The contrast on this photo is not the best, but this photo is worth more than a thousand words. The little puppy that joined us in March is growing. She enjoys coming to work and she is more mellow. She has not been trained to do customer service at the front counter although this photo makes it look like she's ready.
Java's going on vacation for ten days. Some of us a're going to Iowa to ride RAGBRAI and she's going to Richmond to visit.
bikes@vienna will be open just without Java.
Tuesday, July 18, 2006
Java dogging the counter
Wednesday, July 12, 2006
Washington Post article on recumbents
The Post recently published a good article on recumbents. Two local recumbent designers, Bill Cook, who is currently riding cross country and produces the excellent Barcroft recumbents, and Mark Colliton of Bacchetta Bicycles are both mentioned in the article as is our shop.
"The real advantage of a recumbent is comfort," Colliton says. "If your goal is to get exercise, maybe lose some weight, you're able to stay on your bike for a lot longer, comfortably. Recumbents are also more aerodynamic than conventional bikes, because they present a smaller surface area to push through the wind."
Thursday, July 06, 2006
A Happy Triker
Cyclists are amazing people. As Ces and I rode on Bike Virginia in the rain during the final days of June that fact was reaffirmed for me.
This photo and email message tell the story of a cyclist who would not be detered. Here is the message,
John,
I wanted to thank you again for making it possible for my wife,
Yvonne, to do Bike Virginia this year even though she had a broken
left wrist. She could steer, change the rear gears, and apply the
rear disc brakes all with her right hand. It made her one happy
biker, or rather triker. She triked about 300 miles over the 5 day
event. Thanks again.
Henry
The EZ-3 USX trike is not a light weight trike. It did fit the bill for Yvonne's needs. She is a strong and dedicated rider to have covered 300 miles. She is also an inspiration.
Tuesday, June 27, 2006
Recumbent Cyclists News - July/August
We just received the July/August edition of the Recumbent Cyclists News (RCN). This is an excellent publication for learning about recumbents and trikes. This edition contains reviews of the Catrike Road aluminum trike, the RANS Formula 26, a new long wheelbase recumbent from RANS with dual 26" wheels. RCN sells for $5.
Monday, June 26, 2006
Another wet day
We're wondering when the rain will finally stop. It rained almost continuously today, much like yesterday and the day before. We had what must be a record 6 inches yesterday. It's no fun dragging tarps on and off the bikes throughout the day, or worse, having all of the bikes inside the shop and not being able to move. As you can tell, we don't like rainy days at the shop.
John is riding in Bike Virginia and is having a wet ride, as the rain that we are experiencing is mostly coming from his direction in the south of Virigina. Today they rode from Emporia, VA to Roanoke Rapids, NC, towns that sound familiar to those of us who have ridden the Great Peanut Bicycle Tour.
We did have a few customers in the shop. Ralph and Kris LeMeur and Jim and Kathy Bremner just completed their cross country tour, Ralph and Kris riding a Seven Cycles tandem and Jim and Kathy accompanying them in their RV. Ralph needed a place to pack the tandem for the trip back to California. We provided space, tools, and two boxes that he combined into one large tandem box. We enjoyed hearing about their adventure and look forward to reading their blog, Biking from West to East.
My bike commute home was aborted due to news that a bridge on the W&OD Trail between Vienna and Reston is damaged. I hope it doesn't take long for the repairs, as there are few options for riding between the two places.
John is riding in Bike Virginia and is having a wet ride, as the rain that we are experiencing is mostly coming from his direction in the south of Virigina. Today they rode from Emporia, VA to Roanoke Rapids, NC, towns that sound familiar to those of us who have ridden the Great Peanut Bicycle Tour.
We did have a few customers in the shop. Ralph and Kris LeMeur and Jim and Kathy Bremner just completed their cross country tour, Ralph and Kris riding a Seven Cycles tandem and Jim and Kathy accompanying them in their RV. Ralph needed a place to pack the tandem for the trip back to California. We provided space, tools, and two boxes that he combined into one large tandem box. We enjoyed hearing about their adventure and look forward to reading their blog, Biking from West to East.
My bike commute home was aborted due to news that a bridge on the W&OD Trail between Vienna and Reston is damaged. I hope it doesn't take long for the repairs, as there are few options for riding between the two places.
Thursday, June 08, 2006
Tim's bikes
We've started to post a few articles about some of the bikes that we ride at bikes@vienna. A while back we posted an article that our head mechanic Tim wrote. We just updated that article with some photos of a few of the many bikes that he owns. Check out these fine bikes in the article Tim's Bikes.
Wednesday, June 07, 2006
Kids’ Bike Safety Check Set for June 21
The Bike Rodeo scheduled for Saturday, May 20 was canceled and has been
rescheduled for Saturday, October 14. The Bike Rodeo was an event where
bikes@ vienna, LLC provided a public service of inspecting and doing
quick repairs on children’s bikes. to make the bikes safer. Rather
than waiting until October 14, bikes@vienna, LLC will provide a free
bike safety check from 4 PM to 8 PM on Wednesday, June 21 at the
bikes@vienna, LLC store located at 128A Church Street, NW.
The safety checks will be provided for children twelve years of age and
younger when accompanied by an adult. In addition to the safety check,
small repairs and adjustments will be done. The value of the services
provided at no charge will not exceed $10 in labor per young person..
This is an opportunity to get bikes ready for summer vacation. The
rain date for the event will be 4PM to 6 PM on Thursday, June 22. This
event is being staged on a Wednesday because bikes@vienna, LLC is
traditionally closed on Wednesday. This will allow bikes@vienna
employees to work specifically on the safety check. This free safety
check service at bikes@vienna, LLC will not be available at any other
time.
rescheduled for Saturday, October 14. The Bike Rodeo was an event where
bikes@ vienna, LLC provided a public service of inspecting and doing
quick repairs on children’s bikes. to make the bikes safer. Rather
than waiting until October 14, bikes@vienna, LLC will provide a free
bike safety check from 4 PM to 8 PM on Wednesday, June 21 at the
bikes@vienna, LLC store located at 128A Church Street, NW.
