More from Interbike Folder Frolic

The ride was great fun! A short loop around downtown Las Vegas, culminating in a "parking garage hill climb", a new event to me. Basically you had about two dozen crazy people on folding bikes racing up the garage ramps to the top. I think the fellow here sums it up beautifully... thumbs up to us all for doing this early in the morning on what no doubt was a very full day for all of us.

Of course, we didn't go unrewarded... or was it unpunished? At the top of the garage, we were treated, courtesy of our organizer, host, and general bicycle bon vivant Mike McGettigan (Trophy Bikes, Philadelphia) to Tastykake Krimpets (a Philly "delicacy"?) and a very small taste of whiskey! Trust me, this is NOT the breakfast of champions. But a fun and funny way to finish up a great little ride, the last to be held in Vegas.

Why is that? Well, it turns out that after many years, the organizers of Interbike have decided to move the even to Anaheim, CA, in early August next year. This decision got mixed reviews, with most shop folks dismayed at the timing. I suspect it's going to be a lot tougher for owners and managers to get away from their shops at that point in the season. We shall see.

Anyway, the Folder Frolic was a great time for all. And a chance to see a variety of folding bikes. At one point we had a sampling lined up for photos... you can see them below. Who can name all the brands?

More Frolic photos are here:

2010-09-23 Interbike Folder Frolic

And the collection of my photos from the whole Interbike event are here:

Interbike 2010

Rans Fusion ST

Rans Fusion ST
Originally uploaded by bikes@vienna

The ST stands for "Step Through". This is the easiest boarding of Rans Crank Forward bikes which have been big sellers for bikes@vienna for the last two years.

These are light and comfortable bikes. The seats are very generous (large). People appreciate that the Crank Forward style allows them to stay seated when they come to a stop and to be able to place their feet flat on the ground.

This combination of comfort and feeling of enhanced control has made the Fusion popular with individuals returning to cycling. This easy to step through model should have further appeal for returning cyclists. For more information go to
http://www.ransbikes.com/FusionST09.htm. For a test ride, I invite you to come to bikes@vienna located at 128A Church Street, NW in Vienna, VA 22180

2009 Rich Rau Memorial Bike Tour and Pancake Breakfast

Saturday, May 16th is the fourth annual Rich Rau Memorial Bike Tour and Pancake Breakfast beginning in downtown Berryville. The registration is from 7:30 to 8:45 AM. The breakfast will be served from 7:30 to 10 AM. The tour begins at 9 AM.

The Tour has either a 15, 30 or 50 mile course. All courses start and end at the Duncan Memorial United Methodist Church located at 210 East Main Street in Berryville. The funds generated from the event will be used for the safety programs sponsored by the the Town of Berryville and the Berryville Police Department.

More details are available at http://www.berryvilleva.gov or call 540-955-4081. You can also email planner@berryvilleva.gov

Shenandoah Valley Bike Festival --- July 25th

I received this information by email.

Experience the beauty of the Shenandoah Valley by bicycle: Come ride 100, 50, 25 or 5 miles of scenic roads in the 18th Annual Shenandoah Valley Bike Festival on July 25thand support Our Community Place. Your small donation includes the registration fee, a t-shirt, ride maps, ride support, rest stops, mechanical support, water and Gatorade, and shower facilities. Stay for a free homemade lunch afterward. An informational pizza dinner will be held in advance for those interested in volunteering instead of riding. For more information and registration, go to ourcommunityplace.org/bikefest/ or Active.com. Questions? Call (540) 442-7727 or (540) 433-7738.