Wednesday, November 18, 2015

Make Black Friday a GREEN Friday this year!

Following the lead of REI and others, we've decided we're going to be CLOSED on Black Friday (11/27/15).  Since none of us here are really fond of braving the crowds on Black Friday at other stores, we're doing to try something different... we're going for a bike ride!

Many of you probably recall our famous Guilt Reduction Rides, which used to be held on Thanksgiving Day.  We took a hiatus from those the last few years, and now we're hoping you can join us on Friday instead.  Think about it... a bike ride in the fresh air, or sitting in traffic, fighting your way to some big box store sale?

We'll leave from the shop at 10:00am, so please try to get here a bit ahead of that.  Our destination is the train station in downtown Herndon.  We'll have coffee and tea and perhaps some treats back at the shop.

Since we're a drop off point for donated food for the folks at the Committee Helping Others, we encourage everyone to bring some canned goods to help out those less fortunate!

Here's a blast from the past... Guilt Reduction Ride 2008.  That's John and Ces Brunow in blue jackets next to the yellow tandem. Tim is next to them in the yellow vest with less grey hair than he has now.

Saturday, October 31, 2015

Great bikes on sale for fall!



Autumn is the perfect season for riding... and the holidays are coming too... so what better time to take advantage of our sale on ALL in stock Linus bikes - 25% OFF!!!! We've got a good assortment Dutchi and Mixte models, in 3- and 8-speed versions, in a variety of colors. Stylish, comfortable, practical and fun... what more could you want?

Friday, October 16, 2015

Vienna Halloween Parade!

Every year, bikes@vienna rides in the Town of Vienna's Annual Halloween parade. Bring your bike or trike, decorate it and and dress up, and be ready for fun! We meet at the shop at 6pm, so we can ride to our start point by 7. The parade typically takes about 2 hours, and we'll be having food and beverages afterwards. Come on out and have a truly unique experience.




Tuesday, August 25, 2015

Sunday, August 30th - A Wheely Fun Time

Afternoons on Church “Wheely Fun Time”

August 30th from 1pm-5pm on Church Street from Dominon to Mill Street

Kids band Playing from 1pm-5pm “Bach to Rock” from Herndon Americas Music School
5pm concert to follow on Town Green by Harlen Simple

This event is sponsored by Bike @ Vienna 

Street Closed from Mill to Dominion

Vienna Parks and Recreation in collaboration with Historic Vienna, Inc. and local businesses will be hosting an event called Afternoons on Church with the theme being “Wheely Fun Time,” on Sunday, August 30th from 1-5pm along Church Street in Vienna. The event will showcase all things with wheels. With Moon bounces and corn hole games. Caboose Brewery and Vienna Vintner will be selling drinks. Free limited bike helmets giving out by INOVA!

There will be a Church Street Business Passport (This is a passport that patrons will go around to business to get stamp that they visited each business. With a chance to win a drawing for gift cards from Church Street Businesses.) 


Activities and Vendor Information:
Historic Vienna Inc. Bike Parade and Best Decorated Bike Contest
Historic Vienna, Inc. is pleased to sponsor the first annual Bike Parade and Best Decorated Bike Contest. The contest is open to anyone wishing to participate. No registration is necessary. There will be a designated bike ‘parking’ area so that decorated bikes may be viewed prior to the parade and contest.

4:00  Bike Parade: The bike parade will begin from the designated bike parking area. Riders will follow the parade route riding past the judging stand to the judging area for their age group.

Award Ceremony: Once the judges have made their decision, winners will be presented with their prizes.


Prizes for the best decorated bike will be awarded in the following categories:
Ages 5 and under

Ages 6 to 8

Ages 9-12

Judges Choice – Any age may compete (multiple awards may be given)

Contest Rules:
Bikes must have decorations of some sort
Bikes must be ridden with all decorations intact
Riders may also be ‘decorated’ to match their bike decorations, or wear a costume
Decorations that make noise are allowed
 
Vendors:
Girl Scouts will be doing balloon animals and face painting
Electro Scooter 
Snow Cone will be served by “ONO Hawainn Ice”
Lombardi’s will be serving pizza
Dr. Katie Thompson, The Health Improvement Center
"Bowen Therapy, Chris Kahn" and "Vienna Massage Therapy" are offering different onsite massage options for attendees.

 
 
 
 

Friday, July 10, 2015

July Second Saturday Ride is tomorrow!