The safety checks will be provided for children twelve years of age and
younger when accompanied by an adult. In addition to the safety check,
small repairs and adjustments will be done. The value of the services
provided at no charge will not exceed $10 in labor per young person..
This is an opportunity to get bikes ready for summer vacation. The
rain date for the event will be 4PM to 6 PM on Thursday, June 22. This
event is being staged on a Wednesday because bikes@vienna, LLC is
traditionally closed on Wednesday. This will allow bikes@vienna
employees to work specifically on the safety check. This free safety
check service at bikes@vienna, LLC will not be available at any other
time.
Tuesday, June 06, 2006
A Review of the Bacchetta Strada
bikes@vienna note: Long time customer Bill Perlman took the Bacchetta Strada with the Euromesh seat for a test ride and then wrote this review. Bill rides an underseat steering recumbent and has placed an order for a new Challenger which will be underseat steering so I was interested in how he would react to the aboveseat steering Strada. Bill also does a considerable amount of touring so the ability to pack and ship a recumbent is important to him. Here's what Bill thought of the Strada:
"The bottom line: I like the Strada. A lot.
The Strada felt good right from the start. Some bents you never get a good feeling for. Their steering or balance or riding position just isn't right and doesn't feel natural even after a few hours on the bike. By the time I rode out of the parking lot, it felt like a bike I've been on for quite a while. The Strada was stable at both low and high speeds. It's a high racer configuration with 571 wheels and a shell-like seat. It's seat height is low enough so that there was no problem getting a foot firmly on the ground.
I rode the Strada because I wanted to try the new Bacchetta Euromesh seat. The seat is comfortable and I felt that the mesh back did indeed reduce the heat/sweat buildup that you get from fiberglass shell seats. Fiberglass shell seats also seem to amplify the drivetrain sounds that come up the seat stays. The Euromesh seat eliminated that sound.
The Strada is clearly built for fast riding on decent roads. It's a light bike with very narrow tires on lightweight wheels. It climbed well and it handled well on fast downhills. It's SRAM X.9 components are good. The chain management is via a double sided idler wheel and is quiet. The cockpit is a bit tight but one can get used to it; and it does provide a pretty comfortable hand position. The bike is an excellent value for the price.
Why won't I buy this bike? With it's typical OSS design, there is no telescoping boom and it is thus too long to fit into a standard bicycle box. Too long to easily take with me on a flight and be used for touring."
"The bottom line: I like the Strada. A lot.
The Strada felt good right from the start. Some bents you never get a good feeling for. Their steering or balance or riding position just isn't right and doesn't feel natural even after a few hours on the bike. By the time I rode out of the parking lot, it felt like a bike I've been on for quite a while. The Strada was stable at both low and high speeds. It's a high racer configuration with 571 wheels and a shell-like seat. It's seat height is low enough so that there was no problem getting a foot firmly on the ground.
I rode the Strada because I wanted to try the new Bacchetta Euromesh seat. The seat is comfortable and I felt that the mesh back did indeed reduce the heat/sweat buildup that you get from fiberglass shell seats. Fiberglass shell seats also seem to amplify the drivetrain sounds that come up the seat stays. The Euromesh seat eliminated that sound.
The Strada is clearly built for fast riding on decent roads. It's a light bike with very narrow tires on lightweight wheels. It climbed well and it handled well on fast downhills. It's SRAM X.9 components are good. The chain management is via a double sided idler wheel and is quiet. The cockpit is a bit tight but one can get used to it; and it does provide a pretty comfortable hand position. The bike is an excellent value for the price.
Why won't I buy this bike? With it's typical OSS design, there is no telescoping boom and it is thus too long to fit into a standard bicycle box. Too long to easily take with me on a flight and be used for touring."
Exploring the C&O Canal with Author Mike High
SATURDAY, JUNE 10
C/D * 26 * MD * 10:30 AM * Point of Rocks (POR)
Towpath and Lunch at Harpers Ferry. Park at the picturesque Victorian train station on Rt 28 in the town of Point of Rocks. The bike ride itself is on the towpath to Harpers Ferry and back--an historic stretch where the Potomac cuts through the first line of the Appalachians: Catoctin Ridge and South Mountain. On the way to Harpers Ferry, there are great views of the islands and rapids of the river, as well as the old canal works and the abandoned mill town of Weverton. Hybrid or ATB tires are best, but it can be navigated on a touring bike. Bring a bike lock and money for lunch. Leader is planning to go rain or shine--it can be sunny up the river while it’s raining in Washington. If it’s raining cats and dogs at ride start, we’ll explore other options. C/D (10:30 AM) * Mike High * 703/597-7912.
bikes@vienna note: This should be a terrific experience. Mike High is the author of the C&O Canal Companion. Here is how the book is described:
" The first comprehensive guide to one of America's unique national parks, The C&0 Canal Companion takes reader on a mile-by-mile tour of the C&O Canal, the 184-mile Potomac River Waterway that stretches from Washington, D.C., to the Appalachian Mountains.
Outdoorsman and writer Mike High has spent many hours exploring the C&O Canal, asking questions, making notes, taking photographs, and conducting research to assemble this informative, user-friendly book. Beautifully illustrated with photographs and drawings, the guide blends history, nature writing, and tour-guide tips to create the only book of its kind. High offers practical advice on cycling, canoeing, birdwatching, and other pastimes along the canal and river. Exploring the canal's history, he relates the early struggles to build a trade route to the Ohio Valley and gives in-depth coverage to the Civil War years, when the canal became a dividing line between North and South. He also explains the nineteeth-century technology of the canal--how it worked and how its operations were related to water-driven mills and ironworks along the river.
