The Sunday paper is filled with ads for wonder products that help an individual lose weight. Yesterday I noted a steady stream of people going to the workout facility across Church Street from us. It is the time of year that we take stock in our health and begin new regiments of exercise.
I want to return to an old form of exercise for me.....riding a bicycle. I invite you to join me on Tuesday, January 1, 2008 at 1:30 for a ride and social outing that will depart from the store. I think it would be fun to ride to the start of the W&OD. Just above Columbia Pike there is a parallel trail to the W&OD which loops through Barcroft Park and leads to Point 0 down by the Beanie Weenie so this ride will have some exploring.
The ride will be about 25 miles, but the wonderful thing about the W&OD is that if someone gets tired they can just turnaround and head home. Also with the route I'm suggesting it is possible to use Metro for the return to Vienna if needed.
I'm suggesting a 1:30 start because the forecast is for rain in the morning. The temperatures are supposed to be in the mid 40s. Find your stocking cap that goes under your helmet. Look for those new cycling gloves. Fill up those water bottles. Pump up those tires and let's go for a ride.
I'll be at the store at 1 PM if someone needs to pump their tires. I'll see if I can have some hot cider so we can get a warm start.
See you New Year's Day.
Sunday, December 30, 2007
Thursday, December 27, 2007
January & February We're Encouraging Appointments
We're going into the two months that are the least fun in my view. Certainly with good weather people will be riding bikes, but there is much less good weather so we are constricting our hours more. For the last few days of December, January, and February we plan to be open:
MONDAY 10:00–6:00
TUESDAY CLOSED
WEDNESDAY CLOSED
THURSDAY 10:00–6:00
FRIDAY 10:00–6:00
SATURDAY 10:00–5:00
SUNDAY 10:00–5:00
We will be pleased to stay open later or open earlier by appointment.
Allow me to say that again......We will be pleased to stay open later or open earlier by appointment. Those are not hollow words. We want your business, but it is not wise in the winter to have long hours when no one is coming into the store.
MONDAY 10:00–6:00
TUESDAY CLOSED
WEDNESDAY CLOSED
THURSDAY 10:00–6:00
FRIDAY 10:00–6:00
SATURDAY 10:00–5:00
SUNDAY 10:00–5:00
We will be pleased to stay open later or open earlier by appointment.
Allow me to say that again......We will be pleased to stay open later or open earlier by appointment. Those are not hollow words. We want your business, but it is not wise in the winter to have long hours when no one is coming into the store.
Monday, December 17, 2007
Duplex on Prius
It is necessary to be creative when you own a Duplex tandem and a Prius automobile. This photo confirms the creativity of one of the bikes@vienna customers.
In cooler (exchange for "slower") times I get a chance to look through things from earlier in the year. This photo once again captured my attention. Using a hitch mount and roof mount racks in concert this transportation.
In cooler (exchange for "slower") times I get a chance to look through things from earlier in the year. This photo once again captured my attention. Using a hitch mount and roof mount racks in concert this transportation.
Thursday, December 06, 2007
Jeanette Jay TV Show
People ask what I do in the winter. They assume that it must be a slow time with the weather allowing fewer opportunities to ride a bike. Here in Northern Virginia people ride their bikes all year except when (like today) there is ice and snow on the roads and trails.
I do have fewer people coming to the store, but I go where the people are gathering. This photo is an example. From the home page you can tell that I'm trying to publicize the Draisin products. In November Michael Denu of Draisin and I took Draisin trikes to the World Congress on Disabilities at the Washington Convention Center. This weekend Ces and I will be in Richmond for the Caring Communities event at the Richmond Raceway called World of Possibilities Expo.
This photo is an interview being conducted for the Jeanette Jay TV Show which is aired in Buffalo, NY. bikes@vienna is the only Draisin outlet in the United States so I'll take publicity anywhere I can get it, but my primary focus for the next six months is the area a three hour drive from Vienna. From Virginia Beach to Philadelphia I'm looking for opportunities to show Draisin trikes,
I do have fewer people coming to the store, but I go where the people are gathering. This photo is an example. From the home page you can tell that I'm trying to publicize the Draisin products. In November Michael Denu of Draisin and I took Draisin trikes to the World Congress on Disabilities at the Washington Convention Center. This weekend Ces and I will be in Richmond for the Caring Communities event at the Richmond Raceway called World of Possibilities Expo.
This photo is an interview being conducted for the Jeanette Jay TV Show which is aired in Buffalo, NY. bikes@vienna is the only Draisin outlet in the United States so I'll take publicity anywhere I can get it, but my primary focus for the next six months is the area a three hour drive from Vienna. From Virginia Beach to Philadelphia I'm looking for opportunities to show Draisin trikes,
Monday, November 26, 2007
Holiday Stroll rescheduled for Monday, Dec 3rd
The rain forecast for this evening has resulted in the Holiday Stroll on Church Street being rescheduled for next Monday evening (6:30 PM to 9:00 PM on December 3). The schedule of events will be the same as posted in an earlier blog entry on this page. Please adjust your calendar and come join the fun next Monday.
Monday, November 19, 2007
$50 buys this Trek Folding Bike Bag
For a short time Trek sold folding bikes. They no longer have folding bikes for sale, but they do have bags left over. I have an attractive offer for you. You can have a Trek Folding Bike Bag for $50. That price is much less than Trek sold the bags for originally ($79.99) and is less than the cost of a Dahon El Bolso bags priced at $59.
The design of the bag is another plus. The bike sits in what I will call a tray. It is easy to simply set the folded bike on the tray. Then you slip the bag over the top and click the two parts together. The bag is large and I believe that even folding bikes which have handlebars that swing to the outside of the folded frame like the Dahon Speed Pro will fit into this bag. The bag also features storage pockets and extra straps for attaching things like helmets. There is also a nice area of padding on the side of the bag to cushion you from the bike.
The $50 price is at the store. We will gladly ship this bag to you for the $50 and the cost of UPS to your door. How many would you like?
You can view details of the bag at http://store.trekbikes.com/jump.jsp?itemID=352&itemType=PRODUCT&RS=1&keyword=Folding+Bike+Bag&bShopOnline=1&CatID=476
The design of the bag is another plus. The bike sits in what I will call a tray. It is easy to simply set the folded bike on the tray. Then you slip the bag over the top and click the two parts together. The bag is large and I believe that even folding bikes which have handlebars that swing to the outside of the folded frame like the Dahon Speed Pro will fit into this bag. The bag also features storage pockets and extra straps for attaching things like helmets. There is also a nice area of padding on the side of the bag to cushion you from the bike.
The $50 price is at the store. We will gladly ship this bag to you for the $50 and the cost of UPS to your door. How many would you like?
You can view details of the bag at http://store.trekbikes.com/jump.jsp?itemID=352&itemType=PRODUCT&RS=1&keyword=Folding+Bike+Bag&bShopOnline=1&CatID=476
Draisin Plus at WCD
My camera work needs some honing. You can tell that I had to work with this photo to enhance the image. I was able to get the important part of this image viewable..........the smiles. Those are real, honest to goodness smiles as this mother and daughter tested the Draisin Plus.
Over and over again as people test rode the Draisin products at the World Congress on Disabilities last week we had big smiles. We also had a high number of comments about the high quality of the Draisins. People marveled at the engineering and the adjustability to meet peoples' needs.
There is one place in America to test ride a Draisin and it is here at bikes@vienna.
Over and over again as people test rode the Draisin products at the World Congress on Disabilities last week we had big smiles. We also had a high number of comments about the high quality of the Draisins. People marveled at the engineering and the adjustability to meet peoples' needs.
There is one place in America to test ride a Draisin and it is here at bikes@vienna.
