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.