For the convenience of visitors to the canal, High provides a helpful appendix that includes names and telephone numbers for such resources as hotel, bed-and-breakfasts, bicycle shops, river outfitters, nearby parks, campsites, and regional associations. The C&O Canal Companion is both a pleasure for the armchair tourist to read and an indispensable guide for anyone planning a hiking, camping, or cycling adventure along this remarkable landmark.
Mike High grew up in the Philippines, California, and Vietnam. He has cycled in many places around the world, but the trail along the C&O Canal remains his favorite ride. His interest in the canal began when he discovered he could ride the towpath all they way to Antietam Battlefield, 72 miles from Washington. "
C/D * 26 * MD * 10:30 AM * Point of Rocks (POR)
Towpath and Lunch at Harpers Ferry. Park at the picturesque Victorian train station on Rt 28 in the town of Point of Rocks. The bike ride itself is on the towpath to Harpers Ferry and back--an historic stretch where the Potomac cuts through the first line of the Appalachians: Catoctin Ridge and South Mountain. On the way to Harpers Ferry, there are great views of the islands and rapids of the river, as well as the old canal works and the abandoned mill town of Weverton. Hybrid or ATB tires are best, but it can be navigated on a touring bike. Bring a bike lock and money for lunch. Leader is planning to go rain or shine--it can be sunny up the river while it’s raining in Washington. If it’s raining cats and dogs at ride start, we’ll explore other options. C/D (10:30 AM) * Mike High * 703/597-7912.
bikes@vienna note: This should be a terrific experience. Mike High is the author of the C&O Canal Companion. Here is how the book is described:
" The first comprehensive guide to one of America's unique national parks, The C&0 Canal Companion takes reader on a mile-by-mile tour of the C&O Canal, the 184-mile Potomac River Waterway that stretches from Washington, D.C., to the Appalachian Mountains.
Outdoorsman and writer Mike High has spent many hours exploring the C&O Canal, asking questions, making notes, taking photographs, and conducting research to assemble this informative, user-friendly book. Beautifully illustrated with photographs and drawings, the guide blends history, nature writing, and tour-guide tips to create the only book of its kind. High offers practical advice on cycling, canoeing, birdwatching, and other pastimes along the canal and river. Exploring the canal's history, he relates the early struggles to build a trade route to the Ohio Valley and gives in-depth coverage to the Civil War years, when the canal became a dividing line between North and South. He also explains the nineteeth-century technology of the canal--how it worked and how its operations were related to water-driven mills and ironworks along the river.
For the convenience of visitors to the canal, High provides a helpful appendix that includes names and telephone numbers for such resources as hotel, bed-and-breakfasts, bicycle shops, river outfitters, nearby parks, campsites, and regional associations. The C&O Canal Companion is both a pleasure for the armchair tourist to read and an indispensable guide for anyone planning a hiking, camping, or cycling adventure along this remarkable landmark.
Mike High grew up in the Philippines, California, and Vietnam. He has cycled in many places around the world, but the trail along the C&O Canal remains his favorite ride. His interest in the canal began when he discovered he could ride the towpath all they way to Antietam Battlefield, 72 miles from Washington. "
Saturday, June 03, 2006
Blue Eyes
Granddaughter Mira is growing rapidly (she was born the end of September). As you can see she has blue, blue eyes and is called upon to model interesting hats.
We'll get to see her in July during RAGBRAI. Her father will ride with us several days while she and our daughter Jessica visit my folks in Iowa.
Friday, June 02, 2006
New Opportunity to Explore: Dahlgren Railroad Heritage Trail
You're invited to join the Friends of the Dahlgren Railroad Heritage Trail for the OPENING CELEBRATION!!
WHO: Friends of DRHT members, guests, and those interested in helping to celebrate this treasure in the heart of King George.
WHAT: RIBBON CUTTING CELEBRATION for the DRHT, a 15.7 mile "rails-to-trails" project being developed in King George, preserving the former CSX rail bed as a NATURE, HIKING, and BIKING TRAIL.
WHEN: SATURDAY, 3 JUNE 2006, 10:00 A.M.
Please JOIN US!! Bring your family and friends. Experience the beauty of this unique trail. Meet, greet, and visit with DRHT Friends and other trail enthusiasts.
REFRESHMENTS WILL BE SERVED!
DIRECTIONS: Parking is currently very limited at the trail's junction with Indiantown Rd. (Rt. 610), the Ribbon-Cutting opening ceremony site. Participants driving cars will please park at Caledon Natural Area Picnic Shelter on Caledon Road, (Rt. 218) by 9:30 A.M. A shuttle will provide transportation to the event. Bicyclists will meet at the King George County School Board Office and depart en mass at 9:00 A.M. (sharp!), for the ribbon-cutting--an easy five mile ride away on quiet rural roads. Immediately after the ribbon cutting and refreshments, interested bicyclists are invited on a celebratory ride to Colonial Beach for coffee and muffins! For additional information contact Dave Jones at (540)663-2137(w) or (540)775-9364(h) or via email at.
It will be our pleasure to see you there!
WHO: Friends of DRHT members, guests, and those interested in helping to celebrate this treasure in the heart of King George.
WHAT: RIBBON CUTTING CELEBRATION for the DRHT, a 15.7 mile "rails-to-trails" project being developed in King George, preserving the former CSX rail bed as a NATURE, HIKING, and BIKING TRAIL.
WHEN: SATURDAY, 3 JUNE 2006, 10:00 A.M.
Please JOIN US!! Bring your family and friends. Experience the beauty of this unique trail. Meet, greet, and visit with DRHT Friends and other trail enthusiasts.
REFRESHMENTS WILL BE SERVED!