????? Scott and Bianchi frames CAUTION! Will Robinson
We are scratching our heads about and worrying a little that some one is trying to take advantage of people with an offer on ebay. The ebay offer tells about a small Northern Virginia bike store that is selling off Scott and Bianchi frames. The seller name is Vienna Bikes located in Vienna, VA.
We've received inquiries and we know nothing other than it is not bikes@vienna. We're worried that someone is trying to use a name similar to ours for an enterprise that is deceptive. We urge extreme caution.
We've received inquiries and we know nothing other than it is not bikes@vienna. We're worried that someone is trying to use a name similar to ours for an enterprise that is deceptive. We urge extreme caution.
Sunday, November 11, 2007
Bikes for The Holidays
The photo shows a sample of the bikes for young people that we've brought in for the holidays. We have 16", 20", and 24" wheeled bikes to meet the needs of many children. Plus we've stocked up on 13" and 15" frames in the 26' wheel size. Yes, we're getting ready.
You may have read about our "Continuing Care" policy before, but just one more time...........
When you buy a bike from bikes@vienna we promise to do small repairs and adjustments for as long as you own the bike. As long as those repairs and adjustments are $20 or less then we only charge you for the parts. For a young person's bike this is a great asset.
Also bikes@vienna trys to help by considering trade-ins and serving as a drop off point for bikes going to Bikes For The World and to the Committee Helping Others.
You may have read about our "Continuing Care" policy before, but just one more time...........
When you buy a bike from bikes@vienna we promise to do small repairs and adjustments for as long as you own the bike. As long as those repairs and adjustments are $20 or less then we only charge you for the parts. For a young person's bike this is a great asset.
Also bikes@vienna trys to help by considering trade-ins and serving as a drop off point for bikes going to Bikes For The World and to the Committee Helping Others.
Thursday, November 08, 2007
Holiday Stroll set for Monday, November 26th
The schedule for the Holiday Stroll on Church Street is set and available for your review. This event has grown each year as people enjoy the lighting of the holiday tree and the entertainment. Granted weather plays a role in the turnout, but people like Vienna's small town feel and respond by participating.
We're getting ready. I planted Alberta Spruce trees in the planters out front. Tim's lighting up the windows and I'm looking for the lights we hang along the front of the building. I've been slyly mentioning in Al's presence that I need a Santa Claus for the event to no avail.
Please put the Holiday Stroll on your calendar and come visit us.
We're getting ready. I planted Alberta Spruce trees in the planters out front. Tim's lighting up the windows and I'm looking for the lights we hang along the front of the building. I've been slyly mentioning in Al's presence that I need a Santa Claus for the event to no avail.
Please put the Holiday Stroll on your calendar and come visit us.
Monday, November 05, 2007
Cy and the KidzTandem
Grandson Cy is visiting and so I took him around on the Kidz Tandem. This photo shows the gray seat that we can put on to take a younger rider for a ride. Cy is intrigued with the bell and you can see my hands as I adjust a helmet to put on him.
It is a perfect bike for a grandfather to ride with his two year old grandson.
It is a perfect bike for a grandfather to ride with his two year old grandson.
Friday, October 26, 2007
In the halls of Congress
The U.S. House of Representative held their Green Expo yesterday and bikes@vienna participated. Our participation lead to a couple of unique experiences for me. I had to take the bikes in the bikes@vienna van to be bomb scanned on Wednesday morning. The Capitol Police use dogs to sniff out bombs and I'm there wondering if the dog will react to Java's (our chocolate lab shop dog) scent which has to be very apparent. Nope not then or not on Thursday when they screened the van to pick up the bikes.
After unloading the bikes and promotional material at the Longworth Building I had to move things through the tunnel to the Cannon Building. How do you move bicycles, a tricycle, and a trailer loaded with catalogs? Well I hook the trailer to a bike and ride it. I'm wearing my bright orange helmet, bikes@vienna uniform (t-shirt and jeans) and a big smile as I pedal first through the tunnel and then down the third floor corridor of the Cannon House Office Building. It was fun! Most people that saw me would initially look surprised and then get a big smile.
On Thursday Bruce enjoyed riding through the halls of Congress while I retrieved the van and went through security. He said people had a similiar reaction to seeing him ride.
I see a new opportunity to speed up government......those hallways are long so allow people to ride bikes. I suppose that you could allow some people to use roller skates, but I don't sell roller skates.
After unloading the bikes and promotional material at the Longworth Building I had to move things through the tunnel to the Cannon Building. How do you move bicycles, a tricycle, and a trailer loaded with catalogs? Well I hook the trailer to a bike and ride it. I'm wearing my bright orange helmet, bikes@vienna uniform (t-shirt and jeans) and a big smile as I pedal first through the tunnel and then down the third floor corridor of the Cannon House Office Building. It was fun! Most people that saw me would initially look surprised and then get a big smile.
On Thursday Bruce enjoyed riding through the halls of Congress while I retrieved the van and went through security. He said people had a similiar reaction to seeing him ride.
I see a new opportunity to speed up government......those hallways are long so allow people to ride bikes. I suppose that you could allow some people to use roller skates, but I don't sell roller skates.
Vienna's Vibrant Halloween Parade
Wednesday night I participated in the Vienna Halloween Parade twice. I marched with the Rotary Club of Vienna in position 17 and rode with the bikes@vienna entry at position 84. It was double the fun.
The rain fell off and on during the parade. I imaged that the crowd would be very small and I was very wrong. People lined Maple Avenue under umbrellas, pop-up tents, and tarps. This event is a signature of this communities' effort to be a small town. Rain was not going to keep people away. Rain that had been scarce for so long was almost embraced. I did not hear any comments about "too bad it's raining". The opposite reaction I did hear----"isn't this rain wonderful".
The Rotary Club was behind a group of librarians with book carts. We moved out on to Maple and there was a whistle. This was not just a group of librarians pushing book carts! It was a precision drill team! I laughed many times during the parade as the whistle would sound and the group would perform. The spectators at the curb would always break out in laughter and hoots of joy.
The librarians inspired our Rotary Group to adlib a routine using umbrellas. We were far from coordinated, but by the time we reached the reviewing stand we were getting better. We need to watch a video clip of Gene Kelly doing "Singing in the Rain" if we do this again. We need to watch the clip over and over.
I hustled back to the store to join our small band of riders and we navigated the back streets to get to the van that was holding our place in the parade. We then made the trip down Maple Avenue behind a high energy performing troop. It is fun to ride and wave to people you know. It is always a joy.
We had a dozen riders. I thank each of them for helping me to publicize bikes@vienna.
The rain fell off and on during the parade. I imaged that the crowd would be very small and I was very wrong. People lined Maple Avenue under umbrellas, pop-up tents, and tarps. This event is a signature of this communities' effort to be a small town. Rain was not going to keep people away. Rain that had been scarce for so long was almost embraced. I did not hear any comments about "too bad it's raining". The opposite reaction I did hear----"isn't this rain wonderful".
The Rotary Club was behind a group of librarians with book carts. We moved out on to Maple and there was a whistle. This was not just a group of librarians pushing book carts! It was a precision drill team! I laughed many times during the parade as the whistle would sound and the group would perform. The spectators at the curb would always break out in laughter and hoots of joy.
The librarians inspired our Rotary Group to adlib a routine using umbrellas. We were far from coordinated, but by the time we reached the reviewing stand we were getting better. We need to watch a video clip of Gene Kelly doing "Singing in the Rain" if we do this again. We need to watch the clip over and over.
I hustled back to the store to join our small band of riders and we navigated the back streets to get to the van that was holding our place in the parade. We then made the trip down Maple Avenue behind a high energy performing troop. It is fun to ride and wave to people you know. It is always a joy.
