Closed December 25-27/Join us for First Ride on New Year Day

We are an hour from closing for Christmas (3 PM on Sunday). The store will be closed on Christmas Day and then Tuesday and Wednesday which is our winter tradition. We'll be back on Thursday at 10 AM. We wish you a Merry Christmas.

On New Years Day we invite you to ride from bikes@vienna to Herndon on what we call First Ride. We'll leave the store at 9 AM. The 8 plus miles to Herndon will take about 45 minutes. Many of us will stop at Anitas for breakfast and then ride back to Vienna. Some members of our group will simply turn around and go home. Check here for more information as the time for the ride nears.

If you are traveling this holiday season we hope you will travel safely. If you are making resolutions for 2007 we hope you will include cycling and lots of visits to bikes@vienna.

Happy Holidays

Wannabe
Originally uploaded by bikes@vienna.

Towards the end of our day yesterday I decided to get Java ready for a holiday photo. I ignored W.C.Fields caution about working with children and animals. Bill Perlman had brought in a set of antlers and I had a Santa hat so it should be a breeze......right?

Java was cooperative. The antlers were to be worn by young people so a bit large for her. She'd move her head and the antlers would fall forward or backwards. She'd turn towards me and give me a big lick.

Now in this photo she looks demonic with those eyes. I'm holding the antlers on....not choking her. We'll practice some more and see if we can do better.

Have a Happy Holiday.

The Recumbent Bicycle 3rd Edition

We recently received the latest edition of the excellent book The Recumbent Bicycle, 3rd edition, by Gunnar Fehlau and published by Out Your Backdoor Press. It makes a great stocking stuffer at $22. The 3rd edition contains "greatly improved text and hugely improved photos—many of them new. It also includes an updated info resources appendix. It has much nicer coated paper and thicker cover stock."

The book contains a good history of recumbents, explaining why recumbents did not become more mainstream after being banned from professional racing in the early 1900's. Check out the table of contents.

bikes@vienna receives Business Community Service Award

If you live in the Town of Vienna, there's a good chance that you receive the Town of Vienna Newsletter that is mailed out each month. This month bikes@vienna is featured:

When the Vienna Town/Business Liaison Committee requested nominations for the first Business Community Service Award last January, one of the first to respond was Jim Larson, chairman of CHO (Committee for Helping Others). The business he nominated was bikes@vienna on Church Street, owned by John Brunow.

John has been collecting bikes for CHO and for Bikes for the World for many years. It's one of the many community activities in which John participates. He doesn't say much about it, he just does it. It's nice to see that his good works haven't gone unnoticed. See the full article in the December 2006 newsletter.

Java Update

JavaNov
Originally uploaded by bikes@vienna.

The little puppy that appeared at bikes@vienna in March has grown. Java has become a "big, brown dog". She has two basic speeds which are on and off. It would be fine if "on" was not so frenetic. "Off" is sweet with her lying down on your feet so she knows when you're moving.

Absent from this photo is a colorful Vienna Dogs handkerchief which Java wears to work. We get questions about the Vienna Dogs attire. It can be found at www.viennadogs.org. Perhaps a holiday gift idea? Proceeds help support the Vienna Dog Park on Old Courthouse Road.

Mary's Ride

Mary'sRide
Originally uploaded by bikes@vienna.

This handsome group of riders went out on Saturday morning after Thanksgiving. Mary Buckwalter, shown in the center of the front row, invited friends and family to the Saturday morning ride. Mary is patron of bikes@vienna. She is energetic in promoting cycling, researching new products, and sharing her love of riding. We appreciate her.

This group includes many long time customers, riders on our Full Moon Rides, and riders in the Halloween Parade. They enjoy cycling and they have a good time.

"No Go" for the Guilt Reduction Ride

Happy Thanksgiving,

The Guilt Reduction Ride is a "No Go" for this morning.  Surfaces are wet and there is a mist falling with another weather front coming toward us.

The CHO Food Drive continues for several weeks.  The Holiday Stroll on Church Street which is this coming Monday evening would be a great time to bring by your contributions of foodstuff.

I hope you have a wonderful holiday.

The Bike Friday Family Tandem for the Holidays

FamilyTandem
Originally uploaded by bikes@vienna.

I ordered this Family Tandem for the holiday season. This Bike Friday is very adjustable so it will accommodate a wide range of adults and adults riding with children. It has a basic 8 speed drivetrain which serves the needs of many riders.

You get all this adjustability and because it is a Bike Friday it can be disassembled for packing and transport. This is a bike that you can ride near home or on the other side of the world. It opens doors to so many uses.........that's why it is a perfect holiday gift

Blue Sky Cycling Cart for Austin

Ruby's
Originally uploaded by bikes@vienna.

The Ruby family came to visit us last weekend. They were looking at the Blue Sky Cycling Cart for son, Austin. Blue Sky builds a cart with a molded seat that has a five point strap system. The cart will accomodate up to 200 pounds. It has options that allow the individual to be enclosed or (as we did for this test ride) open to the world. The connection to the bike is at the seatpost.

Austin's little sister helped her father, Keith, do a test ride. The Ruby's ordered a cart for Austin. It should provide Austin and the whole family with lots of riding enjoyment.

Come talk to us about a Blue Sky Cycling Cart if you have a family member with special needs that you want to enjoy the experience of cycling.

Tim at UBI

As was mentioned earlier, our head mechanic, Tim Fricker, is attending a two week class at the United Bicycle Institute. The class is entitled Chromoly Brazing Frame Building. Tim is featured on the UBI class photo page. We're anxious to check out his work; with luck he'll return with a completed bike frame.

Guilt Reduction Ride at 8:30 AM on Thanksgiving morning

You are invited to join me for bikes@vienna's Guilt Reduction Ride on Thanksgiving morning. I start serving hot cider and oatmeal/raisin cookies at 8 AM. The ride starts at 8:30 AM going west on the W&OD Trail. The ride will go to the train station in Herndon and return to Vienna. You can go further or ride less depending on your schedule.

