual Kidical Mass ATX. After packing up my car with all my photo booth and other supplies for tabling I went to start my car, and it was dead. I felt like I had to think fast, so I pulled what I could from the back seat, crawled to the back to get my camera and packed up my cargo bike. I wish I had been able to set up a lil earlier, but I'm glad I made it for the start of the ride. It was great seeing everyone roll back to the middle school to enjoy a fun lil after-party hang with friends, fellow partner orgs and activities Big thanks to the brave folks who stopped to pose with the my DIY signs. Also big thanks to parent climate ghisallo getthereatx for putting this great event together. 📸 Link to check out all the photos HERE 📸

I highly encourage you to take some time soon and add a lil flair to your ride set up and or personnel bike attire, not only to be extra visible on the road but in celebration of Bike Month! ✨💛✨💛

B lining to the event and packing up my cargo bike was a fun experience and perhaps a lil bike story for the future ;)

See pics from - BTWD 2023 + after party

Whether or not we host an event this month, I hope you all enjoy May with a little extra spirit of cycling and alternative mobility. Keep pedaling and exploring!

Valerie

BIKE MONTH!!!

There's so much going on this month in Austin to celebrate Bike Month! Whether your celebrating in your own neighborhood or with friends around the city we hope you know how amazing you are for biking!

Kick off Bike Month with a mid-day free community party at Mendez Rec Center! Hosted by Ghisallo Cycling Initiative in partnership with Get There ATX
All month long: Ride at least 2 days a week throughout May, and you could win up to $125 by the end of the month, all while supporting a more sustainable Central Texas. Join Movablity TX for the challenge
Friday, May 15 Bike to Work Day: Check out all the fueling stations along your route at Bike Month ATX
7 am – 9:30 am City Hall Celebration + guest Speakers, Breakfast tacos and beverages will be provided.
Wed. May 20th - 6:30-8:30 PM The 24th Annual International Ride of Silence (https://rideofsilence.org) 📍900 Guadalupe St, Austin, TX 78701, United States
May 23rd Wet Hot American Bummer Alley Cat Race 1PM Registration 2PM Race - Full Details and Form HERE
May 30 | 6:00 PM Yellow Bike turns 29!! Celebration and concert with Money Chicha, Bamako Airlines, and DJ Katastrophik. 📍The Factory on 5th
Next Bike Story Night: We are currently looking into a venue for end of May. Stay Tuned! Feel free to sign up to share your bike story so we know who to contact as soon as we secure a spot.

✨ Bike Story Night @ Radio Coffee ATX

There’s a special kind of magic that comes with returning to a familiar spot, a reminder that community isn’t just built on two wheels, but also in the spaces where we gather to share our journeys. Huge thanks to Radio Coffee & Beer for lending us their beautiful patio stage and always being so supportive! 💛

We had five incredible featured storytellers last Thursday for Bike Story Night #22, plus one super fun wildcard who took us on a wild ride to recover a stolen bike (or… most of it). Stay tuned for the full recording of all the stories on our YouTube channel and don’t forget to subscribe so you don’t miss it! 🎥

A huge THANK YOU to our amazing community and Prize Sponsors:
@radiocoffeeandbeer @bikealotaustin @peddlerbikeshopaustin @reveriebooks @centraltxcyclery

We also had a featured bike organization, the Hill Country Ride for AIDS (HCRA) a powerful, community-driven ride that raises funds for HIV/AIDS services right here in Central Texas. Their team shared more about their inspiring work alongside stories from everyday riders, adventurers, and friends who make Austin’s bike community shine. 💪

Be sure to give them a follow and get stoked for their next big ride on April 18th, 2026! Full details here: https://p2p.onecause.com/hcra2026

📸 Got photos? Feel free to send em over for our collection.
📬 Stay connected! Sign up for our newsletter to get updates on future events and stories.

Each time we gather, we’re reminded that bikes do more than move us, they connect us. They carry our stories, bridge our differences, and create space for joy, reflection, and community. Here’s to more rides, more stories, and the beautiful ways they intertwine.

Until next time, keep spinning those wheels… and maybe start practicing your story for the next Bike Story Night! 🚲✨ TBA

If you didn’t get a chance to make a donation, you still can here:
👉 buymeacoffee.com/hf01hqcix4

Your Donation helps us continue to grow and keeps this and many other regular community events organized by VARU Creative become sustainable.

Celebrating 9 Years of Sunday Cruise with Jordan!

Every great community has its steady heartbeat. For Sunday Cruise, that heartbeat has been Jordan.

This October, we celebrated a monumental milestone: **9 years** of Sunday Cruise ATX. Nine years of early mornings, curated routes, splash stops, and community building. As I reflect on this journey, it’s impossible to imagine it without Jordan. He has been the rock of this group, the calm and consistent leader whose dedication is the reason we've made it this far. Without him, I don't think we would have made it even halfway.

But his impact extends far beyond the Sunday Cruise. The space, confidence, and connection I found through co-creating Sunday Cruise with Jordan were the very ingredients that allowed Bike Story Night to blossom. This relaxed ride, and our shared love for intentionally bringing people together, is a big part of why that dream became a reality.

To honor these nine years, I sat down with Jordan to talk about the origins, the memories, and the soul of Sunday Cruise. What follows is a conversation with the human who has shown up, week after week, to build this community with quiet passion and unwavering care.

Do you remember what first inspired you to start Sunday Cruise?

At the time I had been riding most Sundays to the HOPE Farmers Market at Plaza Saltillo by myself. Valerie worked there and would leave early to go setup the market. I would sleep in a bit, and eventually make my way to the plaza on my bike around noonish. Sometimes I'd make it in time for the free yoga class. Valerie also gifted me a special "unlimited kombucha refills" ceramic bottle for my birthday, so that was even more incentive to ride over to the plaza each Sunday to get my fill. So in conversation with Valerie, she mentioned since I was regularly riding on Sundays, that we should make it into a social cruise.

In those early days when only a few folks (or sometimes no one!) showed up, what kept you going?