We had a dozen riders. I thank each of them for helping me to publicize bikes@vienna.
Sunday, October 21, 2007
Kidz Tandem now being rented
The Rushforth family was the first to rent the Kidz Tandem that we received on Thursday. It is a tandem that I saw at InterBike and ordered. I rent it for the same rates as the upright tandems.
Note the smiles and the position of the young person being in front. Ty Rushforth hoped that the experience would give his daughter the confidence to ride without training wheels. She was reluctant to ride the tandem at first, but warmed to the experience and when they got back from their family ride she was glowing with excitement. For more information about the Kidz Tandem go to Kidz Tandem
Note the smiles and the position of the young person being in front. Ty Rushforth hoped that the experience would give his daughter the confidence to ride without training wheels. She was reluctant to ride the tandem at first, but warmed to the experience and when they got back from their family ride she was glowing with excitement. For more information about the Kidz Tandem go to Kidz Tandem
Thursday, September 27, 2007
Interbike 2007
John and Tim are attending the Interbike 2007 bike expo held each year in Las Vegas, NV. That's the main reason we're closed today. They will likely have some tales to tell about the latest recumbent and trike news from the show. In the meantime the Recumbent Blog has some great photos of the many new bikes on display at the show, including the Grasshopper FX, the folding short wheelbase recumbent from HP Velotechnik. Ever since Bike Friday stopped production of the SatRDay folding recumbent there have been few options in this category. There are many new offerings from Rans and others as well. For additional info on recumbents at the show see the 'BentRider Online site.
Sunday, September 23, 2007
Buchanan Railcar Inn
Ces, my wife, and I stayed at the Buchanan Railcar Inn earlier this month. The rail car is an 85 foot long coach with beautiful paneled walls and lots of character. The living room is 45 feet long and tastefully decorated.
I grew up around trains. My father worked for thirty-eight years for what was the CB&Q which became the Burlington Northern and today is the Burlington Northern Santa Fe. As a kid I'd go with him and ride from Centerville, IA to Keokuk, IA or Fort Madison, IA to Bloomfield, IA. Yep, they'd allow me to sit in the engine and blow the whistle as we neared crossings. It was pretty heady stuff for a youngster.
Ces and I enjoyed the experience of having supper with Janie Harris and her husband, Will, who own the Buchanan Railcar Inn. Will is in the business of moving large objects like rail cars and Janie is in the real estate business. They combined their skills and in a short period of time they located the property, prepared the site, moved the rail car, set up the utilities, and completed the decorating. It was a terrific story.
I recommend that if you are traveling to southwestern Virginia you consider a stay at the Buchanan Railcar Inn. It's a delightful experience. If you're a railroad enthusiast then it will be even more enjoyable because the Inn is near a working line and the trains keep coming passed.
For more information go to www.buchananrailcar.com You'll enjoy looking at the photos.
I grew up around trains. My father worked for thirty-eight years for what was the CB&Q which became the Burlington Northern and today is the Burlington Northern Santa Fe. As a kid I'd go with him and ride from Centerville, IA to Keokuk, IA or Fort Madison, IA to Bloomfield, IA. Yep, they'd allow me to sit in the engine and blow the whistle as we neared crossings. It was pretty heady stuff for a youngster.
Ces and I enjoyed the experience of having supper with Janie Harris and her husband, Will, who own the Buchanan Railcar Inn. Will is in the business of moving large objects like rail cars and Janie is in the real estate business. They combined their skills and in a short period of time they located the property, prepared the site, moved the rail car, set up the utilities, and completed the decorating. It was a terrific story.
I recommend that if you are traveling to southwestern Virginia you consider a stay at the Buchanan Railcar Inn. It's a delightful experience. If you're a railroad enthusiast then it will be even more enjoyable because the Inn is near a working line and the trains keep coming passed.
For more information go to www.buchananrailcar.com You'll enjoy looking at the photos.
Tuesday, September 18, 2007
Piney Branch bridge opens
We are happy to report that the bridge over the Piney Branch that was damaged during a storm last year has finally been repaired. Now you no longer must ride along the gravel trail and temporary steel bridge to cross Piney Branch. It was a dangerous detour due to loose sand and gravel at times, although the park authority tried to keep the surface firm with spot repairs. Our rental bikes will have less dirt on their frames and drivetrains and there should be fewer pinch flats. Our trike owners are also very happy about the repairs.
The past week has been some of the best riding weather of the year. If you haven't been out for a ride, now is the time to enjoy the brisk, clear Fall air.
The past week has been some of the best riding weather of the year. If you haven't been out for a ride, now is the time to enjoy the brisk, clear Fall air.
Tuesday, September 11, 2007
Two dates we'll be closed in the next month -- 9/27 & 10/8
We will have two days in the next several weeks that we will be closed.
Thursday, September 27 the store will be closed while Tim Fricker and I attend InterBike. InterBike is where many bike companies bring their latest and greatest for a four day event in Las Vegas. We'll be talking to the many companies that we do business with and some companies that we'd like to be representing.
Monday, October 8th the store will be closed for what is the Federal observation of Columbus day. Why Columbus Day when we've been open for lots of other Federal Holidays? Tim is attending a family event in Long Island. I'm driving from the Mississippi River to Virginia after an event.
I apologize in advance to those of you that come to the store those days only to find us closed. We'll try to publicize these closings to reduce the chance of this happening.
Thursday, September 27 the store will be closed while Tim Fricker and I attend InterBike. InterBike is where many bike companies bring their latest and greatest for a four day event in Las Vegas. We'll be talking to the many companies that we do business with and some companies that we'd like to be representing.
Monday, October 8th the store will be closed for what is the Federal observation of Columbus day. Why Columbus Day when we've been open for lots of other Federal Holidays? Tim is attending a family event in Long Island. I'm driving from the Mississippi River to Virginia after an event.
I apologize in advance to those of you that come to the store those days only to find us closed. We'll try to publicize these closings to reduce the chance of this happening.
Monday, September 10, 2007
IMPORTANT: CO2 inflation device voluntary recall
We have received from Genuine Innovations a notice of their voluntary recall of:
Genuine Innovations Second Wind MTB: Part Numbers 2525, 2525-0, and 3519
Wrench Force Two Shot: Part Numbers 84995, 84995-1, and 80383
The problem described is "The Unit can shatter while under pressure when inflating tires, This poses a risk of injury, such as bruising, lacerations, and ringing in the ears."
Genuine Innovations will provide replacement heads for these devices. Any of these devices shipped since the first of this year have the new head.
If you have a CO2 device I suggest that you look at it to determine if it is a model impacted by this recall. If you have an affected model then take it back to the store from which you purchased it.
Genuine Innovations Second Wind MTB: Part Numbers 2525, 2525-0, and 3519
Wrench Force Two Shot: Part Numbers 84995, 84995-1, and 80383
The problem described is "The Unit can shatter while under pressure when inflating tires, This poses a risk of injury, such as bruising, lacerations, and ringing in the ears."
Genuine Innovations will provide replacement heads for these devices. Any of these devices shipped since the first of this year have the new head.
If you have a CO2 device I suggest that you look at it to determine if it is a model impacted by this recall. If you have an affected model then take it back to the store from which you purchased it.
Friday, September 07, 2007
A typical Friday morning
Tim and I were enjoying a fairly typical Friday morning when this photo was snapped of us. I've just barely had my eyes open. Tim was sharing a bit of humor. SNAP, we were caught.
This is an invitation for you to visit us. I will try to have my eyes open. Tim will have an entertaining story. Most importantly we will work to provide good service and help you get out on your bicycle. A bike ride is an important activity. We understand that fact.