The ride is called the Guilt Reduction Ride because many of us will over consume during this day of feasting. If you've ridden twenty miles in the morning then you should be able to feel less guilty. The second reason is that you are asked to bring food stuffs for the Committee Helping Others (CHO) Food Drive. You will have acted to help others during the holiday season and that reduces guilt. Please invite friends and family to join you and bring lots of food stuffs for CHO.

If the weather is questionable you can call the bikes@vienna number (703.938.8900) after 7 AM to learn if we plan to ride.

Adaptive Cycling Equipment in 2007

bikes@vienna is known for recumbents, trikes, tandems, and folding bikes. We relish the opportunity to help people find a way to enjoy cycling.

We're working this fall and winter to identify, test, and then acquire equipment which will allow more people to experience the joy of cycling. This means that we're looking at trailers, trail-a-bikes, trikes, and tandems which meet special needs,

The Greenspeed GTH shown in the photo is an example of a high end trike developed for commuting and touring. The trike is a handcrank model outfitted with 54 speeds, drum brakes, rear fender, and rear view mirror. This model will appeal to an adult who is serious about cycling.

You'll see other examples here for kids and adults in the next couple of weeks. We've found that our customers give us great ideas, feedback. and contacts. Adaptive cycling equipment is expanding into new frontiers for us so we need your help. Please email us with your suggestions. Send your messages to john@bikesatvienna.

Back to school

Tim Fricker, our head mechanic, is attending a frame building class at United Bicycle Institute, affectionately known as “Bike School”. He has a passion for lug-framed steel bikes, and you can read about his current stable of bikes on our articles page. We're anxious to see the results of his classwork; if he is lucky and has the time, he should return with a complete bike frame.

Crash Dummies Ride in Halloween Parade

Romello
Originally uploaded by bikes@vienna.

We had a number of creative costumes in our group that rode in the Halloween Parade. In the item below you can see a photo of Geoff and Sandi in their clown costumes. The Romellos came as Crash Dummies which were terrific. There was a bit of a chill in the air and I suspect they were warmer than most of us under those masks.

I was pleased with our turn out to ride in the parade. The crowd response was very positive to our riders.

Monster Mash on Maple

That's the title of the series of photos from the Vienna Halloween Parade in the Vienna Connection. As you know, bikes@vienna cyclists participate in the parade each year and gather at the shop afterwards for refreshments. We had a great time this year and there were some wonderful costumes on display.

Our own Geoff Steele and his wife are featured in their clown costumes, riding their recumbent tandem. For a photo of Al Tyre on his Catrike 700 slapping fives with the enthusiastic crowd, check out the printed version. Plan on joining us next year.

Commuter bikes

A radical idea is sweeping the world of American bicycle manufacturing: building bikes that people will use for actual transportation.

The New Business Cycle, Wall Street Journal article, October 6, 2006.

For too long bike manufacturers concentrated on a few markets; recreational riders who wanted fast, lightweight road bikes, or mountain bikers who wanted suspended bikes with fat tires. Hybrid bikes have become popular, but most require additional accessories be added to allow bike commuting. The lightweight road bike and mountain bike frames are built in such a way that it is usually difficult to attached racks and fenders. Commuter bikes on the other hand generally come with integrated racks, fenders, and lights.

We carry the Uptown 8 bicycles made by Breezer Bikes that are mentioned in the article above. They come ready for commuting, with fenders, integrated lighting systems, a rack, puncture-resistant tires, and a chainguard. We also carry other bikes appropriate for commuting.

Many of our customers have already discovered the benefits of commuting to work by bike. Many use folding bikes in combination with Metro, others ride long distances on recumbents or uprights outfitted with racks, fenders, lights, bags, etc. They don't generate pollution or sit in traffic for long periods of time. They have fun, they get exercise, and they save money. They don't worry if their commute will take 20 minutes or an hour; they know how long it takes to cycle to work or to the store or wherever their regular commute trips take them. If you don't already, now is a good time to start commuting by bike.

A small communication problem

Our DSL connection which allows us to roam the internet as well as read and create email is not working. It failed on Friday afternoon during a time of gusting winds and a power outage. We have been working with the service provider and we hope it become active today, but we wanted you to know that if you send us an email today it may not get answered until the evening.

Recumbent blogs

We've added a links to a couple of recumbent blogs on the left side of this window. You'll find some interesting articles on the latest developments in the recumbent world in The Recumbent Blog and in Recumbent Cyclist, Bob Bryant's blog, the publisher of Recumbent Cyclists News. Be careful, blog reading can be habit-forming.

Take a look at this beautiful Tour Easy that was assembled for author of The Recumbent Blog. It has many accessories that you'll usually only see on a traditional lug-framed steel bicycle such as Dura-Ace Bar-end/Paul Thumbies for shifters, Nigel Smythe & Sons bags, Rivendell Cork grips, and Full Wood, Figured Maple fenders. It's a work of art.

Eric and his KMX Kart

Eric
Originally uploaded by bikes@vienna.

This is the inspiring story of a determined young person which warmed my heart. Here is the message from Eric's father, Mark:

John,

I thought you might find this interesting--my 8-year old son, Erik, joined the "Opportunity for Success" bicycle ride last Friday, which highlighted the need for employment of people with disabilities as part of disability awareness month. Erik has spina bifida, which limits his mobility and made riding an upright bike very difficult.  He had pretty much given up on biking when I learned about the KMX and ordered one from your shop.  The KMX has worked wonderfully for him after a few modifications, and really improved his self confidence.

The ride started with a core group of riders in New York, and people were invited to join the group as they went through each town along the route. There were supposed to be several hundred people joining the ride in DC, but that portion of the ride ended up being cancelled due to the poor weather (50 degrees and pouring rain) so only the core group rode through DC.