I was already in the habit of riding on Sundays and visiting the plaza market, and the first cruise event had a strong showing of almost 20 folks, so I had both of those things to keep me going. That first ride gave me a sense that this could really work and grow into something unique. I also really enjoy exploring the streets of Austin, even if it's with only a few riders. The idea of Sunday Cruise being focused on helping novice riders get comfortable and grow themselves also drove the sense of returning each week. Talking about bike tweaks, meeting new folks, seeing familiar faces again, it all contributed to it being an experience I became more invested in week after week.

How did you imagine the ride back then compared to what it has grown into now?

I think of it like a tree growing from a small seed. It was small and needed regular watering in the early days. Eventually the trunk gets stronger and the bark starts to toughen up, and the crown is big enough to provide a small bit of shade from the sun. Once the roots go deep enough and find nutrients and moisture to sustain growth, over the years it makes a lush canopy with plenty of shade for regular social gatherings. It wasn't always a rosy process, but despite all the challenges we've been able to grow and even plant other seeds.

Style + Leadership

Can you share more about “your style” as a leader? What does leading a ride mean to you? How do you go about planning routes? What’s important to you when choosing where we roll?

I'm not sure what my "style" is as a ride leader, but I do try to maintain a calm and reassuring vibe. That's part of the core of the Sunday Cruise, helping riders get comfortable riding around with others. Building that positive association with riding in a group, and that really starts with planning the route. That's definitely part of how I express my style as a leader. A more connected system of streets and trails offers better permeability when planning routes. This is something I'm always looking to highlight, the lesser known and comfortable ways to get around different parts of the city. We are lucky to be in a city that has been making steady improvements to this kind of infrastructure, so I'm always trying to keep up with those changes and find ways to incorporate them into our routes. I also like to show the contrasts of the city by including some sections in busier areas and these quiet tucked-away areas. There's so many wonderful green spaces that are easy to overlook, so I like to bring people to those spots.

Over 9 years, you’ve led rides through all kinds of weather, seasons, and moods. What are some of your favorite memories from the road?

Preparing for a ride is a huge part of making good memories. Checking the weather ahead of a ride helps you decide how to be properly prepared. I grew up in a family that loved going outdoors, especially the beach, so it's basically a habit I learned at a young age. It's much more than just checking the Hi/Lo temps for the day. Understanding forecast graphs, watching the radar, etc are all useful to making sure you know what the weather is doing. We've cruised in freezing temps a few times, got rained on at various levels of intensity, and survived the extreme summer heat over the years. Having the right clothes, layers, water, sun protection all help in various ways, but paying attention to your body is also critical.

I have many nice memories of getting caught in the rain. A soft rain on a hot day can be so refreshing, but we've also had to seek shelter from strong storms a few times. During the summer heat we include splash stops on each cruise, which makes for many fun memories and keeps us from overheating. I have so many wonderful memories of going to Barkin Springs, various pools and splash pads, the Colorado River under Montopolis Bridge, and a few other splash stops on these hot days.

East Austin Studio Tour "Convergence" by the City of Austin TEMPO project - The gate made of manipulated oil drums is covered with numbers and symbols related to the statistics of air pollution. The Era Gate is an opening to a new way beyond petroleum. The artist was very happy that we were cruising on bikes!

Besides the weather and seasons, we've also made some great memories with different ride activities. One that I love was during the East Austin Studio Tour "Convergence" by the City of Austin TEMPO project. This project commissions artists to create sculptures over the year that are displayed around the city on public land. During EAST, the projects for the year would be brought together along the trail by the Festival Beach area. One year we were doing the cruise along the trail, stopping at the various artworks. We came up to one piece that was about fossil fuels and climate change. It was an archway made of oil drums bent and crumpled together named "Era Gate". As we were looking at it and talking about it, the artist was also present. We had a nice chat about Sunday Cruise, and he was very happy to see us on bikes coming to see his artwork. He even took a group photo of us looking through the 'Era Gate' as a portal to a new way of living.

These are the kinds of moments that make organizing the cruise so special to me. We've done other special things like Museum Day tours, mural rides, and collab rides with orgs like Casa Marianella, Yellow Bike Project, etc. Bringing people together from different communities and celebrating creative expression or just taking a dip in the river together gives me amazing positive energy. Putting positive energy into the world can be its own reward.

Community + Connection

What do you love most about the Sunday Cruise community today?

I think the diversity and inclusiveness we have consciously cultivated makes it very special. By specifically making it a chill vibe social cruise, it allows all kinds of people and riders to come together in a shared ritual. We often have different kinds of bikes from across the spectrum on the cruise, and we all roll together. I also love the conversations and discussions during the stops. The cruise creates a different kind of "third place" for social interactions, and that's important to recognize with intention. I also like to explore new spaces, so it's nice to have a community that really appreciates that too.

How have you seen the group change and grow over the years?

It has been quite a journey, but I think many of the elements have stayed pretty solid. There's a research paper that classified riders into 4 categories: Strong and the Fearless, Enthused and Confident, Interested but
Concerned, and No Way No How. We always intended the cruise to provide a stepping stone for those least experienced riders. We wanted to help these folks in the last two categories build their skills and confidence and embrace the potential of using their bike more often. I think we always had some riders in the first two categories as well, but we try to not make them the focus. We always appreciate assistance on the rides from more experienced cyclists, but we are most concerned about building the positive association of the novice riders first. We've had to recalibrate on this a few times, but it was always the intention.

In the first few years, it took a lot of just continuing to show up every Sunday to grow the ride, spreading the word. Once we got to 10 - 20+ riders regularly, it started to get more traction in the broader community. We got to a point where we often had ~30 riders, and sometimes 40+. Then COVID hit. We had to go on hiatus for a while. When we eventually restarted, the first ride was ~30 folks. It felt nice to see that folks were still engaged with us after a long break. I think once folks get a taste of the cruise, they often want to come out again and again when they have the opportunity. The combination of bike cruising, social interaction, time outdoors and in natural spaces is really a salve to our modern hectic lives. As long as we can keep cooking up that tasty recipe, hopefully folks will keep joining in with us.

What does it feel like for you personally to see folks come back ride after ride, and new people joining too?