This is an invitation for you to visit us. I will try to have my eyes open. Tim will have an entertaining story. Most importantly we will work to provide good service and help you get out on your bicycle. A bike ride is an important activity. We understand that fact.
Thursday, September 06, 2007
Riding in Italy
I sell bikes to people and many times I don't know how they use them and whether they are enjoying them. I am always grateful when I receive information about how people are using and enjoying their bikes.
This photo is one of several that Sean Luke sent me of the adventure that he and the lovely lady in his life are having in Italy. They came in and bought two Dahon Helios folders. They brought in suitcases that they had and with some creativity they were able to pack the bikes. My memory is that they plan to leave the bikes in Italy for their use in future years.
In this age of digital cameras and electronic delivery, it is easier to share information about your adventures. Why not send me a photo of you enjoying your bike(s) that you bought at bikes@vienna.
Sean, thank you so much. I can tell by your photos that you had fun on your folding bike in Italy.
What would you do on a folding bike?
This photo is one of several that Sean Luke sent me of the adventure that he and the lovely lady in his life are having in Italy. They came in and bought two Dahon Helios folders. They brought in suitcases that they had and with some creativity they were able to pack the bikes. My memory is that they plan to leave the bikes in Italy for their use in future years.
In this age of digital cameras and electronic delivery, it is easier to share information about your adventures. Why not send me a photo of you enjoying your bike(s) that you bought at bikes@vienna.
Sean, thank you so much. I can tell by your photos that you had fun on your folding bike in Italy.
What would you do on a folding bike?
Wednesday, September 05, 2007
Just a block and one half from the Vienna Caboose
This Labor Day holiday it again became apparent that bikes@vienna is hidden from the public. I gave directions to the store multiple times and I heard others doing the same. The phone conversation most times begins with an individual on a cell phone asking "Where are you?"
So I thought it might be helpful to use some local landmarks to supplement the fairly good directions on our webpage which is www.bikesatvienna.com.
The Vienna Caboose is an easily identified landmark right next to the W&OD Trail. If you can see the Caboose then you are on Church, Dominion, or Mill Streets. You need to get on Church Street and go south (which is also away from the Presbyterian Church). You'll go through the stop sign at the corner of Center and Church and one half block up on your left is a brick house with a green sign in front which is Terra Christa. bikes@vienna is behind Terra Christa. If you pass the Blackeyed Susan, Great Harvest Bread, or Neilsen Frozen Custard then you have gone too far. If you're across from the Post Office then you've really gone too far.
Okay, let's go back to the Caboose. We ride by it all the time and perhaps you've not stopped and stood on the platform to peer in the window. A caboose was a key component of the American railroad industry for probably a century. Two crew members would travel in the caboose as the eyes at the rear of the train. Originally these crew members would use laterns to communicate with the front end crew. Today cabooses are not used for typical train operation. You see cabooses as parts of parks, business locations, bed and breakfasts, cabins on acreages and used as landmarks.
bikes@vienna is just one and one half blocks from the Vienna Caboose.
So I thought it might be helpful to use some local landmarks to supplement the fairly good directions on our webpage which is www.bikesatvienna.com.
The Vienna Caboose is an easily identified landmark right next to the W&OD Trail. If you can see the Caboose then you are on Church, Dominion, or Mill Streets. You need to get on Church Street and go south (which is also away from the Presbyterian Church). You'll go through the stop sign at the corner of Center and Church and one half block up on your left is a brick house with a green sign in front which is Terra Christa. bikes@vienna is behind Terra Christa. If you pass the Blackeyed Susan, Great Harvest Bread, or Neilsen Frozen Custard then you have gone too far. If you're across from the Post Office then you've really gone too far.
Okay, let's go back to the Caboose. We ride by it all the time and perhaps you've not stopped and stood on the platform to peer in the window. A caboose was a key component of the American railroad industry for probably a century. Two crew members would travel in the caboose as the eyes at the rear of the train. Originally these crew members would use laterns to communicate with the front end crew. Today cabooses are not used for typical train operation. You see cabooses as parts of parks, business locations, bed and breakfasts, cabins on acreages and used as landmarks.
bikes@vienna is just one and one half blocks from the Vienna Caboose.
Tuesday, August 28, 2007
Doing the things that you should have done yesterday
The summer has sailed passed. I came in today with the intention of clearing out the basement and getting the used and consignment bikes organized. I am in that process and I'm lowering prices on the bikes that have not sold. I am also taking photos to list bikes that have come in and escaped my attention until now.
Please look at our used bike blog http://bavused.blogspot.com/ There are lots of recumbents plus some quality uprights.
Please look at our used bike blog http://bavused.blogspot.com/ There are lots of recumbents plus some quality uprights.
Ryan surrounded by red
Ryan Bannon has started helping in the store several days a week. I captured him early Sunday morning as he switched a tube at the Reston Bike Club's Century ride.
Ryan is not normally that red. It is a combination of the tent and banner, I think.
Ryan is not normally that red. It is a combination of the tent and banner, I think.
Friday, August 03, 2007
Ponder this
In an email inquirying about one of our used recumbents was this nugget of information which is worth pondering.
100 bicycles can be manufactured for the energy and materials it takes to build a medium-size car.
---Worldwatch Institute
100 bicycles can be manufactured for the energy and materials it takes to build a medium-size car.
---Worldwatch Institute
Tuesday, July 31, 2007
I'M READY for our concert on the Town Green
Friday, August 24th from 6:30 to 8:00 PM bikes@ vienna is sponsoring the concert on the Vienna Town Green. I'm promoting the idea of people riding their bikes to the concert. Call it a "Ride In" if you will. The Town Green is next to the W&OD Trail between Maple Avenue and Church Street. It is a perfect venue to reach by bike.
I want to set aside some space near the performance space to park trikes so people can sit on their trikes and enjoy the music. I'm trying to set up a parking area for other bikes so people can leave their bikes and not worry about them.
The musical entertainment for this concert is a group called the NiteHawks. They are a swing band that features the music of Glenn Miller. As you may know, Glenn Miller was an Iowan. His music has proven timeless and I'm certain you'll have a good time if you join us on August 24th.
Now as the photo indicates I'm just waiting for the concert. Please mark your calendar, tell your friends about it and ride your bike to it because it is going to be fun.
I want to set aside some space near the performance space to park trikes so people can sit on their trikes and enjoy the music. I'm trying to set up a parking area for other bikes so people can leave their bikes and not worry about them.
The musical entertainment for this concert is a group called the NiteHawks. They are a swing band that features the music of Glenn Miller. As you may know, Glenn Miller was an Iowan. His music has proven timeless and I'm certain you'll have a good time if you join us on August 24th.
Now as the photo indicates I'm just waiting for the concert. Please mark your calendar, tell your friends about it and ride your bike to it because it is going to be fun.
Sunday, July 22, 2007
Wishing I was there
I woke up this morning in my bed on Moorefield Road in Vienna and wished I was somewhere half a country west of here. I knew that in Rock Rapids, Iowa the sleepy beginnings of the day would be turning to excitement and adrenalin as thousands of cyclist began making their ways to the lines of port-a-potties, began folding their tents, began pumping their tires, and finally began riding their bikes. This morning the riders would follow the signs to the highway and the week of RAGBRAI would begin.
I took Java out for her morning walk, noting the temperatures in the low 60s here in Virginia. I’d have my jacket on to start this morning I thought. My friend Gene Crosby would be riding close by and describing the day’s route in great detail. Gene studies subjects and then kindly shares the information. We can ride for six or more hours with Gene having lots to share. RAGBRAI is the only time we spend together each year. We have a lot to catch up on.