DIRECTIONS: Parking is currently very limited at the trail's junction with Indiantown Rd. (Rt. 610), the Ribbon-Cutting opening ceremony site. Participants driving cars will please park at Caledon Natural Area Picnic Shelter on Caledon Road, (Rt. 218) by 9:30 A.M. A shuttle will provide transportation to the event. Bicyclists will meet at the King George County School Board Office and depart en mass at 9:00 A.M. (sharp!), for the ribbon-cutting--an easy five mile ride away on quiet rural roads. Immediately after the ribbon cutting and refreshments, interested bicyclists are invited on a celebratory ride to Colonial Beach for coffee and muffins! For additional information contact Dave Jones at (540)663-2137(w) or (540)775-9364(h) or via email at
It will be our pleasure to see you there!
Monday, May 22, 2006
Bikes and cars
This is not the usual story about the constant battle between bikes and cars. This is a story about a partnership between an auto dealer and a bike dealer. 
During May, which is Bike Month, Don Beyer Volvo will be giving away a Dahon folding bike with every car that is purchased. We are providing the bikes. We know it would be better if people just bought the bike without the car, but we are realists. Knowing that the cars will be sold anyway, we thought this was a good way to give people an alternative.
Maybe some day those same people will make the decision to use their new bike instead of their car for those many short, local trips that we make each day. Those trips generate a great deal of pollution because cars don't have a chance to properly warm up. It's bad for the car and bad for the environment.
I do wonder what the folks at Don Beyer think when they receive messages from John with his signature line that reads: "We're fighting 'oil addiction' with human powered transportation. Join the fight—park your car and ride your bike."
During May, which is Bike Month, Don Beyer Volvo will be giving away a Dahon folding bike with every car that is purchased. We are providing the bikes. We know it would be better if people just bought the bike without the car, but we are realists. Knowing that the cars will be sold anyway, we thought this was a good way to give people an alternative. Maybe some day those same people will make the decision to use their new bike instead of their car for those many short, local trips that we make each day. Those trips generate a great deal of pollution because cars don't have a chance to properly warm up. It's bad for the car and bad for the environment.
I do wonder what the folks at Don Beyer think when they receive messages from John with his signature line that reads: "We're fighting 'oil addiction' with human powered transportation. Join the fight—park your car and ride your bike."
Tuesday, May 02, 2006
Fairfax County to get bicycle coordinator
On May 1, 2006 the Fairfax County Board of Supervisors voted to include $465,000 in the 2007 budget to fund a bicycle coordinator position, a bicycle plan and bicycle map of the county. Thanks to the hard work of Fairfax Advocates for Better Bicycling, Eric Gilliland of WABA, and WABA members for making this happen. More information will be forthcoming on the FABB Web site, including how you can get involved to help produce the bike plan and map.
This is a great step forward for the county. Most other local jurisdictions currently have bicycle coordinators and bike maps. The maps will help county cyclists find bike-friendly routes throughout the county. As the W&OD Trail gets more and more crowded each year, it will be necessary for cyclists to explore other bike routes. Many of us know our local routes, but there is not good, detailed map of county bike routes. The bike coordinator will ensure that the needs of bicyclists are addressed in major development and road projects in the future.
There will also be public meetings during the production of the bike plan where cyclists can help document existing routes and identify gaps in the potential bike network. Check the FABB Web site for updates.
This is a great step forward for the county. Most other local jurisdictions currently have bicycle coordinators and bike maps. The maps will help county cyclists find bike-friendly routes throughout the county. As the W&OD Trail gets more and more crowded each year, it will be necessary for cyclists to explore other bike routes. Many of us know our local routes, but there is not good, detailed map of county bike routes. The bike coordinator will ensure that the needs of bicyclists are addressed in major development and road projects in the future.
There will also be public meetings during the production of the bike plan where cyclists can help document existing routes and identify gaps in the potential bike network. Check the FABB Web site for updates.
Friday, April 21, 2006
A New Rental Service.....Birdy in a Bag
The Birdy and bag shown in the photo represent a new service from bikes@vienna. We are now renting two Birdys with bags for your airline and train travels. Want to take Amtrak to New York for the Five Boro Ride with a bright red Birdy in a bag? We can help. Want to fly to Key West and explore on a bright red Birdy? We can help. Ever dreamed of going to __________ (you fill in the blank) and seeing so much more on a bike than walking or driving? Yep, we can help.
We have a different set of rates for this service and it will be several days before we get those prices posted. Send us an email for more information,,,,,,,,,john@bikesatvienna.com
Java Reclined and a Small Town Story
This Java sleeps in an interesting position. Bruce snapped this photo of her on Thursday afternoon. She is totally relaxed. People walking and talking as she lies there on her back.
This is a Java story about Vienna being a small town.
I walked Java up to the store on Wednesday morning. Our walk included a stop at the bank for me to make a deposit. Although she is getting too big, I picked Java up and carried her into the bank. The nice teller handled my deposit and talked about Java noting her name and age.
Hours later daughter Sara went into the bank to cash her paycheck from the store. As fate would have it she went to the same teller. She had left her identification in the car, but the teller noted the matching last names of the payee and payor. As Sara offered to go get her drivers license, the teller said that wouldn’t be necessary if she could answer two questions:
What is the puppy’s name? How old is the puppy? The check was cashed.
Thursday, April 06, 2006
The New Bike Friday SatRDay and Al Tyre
We have the new SatRDay in the store for test rides. Unbelieveably this bike fits in a checkable suitcase. It has suspension. It is a very comfortable seat.
The handsome man in the photo is bikes@vienna's own Al Tyre. Al owns half a dozen recumbents, but not a folding, packable recumbent. See that expression? He's excited about test riding the new SatRDay.
Come ride the SatRDay and place your order for this new foldable recumbent from Bike Friday.
Cool spring riding days
We've been lucky this spring with some excellent riding weather. The plants need more rain, but I've enjoyed the lack of wet conditions throughout the spring. If you haven't been out riding, now is the time to get out there. It won't be long before the hot summer temperatures will make midday riding unpleasant.
Even though it's been a little cool, I think the conditions are ideal. A light windbreaker is all that's needed to keep you warm after a few miles. There are almost no insects, and on the cool days there aren't that many people out riding. When the temperatures are in the 60's and 70's the trails will be very crowded, so it's best to anticipate a slower pace or find a good on-road route.