I like to think of those novice riders that grow in confidence as our 'graduates'. It makes me so proud when someone gains confidence from doing the cruise with us, and they are out doing other rides or commuting by bike. Meeting new folks is always interesting. Getting a little bit of their story, talking about their bike, sharing riding goals, helping them find suitable commuting routes, these are the things that knit a community together. When you see someone that hasn't come out in a while, and you get to catch up and introduce them to new folks, that really adds some extra joy to the cruise experience.

Vision + Reflection

If you had to describe Sunday Cruise in three words, what would they be?

That's a tough one. People Rolling Together? Through the ritual of riding together we build bonds and strengthen community.

Looking back, what are you proudest of about keeping this ride alive?

First, it is probably all those "graduates" we've helped grow over the years. That was always the intention, so really gives a lot of pride to see it happen. Also, the collab we did with J Muzacz to help with the mosaic mural now installed at the SE corner of San Antonio/18th and leading the community ride to the unveiling was really cool. I even got a few words on the news from that. It was a very special project, and being part of it really felt like the culmination of the work we have put in. I think I'm also proud to keep it going. Getting to put together these routes and lead folks around is something I treat like a special responsibility.

My Hope is that through reading Jordan's interview, you get the true sense of the intention, care, and deep sense of responsibility that has fueled this ride for nearly a decade. It’s never been just about the bike; it’s been about the people on them.

Jordan, from the bottom of my heart and on behalf of hundreds of riders over the years: Thank you!! Thank you for every route planned, every "graduate" cheered on, and for being someone I'm so proud to ride along side.

Here’s to the rock, the roots, and the many miles ahead.

Sunday Cruise ATX @sundaycruiseatx 2nd Sundays - join us for a relaxing social cruise since 2016

🚲✨ Hold Out Brewing Recap🎤🚲🌙💓

Our first-ever Bike Story Night @holdoutbrewing was truly one to remember! 🌟 The venue was such a perfect match for our community, and we’re already hoping to roll back there again soon.

Huge thanks to Hold Out for hosting us and to all of our incredible storytellers, sponsors, and volunteers! You’re the reason these nights flow so smoothly and help us bring miles of smiles to our community.

💛 The Power of Bikes & Storytelling - As always, we hope this gathering gives you the chance to connect with fellow cyclists, spark inspiration, and celebrate the many ways bikes shape our lives from adventure and healing to solidarity and community-building. The bicycle is a simple machine, but what it unlocks between people is nothing short of extraordinary.

📸 Got Photos? We’d love to see them! Add your snapshots to our Google Photos album so we can relive the night together. Or feel free to send a few via DM or email. Big thanks to those who have added some real gems already!

📬 Stay Connected - Didn’t get a chance to sign up for our newsletter? Now’s the time! (peep thelink inourbio)

🎤 Relive the Stories - Our event recording will be up on YouTube soon (hopefully by Friday) we can’t wait to share those powerful stories with you all!

We hope your wheels are spinning just a little bit lighter.

THANKS AGAIN @holdoutbrewing @maap.rides @peddlerbikeshopaustin @sundaycruiseatx @ladolcevelo @bikealotaustin!! Your support means so much! ✨💛✨💛🎤🚲💫

..#bikestorynightatx #livestories #community #liveaudiance #storytime #bikestory #lifestories #mybikestory #storytelling #atx #atxbikestories #rideatx #lifestories #austinstories #bicyclediaries #austin #atx #bikeaustin

Bike Story Night #20 at Yellow Bike

Wow. I’m still catching my breath from all the magic that unfolded at our 20th Bike Story Night May 27th and our first ever hosted at Yellow Bike Project. Being surrounded by tools, wheels, frames, and a whole lot of history made the stories land even deeper. The space itself reminded us how far we’ve come and how deeply bikes are woven into Austin’s roots. what better day to reflect than today on World Bicycle Day. Bikes connect us, move us, and build community.

This event was built with so much heart, and I want to thank the people who helped make it all possible:

💛 Ride leaders and bike orgs who led folks to the event—your energy set the tone before we even got started.
💛 Volunteers (there were just a few of you, but you held it down!) thank you for stepping up with grace and good vibes. Cece at check in, Lena at check in and decorations, Niklas, Chelse & YBP board member with seating set up and decor, Henry at the drink station, Jordan with the AV, loading and unloading and so much more leading up to the event! Ghisallo Cycling with community ride support and Happy Hour, Daniel with ride support and introducing one of the featured storytellers, other Introducers who helped welcome our storytellers to the mic: Drew, Liz, and Gaëlle !
💛 Community partners who brought sparkling water or beverages and fun prizes little things that always make the night feel extra special. As well as our on site vendors La Dolce Velo and Meelosh who kept helped us kick off the night with Ice pops and Kombucha!
💛 And of course, Yellow Bike, for welcoming us into such a unique and sacred bike space. Be sure to give them a follow ✨🙏💫 @waterloosparkling @sundaycruiseatx @athleticbrewing @atxmosaicworkshop @ghisallocycling @specializedaustin @eastsidepedalpushers

Endless gratitude to our Featured Storytellers Lena and Niklas, Cinthia, Leta, Andy and Suzanne who opened up and offered us a glimpse into their lives through their bike journeys. Each story carried threads of courage, discovery, and joy. Thanks to their generosity, we experienced moments of deep listening, bursts of laughter, and a kind of collective magic that made the night unforgettable. Am I right?? I hope they also inspired you to share a story in the future!

This event reminded me of why I started Bike Story Night in the first place: to create a space where the magic of cycling and the strength of intentional gathering can come together.

Wild Cards who stepped up on the spot to keep the stories rolling. Big thanks to those who came up to share a Community Plug a segment that always makes me so happy and helps our community stay that much more connected.

Lastly, another BIG Thank You to everyone who showed up to hear the stories whether you brought a friend, came solo, or have been showing up time and time again. Your presence means the world and you are such a special part of what makes this community thrive.

We’ve come a long way in four years. I so happy to watch this community/ project grow. Ive seen so many beautiful connections come out of simply sharing this space.

I hope you all know how committed I am to this project. My hope is to continue growing and I might even have a special announcement soon :D But for now, I’m soaking in what we’ve built here together.