I cooked eggs for breakfast thinking about a breakfast burrito from the Farm Boys. They generally set up about fifteen to twenty miles into the route. Yes, there are other alternatives: Mama Rafael’s, Chris Cakes, and last year the counterfeit Farm Boyz, but the Farm Boys have great breakfast burritos and they set up about where we need a break. We sit down to eat and watch the parade of cyclists.
In northwestern Iowa today people will be sitting in lawn chairs watching that parade. They’ll start out being wrapped in blankets. They’ll drink coffee, lemonade, and then beer. They’ll wave. They’ll call out “where are you from?” They’ll offer water, shade and mechanical help. They’ll point at the costumes that some riders wear. They’ll marvel at the bikes, trikes, quads, and an occasional unicycle. They’ll wonder why all these people are riding passed and they’ll watch for Lance Armstrong because Lance is riding all week this year.
Yup, I’m missing it.
The photo is from the first day of RAGBRAI last year. Gene is wearing his yellow jacket. Daughter Sara and I have a bright spinnie on the back of the Barcroft Columbia.
I took Java out for her morning walk, noting the temperatures in the low 60s here in Virginia. I’d have my jacket on to start this morning I thought. My friend Gene Crosby would be riding close by and describing the day’s route in great detail. Gene studies subjects and then kindly shares the information. We can ride for six or more hours with Gene having lots to share. RAGBRAI is the only time we spend together each year. We have a lot to catch up on.
I cooked eggs for breakfast thinking about a breakfast burrito from the Farm Boys. They generally set up about fifteen to twenty miles into the route. Yes, there are other alternatives: Mama Rafael’s, Chris Cakes, and last year the counterfeit Farm Boyz, but the Farm Boys have great breakfast burritos and they set up about where we need a break. We sit down to eat and watch the parade of cyclists.
In northwestern Iowa today people will be sitting in lawn chairs watching that parade. They’ll start out being wrapped in blankets. They’ll drink coffee, lemonade, and then beer. They’ll wave. They’ll call out “where are you from?” They’ll offer water, shade and mechanical help. They’ll point at the costumes that some riders wear. They’ll marvel at the bikes, trikes, quads, and an occasional unicycle. They’ll wonder why all these people are riding passed and they’ll watch for Lance Armstrong because Lance is riding all week this year.
Yup, I’m missing it.
The photo is from the first day of RAGBRAI last year. Gene is wearing his yellow jacket. Daughter Sara and I have a bright spinnie on the back of the Barcroft Columbia.
Saturday, June 30, 2007
IMPORTANT: Thule Hitch Rack Recall
Yesterday afternoon I received an email message telling me that Thule
is doing a voluntary recall of hitch mount racks manufactured prior
to 2007. These are the racks that slide into the receiver hitch under
the rear bumper of a vehicle. These are not the racks that sit on the
trunk or hatch of a vehicle and attaches with Thule's blue straps.
The email said that we are not to sell the racks if we have any.
Okay we won't sell them. It points out that the problem is that a
pinch point exists at the base of the arms of the rack. People have
suffered injuries as they released the pin and allowed the arms to
fold down which made the rack more compact when not in use.
Thule provided no indication of how they are going to address the
issue with purchasers of the rack. They reported that they are
working with federal authorities to receive approval for a recall
campaign.
Okay........if you have a Hitching Post Pro (934, 934XT, 935, 935XT,
936, 936XT, 937, 937XT, 951, 951XT), Expressway (995, 995XT, 996,
996XT) Trailblazer (998, 998XT) then you'll be hearing from
bikes@vienna in the next week. The message will be DO NOT FOLD THE
ARMS DOWN ON YOUR RACK. If you don't fold the arms down then you
won't get your finger in the pinch point.
I know you will have all kinds of questions. I do not have the
answers. I do not know when I will have the answers. My intention
is to make sure that the many customers who have this type of rack
know of the danger and create a contact list that will let us share
information as it becomes available. I'll also provide this list to
Thule so they can make contacts.
One more thing.......I noted in my first paragraph that these are
hitch mount racks manufactured prior to 2007. The Thule Revolver,
Ridgeline, and Roadway models manufactured for this year feature
the "Hitch Switch" folding arms --- which eliminates this pinch
point.
is doing a voluntary recall of hitch mount racks manufactured prior
to 2007. These are the racks that slide into the receiver hitch under
the rear bumper of a vehicle. These are not the racks that sit on the
trunk or hatch of a vehicle and attaches with Thule's blue straps.
The email said that we are not to sell the racks if we have any.
Okay we won't sell them. It points out that the problem is that a
pinch point exists at the base of the arms of the rack. People have
suffered injuries as they released the pin and allowed the arms to
fold down which made the rack more compact when not in use.
Thule provided no indication of how they are going to address the
issue with purchasers of the rack. They reported that they are
working with federal authorities to receive approval for a recall
campaign.
Okay........if you have a Hitching Post Pro (934, 934XT, 935, 935XT,
936, 936XT, 937, 937XT, 951, 951XT), Expressway (995, 995XT, 996,
996XT) Trailblazer (998, 998XT) then you'll be hearing from
bikes@vienna in the next week. The message will be DO NOT FOLD THE
ARMS DOWN ON YOUR RACK. If you don't fold the arms down then you
won't get your finger in the pinch point.
I know you will have all kinds of questions. I do not have the
answers. I do not know when I will have the answers. My intention
is to make sure that the many customers who have this type of rack
know of the danger and create a contact list that will let us share
information as it becomes available. I'll also provide this list to
Thule so they can make contacts.
One more thing.......I noted in my first paragraph that these are
hitch mount racks manufactured prior to 2007. The Thule Revolver,
Ridgeline, and Roadway models manufactured for this year feature
the "Hitch Switch" folding arms --- which eliminates this pinch
point.
Saturday, June 09, 2007
Ketts Used on Tandem
Hase Ketts can be hooked in tandem as shown in this photo. There is a connector which links the fork of the second trike to the frame of the lead trike. It is a terrific alternative for people who enjoy riding together, but want the flexibility to ride separately. Think of the possibilities.
We are stocking the Ketts so come take a test ride. We'd need some extra notice if you want to test ride with the trikes hooked in tandem. If you can imagine, the Hase people hooked 63 Ketts to establish a world record. Let's see a Kett is probably five foot long so 63 would streach the length of a football field. Think of the organization to get all those Ketts connected and all the riders on them at once. I don't want to think about it.
We are stocking the Ketts so come take a test ride. We'd need some extra notice if you want to test ride with the trikes hooked in tandem. If you can imagine, the Hase people hooked 63 Ketts to establish a world record. Let's see a Kett is probably five foot long so 63 would streach the length of a football field. Think of the organization to get all those Ketts connected and all the riders on them at once. I don't want to think about it.
Now in America, Draisin
We unloaded a container from Germany on Wednesday. The photo shows fourteen Draisin bikes lined up in the parking lot of the Stor-All. We have Draisin Plus, Captain Duo, Relax, and Twister. These are all speciality bikes focused on the needs of indivduals with disabilities.
There will be more entries appearing here about bikes@vienna selling and distributing these bikes in the United States. It is a new venture and we have hope that it will be fun and exciting.
There will be more entries appearing here about bikes@vienna selling and distributing these bikes in the United States. It is a new venture and we have hope that it will be fun and exciting.
Appearing today in Batesville
It is early morning on what looks to be a nice June day. The big white bikes@vienna van is headed south to Batesville. Matt will be providing mechanical help for an MS 150 ride which will attract people from the Charlottesville area and beyond. Six hundred cyclists will ride on a hot day to raise money to fight MS. Thank you to each and every one of them.