Erik had been "training" for several months for the DC portion of the ride using his KMX trike from Bikes at Vienna, but we were a little concerned about the bad weather. We offered him the option of backing out since it was cold and raining, but his response was "pack my raincoat." I had initially been worried he wouldn't be able to complete the 2-mile long DC portion of the ride.  However, he practiced for several months and we literally had to get him to slow down during the actual ride (despite the weather) because some of the adult riders couldn't keep up.

I was his run-along pit crew in case he needed technical assistance (he didn't), and to take pictures along the way.

Here is a press release with some info:

http://www.defenselink.mil/News/NewsArticle.aspx?ID=1492

Thanks for your help getting the KMX,


Mark


The photo shows Eric on a much nicer day than he experienced on the ride last week.

2006 Safe Kid Day is Saturday, October 14

2006 Safe Kid Day is Saturday, October 14
Originally uploaded by bikes@vienna.

Saturday we will be doing the safety checks on bikes at the Bike Rodeo which is just one aspect of Safe Kid Day & KidsFest. The activities of the day begins at 10 AM and continues to 2 PM. The location is the Faith Baptist Church at 301 Center St., S.

We invite you to bring your family to this free, community event. Please read the adjoining flyer for more information.

Moving the Full Moon Ride to Sunday

The rain and the cool weather have convinced us to move the Full Moon Ride from this evening to tomorrow (Sunday) evening. We hope that Sunday will be drier. The start time will again be 8 PM. Please remember to bring your lights and helmet. You might like to bring a light, windbreaker and perhaps some light weight gloves.

It was almost "Bye, Bye Birdy"

John Hayes has been a long time patron of bikes@vienna. Here is a message I received today about his travels and his Birdy.


John,

    I was searching the Birdy on the WEB and came across your WEB page.  Yesterday (Thurs 10/5) Kathy, Henry (Williams younger brother), and I came back from Florida.  We spent a week down there visiting my mother (near Orlando).  I took my Birdy as we flew (usually I drive with road and recumbent bikes on top).  I notice that you are renting the Birdy-in-a- bag!  Great!!  You remember I took my Birdy-in-a-bag (bought them both from you) to Italy.  What a great trip which was even more enjoyable with my Birdy along.  That BAG with the wheels on one end and the handle on the other was in tow from Florence to Rome (via train) and through the streets of Rome (just to the hotel).  I rode the Birdy daily in Tuscany, all around Florence, and some in Rome.

    I use this "fold up" as an easy take along (just in case I get a chance to ride) all over PA and on frequent visits to VA.  As I mentioned I just took it to Florida and back this past week.  On this trip they lost my Birdy which caused me 24 hrs of consternation and a torn hand strap.  Actually, the tag came off (so they tell me) and the Birdy didn't know what flight it was supposed to board.  I filed a claim describing my "luggage" as a bicycle with the word "BIRDY" on a soft sided large suit case.  This was enough for them to find her and send her on her way (claimed 24 hrs later).  So, late today (Fri) we were re-united and Kathy and I drove up to Laurel Hill (our home in the beautiful Western Pa mountains).

    I have not been riding as much - miss the W&OD Trail.  We have a few more hills up here than No. VA.  I'll also miss the fun at your Halloween parade.  I'll be sure to stop by the next time we are in the area - William is due for a new bike this Christmas.  Keep up the great work and bike shop.  Ride safe!

 

    PS - Any one interested in hearing how great the "fold-ups" are and how I have traveled with my Birdy, well you know me - I'll swap bicycle stories any time (some say "all the time").  And the "GREAT" place to buy one, with great service and instruction is Bikes @ Vienna!

 

            Sharing the road, riding safe,

                                                        John Hayes 

Randy Kling leading by example

Our customer, Randy Kling, approaches life with gusto. His first recumbent was an EZ Sport as he started commuting to work in Washington. After a year he traded up for a Tour Easy Expedition. Then he dressed the Tour Easy up with a body stocking. Now he has one of each of the body stockings available from Easy Racers. He was in to the store last Saturday to pick up a new Stars and Stripes model.

You can see Randy and his Stars and Stripes outfitted Tour Easy at http://www.railstotrails.org/newsandpubs/features/20060921_AlternativeTransportation.html?s_oo=EX2Q9hmjxyVcB_oE5wuYLw. This is a story on the Rails To Trails Conservancy website about bike commuting. There is a terrific photo of Randy with the Potomac River as the backdrop.

From reading the article I learned that Randy has given up his automobile. Randy, you're my hero.

Interbike reports

Bryan Ball of BentRider Online has written a series of articles about the latest developments in the recumbent world presented at Interbike 2006. Rans introduced a titanium version of the Stratus XP, and a new model the V3 titanium. There are several new variations on their crank forward line as well. Easy Racers will soon be selling a carbon fiber highracer with a 700C rear wheel and a 650C front wheel. Two other carbon fiber bikes were introduced as well, the C-Rush and a monotube model the Javelin.

John Schubert of Adventure Cycling has also written about Interbike on the Adventure Cycling Blog.

Interbike 2006

Tim, our head mechanic, will be back soon from his brief visit to Las Vegas to attend Interbike, the massive bicycle industry expo held each year. It's an opportunity for bike shop owners and employees to get to meet the many people with whom they deal with on the phone on a daily basis.

To read about some of the latest advancements in the bike world, visit the Adventure Cycling Interbike blog, or ask Tim about the show the next time you see him.

Oregon Coast tour

As I have mentioned here before, I have a New World Tourist folding bike made by Bike Friday. I've used it on many trips in the past; I love the bike and each time I use it on a trip I fall in love with it again. I don't use it much when at home. I have a Rans V-Rex short wheelbase recumbent that is my commuting and local touring bike.

Last month my wife Kerie and I travelled to Portland, Oregon to ride a Bicycle Adventures tour of the Oregon Coast. The tour we chose this year was their “budget” tour, which meant we stayed in basic accomodations and didn't have dinner at gourmet restaurants. We had a great trip and I took some notes and photos that I've posted on my website under Oregon Coast 2006.