Please keep in touch and reach out anytime with questions of how you can help us at the next one.

📸 If you have photos to share please add them to our album HERE!
And if you didn’t get a chance to sign up for our newsletter, you can sign up HERE in addition to info about our next event we try to post monthly updates, storyteller highlights, upcoming events, rides and more on our radar to stay connected. (no spam)

With so much gratitude,
💛 Valerie

P.S. Stay tuned for the full recording on our YouTube Channel! Till then Take a look at a previous event on our YouTube

#BikeStoryNight #YellowBikeProject #AustinBikeCommunity #20EventsStrong

Click the photo to check out more photos from the Campout.

The 4th Annual Bike Story Night Campout Recap

We had some pretty perfect weather over night at Happy Horse Hotel April 5th. With over 15 folks biking 64 miles round trip, beautiful stories around the fire with over 23 happy campers, and even a few friends who joined by car just for the vibes.

Huge thanks to ride leaders Nick + Alonso, our support crew Chelsea, Isabel, and Stephani, and Featured Storytellers Jason + Tawney 💫

You can now relive the stories, laughter, and community magic on our YouTube. Skip around or settle in for the full ride: Tune in for heartfelt stories, surprise wild card moments, community plugs, a few shenanigans, and all the bike-loving vibes under the stars. 💫🚲

💖 Extra big thanks to Jordan Wade for the beautiful video/editing work! ✨ – go give it a watch, subscribe, and feel the bike love all over again.

Check out or add your pics to the Photo Collection

Thanks for being part of this growing, community! #BikeStoryNightCampout

Community Plugs March 29th 2025

Community Plugs at Bike Story Night | March 29th 2025

What’s Community Plugs?
It’s a special segment at Bike Story Night where anyone in the audience gets 30 seconds on the mic to share a project, event, or cause they care about. From local bike orgs to grassroots art collectives, this is where we make space for the incredible work happening in our community.

In this round of Community Plugs, we heard from:
🚲 Bicycle Meals
🛠️ Yellow Bike Project’s WTF Night
🚴‍♀️ Ghost Bike Project
🎤 ...and more!

Watch now to feel the love and maybe get inspired to plug your own project at the next Bike Story Night!

👉 Got a plug for next time? Email valerie@bikestorynight.com

✨🎤🚲 Bike Story Night #18 at UT Austin 🌙

A huge thank you to everyone who joined us Saturday night—you made it so special! 💛 From incredible stories to an extra lively wild card segment, this one was packed with inspiration. It’s always the best feeling when stories spark even more stories in the room.

Huge shoutout to all the volunteers and friends who helped make it happen. Couldn’t do this without you! 💗💗💗 Your support, energy, and willingness to jump in wherever needed truly keep this event rolling.

A special shoutout to Dr. Stuart Reichler and the Urban Ecosystems – Freshman Research Initiative at UT’s College of Natural Sciences for reaching out and welcoming us to host at The University of Texas at Austin. What a wild experience to learn so much… at a college campus, of all places. 😂

Missed the event or want to relive the magic? ✨
📹 We hope to have the video recording up on our YouTube by the end of the week! Just another way we put in the time to keep this project rolling—your donations help make that possible. Stay tuned!

🎬 Want to watch The Unlikely Cyclist featuring Movetia Salter? Check it out here: https://youtu.be/oSeKNYNb_Qc?si=ZEIP1zCChda3gVOW

📸 Got photos from the event? We’d love to see them! Add them to our collection here:

🚲 Big thanks to Get There ATX for bringing some extra fun to the night with cool swag and a few awesome prizes!

✨ Next Austin event? Late May! Stay tuned for details.

💛 Support Bike Story Night!
If you didn’t get a chance to donate at the event, or if you just want to help keep this storytelling project rolling, you can send support via:

Venmo: https://account.venmo.com/u/VaruCreative
Buy Me a Coffee: https://buymeacoffee.com/hf01hqcix4

As always feel free to reach out with any question or to let me know you'd like to help out at our next event.

Valerie @bikestorynight.com

Stay in the loop, sign up for our newsletter

Rolling down South Congress as we leave Bicycle meals HQ

🚲 Celebrating 3 Years of Austin Bicycle Meals! 🍽️

A couple of years ago, I had the chance to ride with Austin Bicycle Meals, helping distribute meals throughout East Austin. Back then, a small but dedicated group of about five volunteers gathered each week with the help of Food Not Bom to make it happen. Check out the video from back then here and the recent reel/ recap of the anniversary ride here.

Fast forward to today, and their impact has only grown. They’ve added an extra distribution day, built a solid core of volunteers each week, and now receive food donations from Our Shared Kitchen to help serve even more folks in need.

This past Saturday, we were lucky to join in celebrating their 3rd anniversary a beautiful day, perfect weather, and an even better reason to ride. It was a reminder of the power of bikes, community, and showing up for one another.

Shout out to all the amazing volunteers who help prepare and distribute meals, and especially to the founders, Kelly Wourms and Claire Harbutt, for their hard work and dedication over these past three years. Your efforts have made such a meaningful impact! 💛

If you’re looking for a way to give back while rolling through the city, I can’t recommend this enough! Austin Bicycle Meals meets every Saturday at 2:00 PM and every other Wednesday at 5:30 PM, starting from the alley between Small Park and 209 East Monroe, Austin, TX 78704.

"I'm always trying to tell people how easy this is. Everything is ready when you get there – you just have to put it on your bike and go. All you need is barely any skill on a bike, compassion, and the desire to help others." - Austin Bicycle Meals co-founder Kelly Wourms

Give them a follow at @austinbicyclemeals and get involved! 🚴‍♂️💛

#AustinBicycleMeals #keepaustinneighborly #BikeLove #CommunityOnWheels #FoodNotBombs #GiveBack

Bike Story Night is all about building connections, sharing experiences, and celebrating the joy of riding. Keep an eye out for upcoming events, and don’t hesitate to reach out if you want to get involved. Keep following along, and we’ll see you at the next ride or Bike Story Night! - Valerie

Keep following along, and we’ll see you at the next ride or Bike Story Night!