If your bike needs work, the shop is a little backed up but we can probably get your bike back to you within a week or so for most tune ups and minor repairs. This is also the time to come in and check out our new bikes. The shipments come in daily and it's the time of year when you have the best selection of models, colors and sizes.
Don't forget that Bike to Work Day is next month on Friday, May 19. To register go to WABA's website. If you're not a member, now is a good time to join WABA, although you don't have to be a member to participate in Bike to Work Day.
See you on the trail.
Even though it's been a little cool, I think the conditions are ideal. A light windbreaker is all that's needed to keep you warm after a few miles. There are almost no insects, and on the cool days there aren't that many people out riding. When the temperatures are in the 60's and 70's the trails will be very crowded, so it's best to anticipate a slower pace or find a good on-road route.
If your bike needs work, the shop is a little backed up but we can probably get your bike back to you within a week or so for most tune ups and minor repairs. This is also the time to come in and check out our new bikes. The shipments come in daily and it's the time of year when you have the best selection of models, colors and sizes.
Don't forget that Bike to Work Day is next month on Friday, May 19. To register go to WABA's website. If you're not a member, now is a good time to join WABA, although you don't have to be a member to participate in Bike to Work Day.
See you on the trail.
Tuesday, March 21, 2006
Bike to Work Day/Friday, May 19
It is time to act. Bike to Work Day is less than two months away. Now is the time to register. Now is the time to organize your friends and co-workers. Now is the time to begin riding.
Spring is coming to Northern Virginia. Soon the blossoms will create zones of sweet smells which stratify and embrace you as you woosh down a hill. The sounds of birds and frogs will compete for your attention with the traffic. Riding will make you feel alive.
bikes@vienna is proud to be one of the many sponsors of Bike to Work Day. We believe bicycling can help to fight the "oil addiction" that plays a role in so many of the issues of our time. Our statement for 2006 is:
"We are fighting "oil addiction" with human powered transportation. Join the fight.....park your car and ride your bike".
Now is the time to begin.
Monday, March 20, 2006
W&OD Trail Patrol Seeks New Members
We have been asked to provide publicity for this information about the W&OD Trail Patrol. This group provides a valuable service to trail users and we are pleased to help in their recruitment efforts.
The W&OD Trail runs through the communities of Arlington, Falls Church, Vienna, Reston, Herndon, Sterling, Ashburn, Leesburg, Hamilton, and Purcellville. The Trail Patrol is seeking new members to be on-scene ambassadors of safety, courtesy, information, and goodwill. All adult trail users--cyclists, walker, runners, skaters, carriage pushers, dog walkers, horse riders, or wheel chair users--are eligible to apply. The first orientation session of the year will be held on April 25 at the Vienna Community Center starting at 7 p.m. Future sessions are planned for other trail communities. For further information and signup please contact John Boone at 703-437-4158 or jmboone@adelphia.net
The W&OD Trail runs through the communities of Arlington, Falls Church, Vienna, Reston, Herndon, Sterling, Ashburn, Leesburg, Hamilton, and Purcellville. The Trail Patrol is seeking new members to be on-scene ambassadors of safety, courtesy, information, and goodwill. All adult trail users--cyclists, walker, runners, skaters, carriage pushers, dog walkers, horse riders, or wheel chair users--are eligible to apply. The first orientation session of the year will be held on April 25 at the Vienna Community Center starting at 7 p.m. Future sessions are planned for other trail communities. For further information and signup please contact John Boone at 703-437-4158 or jmboone@adelphia.net
Sunday, March 19, 2006
An EZ-1 Sale for Spring $520
We are ready for Spring. We have 10 of these EZ-1s in both red (5) and blue (5). These are the terrific starter recumbents from Sun Cycle which were designed by Garner Martin. They have 21 speeds, the comfy seats, and a new bike warranty.........what more could you ask? And at $520 what a price!
Come take a test ride.
Friday, March 17, 2006
Java: New to bikes@vienna
Java, originally uploaded by bikes@vienna.
This chocolate lab puppy has joined the staff at bikes@vienna. She is eight weeks old and her name is Java. Thus far the training is going well. She has trained us when she wants to eat, when she needs to go outside, and when to let her nap. She is a chewer. Hold her for very long and you smell like a puppy.
I expect that productivity has dropped by more than 10% in the store. We can't walk passed her without pausing to pet her. People go into this baby doll voice to say things to her. There are dog playthings spread around the bike display area. She seems to be happy in her new world and the humans at bikes@ vienna seem to be enjoying her presence. Stop in and visit Java.
Tuesday, February 28, 2006
If one is good then 20 is ?
I did it again. Marin had a number of women's 15 inch bikes in the warehouse so I bought 20. This is the Bolinas Ridge which is a light (aluminum frame) mountain bike. I bought this model because it is perfect for moms riding with their families or fast growing young ladies. I've priced them at $285. If the reaction is like the one we had last year to a similiar model then they will sell briskly. Come see us
Signs To Help Find Us
| www.flickr.com | The Town of Vienna has posted new "Historic Church Street" signs which may be helpful in finding us. The signs appear on Maple Avenue (Route 123) and on Lawyers Road. The street signs for Church Street have also been switched to a color that matches the historic signs. Also shown is our sign on Church Street. It is on the alley and not easy to see. It gets more difficult to see in the summer when the leaves from the ornamental trees are full and lush. We are behind Terra Christa on the Alley. Terra Christa is a brick, kind of Cape Code house at 130 Church Street, NW. That NW is important. Church is divided at Center Street and many times people look for us a block down on Church Street, NE. |
Wednesday, February 22, 2006
Mira and Cyrus with Patty and Phil
Mira&Cy, originally uploaded by bikes@vienna.