As Matt and I went through the checklist of supplies I answered a question that might have been in his mind about why we'd sign on to support a ride two hours away. I told him, "If someone asks why you're in Batesville all the way from Vienna, tell them it's because the guy who owns the store has a daughter and she has MS."
Oldest daughter, Jessica, is shown on the right with her daughter, Mira, at Christmas time. She participated in an MS walk in Seattle last month and raised a nice sum. Our entire family has a heightened interest in getting more funding for MS research. So in the early hours of this day the big white van speeds south to Batesville.
Tomorrow we will help locally with the ADA Cure de Tour's Family Loop that comes into Vienna. Is there a family tie there? Yes, but that is another story. Thank you to all the cyclist who ride to raise money. Thank you to the people walking this weekend for the Relay for Life. We need to focus more money to combat the dreaded diseases which we all fear.
As Matt and I went through the checklist of supplies I answered a question that might have been in his mind about why we'd sign on to support a ride two hours away. I told him, "If someone asks why you're in Batesville all the way from Vienna, tell them it's because the guy who owns the store has a daughter and she has MS."
Oldest daughter, Jessica, is shown on the right with her daughter, Mira, at Christmas time. She participated in an MS walk in Seattle last month and raised a nice sum. Our entire family has a heightened interest in getting more funding for MS research. So in the early hours of this day the big white van speeds south to Batesville.
Tomorrow we will help locally with the ADA Cure de Tour's Family Loop that comes into Vienna. Is there a family tie there? Yes, but that is another story. Thank you to all the cyclist who ride to raise money. Thank you to the people walking this weekend for the Relay for Life. We need to focus more money to combat the dreaded diseases which we all fear.
Sunday, May 06, 2007
We have the Burley Tail Wagon for sale and rental
Java and I test rode the new Burley Tail Wagon last week. The Tail Wagon is specifically for pets under fifty pounds. Now I must admit that Java exceeds the weight limit on the Tail Wagon by almost twenty pounds so we did test it.
It passed the test.
Soon after I opened the store nine years ago I had a customer come in and ask to rent a Burley trailer to transport a pet. The requests have continued and although we rent Burley trailers I have been reluctant to rent for pet rides because we rent the trailers for children. Some children are allergic to animals so I felt I couldn't rent for both uses.
The Tail Wagon provides the solution. I now have the Tail Wagon for rent to pet owners with pets under fifty pounds. (Yes, I know I put a sixty-six pound Labrador in it, but it's my store.) I'll be charging the same rates as charged for kid trailers and I will apply your rental towards the purchase of a Tail Wagon if you make a decision to buy within sixty days.
Come rent and then buy a Tail Wagon.
It passed the test.
Soon after I opened the store nine years ago I had a customer come in and ask to rent a Burley trailer to transport a pet. The requests have continued and although we rent Burley trailers I have been reluctant to rent for pet rides because we rent the trailers for children. Some children are allergic to animals so I felt I couldn't rent for both uses.
The Tail Wagon provides the solution. I now have the Tail Wagon for rent to pet owners with pets under fifty pounds. (Yes, I know I put a sixty-six pound Labrador in it, but it's my store.) I'll be charging the same rates as charged for kid trailers and I will apply your rental towards the purchase of a Tail Wagon if you make a decision to buy within sixty days.
Come rent and then buy a Tail Wagon.
Wednesday, April 18, 2007
We do know Jack........and many of the other Dahon Models
It must be Spring because we have received our long awaited supply of Dahon folding bikes. Yesterday a shipment of Jacks arrived and we started the assembly process.
So we now have 06 and 07 Dahon models in the store. We have the 06 models discounted by 10% which should make them appealing because costs have risen on the 07 models, but I have learned that color choices are important and the 07s have a number of attractive colors and many models feature the innovative seatpost pump. Yes, you pull the seatpost out of the seat tube and in a blink of the eye you have a pump to inflate your tires. It functions like a conventional floor pump. It does not have a built in guage, but maybe next year for that improvement.
Please come visit us and test ride a folding bike.
So we now have 06 and 07 Dahon models in the store. We have the 06 models discounted by 10% which should make them appealing because costs have risen on the 07 models, but I have learned that color choices are important and the 07s have a number of attractive colors and many models feature the innovative seatpost pump. Yes, you pull the seatpost out of the seat tube and in a blink of the eye you have a pump to inflate your tires. It functions like a conventional floor pump. It does not have a built in guage, but maybe next year for that improvement.
Please come visit us and test ride a folding bike.
Friday, April 13, 2007
Bike Friday Tikit, Bruce Wright, and Spring
This is a threebee.
We received our first Bike Friday Tikit this week. The bike lives up to its promotional buzz. The folding is amazingly fast and the end product is compact. This bike will give Brompton competition in the folding bike marketplace. The Bike Friday promotional campaign positions this bike to appeal to people interested in responsible and convenient transportation. It should be successful in that appeal.
Holding the Tikit is Bruce Wright who helps at bikes@vienna during the week. Bruce is an exceptional person in my view. I appreciate his help in the store. I admire his work as an advocate for cycling with Fairfax Advocates for Better Bicycling. His service to the public with his participation on several county advisory commissions benefits us all. So this is a little thick, but Bruce Wright deserves it.
Look just behind Bruce in the big green planter......pea vines and spinach. Spring keeps teasing us with cooler weather than what we want, but it is coming. Have you planted anything yet?
We received our first Bike Friday Tikit this week. The bike lives up to its promotional buzz. The folding is amazingly fast and the end product is compact. This bike will give Brompton competition in the folding bike marketplace. The Bike Friday promotional campaign positions this bike to appeal to people interested in responsible and convenient transportation. It should be successful in that appeal.
Holding the Tikit is Bruce Wright who helps at bikes@vienna during the week. Bruce is an exceptional person in my view. I appreciate his help in the store. I admire his work as an advocate for cycling with Fairfax Advocates for Better Bicycling. His service to the public with his participation on several county advisory commissions benefits us all. So this is a little thick, but Bruce Wright deserves it.
Look just behind Bruce in the big green planter......pea vines and spinach. Spring keeps teasing us with cooler weather than what we want, but it is coming. Have you planted anything yet?
Tuesday, April 10, 2007
Coming to bikes@vienna --- Longbikes!
Underseat steering has been a weakness for bikes@vienna for the past several years. We sold Visions for five years and when Vision went out of business we didn't come up with a replacement. We are pleased to announce that in May we will have the Slipstream and Eliminator from Longbikes in the store for test rides and for sale.
There is happiness in Arlington these days. Geoff Steele has lobbied for bikes@vienna to carry Longbikes for years. Someone would come in to test recumbents and if Geoff was at the store he'd have them on his Vanguard which was daddy of the Slipstream. I'd point out to Geoff that I did not have a comparable underseat steering recumbent to sell the customer. Geoff would point out that I should.
Soooooo Geoff.........coming to bikes@vienna --- Longbikes!
There is happiness in Arlington these days. Geoff Steele has lobbied for bikes@vienna to carry Longbikes for years. Someone would come in to test recumbents and if Geoff was at the store he'd have them on his Vanguard which was daddy of the Slipstream. I'd point out to Geoff that I did not have a comparable underseat steering recumbent to sell the customer. Geoff would point out that I should.
Soooooo Geoff.........coming to bikes@vienna --- Longbikes!
Monday, April 02, 2007
The State of Repairs
Phone calls this time of year many times skip over the traditional "Hello" to "I've got a question for you". The question oft times is about service or repairs. Yes, we do service on bikes. Yes, we repair bikes. No, an appointment is not necessary to bring your bike to us. On a weekend you need to plan a little wait for your bike to be looked over and checked in.