People On Bikes

Strike a Pose with VARU Creative! 🚲📸

Once upon a time, my pop-up photo booths at HOPE Farmers Market (RIP) earned me the title of Best Photo Booth

As many of you know, photography is a passion of mine, and I’m excited to keep capturing bike portraits—casual or formal—at events throughout the year.

✨Whether it’s you + your bike, you + a friend, or just you shining solo reach out if you'd like to get your portrait taken!

All photos will be uploaded to a shared folder for easy downloading—so roll up, strike a pose, and let’s make some bike-powered memories! 🚴‍♀️📷✨

See more snap shots of People on Bikes here

Reflections ~ a former Featured Storyteller

At Bike Story Night, we love hearing personal, heartfelt, and sometimes hilarious bike stories from our community. Melissa, a past featured storyteller, shared her experience of stepping onto the stage, the nerves she overcame, and the unexpected ways it connected her to Austin’s biking community. Read her pro tips below and check out her story on our YouTube

Scroll for more incite to sharing your story at Bike Story Night.

1. You Don’t Have to Be a “Natural” Speaker

Melissa admitted she was nervous about sharing her story in front of an audience, but preparing an outline with key points helped. She recommends writing down main ideas and structuring your story like a casual conversation rather than a formal speech.

2. Connecting Through Storytelling

After telling her story, Melissa found herself recognized on bike rides:
"People would come up to me and say, ‘Hey, you’re the one who told that crazy story about buying a bike off Craigslist and not getting murdered!’”

This sense of community and connection is what makes Bike Story Night so special—your story resonates with others, and those shared moments create lasting bonds.

3. Drawing Inspiration from Others

Melissa found inspiration from her favorite storytellers and comedians, like Ali Wong and Hasan Minhaj, to shape her delivery. She suggests watching performers you admire before your talk to absorb their style and confidence.

4. Watching Your Own Story from a New Perspective

One unexpected benefit of Bike Story Night? Seeing yourself through the audience’s eyes.
"When I was telling my story, I kind of blacked out—I didn’t remember how it went! But watching the recording later, I got to experience it from the audience’s perspective, seeing their reactions and engagement."

5. Just Go for It!

For anyone hesitant about sharing their story, Melissa has one piece of advice: do it!
"Not only do you connect with the community, but you learn about yourself in the process. I left feeling more confident and grateful for the experience."

Ready to Share Your Story?

Bike Story Night is always looking for new storytellers! If you’ve ever had a memorable, funny, or life-changing moment on a bike, we’d love to hear from you. Stay tuned for upcoming event announcements and sign-up opportunities!

In case you want more inspo you can check out our previous events on our YouTube. heres a link to one of sending you a link to one of my fav stories.

and the Moth recently had a storyteller with a cute Bike Story: Jayson Nuñez gets the bike he always wanted. Listen on the Moth here.

Examples and tips of Bike Story Synopsis

📢 Calling All Storytellers! 🚲✨

If you’ve been thinking about sharing a bike story but feel unsure about how to start, don’t worry—you don’t need to send us a full write-up!

Sharing your story is easy and should be just like as if you were sharing a story with your friends. You will be sharing your story "center stage"with a microphone to make sure everyone car hear you well enough. Whether it's a life lesson, a thrilling adventure, or a fond memory, your story matters.

Submit your synopsis

Join us in Austin at UT Sat. March 29th: 📍 Submission Form - TBA

Join us for our Spring Campout Sat. April 5th: 📍 Submission Form

Join us May 27th at Yellow Bike Project to wrap up Q1.

All we need is a simple synopsis—just 2-3 sentences.

Tips for Crafting Your Story

Structure Matters: Start with the beginning (where it all began, how it felt), build to the fun part or climax, and then wrap it up in a way that brings it full circle. Feel free to switch things around if it fits better!
Write it Down: Draft your story, then distill it into key points for your stage time. not required but can be very helpful.
Practice Helps: Try telling your story to a friend or recording yourself to gauge timing and flow. You’ll have 7-10 minutes to share on stage. Note: You'll get a 2 minute hand signal warning from the time keeper at 8 minutes.

Presentation Guidelines:

- You can bring one note card.
- Reading from a phone or paper is not allowed.
- Watch past storytellers on our YouTube channel for inspiration.
- I'm happy to practice with you and provide tips!

Got a bike story?

To help, here are some past examples of great story submissions:

📖 Bradley G: "I met a neighbor whose wild claims seemed like the most outlandish BS ever—until I called him out on his biggest one: that he biked up a mountain every day. Turns out, he wasn’t BSing. I don’t have pictures, but an intimidating photo of Thompson Peak in Phoenix would help set the scene."

📖 Maggie G: "My story is about how I pretended to be more into biking than I really was—just so I had an excuse to keep inviting my now-partner into town for weekend rides. Along the way, I actually fell in love with biking, and it’s now a huge part of my life! I’ll share some of our most treacherous (and hilarious) bike ride moments."

📖 The Moth Story: Jayson Nuñez gets the bike he always wanted. (Link to listen! 🎧)Still have questions? DM me! I’d love to help. Let’s make this first Dallas event unforgettable! 🚴💙 #BikeStoryNight #DallasCycling #Storytelling #BikeLife

Back Racks vs. Front Racks Clinic

Spokes y Folx Clinic Recap: Cargo & Bike Rack Clinic with Lee from East Side Pedal Pushers Bike Shop

Our latest Spokes y Folx clinic was all about bike racks, cargo bags, and carrying what you need—safely and efficiently! Lee from East Side Pedal Pushers walked us through key tips and considerations for setting up the right system for your ride.

What’s Next at East Side Pedal Pushers: Bike Swap – Sat. Feb 15 – Stay tuned for more details!

Thanks to everyone who joined, asked great questions, and shared their experiences. Big special thanks to Lee for always being so kind and generous with his time, space and extensive knowledge.

If you missed this one, we hope to see you at the next meetup! Have more cargo or bike rack questions?Stop by Pedal Pushers! 🚴‍♀️✨ Want to collab on another clinic or meet up reach out to: Valerie @ bike story night .com

Key Takeaways:

🚲 Choosing the Right Rack & Bags – It all depends on where you're going and what you're carrying! Different racks and bags work best for different needs.