Check it out -

Please join Bikes at Vienna staff for the July edition of our "Second Saturday" bike ride series. This time, we'll bike from our shop to Reston and back, using a mix of trails and roads to visit some of Reston's many public art displays. The ride will be about 18 miles round trip. This is a friendly, fun, "no drop" ride. And it's free!

No go in case of rain.

We are meeting at the shop at 9:00am and expect to be back by noon!

More info can be found at :

http://www.meetup.com/BIKES-VIENNA-Events/events/223468618/

And:

http://bikesatvienna.blogspot.com/2015/06/bikes-viennas-second-saturday-ride-art.html

Wednesday, July 01, 2015

4th of July - CLOSED!

We will be CLOSED for the 4th of July! We wish all of you a fun and safe holiday with your family and friends.

Come see us on:

Friday 7/3  -  10am - 7pm
Sunday 7/5 - 10am - 5pm

A group of us will be riding recumbents in the Fairfax City Independence Day Parade.

More info:

Independence Day Parade

Friday, June 26, 2015

New Sunday Hours!

We've decided to extend our Sunday hours, effective June 28th.  We will now open at 10:00 am and close at 5:00 pm.  So come on in earlier if you'd like!

We've got lots of great bikes and trikes to try and to buy...

Wednesday, June 24, 2015

Come ride with us in the Fairfax Independence Day Parade!

All recumbent cyclists are encouraged to join us on Saturday July 4th 2015 at 8:15am for our fourth participation in the Fairfax City Independence Day Parade.
Do you know a vet with a trike? Ask him to join us! 
Do you know a vet without a trike who would like to join us? Let us know - we might be able to find a loaner for him. 
Costumes are not necessary but welcomed; 4th-of-July-themed bike decorations are expected. We usually have extra flags and red-white-blue crepe paper to share.
We are in Division 2, Position 209. This puts us ahead of the elephants (if you've ridden with us in the past, you'll know why this is a good thing; otherwise, use your imagination). Our holding area is in the green stripe along the parade route in map below.
If you want to join us at the shop to ride down to the start point, please arrive at the shop by 7:30 so we can depart by 7:45!

Bikes @ Vienna's "Second Saturday" Ride:  "Reston Art Tour," July 11, 2015

Join Bikes @ Vienna staff on July 11 for a casual, fun ride from our shop to Reston, using a mix of trails and roads to visit some of Reston's interesting public art displays.  The ride will be about 18 miles round trip.

This is Bikes @ Vienna's third "Second Saturday" group ride of this season.  We plan to offer a ride on the second Saturday of each month through September, departing from the shop at 9:00 AM.  Cyclists of all abilities are welcome.  Part of bikes @ Vienna's unique "Ride to Discovery" series, each ride features at least one point of historical or cultural interest.

Note:  No-go in case of rain.

                                      Ride to Discovery with Bikes @ Vienna!

Friday, May 08, 2015

Join us for the first of our "Second Saturday" ride series -Saturday, May 9th!

Ride To Discovery along the W&OD Trail:

Bikes @ Vienna to Falls Church

  • What African-American astronomer surveyed the original boundaries of the District of Columbia in 1791?
  • Where along the W&OD Trail can you find two of the boundary stones? 
  • Where is the first house in Falls Church to have indoor plumbing?

  • What Falls Church resident was an inducted into the Black Athletes Hall of Fame along with Jesse Owens, Satchel Paige, Jackie Robinson, and Mohammed Ali? 
  • Why did he and his wife put their lives on the line in 1915 in the struggle for civil rights? 

Find the answers on the next Bikes at Vienna “Ride to Discovery” along the W&OD! 

Saturday, May 9, 2015
9:00 AM

The ride is about 16 miles round-trip, mostly on the W&OD Trail, with occasional excursions on city streets to visit sites of historic significance. 

Please arrive a little early so you have time to read and sign the liability waiver and get your bike ready to go promptly at 9:00. 

NOTE!  In case of rain, we will NOT ride.


Ride to Discovery with Bikes at Vienna!

Wednesday, May 06, 2015

Ride to Discovery: Bikes @ Vienna to Meadowlark Gardens!