Jim O'Grady Wins Dahon Speed 7

DahonWinner
Originally uploaded by bikes@vienna.

We have teamed up with ZipCar in an effort to increase the use of alternative transportation. In July, ZipCar asked its members to write a haiku about a folding bike. Jim O'Grady's entry was selected as the winner and his haiku read:

A foot of empty
space is what my house holds. I
don't care: my bike folds.

The photo records the moment last week when Jim visited the store and picked up his new Dahon Speed 7. I'm shown holding a bunch of ZipCar brochures to make Adam Johnson of ZipCar feel good about the promotion. Jim has just test ridden his Speed 7 which he plans to use for commuting. We've got the bikes@vienna sign centered above our heads. Yep, we've got the bases covered.

bikes@vienna provides ZipCar members with a 15% discount on the purchase of Dahon bicycles. We're serious about fighting "oil addiction" and reducing the number of motor vehicles on the roadways.

Bill Cook Tells of His Cross Country Ride

BillCook
Originally uploaded by bikes@vienna.

Bill Cook of Barcroft Cycles was the speaker today at Vienna Rotary. Bill captivated the Rotarians with stories from his ride from Seattle to Washington, DC as part of the 30th Anniversary Adventure Cycling Ride Across America. You can learn about Bill's adventure by clicking on the link to his blog that appears on the bikes@vienna home page.

Burley: Undergoing Change

If you've visited bikes@vienna then you've seen the many Burley products we have in the store. We have enjoyed selling their tandems, recumbents, and trailers. As of last Friday Burley changed ownership and closed down their bicycle lines. They will not be manufacturing tandems, recumbents, commuter bikes, and road bikes any more this year. There is no indication if they will manufacture bicycles in the future (after the 2007 model year). Burley indicates that the focus will be on trailers.

We'll continue to carry Burley trailers. Their trailers are well made. I wish them well in their efforts to keep their business operating. They have initiated change to save the business and now we will have to initiate change to adjust to Burley's shift.

It is rarely dull here at bikes@vienna.

Super Heroes

GeoffSteele
Originally uploaded by bikes@vienna.

Geoff Steele (right) is shown with a super hero wannabee on a street corner on RAGBRAI. Geoff comes to the store on Sundays after church to help people test ride bikes. He rode on RAGBRAI with us this year and shot hundreds of delightful photos that he has generously shared. Geoff is a writer, photographer, bike connoisseur, and much more. He has not found a recumbent built by Dick Ryan that he didn't long to purchase.

Geoff and his wife, Sandy, ride a Ryan Duplex, a Bike Friday Twosday, and individual Bike Fridays. Geoff commutes by bike from their home in Arlington to work in Washington.

You have to like a guy that will mug for a photo with an unknown super hero in front of a line of porta potties. We like him. Come to the store on a Sunday afternoon and we can arrange for you to have your photo taken with Geoff. You'll have to bring your own super hero outfit and line of porta potties.

A New Standard for Riding Apparel

tuxedoman1
Originally uploaded by bikes@vienna.

I was moving a bike when out of the corner of my eye I saw Dave Taylor pedaling up the alley across from our parking lot. I looked up just as he went behind a parked car. I stood up to get a better look and I saw the yellow helmet coming up Church Street to our alley.

Then he was coming down the alley and yes he was wearing a tuxedo. He looped the parking lot in front of the store and I noticed a rose placed in the water bottle nestled in the Vision seatpack. Some people can make an entrance......Dave Taylor is one of them.

Dave brought his Vision in for some service. He test rode a Tour Easy and talked about riding across the country ( I did not ask if he planned to wear the tuxedo). He ran some errands in town and I took him to the Metro after we closed the store.

Ces came in the door from work and told me she had just seen a man at the Metro Station wearing a tuxedo and carrying a bike helmet. I said......."Sure, that's Dave Taylor and he gets your attention doesn't he?"

Riding RAGBRAI with family and friends

Day1RAGBRAI, originally uploaded by bikes@vienna.

This photo is from the first morning of RAGBRAI (Register's Annual Great Bike Ride Across Iowa). Daughter Sara and I were ready to start riding as the sun came up. We rode on a Barcroft Columbia. The bike performed wonderfully. I appreciated the disc brakes because we were on numerous downhill glides and in crowds you need to be prepared to ride defensively.

This year's route was 444 miles. We had one flat and no other issues in the six and one half day ride. Sara and Ces (my wife) alternated the days that they rode with me. Ces joined me for what was the toughest day with twenty-two substantial hills between Manning and Ida Grove, a head wind, and temperatures in the mid nineties. Sara was with me when Lance Armstrong whizzed past just before we pulled into Ladora.

It was a wonderful week. RAGBRAI is extra fun because Ces and I grew up in Iowa. We get to visit family and friends as we ride across the state. It was especially fun to share the experience with members of the Hopwood extended family, Geoff Steele, and our son-in-law, Drew Holloway.

Geoff Steele took this photo and hundreds more. I'll try to share several more that may give you a flavor of this American classic which will celebrate thirty-five years in 2007.

Full Moon Ride

We had a great turnout for the Full Moon Ride on Tuesday, August 8, 2006. About 20 people showed up, including two visitors from out of town who rented bikes for the ride to the Reston Town Center. There was a long line at the Ben & Jerry's ice cream shop, but it was worth the wait. We made for quite a sight, our long line of lighted bikes and trikes riding along the trail.

Suggestions for future moonlight ride destinations are welcome. We will try to do the ride again on Tuesday, September 7, 2006 at 8 p.m. See our Events page for more info.

Web site back up

After a brief meltdown, the server hosting our Web site is now back up. Sorry for the disruption.

Our Web site is down

The computer hosting our Web site seems to be having a problem today (Thursday, July 27, 2006). Our site has been down for most of the day and we haven't been able to get through to the service provider to determine the cause. We are sorry for the inconvenience. If you have a question about our hours, rental rates, or anything else, please call us at 703-938-8900.

