WAR XX - Spring has Sprung

Last WAR, we had a few brave souls brave the rain and hail to make it out and grab a beer.  Well, at least we got soaked on the inside as well.

The trees are blooming, the grass is green, and the kids are back from break...it must be spring.  The weather is predicted to be perfect, so lets have a ride through a few Austin Parks and grab a beer at some establishments with outdoor seating.

Meet at Trudys (Texas Star - 409 W 30th)  at 6:15pm for dinner.  Ride will start promptly at 7:15.  We will visit Shoal Creek Saloon and Cuatros, ending up at the Spider House, next door to our starting location.

Wear a helmet, bring a spare tube, a bike lock, lights and a friend.

THE MAP

WAR - XIX - Exodus of the Hipster

I hope everyone got out to enjoy the great weather and catch a few SXSW shows this weekend.  A lot of us discovered new and interesting places to drink free beer all weekend.  I think I injured my liver.

The Hipsters were out in full force last week, and nearly took over the town.  Fortunately, I heard a truck load of PBR bound for Austin overturned in Waco and left many without their 'ironic substanance'.  They were left to depart for higher grounds....mainly Williamsburg, I think.

So, put away your trucker's hat and throwback sunglasses until next year and let's celebrate a few spots than weren't SXSW venues, but make Austin the place that us locals enjoy year round.

Pretty unique to Austin - let's meet up for dinner and a beer at a cool patio location...of a grocery store.  Meet at Central Market (38th and Lamar) at 6:30 - 3/25.  You can grab some delicious food and a cold one.  We willl depart at 7pm.

We'll check out the Crown, pay Mr. Potatohead a visit and finish up and a bar that strives to be a parking lot - the Draught House.

Bring your helmet, lock and friends.  Hipsters forbidden!

THE MAP

WAR XVIII - Put a little Irish in ya'

WAR XVIII is scheduled for MONDAY, 3/16.  So, we are close enough to St. Patrick's Day to officially saulte the Irish.

Although St. Paddy's Day is a great holiday, it's kinda weird when you think about it.  It is the only holiday I can think of that celebrates by sterotype.  We celebrate Irish heritage by wearing green and getting loaded.  Weirder still - the Irish embrace it.

Hey, if they don't mind, neither do I.  Let's honor the Lepurchans with an Irish Pub Crawl.  We'll hit Austin's finer 'really , it's NOT Bennigan's' style pubs.  Expect to visit BD Reileys, Bull McCabes, Fado and Mother Egans.

If you want some Irish eats before the ride, meet at Fado (214 W. 4th) at 6:15p.  Ride starts promptly at 7:00p.  Wear green.  Ladies, feel free to show your shamrocks and kiss me - I'm Irish.

I'll buy a beer for the first person to down an Irish Car Bomb.

WAR XVII - Texas Independance Day

WAR XVII is upon us, as is my favorite National Holiday: Texas Independence Day.

On March 2 each year, we celebrate our state's independence; the signing of the declaration, the drawing of the line in the sand.  We remember San Jacinto. We remember the Alamo.  But most of all, we celebrate our Texas Pride.

We're the biggest state in the union.  No, Alaska doesn't count - if you melted the ice, we'd be bigger.  As Texans we're proud of everything in our state - our food, our beer, our football, our size, our flag, our music.  But, mostly we proud of our pride.  And we're proud of that pride too!

The Capitol is the only state capitol building taller than the U.S. Capitol.  We're the only state that can legally fly our flag at the same height as the US Flag.  That, my friend, is pride.

So, let's be proud, and proud of our pride and visit a few classic "Texas Bars".  What better way to start out than eating a bowl of the State Food of Texas - Chili.  We'll then make our way around the city, visiting Scholtz's Beer Garten and Donn's Depot as well as a few Texas landmarks.