Saturday, June 13, 2015
9:00 AM
Bikes @ Vienna 

Join Bikes @ Vienna staff on June 13 for a casual, fun ride from our shop to beautiful Meadowlark Gardens!  The ride is about 8 miles round trip, all on bike trails, plus we'll spend about a half-hour strolling (on foot) through Meadowlark's unique Korean Bell Garden.  The bike ride is free, but Meadowlark Gardens charges $5 general admission, $2.50 for ages 55+.  We will park our bikes at the Meadowlark's visitor center, so we recommend you bring a bike lock.

This is Bikes @ Vienna's second "Second Saturday" group ride of this season.  We plan to offer a ride on the second Saturday of each month through September, departing from the shop at 9:00 AM.  Cyclists of all abilities are welcome.  Part of bikes @ Vienna's unique "Ride to Discovery" series, each ride features at least one point of historical or cultural interest.

Note:  No-go in case of rain.

                                      Ride to Discovery with Bikes @ Vienna!


                                                   
   

Friday, May 01, 2015

Join us for the first of our "Second Saturday" ride series - May 9th!


Ride To Discovery along the W&OD Trail:

Bikes @ Vienna to Falls Church

  • What African-American astronomer surveyed the original boundaries of the District of Columbia in 1791?
  • Where along the W&OD Trail can you find two of the boundary stones? 
  • Where is the first house in Falls Church to have indoor plumbing?

  • What Falls Church resident was an inducted into the Black Athletes Hall of Fame along with Jesse Owens, Satchel Paige, Jackie Robinson, and Mohammed Ali? 
  • Why did he and his wife put their lives on the line in 1915 in the struggle for civil rights? 

Find the answers on the next Bikes at Vienna “Ride to Discovery” along the W&OD! 

Saturday, May 9, 2015
9:00 AM

The ride is about 16 miles round-trip, mostly on the W&OD Trail, with occasional excursions on city streets to visit sites of historic significance. 

Please arrive a little early so you have time to read and sign the liability waiver and get your bike ready to go promptly at 9:00. 

NOTE!  In case of rain, we will NOT ride.


Ride to Discovery with Bikes at Vienna!

Thursday, April 23, 2015

Brompton Black Edition Bikes are Here!

We've gotten in a selection of special Brompton Black Edition bikes! Seen here, full black, lime green and berry crush. We also have one in lagoon blue.
Only 5,000 bikes were made for this special edition, and we only have FIVE left at this time! Come on in before they are gone!

See the promotional video for the Brompton Black Edition here:

https://vimeo.com/121011955

Friday, April 03, 2015

Interesting folding bike!

One of our customers brought in a really unusual folding bike the other day.  Made in Holland, apparently sold under the Columbia name here in the USA, in the late 60s.  Really interesting bike, with some unusual construction features.  Really sharp looking, and in remarkably good shape.  And pretty fun to ride too!  Take a look at the detail photos to see a real time capsule bike.

Interesting location for the Sturmey-Archer trigger shifter. 
One of the prettiest chain guards we've seen.

The tail light is very neatly blended into the fender.

Classy looking bell. The chrome on the bike is in remarkable shape all around.

Neat headlight.

Really interesting handlebar and fork configuration.

Remember these old school odometers? The little striker wheel gets hit by a nubbin on a spoke as the wheel goes around.

Another view of the fork.

Magneet was apparently the manufacturer. The square tube frame is unusual.

The back side of the chain guard, and the lower part of the frame, showing unusual construction.

Columbia... since 1877 one of the great old names in American cycling.  But for this bike, they turned to Holland.

Very interesting folding pedal.

The classic Sturmey-Archer 3 speed hub dates the bike to 1966.

Friday, March 27, 2015

CLOSED Easter Sunday!

PLEASE NOTE! We will be CLOSED Sunday, April 5th, for the Easter holiday. We will re-open on our regular schedule Wednesday the 8th. Enjoy the day!


Friday, March 13, 2015

New Trike in the Shop!

TerraTrike Traveler, ready to ride.
Here's some exciting news... The new TerraTrike Traveler folding trike has arrived!  Priced at a very competitive $1999 for the 24-speed "Base" model, it folds up nice and small for travel.  Similar in design to their popular Rambler model, it's a very comfortable and nice-riding trike.  Come on in and check it out!

TerraTrike Traveler, folded.
For more info, visit the TerraTrike website:

Terratrike Traveler

Monday, March 09, 2015

Sprucing up an old classic!