Last week we had a wonderful time introducing the new members of our family to their great grandparents. This photo shows Cyrus seated on my Mom's lap and Mira seated on my Dad's lap. We took everyone out to a cabin overlooking the Potomac River at Algonkian Regional park and enjoyed a couple of days holding babies, talking, doing puzzles, playing cards, and eating. As you might imagine we have hundreds of photos to help us remember.
Monday, February 20, 2006
Bikes we ride
We thought it might be interesting for our customers and friends to read about the various bikes that we ride/own. John is the lucky one, since he owns a shop full of bikes. We've noticed that he has a favorite, but he picks and chooses as the mood strikes. The rest of us own significantly fewer bikes than John, but most of us have more than one. Each bike serves a particular purpose; for commuting, touring, fast sport riding to name a few. In what we hope will be series of articles, I've started by writing about the bikes that I own and why.
Wednesday, February 15, 2006
2006 Bike Tours
Below is a list of rides to be held during the coming year. Most are within a short drive or long bike ride from our shop. Others are rides that we planned to join in other parts of the country. To find multi-day tours around the U.S., visit the National Bicycle Tour Director Association site, which allows you to search by region or date.
Bike Florida - March 18-24, 2006
Maryland Tour de Cure - May 13, 2006
Bike to Work Day - May 19, 2006
Shenandoah Tour - May 29 - June 2, June 19 - 23, Aug. 28 - Sept. 1, Sept. 11 - 15, 2006
Virginia Dare MS 150 Bike Tour - June 3-4, 2006
Virginia Tour de Cure - June 4, 2006
Patuxent River Rural Legacy Ride - June 10, 2006
Bike Virginia 2006 - June 23-28, 2006
Cycle Across Maryland - July 13-16, 2006
RAGBRAI - July 23-29, 2006
Great Peanut Tour - Early September
Potomac Pedalers Century - September 17, 2006
Seagull Century - October 7, 2006
C&O Canal Tour - October 15-20, 2006
Shenandoah Fall Foliage Bike Festival - October 20-22, 2006
Tour du Port - October 22, 2006
Bike Florida - March 18-24, 2006
Maryland Tour de Cure - May 13, 2006
Bike to Work Day - May 19, 2006
Shenandoah Tour - May 29 - June 2, June 19 - 23, Aug. 28 - Sept. 1, Sept. 11 - 15, 2006
Virginia Dare MS 150 Bike Tour - June 3-4, 2006
Virginia Tour de Cure - June 4, 2006
Patuxent River Rural Legacy Ride - June 10, 2006
Bike Virginia 2006 - June 23-28, 2006
Cycle Across Maryland - July 13-16, 2006
RAGBRAI - July 23-29, 2006
Great Peanut Tour - Early September
Potomac Pedalers Century - September 17, 2006
Seagull Century - October 7, 2006
C&O Canal Tour - October 15-20, 2006
Shenandoah Fall Foliage Bike Festival - October 20-22, 2006
Tour du Port - October 22, 2006
Sunday, February 12, 2006
WABA auction: people at the annual soiree of the Washington Area Bicyclists’ Association
These photos are from the WABA Gala and Auction held last evening at the Embassy of Finland. I captured people in a bit dresser attire than I sometimes see them. The gentleman standing alone is Keith Oberg of Bikes For The World. Keith is like me, you're most likely to find him in jeans and flannel shirt. He regularly is wearing a ball cap. The two gentlemen are Harvey Sachs (left) who volunteers for WABA events such as the bike swaps and Eric Gilliland (right) who is the Executive Director. Both of them look very serious, but I would hope that Eric was smiling by the end of the evening. WABA put on a delightful event and given the weather; attendance was strong and I would guess the financial side was successful. The lovely couple are Douglas Stewart and his wife, Tamara Harvey. Douglas is a WABA Board Member and a sparkplug in Fairfax Advocates for Better Bicycling (FABB) which is affiliated with WABA.
bikes@vienna donated a Dahon Speed 7 to the auction. I was pleased with the large number of bids on the bike. I was tickled that it bought retail price to benefit WABA. The WABA Gala and Auction is typically held early in February. If you like bicycles, interesting surroundings, good food and drink, and intriguing auction items then you might like to join in next year.
Sunday, January 22, 2006
Smiling Jon, a winner from the NBC4 Health & Fitness Expo
This man, Jon Fisher, is smiling because he was just awarded the Dahon Boardwalk 7 that he won by participating in bikes@vienna's drawing at the NBC4 Health and Fitness Expo. Jon came out from Washington to pickup his prize and ride it on the W&OD Trail. Jon has a bike, but he was excited about owning a Dahon folder and the places he visit and ride his Dahon.
You will notice that Jon is wearing a T-shirt on the 21st of January. Our weather has been warm and it has resulted in more opportunities to ride than occur many Januarys. Both days this weekend we had lots of store visitors looking at recumbents and folding bikes. Perhaps you should come visit us and get a jump on the springtime crowd.
We are open during the winter months from 10-6 on Monday, Thursday, Friday, and Saturday. On Sunday our hours are 10-5. We're closed on Tuesday and Wednesday.
Friday, December 30, 2005
FABB
This is the bikes@vienna mission, as stated on our home page: “We want people to use a bike to have fun, to exercise for good health, to save money, and to protect the environment” In order to accomplish that mission, people need safe, convenient facilities where they can ride their bikes. We have joined with a group of people in Fairfax County to press for better bicycling conditions in the county. We call ourselves Fairfax Advocates for Better Bicycling (FABB), and we are affiliated with the Washington Area Bicyclist Association (WABA).
FABB has been meeting with county supervisors and staff to discuss several specific measures that are needed to improve cycling conditions: 1) a bicycle coordinator position in the county; someone who is responsible for ensuring that all transportation projects accommodate cyclists. 2) a bicycle map; showing the locations of roads that are bicycle-friendly and showing paved trails, and 3) a network of on-road bike routes; either dedicated bike lanes or signed bike routes where roads have wide curb lanes or paved shoulders.