After an exchange of information about our services then comes the question......how long will it take? Yesterday we were promising bikes to be returned a week from today. Just over a week is the answer now and that answer probably will get longer. Saturday, our day was primarily taking in bikes for service and repair. This is Fairfax County Public School's Spring Vacation so I expect us to have a steady stream of bikes coming in.
This is part of the rites of Spring. Beautiful days motivate people to act to have their bike repaired. Yes, it would be wonderful if people acted to have the repair work done during the winter so their bikes are ready for the Spring, but that does not happen enough. So we appreciate the good weather, the enthusiastic cusomters, and the business that keeps our doors open.
Yes, we do servicing and repairs. Our "promise date" is just over a week (today).
After an exchange of information about our services then comes the question......how long will it take? Yesterday we were promising bikes to be returned a week from today. Just over a week is the answer now and that answer probably will get longer. Saturday, our day was primarily taking in bikes for service and repair. This is Fairfax County Public School's Spring Vacation so I expect us to have a steady stream of bikes coming in.
This is part of the rites of Spring. Beautiful days motivate people to act to have their bike repaired. Yes, it would be wonderful if people acted to have the repair work done during the winter so their bikes are ready for the Spring, but that does not happen enough. So we appreciate the good weather, the enthusiastic cusomters, and the business that keeps our doors open.
Yes, we do servicing and repairs. Our "promise date" is just over a week (today).
Wednesday, March 28, 2007
Radar, do you now own my car?
Radar O'Reilly was supposedly from Ottumwa, IA. My hometown of Centerville, IA is about forty miles from Ottumwa. I watched MASH and Radar with special interest to see if Ottumwa would pop up in the dialogue.
Radar kept the 4077 moving. He would shove bunches of paper in front of Henry Blake for him to sign. There was one show after signing a pile of papers that Henry asked Radar --- "do you now own my car".
For bikes@vienna's first nine years we have not asked people to sign lots of forms. We get some surprised reactions during the process of renting a bike when we decline to take a credit card or drivers license as security and ask the important question, "Do you promise to return the bike?" People smiled and answered in the positive. We had very few issues arise from this method of trusting people.
Sadly, we have to change. Beginning in April we will be asking our rental customers to complete a "rental agreement". We will ask each renter over 18 years of age to complete the form which has check lists of our responsibilities and their responsibility for our equipment. It is a standardized form which you can view on our website in the area dealing with rentals. It would be wonderful if you could read through the rental agreement before you visit us for a rental.
I do not aspire to own your car. I'm not excited about the volume of paper that will be generated. I hope that this process can be smooth. I'll try to make it that way.
Radar kept the 4077 moving. He would shove bunches of paper in front of Henry Blake for him to sign. There was one show after signing a pile of papers that Henry asked Radar --- "do you now own my car".
For bikes@vienna's first nine years we have not asked people to sign lots of forms. We get some surprised reactions during the process of renting a bike when we decline to take a credit card or drivers license as security and ask the important question, "Do you promise to return the bike?" People smiled and answered in the positive. We had very few issues arise from this method of trusting people.
Sadly, we have to change. Beginning in April we will be asking our rental customers to complete a "rental agreement". We will ask each renter over 18 years of age to complete the form which has check lists of our responsibilities and their responsibility for our equipment. It is a standardized form which you can view on our website in the area dealing with rentals. It would be wonderful if you could read through the rental agreement before you visit us for a rental.
I do not aspire to own your car. I'm not excited about the volume of paper that will be generated. I hope that this process can be smooth. I'll try to make it that way.
Tuesday, March 27, 2007
Six Days A Week
During the winter we close on Tuesday and Wednesday. Beginning next Tuesday, April 3rd we will be open on Tuesdays until November. Yes, we will continue to be closed on Wednesday.
Our hours of operation will be :
Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, and Friday from 10 AM to 7 PM
Saturday and Sunday from 9 AM to 6 PM
Wednesday closed
Remember we are happy to set up an appointment to meet you earlier or stay later than our typical hours. We know sometimes our schedule and your schedule won't match up without some flexibility. We can be flexible.
We are beginning to see the start of the spring rush for service. Now is the time to act on your need for service.
Our hours of operation will be :
Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, and Friday from 10 AM to 7 PM
Saturday and Sunday from 9 AM to 6 PM
Wednesday closed
Remember we are happy to set up an appointment to meet you earlier or stay later than our typical hours. We know sometimes our schedule and your schedule won't match up without some flexibility. We can be flexible.
We are beginning to see the start of the spring rush for service. Now is the time to act on your need for service.
Thursday, March 08, 2007
Dahon Sale During March
March weather isn't feeling very Spring like today, but Spring is coming. We're clearing out the 06 Dahon models during March with a sale that gives you nice savings plus opportunities to make your new Dahon easier to use and store. Buy a Dahon 20" Wheel model and we will give you a slip cover which is an $18 value. Buy a 26" Wheel model and we'll sell you a bag for half price ($42.50 instead of $85). Our supply of these covers and bags is limited so act now.
The details for what we have in stock and the sale price are on our home page. Come test ride a Dahon folding bike and be ready for Spring.
The details for what we have in stock and the sale price are on our home page. Come test ride a Dahon folding bike and be ready for Spring.
Wednesday, February 21, 2007
Vienna Rotary Contributes $3000 of ViVa! Vienna Proceeds to Bikes For The World
Vienna Rotary is contributing almost $80,000 to local and international charities from the proceeds of ViVa! Vienna! Keith Oberg of Bikes For The World (left) is shown receiving a check for $3,000 at today's Rotary meeting. Keith told Rotarians that over 500 bikes were donated from the Vienna area in the past year. This check will be used to ship a container load of bikes probably to Central America.
Bikes For The World accepts bikes from the basements, garages, and storage sheds of the Mid Atlantic area and creates economic opportunities for people in needy areas. For years bikes@vienna has served as a collection point. You can bring your bicycle donation and a $10 per bike cash contribution to us anytime that we are open for business.
I'm pleased to help with the bike collection and I was proud to have the Vienna Rotary Club recognize Bikes For The World with such a nice check.
Saturday, February 17, 2007
Wintertime at bikes@vienna
The long riding season is finally at an end. With the relatively mild temperatures that we experienced through much of January, people continued to ride. The recent snowfall has put a stop to that for most of us. Among the more adventuresome is our head mechanic Tim Fricker, who rode to work on Friday on his studded bike tires.
This is the perfect time to bring your bike in for it's Spring tuneup. All too often people wait until the weather is nice and they realize that their bike needs work. If you haven't had your bike in for a tuneup in a while, bring it in and we'll give it some tender loving care and get it back to you in just a day or two.
This is the perfect time to bring your bike in for it's Spring tuneup. All too often people wait until the weather is nice and they realize that their bike needs work. If you haven't had your bike in for a tuneup in a while, bring it in and we'll give it some tender loving care and get it back to you in just a day or two.
Saturday, February 10, 2007
Bike To Work Day is May 18
The weather outside is chilling, but the prospects of Spring are thrilling. Nope.....my verse is pretty weak.
Here is the initial design for the 2007 Bike To Work Day. Friday, May 18th is the date. Yes, bikes@vienna and Whole Foods will operate the Vienna Pit Stop at Whole Foods. Yes, from 6 AM to 9 AM we'll be there to feed, repair, and cheer on the riders making their way to work that day.
With pride bikes@vienna is serving as an overall sponsor for the event for the third or fourth year. We got pretty good placement on the top line of the sponsors.
Now is the time to mark your calendar to participate in this event. Invite your friends and co-workers to join you. It is fun. It is good for you and the environment. It inspires others to act. Go to www.waba.org and register today.