While most folks know bikes@vienna for our selection of folding bikes, as well as recumbent bikes and trikes, not as many know about our interest in refurbishing older, quality bicycles. We're not necessarily talking about antiques here, but rather those great bikes built back in the 60s, 70s, and 80s. Some of you are probably aware that Tim has a pretty sizable collection of older bikes, and really enjoys riding and fixing up such machines. That's carried over into the business as well, and over the years, we've brought some fine older bikes back up to snuff for their owners.

One good example is this lovely bike featured here.  Last summer, a customer came in and asked if we could recommend any shop that might appreciate and be willing to work on an older Miyata road bike. Well, not only is bikes@vienna just such a shop, Tim is a big fan of Miyata touring bikes... so much so that he moderates a Yahoo group dedicated to those and similar bikes.

 As with all such projects, we took the time to check the bike over thoroughly to discover what issues it might have. We also had a good chat with the owner, to get a sense of how they felt about the bike, their history with the bike, and what their goals were in bringing it to us. The owner had a number of adventures on the bike in the past, including overseas travel, and wanted to get it back into running condition after sitting idle for several years. In addition, he was hoping to upgrade a few items in the process, for both appearance and practical reasons.

Here's a "before" shot:
Miyata 610 Before

There was nothing really "wrong" with the bike, as he brought it in, aside from needing a bit of basic maintenance and TLC, as you can see.  However, the owner really likes the bike and wanted to do a few things to make it just a bit sharper looking and better performing. 

Drivetrain performance was fine from the owner's point of view, so we focused our technical attention on the braking system. While the original brakes worked okay, most older caliper brake systems can see significant improvement by replacing the older brake levers that have exposed cables to the more modern "aero" style levers with concealed cable routing.  It really has nothing to do with the aerodynamics, but the manner in which the cables are routed and pulled by the levers is a bit smoother and more efficient than the old style.  Many folks also find they prefer the tidier look of the concealed cable routing, though that's a highly subjective question.

For both appearance and comfort, the owner wanted to change out the good quality but much worn old factory saddle.  The saddle he chose is the excellent Brooks Champion Flyer, essentially a sprung version of that company's venerable B.17 design.  Brooks saddles have been made for over a hundred years, using the same materials, tools and techniques today as at the beginning.  Basically a steel frame with a tensioned leather "body" suspended on the frame, many cyclists (including Tim) consider them the most comfortable and attractive saddles available.  On the other hand, saddle choice is a highly personal matter, so not everyone will agree.

Finally, the original foam hand grips were dried out and and degraded to the point of falling apart. Given the choice of saddle, the natural thing to replace them was Brooks leather bar tape in a matching shade of brown.  Soft and smooth, leather provides a great gripping surface, and is comfortable with and without gloves.  It looks very classy on an older fine bicycle, but it is a bit on the expensive side.  A less pricey alternative would be some variation on cork or synthetic cork substitute, which are available in a tremendous range of colors to suit your needs.

The customer was very pleased with the end result, and the bike looks really sharp and rides great. Do you have an older bike sitting in your garage?  Could it use a bit of an update or sprucing up?  Have you thought you might starting riding again more if only it were a bit more comfortable, or rode a little more smoothly?  Why not bring it in for us to look at... all estimates are free of charge, and we really enjoy working with people to rejuvenate a trusted two (or three) wheeled friend.

"After" photo:

Miyata 610 After

Sunday, March 01, 2015

CLOSED 2:00PM March 1, 2015

Due to weather conditions, we've decided to play it safe and close the store, as of 2:00pm Sunday, March 1st.  We will re-open for our regular hours on Wednesday.  See you then!

Saturday, February 21, 2015

CLOSED Saturday, February 21st!

Due to the fact that the snow has started and things are likely to get worse before they get better, we are CLOSED TODAY!  Please come see us tomorrow, Sunday the 22nd... it's supposed to be quite a bit warmer than it's been, and the snow and mix will have stopped by then!

Saturday, February 07, 2015

UPDATE on C&O Canal Fee Proposal!

Well, after a lot of public input, the C&O Canal has revised their proposal for changes in the fee structure for the park. On the one hand I know many folks are relieved and pleased to not have to pay in most situations, I'm concerned about whether or not the revised plan will solve the park's financial problems to the degree necessary.

The press release follows:


Press Release: C&O Canal NHP Revises Fee Proposal

HAGERSTOWN, Md. - Chesapeake & Ohio Canal National Historical Park (C&O Canal) is revising its proposal to increase and expand entrance and other fees park-wide. Last month the park proposed expanding fee collection to include charging a park-wide recreation fee. At this point, we’re midway through robust public meetings. Having heard concerns over the proposal for new fees, the park has decided to rescind its proposal to expand fee collection.