🔩 Mounting Points vs. Eyelets – Understanding how your bike is designed to support a rack is key to a secure setup. stainless steel bolts are preferable to the zinc-plated bolts. And the medium strength blue Loc-tite is the stuff to use on those bolts so that they don't vibrate loose. Don't use the red Loc-tite because it will permanently attach bolts! And the green Loc-tite is for different applications.

🔧 Support Racks Can Be a Game-Changer – Even if you’re not carrying a ton, a rack can provide extra support to keep your saddlebags from rubbing against your tires.

🏪 Pro Installation is Recommended – If you didn’t install your rack at a shop, it’s a good idea to have a mechanic check it to ensure it's secure and properly fitted.

🎒 Bag & Rack Options – Trunk bags are a popular choice for rear racks, while some racks include both a platform and a lower strut for hanging panniers.

⚖️ Weight Limits Matter – Your bike and rack have specific weight capacities (usually listed on the label). Overloading can affect handling and safety.

✅ Safe Cargo Carrying = More Fun Riding – Distributing your load properly (ideally 65% in the back, 35% in the front) helps with balance and handling, making your ride smoother and more enjoyable.

🌟 Giving Tuesday is Here! 🌟

While Bike Story Night isn’t a nonprofit, we are a grassroots organization fueled by community love and support. Producing and hosting these storytelling events, along with organizing rides like Sunday Cruise ATX and Spokes Y Folx, and supporting other ride events and orgs like Yellow Bike and Ghisallo) takes time, energy, and resources.

That’s why we’ve opened a new way to give! Through the Buy Me a Coffee program, you can easily make a small donation to help keep our events going strong, give us a boost and help us reach our goals to become a more sustainable program. Every dollar counts, and your support allows us to grow, dream big, and continue creating spaces where people and their bike stories and dreams shine.

Want to pitch in?

Let’s keep the wheels turning together!

Our goals: at least 4 big events in Austin, 2 or more out of town events, pop up tabling along trails and other parts of town to catch some short bike stories, 1:1 interviews, more rides and more bike stories!

THANK YOU for keeping this community thriving. 🚴💖

Click on the photo above to see more photos from the Veloway

We’re thrilled to Spotlight Major Taylor Austin 🌟

Honoring the Legacy – Major Taylor ATX

The Journey of Major Taylor ATX
The story of Major Taylor ATX is one of revival, resilience, and the passion for cycling. Originally founded in 2015, the Austin chapter went dormant until its rebirth in 2018, thanks to the dedication of key members like Tammy Benton and a collective desire to create a space for cyclists of color. Today, this chapter is a part of a growing movement, with Major Taylor clubs now established in Houston, Dallas, San Antonio, and even West Texas, forming a vibrant community across Texas.

Continuing Major Taylor’s Legacy
Major Taylor ATX honors its namesake—Marshall "Major" Taylor, born in 1878. Taylor was the first Black world champion cyclist, achieving this title in 1899 during the harsh realities of the Jim Crow era. His perseverance and philosophy of clean living continue to inspire the club’s ethos. As part of the Major Taylor Association, a network of over 250 clubs and donors globally, Major Taylor ATX upholds a mission of inclusivity, empowerment, and education in cycling.

Building More Than Miles
“Cycling isn’t just about the miles,” says Camille Baptist, one of the chapter’s founding members. “It’s about connection.” The club provides a welcoming space for new riders, helping them navigate gear choices, riding technique, and the cycling community itself. Riders like Karen Remy exemplify this spirit—beginning her journey on a basic bike, she has grown into a role model, completing major rides like the MS150 and mentoring others.

Additionally, the club works to give back, participating in charitable initiatives like donating bikes to children and partnering with organizations like the League of American Cyclists to ensure rider safety.

Why It Matters
For President Chris Maldonado, Major Taylor ATX represents a way to honor history and build community. “We’ve grown from a few members to something so much larger. It’s not just about cycling—it’s about continuing Major Taylor’s vision of a healthier, more inclusive world.”

Learn more about this incredible club and the legacy they uphold at Major Taylor ATX

See photos I captured from the Veloway here

1st Annual Season Finale!

We had a fantastic time tabling at La Dolce Vélo's Season Finale Party! It was such a treat to meet some new people, hear a few short and sweet bike stories, and share what Bike Story Night is all about.

The event was buzzing with activity—cyclists and community members enjoyed delicious ice cream, got into the fun with cornhole games, and captured memories at the whimsical sweets-themed photo booth featuring the stunning La Dolce Vélo show bike by Bask Bikes. The energy was festive, and it was great to see folks accessorizing their rides with Austin Tri Cyclist and learning more about all the incredible organizations that made this event possible.

Big thanks to La Dolce Vélo, Austin Tri Cyclist, and Bike Texas for putting on such a welcoming and inclusive celebration. We’re so grateful to have been part of this special event.

Can’t wait to see more of y’all at future Bike Story Night events. Until then, ride safe and keep sharing your stories! 🚲💖

See more of my snap shots from the event here

✨ What a night! ✨ Bike Story Night #15 is in the books!

It was truly incredible to see everyone out at Bike Story Night! 🚴‍♀️ Thank you from the bottom of my heart to our amazing storytellers—what an inspiring array of stories! It takes real courage to get up in front of a crowd, but your stories are what make this night so special. The power of storytelling through the lens of our shared love for biking never ceases to amaze me.

Huge shoutout to Radio Coffee & Beer for being such a welcoming and fantastic venue for our second time! Your space helped create the perfect atmosphere for our event and so many other amazing community events .

And let’s not forget our volunteers—you’re the heartbeat of Bike Story Night. From behind the scenes to on-stage support, this event wouldn’t happen without your hard work and dedication. 💛

A big thank you to Bob’s Pickle Pops, Chamois Butt'r, and GU energy Labs for the awesome swag at check-in! And an extra special thanks to Bike A Lot for the support with promo, prizes, and even providing extra bike parking!