Meet at TCP (Texas Chili Parlor - 14th & Lavaca) at 6:30pm, this Wednesday - 2/25 for dinner.  Ride will begin at 7:15 sharp, so be there early if you want a bowl of red.

Bring lights, lock, helmet and friends.  Drinking at least one Lone Star will be mandatory.  Oh, and Don't Mess With Texas.

The Map

WAR XVI - You're a Dick

WAR XVI is scheduled for Wednesday, Feb 11.  On this day in 2006, our (ex) Vice President shot an 80 year old dude in the face.  With a shotgun.  In the face.

The hell of it is, that was about the kindest thing he did all year!  Mr. Cheney, you really are quite a Dick.  Now that the bastard is gone, let's salute his face-shooting with a bike ride.  I'm sure Dick would approve of us stopping for a beer or two.  He's had two DWIs.

So, since I couldn't find a bar called 'Evil's' or 'Darth Vader's Lounge', I've composed the ride around three words which adaquately describe the face-shooter.  Dirty, Nasty and Mean.

So the ride will visit Dirty Bill's, The Mean Eyed Cat and Nasty's.  If you want some food beforehand, let's meet at El Arroyo (1624 W. 5th St.) at 6pm.  We will be riding at 7pm.  Ride ends at the Mean Eyed Cat, so you can park in the general area.  The weather is supposed to clear up nicely tomorrow with temps in the 70s.  Bring a front and back light and a friend.  Just don't shoot them.

Oh, Wedneday is also Sarah Palin's birthday.  Weird, huh?

THE MAP

WAR XV - Animals

This week's WAR ride will be a salute, or shout-out, as the kids say these days to our furry friends.  No, not me, it's NOT back hair - it's extremely upper chest hair.  I'm talking our LITTLE furry friends - the animals.

I love animals, they are delicious.  So, this week, let's eat a few and wash them down with a cold beer.  It is chilly, so wear something made of your favorite animal (in this weather my fave is goose).

Our ride will feature three animal themed bars.

Meet at Spider House (2908 Fruth St) at 6:30 for a dinner.  We will head out at 7:15.

Next is the Dog & Duck, followed by the Hole in the Wall. (you know, where the rats and mice live...work with me)

Dress warm...bring a friend.  And wear your animal print undies!  

WAR XIV - Changes

2009.  New Year.  New President.  New Resolutions.  Lots of changes.  So rather than slipping back into the normalcy of fearing change, we are going to embrace it.

As the man said, "Turn and face the strange."  He also told me take my protein pills and put my helmet on, but that is a different ride.

Ch..ch..ch..changes!

We'll start the ride at Drungo's Ice House at 29th and Guadalupe.  If you have lived in Austin or went to school here, you know this place as HangTown, Pongo's, etc. etc. etc.  I think this restaurant changes ownership monthly.  Meet there at 6:30 if you want food and/or snacks.  Ride starts promptly at 7:15.

 I can't trace time....Cedar Door.  This bar has moved three times.  Not the concept, the whole BAR, man.  You might remember it by the power plant, or if you are really old where the convention center is currently.  If you had a beer at the original location on 15th street, bring your Metamucil tabs.

Turn and face the strange....the Gingerman is leaving.  Those fucking condos again.  They took Waterloo Brewing next door and now they are taking the Gingerman.  It's not all bad news the G-Man found a new location close by.   They will be moving very soon, so this could be your last chance to grab a $7 beer at the original location.

Time may change me....Little Woodrow's is the next stop.  And no, you HAVEN'T been there, jackass.  Remember the Showdown?  No? - Remember throwing up in that bar on the drag?  Yeah, THAT was the Showdown.  Sadly, it is no longer there.  However, Little Woodrows is - forever to be known as 'the other Little Woodrows'.  As an added benefit, you can still puke there.

Ride is short, under 10 miles.  Bring a front and rear light and a lock.  It should warm up tomorrow, but don't get cold - dress for the weather.

Change - Yes we can!

See you there, bring a friend.

THE MAP