The park is still proposing to moderately increase existing entrance, campground and pavilion rental fees only at park locations where fees are currently collected. 
“We have seen the great passion we all share for this park displayed over the course of three public meetings and have three more scheduled. At this point we’re modifying our proposal and will continue public dialog,” Superintendent Kevin Brandt said. 
After this revision, the proposed entrance fees that would become effective no sooner than May 1, 2015 are as follows:
Park Annual Pass:
-Current: $20, Great Falls, MD only
-Proposed: $30, Great Falls, MD only

Per Vehicle Pass:
-Current: $5/vehicle for 3 days, Great Falls, MD only
-Proposed: $15/vehicle for 7 days, Great Falls, MD only

Per Person Pass:
-Current: $3/person for 3 days, Great Falls, MD only
-Proposed: $7/person for 7 days, Great Falls, MD only

Motorcycle Pass:
-Current: $5/motorcycle for 3 days, Great Falls, MD only
-Proposed: $10/motorcycle for 7 days, Great Falls, MD only

The park is are also proposing to increase fees for campgrounds and picnic pavilions. Comparability studies have been completed to determine rates. The proposals are as follows:
Drive-In Campgrounds:
-Single Site Rate: Current: $10 per night, Proposed $20 per night
-Group Site Rate: Current $20 per night, Proposed $40 per night

Hiker-Biker Camping Sites:
-Current: No Charge, no changed proposed
Picnic Pavilion: Carderock Pavilion
-Monday-Thursday: Current $150 per day, Proposed $250 per day
-Friday-Sunday & Holidays: Current $250 per day, Proposed $350 per day

To provide comments on the revised fee increase proposal, go to: http://parkplanning.nps.gov/cocanalfees. The public comment period will remain open until February 22, 2015. 
The park will continue to hold public meetings as follows:
February 9, 2015, at Hancock Town Hall, 126 West High Street, Hancock, MD from 6:30-8:00 PM
February 11, 2015, at Storer Ballroom at the Shepherd University Student Center, 210 North King Street, Shepherdstown, WV, from 6:30-8:00 PM
February 17, 2015, at Brunswick City Park Building, 655 East Potomac Street, Brunswick, MD, from 6:30-8:00 PM

Wednesday, February 04, 2015

IMPORTANT!!! C&O Canal Public Meeting Location Changed!!!!!

The Park Service has changed the location of the public meeting about the proposed fees for the C&O Canal.  The meeting will be held at the Washington Waldorf School in Bethesda, MD, at 7:00 pm on Thursday, February 5th.  If you have thoughts and concerns about this proposal, please try to make it to the meeting.


C&O Canal Facebook Notice

Friday, January 30, 2015

National Park Service proposing increased and expanded fees for C&O Canal

As many of you know, the National Park Service is proposing increasing and expanding fees for users of the C&O Canal. Public comment is being taken online as well as at public meetings. The nearest meeting to us is at Glen Echo next Thursday, February 5th at 7pm. If you have thoughts or opinions on this matter, please contribute! More info at the links...

C&O Canal Proposal

C&O Canal Fees meetings and input


Thursday, January 29, 2015

The Amazing Hase Pino!

Where can you go on a Hase Pino tandem? Well, as the father/son team who ride this one have shown, pretty much anywhere! They've decorated their bike with stickers from many of the places they've traveled, some of which you can see here.  If you're not familiar with the Pino, it's a remarkable bike that, unlike most tandems, allows both riders a great view of where they're going. In addition, the stoker is in front of the captain, allowing the person controlling the bike to see their stoker and communicate with them better. Adjustable to a wide range of sizes, it's a great choice for  many riding pairs.

This particular bike features a few special modifications to better serve the young man who sits in the front (stoker) seat.  Shock cords help hold his feet on the pedals, a cycle computer allows him to track speed and distance, an array of bells and horns (one parrot shaped, the other a killer whale), with a yoga mat added to the seat for just an extra bit of comfort.  Finally, they've added the extra sturdy kickstand that provides stability while the stoker mounts and dismounts.

All in all, the Pino is a remarkable bike.  If you're considering a tandem, you owe it to yourself to come and try it out!
Trier and the Bodensee 
Austria, Germany, Luxembourg

Remich and Munich

Maginot Line