For those who couldn’t make it, you were truly missed! But don’t worry, we’ll have a YouTube recording on our channel of the night coming soon so you can catch all the stories. 📹

***Bike Story Night #15 was supported in part by the City of Austin Economic Development Department.

Lastly, a little personal note—Bike Story Night has been a labor of love, inspired by my own journey,passions and the many connections we all share in the cycling community. I’m grateful to keep this series going, and I’m beyond excited for what’s ahead. 🚴‍♂️💫

Stay tuned for more, and thank you again to everyone who made last night unforgettable! 🙌💥 #BikeStoryNight #CommunityLove #ThankYou

Bike Story Night 9/10/24 -These are the amazing captures from our photographer (another thing I spent some $ on for this event) @maxwelljohnston

If you have any photos from the evening that you’d like to share, or if you’d like to check out the ones we’ve collected so far, you can find them all here: [Bike Story Night Sept 10th Pics]. We'd love to add your memories to the collection.

Once again, thank you for being such an important part of Bike Story Night and supporting this project!

Stay tuned for details on our next event happening very soon!

New Trail Segment

In case you haven’t heard yet, the Austin-to-Manor Trail is now officially complete! 🎉 The grand celebration took place this past Saturday, Aug 24th at Ben E. Fisher Park, and it was amazing to see so many folks come out—not just from Manor but from Austin too. Cyclists were already riding the entire trail from Govalle Park Austin to Ben E. Fisher Park in Manor, making the most of this new connection!

Construction began last spring and wrapped up early this summer. The trail extends the existing Southern Walnut Creek Trail and follows the path of the future Green Line as part of the Project Connect system.

I’ve heard it’s a fantastic trail, and I can’t wait to check it out myself once the weather cools down a bit. Hooray for more safe, alternative routes for walking and biking in Austin! 🚴‍♂️🚶‍♀️

See more photos I captured from the event here

Bike Month Photos

Hey everyone! While this month I was mostly laying low and preserving my energy to complete a grant application for Bike Story Night I did get out a few times this month and so glad I did.

As always I had a great time documenting the vibrant bike lifestyle and culture here in Austin at some amazing local events this Bike Month. This passion is a big reason why I started Bike Story Night, and I'm thrilled to share these moments with you.

Check out the albums from recent events:

I hope you enjoy these snapshots as much as I enjoyed taking them. Can't wait to see you all in a few months for another in-person Bike Story Night event.

Hope your Bike Month is going great! 🚴‍♀️🌟🚴‍♂️

Bike Month 2024

Hey everyone,

As Bike Month kicks off, I wanted to share a little update. This might very well be the first time in three years that Bike Story Night won't be hosting an event during May. After the whirlwind of our last event and recovering from back-to-back happenings last fall followed by the holiday season, I've finally caught my breath.

But fear not! My hope is to bring back Bike Story Night in June, so stay tuned for updates on that front and be sure to also sign up for our newsletter here.

In the meantime, there's a ton happening in Austin this month to celebrate cycling. Every Wednesday 7-9am, you can join Ghisallo Cycling Initiative for We Bike Wednesday. Plus, mark your calendars for the Moon Tower Tour on Friday, May 10th. and Wet Hot American Bummer Alley Cat Race on Saturday, May 11th, And of course, don't miss Bike to Work Day and many other regular cycling events throughout the Austin area.

For all things Bike Month, be sure to check out the newest bike organization dedicated to making Austin a more bike-friendly city all month long. Check Out The Events Calendar at bikemonthatx.com.

While we may not be hosting a large event, I'll still be active during Bike Month. I'll be hosting a couple of one-on-one features, bike shop tours and might even be out on Bike to Work Day after party on May 17th, capturing bike portraits once again this year. See pics from last year here - 2023 BTWD pics + after party

Whether or not we host an event this month, I hope you all enjoy May with a little extra spirit of cycling and alternative mobility. Keep pedaling and exploring!

Valerie

Bike Story Night #14 Recap

🎤✨ What an incredible and beautiful Bike Story Night it was! A heartfelt thank you to our amazing 🌟 Featured Storytellers for sharing their stories with us. The feedback we received since last Wed.night reaffirmed that your words resonated deeply with everyone present, contributing to yet another unforgettable event. This was the most stories we’ve had in one night and each one left us feeling uplifted and deeply connected, fostering a sense of community that is truly magical.❤️

To all who joined us, thank you for being part of the magic. Your presence added immeasurable warmth and energy to the event. You were a great audience and I hope to see you all again soon! Don't forget to sign up for our newsletter to stay connected on future events and exciting news! Link in bio. We hope to have some fun experiences and new ways to share more bike stories with you, stay tuned! 🤝🏽

✌🏽🎥Stay tuned for the video recordings of the stories, coming soon to our YouTube channel.

See more photos from Bike Story Night #14 - here

Spring Featured Bike Org

At each event we like to shine a spotlight on different local bike non-profits / orgs. We are thrilled to announce 🌟@bikesacrossborders 🌟 will be joining us as our Featured Bike Organization On March 20th! 🙌🏽

✨Bikes Across Borders has organized more than twenty bike delivery caravans since 2001, sending over 800 bicycles to Mexico, Central America, and Cúba. We build solidarity partnerships locally and across borders through donating bikes and bike tools to community organizers. We seek to build a network of mutual aid among communities struggling for self determination and challenge capitalist ideals.

It was enlightening to hear firsthand about their annual journey from one of their newest members, Desiree. I hope you had the opportunity to engage with the other members too, as they shared valuable insights at their table. Be sure to follow them for updates and stay connected, especially as they prepare for their upcoming annual journey to Mexico. Your support and connection mean a lot to them and the community they serve.

https://linktr.ee/bikesxborders

Bike Story Night is Back - March 20th at The Meteor

✨DETAILS🌙🎤

Location: The Meteor Cafe & Bike Shop

- 2110 S Congress Ave - Espresso | Champagne | Chain Lube. Combining cultures of coffee, food, wine, and bikes under one roof.Event Runs: 7:15 -10:00PM - be sure to arrive early for a good seat!

