Hello:
I feel like a real heel for not being able to offer more help and comfort to those coming to Austin for the NAHBS, but I'm afraid my work and house hunting have consumed all my time these last few weeks. Worse, I've barely ridden any road miles since moving here in October, and so can't provide good recommendations about where to ride.
A good calendar of Austin bicycle rides and events is maintained here:
http://austinontwowheels.org/
To the good restaurants already recommended by Don Murphey, I'd add the following:
Corra's Grill (The best Mexican restaurant that I've found, and which also serves breakfast) 614 E. Oltorf St. Austin, TX 78704
Hoover's Cooking (Copious amounts of great southern cooking, for very little money. Breakfast is available on the weekends) 2002 Manor Road Austin, TX 78722
The Salt Lick BBQ (An Austin institution; all you can eat, with a variety of cow-based entrees and endless sides) 18300 FM 1826 Driftwood, TX 78619 (This one would require a 40 minute drive, but I have two cars that, between them, would carry 12. If there's lots of interest in going to dinner there, I could rent a big van. There is a closer location but it lacks the terrific atmosphere of the original.)
Austin is also notable for street food, and there are several lots spread out throughout the city that host a variety of vans and trailers serving inventive and good food. We could ride to one of these and everyone could choose their own meals and collect in the shared eating space.
Finally, a friend has offered his patio and home bike shop, if we'd like to gather there and grill burgers and talk about thread pitches and Mario's mood on June 4, 1969.
I presently live within walking distance of the convention center and can offer parking and a place to use the restroom or get your bearings. God only knows where I'll be at the end of February, but it should still be within a mile or two of the show. I also have a variety of 56cm bikes and a couple of smaller bikes that you're welcome to use while in town.
I'm afraid I don't know anything about hotels in the area.
It's a great town, and I think you'll have a great time here. Please contact me at the email below if there's anything I can do for you. -- Kristopher Hicks-Green Hicks-Green Consulting Austin, TX 78702 USA
kristopher@hicks-green.biz
(360) 481.4592