Our work is paying off. At the December 5 Board of Supervisors meeting “Chairman Connolly moved that the Board direct staff from the Department of Transportation and the Department of Planning and Zoning to report with a list of recommendations to better incorporate bicycle facilities as part of the transportation infrastructure”. You can read the summary of the motion on the county Web site (search for “bicycle”), or read the article in the Washington Post (Supervisors Seek Bike Policy Update, Cross County Trail to Open Dec. 17, By Jacqueline L. Salmon, Washington Post Staff Writer, Thursday, December 8, 2005; Page VA03).
During our meeting with Chairman Connolly, he invited FABB to attend the opening of the Cross County Trail on Dec. 17. Several FABB members were able to attend. John, Kerie Hitt, Hunter McCleary, and I rode from bikes@vienna. Douglas Stewart, the FABB chairman, and his family joined us there. John showed us a great route from Vienna on Cottage St. to right on Gallows Rd., past the Dunn Loring Metro station, down Gallows Rd. to right on Woodburn Rd. near the Beltway. We took Woodburn south then turned left on Guinevere Dr., then right on Saxony Dr. to Camelot Dr. where the trail head was located for the ribbon cutting. Gallows Rd. was not bad at 9:30 a.m. on a Saturday. I've heard that several cyclists use Gallows to ride north from the Springfield area.
I'm compiling a map of routes that cyclists use and will add some of those roads to the map. Three of the Board supervisors were present at the ribbon-cutting. Most of us were able to speak to one or more of them, to let them know we were there and to thank them for their support. All of the supervisors said that they appreciated the many the letters that cyclists had sent thanking them for their recent Board action.
This is a very optimistic time for cyclists in the county. However, our work is really just beginning. We’ll need to show up at budget hearings to ask for funds to implement the new policy, and we’ll need to work closely with the Board and with staff to ensure that the goals we’ve set are accomplished. If you want to help, let us know (b r u c e (at) b i k e s a t v i e n n a .com).
FABB has been meeting with county supervisors and staff to discuss several specific measures that are needed to improve cycling conditions: 1) a bicycle coordinator position in the county; someone who is responsible for ensuring that all transportation projects accommodate cyclists. 2) a bicycle map; showing the locations of roads that are bicycle-friendly and showing paved trails, and 3) a network of on-road bike routes; either dedicated bike lanes or signed bike routes where roads have wide curb lanes or paved shoulders.
Our work is paying off. At the December 5 Board of Supervisors meeting “Chairman Connolly moved that the Board direct staff from the Department of Transportation and the Department of Planning and Zoning to report with a list of recommendations to better incorporate bicycle facilities as part of the transportation infrastructure”. You can read the summary of the motion on the county Web site (search for “bicycle”), or read the article in the Washington Post (Supervisors Seek Bike Policy Update, Cross County Trail to Open Dec. 17, By Jacqueline L. Salmon, Washington Post Staff Writer, Thursday, December 8, 2005; Page VA03).
During our meeting with Chairman Connolly, he invited FABB to attend the opening of the Cross County Trail on Dec. 17. Several FABB members were able to attend. John, Kerie Hitt, Hunter McCleary, and I rode from bikes@vienna. Douglas Stewart, the FABB chairman, and his family joined us there. John showed us a great route from Vienna on Cottage St. to right on Gallows Rd., past the Dunn Loring Metro station, down Gallows Rd. to right on Woodburn Rd. near the Beltway. We took Woodburn south then turned left on Guinevere Dr., then right on Saxony Dr. to Camelot Dr. where the trail head was located for the ribbon cutting. Gallows Rd. was not bad at 9:30 a.m. on a Saturday. I've heard that several cyclists use Gallows to ride north from the Springfield area.
I'm compiling a map of routes that cyclists use and will add some of those roads to the map. Three of the Board supervisors were present at the ribbon-cutting. Most of us were able to speak to one or more of them, to let them know we were there and to thank them for their support. All of the supervisors said that they appreciated the many the letters that cyclists had sent thanking them for their recent Board action.
This is a very optimistic time for cyclists in the county. However, our work is really just beginning. We’ll need to show up at budget hearings to ask for funds to implement the new policy, and we’ll need to work closely with the Board and with staff to ensure that the goals we’ve set are accomplished. If you want to help, let us know (b r u c e (at) b i k e s a t v i e n n a .com).
Monday, December 26, 2005
John, The Red Nosed?
JohnTheRedNosed, originally uploaded by bikes@vienna.
Rodney Dangerfield complained in his act that he could not get any respect. This is that kind of story.
I rode my bike to work last Friday morning. Ces bought some blinking, Rudolf noses and I thought it would be fun to wear one to see if anyone would notice. The nose had the proper effect with people smiling and waving or doing double takes.
Matt is back from college and working at bikes@vienna during his break. He has been painting up a storm. He is a darn good mechanic, but he just keeps working and before you know it he has covered a large area as a painter. He arrives in front of the store, walks across the parking lot, says good morning and acts like I'm not wearing this big red, blinking nose on my naturally large nose. We're wheeling bakes outside and we pass a couple of times. Matt says nothing about the nose, but he does ask why my glasses don't have any lenses.
He doesn't say a word about a blinking, big red nose, but he inquires about the missing lenses from my sunglasses? It tells me that Matt is used to me doing outlandish things, but he's still trying to figure out my small idiosyncrasies.
I like to wear a mirror on my sunglasses and sometimes I remove the dark lenses as I go out the door in the evening. I left the lenses at the store so that morning I was still without the lenses. The red nose......I wore it Saturday evening as we rode to see the wonderful display of luminaries in the neighborhood northeast of Westwood Country Club. As I'm sure you know, luminaries are objects that give off light. In this case it was thousands of medium sized paper sacks with sand in the bottom of the sack and a lit candle. The streets in that area were lined by the sacks. It was special to see.
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Tuesday, December 20, 2005
We wish you Good Yule!
foolish2, originally uploaded by bikes@vienna.