🎟️ Suggested $10 - $20 Donation at the Door🎟️

RSVP and share with friends on Facebook

HAVE A BIKE STORY??

Submit your Story in advance to be a *Featured Storyteller*

CLICK HERE

Submissions are Due Sun. March 10th

Whether you're a seasoned storyteller or just love riding your bike, we want to hear from you. Your story doesn't have to be an epic saga – if you've been on a bike, you've got a story worth sharing. It could even be about someone who's inspired you with their own biking adventures!

** If your business or group would like to collab, table or partner please feel free to reach out.

Hope to see you Wednesday March 20th!

3rd Annual Bike Story Night Campout

Saturday, November 18, 2023 at Happy Horse Hotel - Cedar Creek, TX 78612

Mark your calendars get your bikes tuned up! RSVP/ Ticket Info
This is a night filled with heartwarming bike stories, and a cozy campout under the stars. We promise it'll be an event to remember!RSVP is required for this amazing event, whether you plan to bike, drive, camp, or simply hang out to enjoy the captivating stories and community fun.

See photos from our previous campout

Sign up for the Camp out Newsletter Updates and info about the ride out to Happy HorseAll the happenings leading up to and at the eventOther special bike packing tipsReminders and other fun stuff!

Virtual Bike Story Night with Alexandra Houchin

Valerie chats with Alexandera Houchin an Anishinaabekwe (Ojibwe woman) about her single-speed bike life, personal body journey, and the upcoming 2023 Triple Crown, Chumba bikes and her film “Stronger Together” takes an intimate look into a story inspired by her mother's journey to provide a good life for her and her siblings

I want to express my deep gratitude to Alexandra for sharing her insights and knowledge beyond ultra endurance racing. We delved into everything, from her first bike purchase off Craigslist, her SS homies and the special relationship between the ultra endurance racers. Not to mention how special she feels when she's riding and spending a lot of time on her bike. The thing that she finds brings her so much joy and closer to knowing herself more.

Check out the full recording of our chat on YouTube

Bike Story Night at Radio Coffee & Beer

Join us on Sunday, October 8th, for an unforgettable evening at Radio Coffee & Beer, where we come together to share the magic of storytelling, reconnect with old bike friends, and make new connections. Bike Story Night celebrates the intersection of storytelling and the joy of cycling.

Program Includes:

3-5 Featured Storytellers
Featured Bike Non-Profit: Street Books ATX
2-3 Wild Card Storytellers (short, last-minute entries)
Community Plugs (30 seconds to promote anything with the audience!)
Community Ride to the Event Details

Facebook RSVP link

Submit Your Story Here by Sun Oct 1st: Story Submission Form - https://forms.gle/GQvXanVx2noGq5ou6

Raffle Prizes: with your donation your name will be entered to WIN some really cool PRIZES from **Radio Coffee & Beer, Patagonia, Chumba USA, Dispersed Bikepacking & MORE!

Celebrating Austin's First Multi-Use Bike Polo Court at Mendez Park!

For the next Bike Story Night Summer Feature, I decided to connect with the vibrant bike polo community. We discussed their newly-remodeled multi-use bike polo court at Mendez (formerly Metz) Park, freshly renamed after Rodolfo “Rudy” Mendez a pillar of the East Austin neighborhood and program specialist at the community center.

What is Bike Polo? A lot of people will simply tell you “it's like hockey on bikes”. Having visited the court on Canterbury Street a few times in the past several years, after Sunday Cruises and once during a newbie night about a year and a half ago. I've witnessed the growth of a strong and dedicated community that gathers to play at the court. It was nice to finally dive deeper into the world of bike polo and get to know this amazing community a little better. The games are typically played 2-3 times a week (Thu 7pm, Sat or Sun 11ish) unless posted otherwise.

Austin premiere of the film, "Making Our Space: Unbound and Beyond" at ATX Bikes

I am absolutely thrilled for Abi, the incredible force behind Queer Gravel, as they host the Austin premiere of the film, "Making Our Space: Unbound and Beyond" at ATX BikesJoin us for this special event where you'll not only get to experience the film but also learn more about the inspiring initiatives of Queer Gravel, @bikestorynight and @austin.gravel.collective. It's going to be an evening filled with celebration and inspiration!Save the date: Sunday, July 23. The doors open at 5 PM, and the screening will kick off at 5:30 PM. But that's not all—stick around for an engaging Q&A session with Abi, moderated by yours truly, Valerie aka VaruCreative and the host of Bike Story Night.It was just over 2 years ago, on June 25th, 2021, that Abi (@queergravel) shared their remarkable story with us at the 2nd Bike Story Night. If you haven't seen it yet, head over to the link in our stories to watch Abi's inspiring journey on our YouTube Channel.I can't wait to see all of you there! Let's come together, celebrate Abi's accomplishments, and dive into the world of "Making Our Space: Unbound and Beyond." It's an event you won't want to miss. See you soon!RSVP on Eventbrite: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/making-our-space-unbound-and-beyond-austin-film-premiere-tickets-668856677327?aff=oddtdtcreatorListen to Abi's Story on our YouTube from the Bike Story Night June 2022 event - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3bRSYV4q_pA&t=5935s#AustinPremiere #MakingOurSpace #UnboundAndBeyond #FilmScreening #BikeStoryNight #GravelCollective #CommunityEvent #Inspiration #ATXBikes #QandA #SupportLocal

Filmed by Bike Austin Hosted by Bike Story Night/VARU Creative - June 10 2023

A FESTIVAL OF THE WORLD’S BEST BIKE MOVIES

We want to extend a heartfelt thank you for joining us at the very first Filmed by Bike Austin. Your presence and support meant the world to us and the entire Bike Story community.

Your generous contributions to this fundraiser for Bike Story Night will play a crucial role in ensuring the success of our event for years to come. Thanks to you, we are empowered to continue growing and creating even more memorable experiences.

We are immensely grateful for your dedication to biking and for being a part of this incredible bike community. Together, we are making a positive impact and fostering a vibrant biking culture.

Stay tuned for details on our next Bike Story Night event later this summer.

💫 Photo Collection Link - https://photos.app.goo.gl/4REzYsJV32Cbj6QW8

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