Here is the initial design for the 2007 Bike To Work Day. Friday, May 18th is the date. Yes, bikes@vienna and Whole Foods will operate the Vienna Pit Stop at Whole Foods. Yes, from 6 AM to 9 AM we'll be there to feed, repair, and cheer on the riders making their way to work that day.
With pride bikes@vienna is serving as an overall sponsor for the event for the third or fourth year. We got pretty good placement on the top line of the sponsors.
Now is the time to mark your calendar to participate in this event. Invite your friends and co-workers to join you. It is fun. It is good for you and the environment. It inspires others to act. Go to www.waba.org and register today.
Thursday, February 08, 2007
W&OD Trail Report
As John wrote in the introduction:
Visit the W&OD Trail Report to read the latest news.
We have invited frequent W&OD Trail users to report what they see during their use of the trail. Our hope is that it may benefit other users. It is the same information that gets passed on at intersections and water fountains as people meet and thoughtfully share what they've seen. Weather, activities, and life move quickly so accept this information as a cautionary rather than as factual.
Visit the W&OD Trail Report to read the latest news.
Wednesday, February 07, 2007
Bike Friday tikit
Bike Friday just announced the tikit.The tikit™ is now the world's fastest-folding bike - and certainly the only one with the incomparable Bike Friday ride.If you don't believe the quote, see for yourself:
being folded and unfolded. There are now also videos of being folded while waiting for the train, being folded to get on the bus, and being folded in the middle of the street. I know that last one seems impractical but it sure makes a statement about the fleet fold!
Thursday, February 01, 2007
W&OD Trail Patrol Seeks New Members
The W&OD Trail runs through the communities of
Saturday, January 27, 2007
The New Catrike 700 and Ken Atkins
Catrike's new 700 model has been stirring interest in Catrike lovers. Ken Atkins is shown on his new trike. He sold one of his families' two Catrikes and ordered this eye catching lime colored 700.
Yes, this is a staged photo. Ken wore a helmet when he test rode the trike.
We have been delivering Catrike Expeditions and 700s this month. I credit the balmy weather, Catrike's attractive additions to their product line and Catrike enthusiasts. I appreciate the business.
Yes, this is a staged photo. Ken wore a helmet when he test rode the trike.
We have been delivering Catrike Expeditions and 700s this month. I credit the balmy weather, Catrike's attractive additions to their product line and Catrike enthusiasts. I appreciate the business.
In Vienna.....Why Did the Chicken Cross the Road?
I'm serving on the Town of Vienna Sidewalk Committee. We have been taking the information gathered from a questionairre in the Town newsletter and prioritizing projects to recommend to the Town Council.
Three of us have been working on the prioritization for the south side of town which has sixty projects. A stated philosophy has been to give priority to areas without sidewalks before areas with sidewalks on one side of the street. Which means that it will be necessary to cross the street in some places to continue to use the sidewalk.
After several hours of looking at maps and listings during last week I became blurry eyed on Friday. Comparing the listings to the map we'd find that a project already had an existing sidewalk on one side of the street.
Which led me to think......in Vienna, why did the chicken cross the road? The chicken wanted to continue to walk on the sidewalk. When that thought came to mind, I knew it was time to take a break.
Three of us have been working on the prioritization for the south side of town which has sixty projects. A stated philosophy has been to give priority to areas without sidewalks before areas with sidewalks on one side of the street. Which means that it will be necessary to cross the street in some places to continue to use the sidewalk.
After several hours of looking at maps and listings during last week I became blurry eyed on Friday. Comparing the listings to the map we'd find that a project already had an existing sidewalk on one side of the street.
Which led me to think......in Vienna, why did the chicken cross the road? The chicken wanted to continue to walk on the sidewalk. When that thought came to mind, I knew it was time to take a break.
Thursday, January 18, 2007
bikes@vienna Used
I have just completed adding several bikes to our bikes@vienna Used blog. You will find the link to that information below the weather.com information on the left of our home page. If you look through our offerings you'll find a wide range of recumbents, tandems, recumbent tandems, folding bikes, mountain bikes, children's bikes, and even an occasional cruiser. It's difficult to know what will be traded in or brought to us to sell on consignment.
We don't make much money on trade-ins. Our method is to estimate what price the bike will bring and deduct any repairs, parts, and cleaning that we believe are necessary to make it safe and saleable. Providing the option of accepting trade-ins does bring us customers. There are times when the value of the bike and what is necessary to make it saleable pass each other. In those cases we have to decline the trade offer and suggest that Bikes For The World would be a wonderful place to donate the bike and received a tax deduction.
We also provide the service of selling bikes on consignment. We estimate the value of the bike and what needs to be done to make it saleable. We post the bike on bikes@vienna Used and find the bike a good home. We charge 17.5% for the service. Again this is not a big money maker, but it brings customers to us.
We are almost three weeks into the new year. What do you dream of doing this year on a bicycle? Can you park that car and ride your bike on errands and to work? Can you create an adventure riding to explore an area and share that adventure with someone else? A bicycle, new or used, can enable us. Keep your eye on bikes@vienna Used because a bike may appear which sparks your imagination and helps you to pursue your dreams.
We don't make much money on trade-ins. Our method is to estimate what price the bike will bring and deduct any repairs, parts, and cleaning that we believe are necessary to make it safe and saleable. Providing the option of accepting trade-ins does bring us customers. There are times when the value of the bike and what is necessary to make it saleable pass each other. In those cases we have to decline the trade offer and suggest that Bikes For The World would be a wonderful place to donate the bike and received a tax deduction.
We also provide the service of selling bikes on consignment. We estimate the value of the bike and what needs to be done to make it saleable. We post the bike on bikes@vienna Used and find the bike a good home. We charge 17.5% for the service. Again this is not a big money maker, but it brings customers to us.
We are almost three weeks into the new year. What do you dream of doing this year on a bicycle? Can you park that car and ride your bike on errands and to work? Can you create an adventure riding to explore an area and share that adventure with someone else? A bicycle, new or used, can enable us. Keep your eye on bikes@vienna Used because a bike may appear which sparks your imagination and helps you to pursue your dreams.
Friday, January 05, 2007
Sleeping Santa
Did you have a good holiday? Yes, yes, we did have a wonderful holiday. My folks came from Iowa. The Seattle daughter and family, the Richmond son and family, and the recently moved out daughter were all here at our house. We enjoyed the two grandchildren of 15 and 18 months old. For extra excitement there were three good sized dogs and a paranoid cat. There was lots going on.
Obviously, there was more going on than I had the energy to handle. Ces snapped this photo on Christmas Eve. It was a quick nap before we went cycling to see the luminaries in northeast Vienna.
I hope you had a good holiday. I hope your 2007 is filled with enjoyable activities which include cycling.
Obviously, there was more going on than I had the energy to handle. Ces snapped this photo on Christmas Eve. It was a quick nap before we went cycling to see the luminaries in northeast Vienna.
I hope you had a good holiday. I hope your 2007 is filled with enjoyable activities which include cycling.
Thursday, January 04, 2007
Recumbent Cyclist News
The Jan/Feb Recumbent Cyclist News (RCN) just arrived. It contains the 2007 Season Preview, an overview of recent recumbent, trike and crank forward trends. It also contains reviews of the 2007 Rans Dynamik crank forward bike, the 2007 WizWheelz Zoomer, and the front wheel drive Rans Cruzbike Freerider. RCN sells for $5.
Monday, January 01, 2007
First Ride may be a bit wet
We are just on the edge of this band of rain. I think there is a chance that it will move east by 9 AM. I'd like to ride my bike this morning so let's try to get a ride in. Join me at bikes@vienna at 9AM and be prepared for some rain drops.
Welcome 2007.
Welcome 2007.