Java dogging the counter

JavaInControl, originally uploaded by bikes@vienna.

The contrast on this photo is not the best, but this photo is worth more than a thousand words. The little puppy that joined us in March is growing. She enjoys coming to work and she is more mellow. She has not been trained to do customer service at the front counter although this photo makes it look like she's ready.

Java's going on vacation for ten days. Some of us a're going to Iowa to ride RAGBRAI and she's going to Richmond to visit.

bikes@vienna will be open just without Java.

Washington Post article on recumbents

The Post recently published a good article on recumbents. Two local recumbent designers, Bill Cook, who is currently riding cross country and produces the excellent Barcroft recumbents, and Mark Colliton of Bacchetta Bicycles are both mentioned in the article as is our shop.

"The real advantage of a recumbent is comfort," Colliton says. "If your goal is to get exercise, maybe lose some weight, you're able to stay on your bike for a lot longer, comfortably. Recumbents are also more aerodynamic than conventional bikes, because they present a smaller surface area to push through the wind."

A Happy Triker

HappyTriker, originally uploaded by bikes@vienna.

Cyclists are amazing people. As Ces and I rode on Bike Virginia in the rain during the final days of June that fact was reaffirmed for me.

This photo and email message tell the story of a cyclist who would not be detered. Here is the message,

John,

I wanted to thank you again for making it possible for my  wife,  
Yvonne, to do Bike Virginia this year even though she had a broken  
left wrist.  She could steer, change the rear gears, and apply the  
rear disc brakes all with her right hand.  It made her one happy  
biker, or rather triker.  She triked about 300 miles over the 5 day  
event.  Thanks again.

Henry

The EZ-3 USX trike is not a light weight trike. It did fit the bill for Yvonne's needs. She is a strong and dedicated rider to have covered 300 miles. She is also an inspiration.

Recumbent Cyclists News - July/August

We just received the July/August edition of the Recumbent Cyclists News (RCN). This is an excellent publication for learning about recumbents and trikes. This edition contains reviews of the Catrike Road aluminum trike, the RANS Formula 26, a new long wheelbase recumbent from RANS with dual 26" wheels. RCN sells for $5.

Another wet day

We're wondering when the rain will finally stop. It rained almost continuously today, much like yesterday and the day before. We had what must be a record 6 inches yesterday. It's no fun dragging tarps on and off the bikes throughout the day, or worse, having all of the bikes inside the shop and not being able to move. As you can tell, we don't like rainy days at the shop.

John is riding in Bike Virginia and is having a wet ride, as the rain that we are experiencing is mostly coming from his direction in the south of Virigina. Today they rode from Emporia, VA to Roanoke Rapids, NC, towns that sound familiar to those of us who have ridden the Great Peanut Bicycle Tour.

We did have a few customers in the shop. Ralph and Kris LeMeur and Jim and Kathy Bremner just completed their cross country tour, Ralph and Kris riding a Seven Cycles tandem and Jim and Kathy accompanying them in their RV. Ralph needed a place to pack the tandem for the trip back to California. We provided space, tools, and two boxes that he combined into one large tandem box. We enjoyed hearing about their adventure and look forward to reading their blog, Biking from West to East.

My bike commute home was aborted due to news that a bridge on the W&OD Trail between Vienna and Reston is damaged. I hope it doesn't take long for the repairs, as there are few options for riding between the two places.

Tim's bikes

We've started to post a few articles about some of the bikes that we ride at bikes@vienna. A while back we posted an article that our head mechanic Tim wrote. We just updated that article with some photos of a few of the many bikes that he owns. Check out these fine bikes in the article Tim's Bikes.

Kids’ Bike Safety Check Set for June 21

The Bike Rodeo scheduled for Saturday, May 20 was canceled and has been
rescheduled for Saturday, October 14. The Bike Rodeo was an event where
bikes@ vienna, LLC provided a public service of inspecting and doing
quick repairs on children’s bikes. to make the bikes safer. Rather
than waiting until October 14, bikes@vienna, LLC will provide a free
bike safety check from 4 PM to 8 PM on Wednesday, June 21 at the
bikes@vienna, LLC store located at 128A Church Street, NW.

The safety checks will be provided for children twelve years of age and
younger when accompanied by an adult. In addition to the safety check,
small repairs and adjustments will be done. The value of the services
provided at no charge will not exceed $10 in labor per young person..

This is an opportunity to get bikes ready for summer vacation. The
rain date for the event will be 4PM to 6 PM on Thursday, June 22. This
event is being staged on a Wednesday because bikes@vienna, LLC is
traditionally closed on Wednesday. This will allow bikes@vienna
employees to work specifically on the safety check. This free safety
check service at bikes@vienna, LLC will not be available at any other
time.

A Review of the Bacchetta Strada

bikes@vienna note: Long time customer Bill Perlman took the Bacchetta Strada with the Euromesh seat for a test ride and then wrote this review. Bill rides an underseat steering recumbent and has placed an order for a new Challenger which will be underseat steering so I was interested in how he would react to the aboveseat steering Strada. Bill also does a considerable amount of touring so the ability to pack and ship a recumbent is important to him. Here's what Bill thought of the Strada:

"The bottom line:  I like the Strada.  A lot.

The Strada felt good right from the start.  Some bents you never get a good feeling for.  Their steering or balance or riding position just isn't right and doesn't feel natural even after a few hours on the bike.  By the time I rode out of the parking lot, it felt like a bike I've been on for quite a while.  The Strada was stable at both low and high speeds.  It's a high racer configuration with 571 wheels and a shell-like seat.  It's seat height is low enough so that there was no problem getting a foot firmly on the ground.

I rode the Strada because I wanted to try the new Bacchetta Euromesh seat.  The seat is comfortable and I felt that the mesh back did indeed reduce the heat/sweat buildup that you get from fiberglass shell seats.  Fiberglass shell seats also seem to amplify the drivetrain sounds that come up the seat stays.  The Euromesh seat eliminated that sound.

