ATXBS gets referenced by "serious" blogs? Plus, a nice chat with Chris Riley. And tits.

Though they didn't mention us by name, The Burnt Orange Report linked to us not once, but twice over the past few days in regards to the write-up I did on the BAC meeting last Thursday. I'd never heard of Burnt Orange Report before but my wife follows partisan political blogs and she said they're kind of a big deal so I guess this is a good thing. Does this mean I'm "respectable" now? Ye gods I hope not.

There, fixed. *

The most-recent mention is actually a response to my write-up from Chris Riley, our favorite pro-cycling city council candidate. I got to meet with Chris for a couple hours last Saturday over a beer and some coffee, and we discussed his background, his desire to be known as more than "that nutty bicycle candidate", and his desire to transform Austin into a world-class alternative transportation city.

While going over his master plans he also shared his (pre-release) list of 10 things he wants to do for bicyclists if he's elected to City Council. I don't want to spoil all of his surprises since he's putting a final polish on the list before releasing it publicly, but the one theme that seemed to pervade the individual items and draw everything together was CONNECTIVITY. Chris wants to make it possible to bike all over Austin safely, efficiently, and most of all EFFECTIVELY. Too many areas of the city are practically closed to all but the strongest cyclists through a combination of poor planning and lack of facilities. With a combination of increased signage, on-street facilities, bicycle lane additions to the commuter rail line, "bike boulevards" and an interconnecting trail system uniting the many dis-jointed parks and greenbelts around the central Austin area Chris hopes to change this.

Imagine being able to ride from Maybel Davis park along a trail all the way up to Ladybird Lake, completely circumnavigate the lake and then continue to ride all the way up the Shoal Creek trail, all without ever having to share on-street facilities. It's all part of Chris' vision. Want to know more? Join him THIS Friday for his Campaign Kickoff Party and find out. Speaking of finding out, during our conversation I also found out that Chris doesn't *always* stop at stop signs while on his bike. Yes, he really is one of us. That's it Chris, you've officially secured my vote!

* P.S. I love porn, and I love bikes. If anyone wants to make some "porn" (I use the word loosely, if it's hot I'm down) that includes bikes and/or the ATXBS logos, send it to me and I'll add it to the Bike Pr0n gallery. Hell, even if it's just the text "ATXBS" scrawled on a body part, send it and I'll feature it. I have lots of sexy friends, I want the pics to prove it.