The Strada is clearly built for fast riding on decent roads.  It's a light bike with very narrow tires on lightweight wheels.  It climbed well and it handled well on fast downhills.  It's SRAM X.9 components are good.  The chain management is via a double sided idler wheel and is quiet.  The cockpit is a bit tight but one can get used to it; and it does provide a pretty comfortable hand position.  The bike is an excellent value for the price.

Why won't I buy this bike?  With it's typical OSS design, there is no telescoping boom and it is thus too long to fit into a standard bicycle box.  Too long to easily take with me on a flight and be used for touring."

Exploring the C&O Canal with Author Mike High

SATURDAY, JUNE 10
C/D * 26 * MD * 10:30 AM * Point of Rocks (POR)
Towpath and Lunch at Harpers Ferry. Park at the picturesque Victorian train station on Rt 28 in the town of Point of Rocks. The bike ride itself is on the towpath to Harpers Ferry and back--an historic stretch where the Potomac cuts through the first line of the Appalachians: Catoctin Ridge and South Mountain. On the way to Harpers Ferry, there are great views of the islands and rapids of the river, as well as the old canal works and the abandoned mill town of Weverton. Hybrid or ATB tires are best, but it can be navigated on a touring bike. Bring a bike lock and money for lunch. Leader is planning to go rain or shine--it can be sunny up the river while it’s raining in Washington. If it’s raining cats and dogs at ride start, we’ll explore other options. C/D (10:30 AM) * Mike High * 703/597-7912.

bikes@vienna note: This should be a terrific experience. Mike High is the author of the C&O Canal Companion. Here is how the book is described:

" The first comprehensive guide to one of America's unique national parks, The C&0 Canal Companion takes reader on a mile-by-mile tour of the C&O Canal, the 184-mile Potomac River Waterway that stretches from Washington, D.C., to the Appalachian Mountains.

Outdoorsman and writer Mike High has spent many hours exploring the C&O Canal, asking questions, making notes, taking photographs, and conducting research to assemble this informative, user-friendly book. Beautifully illustrated with photographs and drawings, the guide blends history, nature writing, and tour-guide tips to create the only book of its kind. High offers practical advice on cycling, canoeing, birdwatching, and other pastimes along the canal and river. Exploring the canal's history, he relates the early struggles to build a trade route to the Ohio Valley and gives in-depth coverage to the Civil War years, when the canal became a dividing line between North and South. He also explains the nineteeth-century technology of the canal--how it worked and how its operations were related to water-driven mills and ironworks along the river.

For the convenience of visitors to the canal, High provides a helpful appendix that includes names and telephone numbers for such resources as hotel, bed-and-breakfasts, bicycle shops, river outfitters, nearby parks, campsites, and regional associations. The C&O Canal Companion is both a pleasure for the armchair tourist to read and an indispensable guide for anyone planning a hiking, camping, or cycling adventure along this remarkable landmark.

Mike High grew up in the Philippines, California, and Vietnam. He has cycled in many places around the world, but the trail along the C&O Canal remains his favorite ride. His interest in the canal began when he discovered he could ride the towpath all they way to Antietam Battlefield, 72 miles from Washington. "

Blue Eyes

Mira1, originally uploaded by bikes@vienna.

Granddaughter Mira is growing rapidly (she was born the end of September). As you can see she has blue, blue eyes and is called upon to model interesting hats.

We'll get to see her in July during RAGBRAI. Her father will ride with us several days while she and our daughter Jessica visit my folks in Iowa.

New Opportunity to Explore: Dahlgren Railroad Heritage Trail

You're invited to join the Friends of the Dahlgren Railroad Heritage Trail for the OPENING CELEBRATION!!

WHO: Friends of DRHT members, guests, and those interested in helping to celebrate this treasure in the heart of King George.

WHAT: RIBBON CUTTING CELEBRATION for the DRHT, a 15.7 mile "rails-to-trails" project being developed in King George, preserving the former CSX rail bed as a NATURE, HIKING, and BIKING TRAIL.

WHEN: SATURDAY, 3 JUNE 2006, 10:00 A.M.

Please JOIN US!! Bring your family and friends. Experience the beauty of this unique trail. Meet, greet, and visit with DRHT Friends and other trail enthusiasts.

REFRESHMENTS WILL BE SERVED!

DIRECTIONS: Parking is currently very limited at the trail's junction with Indiantown Rd. (Rt. 610), the Ribbon-Cutting opening ceremony site. Participants driving cars will please park at Caledon Natural Area Picnic Shelter on Caledon Road, (Rt. 218) by 9:30 A.M.  A shuttle will provide transportation to the event. Bicyclists will meet at the King George County School Board Office and depart en mass at 9:00 A.M. (sharp!), for the ribbon-cutting--an easy five mile ride away on quiet rural roads.  Immediately after the ribbon cutting and refreshments, interested bicyclists are invited on a celebratory ride to Colonial Beach for coffee and muffins!  For additional information contact Dave Jones at (540)663-2137(w) or (540)775-9364(h) or via email at .

It will be our pleasure to see you there!

Bikes and cars

This is not the usual story about the constant battle between bikes and cars. This is a story about a partnership between an auto dealer and a bike dealer. During May, which is Bike Month, Don Beyer Volvo will be giving away a Dahon folding bike with every car that is purchased. We are providing the bikes. We know it would be better if people just bought the bike without the car, but we are realists. Knowing that the cars will be sold anyway, we thought this was a good way to give people an alternative.

Maybe some day those same people will make the decision to use their new bike instead of their car for those many short, local trips that we make each day. Those trips generate a great deal of pollution because cars don't have a chance to properly warm up. It's bad for the car and bad for the environment.

I do wonder what the folks at Don Beyer think when they receive messages from John with his signature line that reads: "We're fighting 'oil addiction' with human powered transportation. Join the fight—park your car and ride your bike."

Fairfax County to get bicycle coordinator

On May 1, 2006 the Fairfax County Board of Supervisors voted to include $465,000 in the 2007 budget to fund a bicycle coordinator position, a bicycle plan and bicycle map of the county. Thanks to the hard work of Fairfax Advocates for Better Bicycling, Eric Gilliland of WABA, and WABA members for making this happen. More information will be forthcoming on the FABB Web site, including how you can get involved to help produce the bike plan and map.

This is a great step forward for the county. Most other local jurisdictions currently have bicycle coordinators and bike maps. The maps will help county cyclists find bike-friendly routes throughout the county. As the W&OD Trail gets more and more crowded each year, it will be necessary for cyclists to explore other bike routes. Many of us know our local routes, but there is not good, detailed map of county bike routes. The bike coordinator will ensure that the needs of bicyclists are addressed in major development and road projects in the future.

There will also be public meetings during the production of the bike plan where cyclists can help document existing routes and identify gaps in the potential bike network. Check the FABB Web site for updates.

A New Rental Service.....Birdy in a Bag

Birdy&Bag1, originally uploaded by bikes@vienna.

The Birdy and bag shown in the photo represent a new service from bikes@vienna. We are now renting two Birdys with bags for your airline and train travels. Want to take Amtrak to New York for the Five Boro Ride with a bright red Birdy in a bag? We can help. Want to fly to Key West and explore on a bright red Birdy? We can help. Ever dreamed of going to __________ (you fill in the blank) and seeing so much more on a bike than walking or driving? Yep, we can help.

We have a different set of rates for this service and it will be several days before we get those prices posted. Send us an email for more information,,,,,,,,,john@bikesatvienna.com

Java Reclined and a Small Town Story

JavaReclined, originally uploaded by bikes@vienna.

This Java sleeps in an interesting position. Bruce snapped this photo of her on Thursday afternoon. She is totally relaxed. People walking and talking as she lies there on her back.

This is a Java story about Vienna being a small town.

I walked Java up to the store on Wednesday morning. Our walk included a stop at the bank for me to make a deposit. Although she is getting too big, I picked Java up and carried her into the bank. The nice teller handled my deposit and talked about Java noting her name and age.

Hours later daughter Sara went into the bank to cash her paycheck from the store. As fate would have it she went to the same teller. She had left her identification in the car, but the teller noted the matching last names of the payee and payor. As Sara offered to go get her drivers license, the teller said that wouldn’t be necessary if she could answer two questions:

What is the puppy’s name? How old is the puppy? The check was cashed.

The New Bike Friday SatRDay and Al Tyre

SaturdayAl, originally uploaded by bikes@vienna.

We have the new SatRDay in the store for test rides. Unbelieveably this bike fits in a checkable suitcase. It has suspension. It is a very comfortable seat.

The handsome man in the photo is bikes@vienna's own Al Tyre. Al owns half a dozen recumbents, but not a folding, packable recumbent. See that expression? He's excited about test riding the new SatRDay.

Come ride the SatRDay and place your order for this new foldable recumbent from Bike Friday.

Cool spring riding days

We've been lucky this spring with some excellent riding weather. The plants need more rain, but I've enjoyed the lack of wet conditions throughout the spring. If you haven't been out riding, now is the time to get out there. It won't be long before the hot summer temperatures will make midday riding unpleasant.

Even though it's been a little cool, I think the conditions are ideal. A light windbreaker is all that's needed to keep you warm after a few miles. There are almost no insects, and on the cool days there aren't that many people out riding. When the temperatures are in the 60's and 70's the trails will be very crowded, so it's best to anticipate a slower pace or find a good on-road route.

If your bike needs work, the shop is a little backed up but we can probably get your bike back to you within a week or so for most tune ups and minor repairs. This is also the time to come in and check out our new bikes. The shipments come in daily and it's the time of year when you have the best selection of models, colors and sizes.

Don't forget that Bike to Work Day is next month on Friday, May 19. To register go to WABA's website. If you're not a member, now is a good time to join WABA, although you don't have to be a member to participate in Bike to Work Day.

See you on the trail.

Bike to Work Day/Friday, May 19

25093 poster, originally uploaded by bikes@vienna.

It is time to act. Bike to Work Day is less than two months away. Now is the time to register. Now is the time to organize your friends and co-workers. Now is the time to begin riding.

Spring is coming to Northern Virginia. Soon the blossoms will create zones of sweet smells which stratify and embrace you as you woosh down a hill. The sounds of birds and frogs will compete for your attention with the traffic. Riding will make you feel alive.

bikes@vienna is proud to be one of the many sponsors of Bike to Work Day. We believe bicycling can help to fight the "oil addiction" that plays a role in so many of the issues of our time. Our statement for 2006 is:

"We are fighting "oil addiction" with human powered transportation. Join the fight.....park your car and ride your bike".

Now is the time to begin.

W&OD Trail Patrol Seeks New Members

We have been asked to provide publicity for this information about the W&OD Trail Patrol. This group provides a valuable service to trail users and we are pleased to help in their recruitment efforts.


The W&OD Trail runs through the communities of Arlington, Falls Church, Vienna, Reston, Herndon, Sterling, Ashburn, Leesburg, Hamilton, and Purcellville. The Trail Patrol is seeking new members to be on-scene ambassadors of safety, courtesy, information, and goodwill. All adult trail users--cyclists, walker, runners, skaters, carriage pushers, dog walkers, horse riders, or wheel chair users--are eligible to apply. The first orientation session of the year will be held on April 25 at the Vienna Community Center starting at 7 p.m. Future sessions are planned for other trail communities. For further information and signup please contact John Boone at 703-437-4158 or jmboone@adelphia.net

An EZ-1 Sale for Spring $520

EZ-1Sale, originally uploaded by bikes@vienna.

We are ready for Spring. We have 10 of these EZ-1s in both red (5) and blue (5). These are the terrific starter recumbents from Sun Cycle which were designed by Garner Martin. They have 21 speeds, the comfy seats, and a new bike warranty.........what more could you ask? And at $520 what a price!

Come take a test ride.

Java: New to bikes@vienna

Java, originally uploaded by bikes@vienna.

This chocolate lab puppy has joined the staff at bikes@vienna. She is eight weeks old and her name is Java. Thus far the training is going well. She has trained us when she wants to eat, when she needs to go outside, and when to let her nap. She is a chewer. Hold her for very long and you smell like a puppy.

I expect that productivity has dropped by more than 10% in the store. We can't walk passed her without pausing to pet her. People go into this baby doll voice to say things to her. There are dog playthings spread around the bike display area. She seems to be happy in her new world and the humans at bikes@ vienna seem to be enjoying her presence. Stop in and visit Java.

If one is good then 20 is ?

If one is good then 20 is ?, originally uploaded by bikes@vienna.

I did it again. Marin had a number of women's 15 inch bikes in the warehouse so I bought 20. This is the Bolinas Ridge which is a light (aluminum frame) mountain bike. I bought this model because it is perfect for moms riding with their families or fast growing young ladies. I've priced them at $285. If the reaction is like the one we had last year to a similiar model then they will sell briskly. Come see us

Signs To Help Find Us

www.flickr.com

The Town of Vienna has posted new "Historic Church Street" signs which may be helpful in finding us. The signs appear on Maple Avenue (Route 123) and on Lawyers Road. The street signs for Church Street have also been switched to a color that matches the historic signs. Also shown is our sign on Church Street. It is on the alley and not easy to see. It gets more difficult to see in the summer when the leaves from the ornamental trees are full and lush. We are behind Terra Christa on the Alley. Terra Christa is a brick, kind of Cape Code house at 130 Church Street, NW. That NW is important. Church is divided at Center Street and many times people look for us a block down on Church Street, NE.

Mira and Cyrus with Patty and Phil

Mira&Cy, originally uploaded by bikes@vienna.

Last week we had a wonderful time introducing the new members of our family to their great grandparents. This photo shows Cyrus seated on my Mom's lap and Mira seated on my Dad's lap. We took everyone out to a cabin overlooking the Potomac River at Algonkian Regional park and enjoyed a couple of days holding babies, talking, doing puzzles, playing cards, and eating. As you might imagine we have hundreds of photos to help us remember.

Bikes we ride

We thought it might be interesting for our customers and friends to read about the various bikes that we ride/own. John is the lucky one, since he owns a shop full of bikes. We've noticed that he has a favorite, but he picks and chooses as the mood strikes. The rest of us own significantly fewer bikes than John, but most of us have more than one. Each bike serves a particular purpose; for commuting, touring, fast sport riding to name a few. In what we hope will be series of articles, I've started by writing about the bikes that I own and why.

2006 Bike Tours

Below is a list of rides to be held during the coming year. Most are within a short drive or long bike ride from our shop. Others are rides that we planned to join in other parts of the country. To find multi-day tours around the U.S., visit the National Bicycle Tour Director Association site, which allows you to search by region or date.

Bike Florida - March 18-24, 2006

Maryland Tour de Cure - May 13, 2006

Bike to Work Day - May 19, 2006

Shenandoah Tour - May 29 - June 2, June 19 - 23, Aug. 28 - Sept. 1, Sept. 11 - 15, 2006

Virginia Dare MS 150 Bike Tour - June 3-4, 2006

Virginia Tour de Cure - June 4, 2006

Patuxent River Rural Legacy Ride - June 10, 2006

Bike Virginia 2006 - June 23-28, 2006

Cycle Across Maryland - July 13-16, 2006

RAGBRAI - July 23-29, 2006

Great Peanut Tour - Early September

Potomac Pedalers Century - September 17, 2006

Seagull Century - October 7, 2006

C&O Canal Tour - October 15-20, 2006

Shenandoah Fall Foliage Bike Festival - October 20-22, 2006

Tour du Port - October 22, 2006

WABA auction: people at the annual soiree of the Washington Area Bicyclists’ Association

These photos are from the WABA Gala and Auction held last evening at the Embassy of Finland. I captured people in a bit dresser attire than I sometimes see them. The gentleman standing alone is Keith Oberg of Bikes For The World. Keith is like me, you're most likely to find him in jeans and flannel shirt. He regularly is wearing a ball cap. The two gentlemen are Harvey Sachs (left) who volunteers for WABA events such as the bike swaps and Eric Gilliland (right) who is the Executive Director. Both of them look very serious, but I would hope that Eric was smiling by the end of the evening. WABA put on a delightful event and given the weather; attendance was strong and I would guess the financial side was successful. The lovely couple are Douglas Stewart and his wife, Tamara Harvey. Douglas is a WABA Board Member and a sparkplug in Fairfax Advocates for Better Bicycling (FABB) which is affiliated with WABA.

bikes@vienna donated a Dahon Speed 7 to the auction. I was pleased with the large number of bids on the bike. I was tickled that it bought retail price to benefit WABA. The WABA Gala and Auction is typically held early in February. If you like bicycles, interesting surroundings, good food and drink, and intriguing auction items then you might like to join in next year.

Smiling Jon, a winner from the NBC4 Health & Fitness Expo

SmilingJon, originally uploaded by bikes@vienna.

This man, Jon Fisher, is smiling because he was just awarded the Dahon Boardwalk 7 that he won by participating in bikes@vienna's drawing at the NBC4 Health and Fitness Expo. Jon came out from Washington to pickup his prize and ride it on the W&OD Trail. Jon has a bike, but he was excited about owning a Dahon folder and the places he visit and ride his Dahon.

You will notice that Jon is wearing a T-shirt on the 21st of January. Our weather has been warm and it has resulted in more opportunities to ride than occur many Januarys. Both days this weekend we had lots of store visitors looking at recumbents and folding bikes. Perhaps you should come visit us and get a jump on the springtime crowd.

We are open during the winter months from 10-6 on Monday, Thursday, Friday, and Saturday. On Sunday our hours are 10-5. We're closed on Tuesday and Wednesday.