I have laughed and giggled and giggled and laughed since Ces came to get me this evening and show me this photo. You may recognize my grandson, Cyrus, but you won't be familiar with his accomplices, Daisy (elf) and Eidel (reindeer). I get extra laughs because I took care of those two last February when Jacob and Katie (my son and daughter-in-law) went to Seattle. Daisy is headstrong and Eidel is afraid of his shadow so getting them to do anything is a chore.
Jacob's note which accompanied the photo said it took an hour of "tickling, singing, and mugging plus a whole lot of dog biscuits". It was worth it. I hope it brings a smile to you. Good Yule to you......how ever you celebrate this holiday season, I wish you good health and safe travel.
Sunday, December 18, 2005
Look For bikes@vienna at NBC4 Expo
H&F06 logo, originally uploaded by bikes@vienna.
The new year is rushing towards me and just beyond the New Year is the NBC4 Health and Fitness Expo at the Washington Convention Center. You will find bikes@vienna in the Marketplace section and we'll be displaying bikes and raffling off a Dahon Boardwalk 7. Now the chance to win a new Dahon is an incentive to visit the expo, but there is so much more. There will be health screening, information sessions, demonstrations, and 80,000 other health conscious humans. Mark your calendar for Saturday and Sunday, January 14-15. Unless you can ride your bike there......The Metro is the best form of transportation. The hours are 9AM to 5 PM.
More details are available at www.nbc4.com.
Friday, December 09, 2005
What happens when it snows?
Many times people ask what we do during the winter months. We're open and many winters there are opportunities to ride a bike in Virginia's moderate winters. We also participate in exhibits like the NBC4 Health and Fitness Expo at the Washington Convention Center (January 14-15).
Yet there are mornings like today when there is snow and not much business. We are a creative lot so........we revert to our inner child and build snowpeople. Yes, we use bike components for eyes, nose, and mouth. We now have two sentries on the alley which will bring smiles to people we hope. Drive by and take a look.
Happy Holidays.
Sunday, December 04, 2005
A cyclist's view of his commute
This morning's Washington Post contained an item dealing with "Commuter Survival Skills". I sat up and read more carefully when I saw that one of the items was from John Pickett, a customer who purchased his Tour Easy from bikes@vienna. Here is the lead in to the item from the Post and then my favorite item, "Two-Wheeler":
Commuter Survival Skills
Last month, we asked readers to submit tried and true methods for dealing with the headaches of their daily commutes. Wow, did you ever respond. Who knew there were so many survival strategies being employed? Maybe all that time stuck in traffic really gets the creative juices flowing.
From a highway poet and lottery fantasist to a masochistic traffic jam seeker, legions of bikers and even one woman who takes out her Beltway frustration at a Rockville shooting range, we heard some intriguing methods for coping with the commuting grind. Here are just some of our favorites:
TWO-WHEELER
Sixteen years ago, I moved to Mount Vernon fully aware of the 15 mile/30 minute car commute to my job at L'Enfant Plaza. Day after day, I sat in traffic; year after year, the traffic worsened. No more.
For the last 10 years I have ridden a bicycle to work along the Mount Vernon Trail. I started this rebellion with a small backpack and a road racing bike. The racer gave way to a commuter model, outfitted with fenders, generator light system and a rear rack. In 2003, I acquired a Tour Easy recumbent bicycle (with windshield no less).
In the last five years, I have averaged about 130 bicycle commutes per year. I don't save a dime in gas and parking since my wife, who works in the same office building, still drives. Why bother, you ask? I watch in fascination as the new Wilson Bridge rises from design concept to near completion in slow motion. I substitute egrets, herons, fish hawks, bald eagles, deer, turtles and bunnies for cars and buses. I smell the seasons instead of exhaust fumes. I hear the birds of spring instead of Idiot in the Morning on the radio.
-- John Pickett, Mount Vernon
Commuter Survival Skills
Last month, we asked readers to submit tried and true methods for dealing with the headaches of their daily commutes. Wow, did you ever respond. Who knew there were so many survival strategies being employed? Maybe all that time stuck in traffic really gets the creative juices flowing.
From a highway poet and lottery fantasist to a masochistic traffic jam seeker, legions of bikers and even one woman who takes out her Beltway frustration at a Rockville shooting range, we heard some intriguing methods for coping with the commuting grind. Here are just some of our favorites:
TWO-WHEELER
Sixteen years ago, I moved to Mount Vernon fully aware of the 15 mile/30 minute car commute to my job at L'Enfant Plaza. Day after day, I sat in traffic; year after year, the traffic worsened. No more.
For the last 10 years I have ridden a bicycle to work along the Mount Vernon Trail. I started this rebellion with a small backpack and a road racing bike. The racer gave way to a commuter model, outfitted with fenders, generator light system and a rear rack. In 2003, I acquired a Tour Easy recumbent bicycle (with windshield no less).
In the last five years, I have averaged about 130 bicycle commutes per year. I don't save a dime in gas and parking since my wife, who works in the same office building, still drives. Why bother, you ask? I watch in fascination as the new Wilson Bridge rises from design concept to near completion in slow motion. I substitute egrets, herons, fish hawks, bald eagles, deer, turtles and bunnies for cars and buses. I smell the seasons instead of exhaust fumes. I hear the birds of spring instead of Idiot in the Morning on the radio.
-- John Pickett, Mount Vernon
Wednesday, November 30, 2005
Another Pat Kraker "Art Object"
eye 004, originally uploaded by bikes@vienna.
If you have visited bikes@vienna then you probably have seen Pat Kraker's artwork in the flashing I Ching Cube mounted high on the center column in the store. It is a continuing topic of conversation as people look up and then wonder what the cube with the flashing lights represents. At an earlier time when John Ashcroft was Attorney General and the ink was still damp on the Patriot Act, I would crack that the cube was monitoring activity in the store. "You know how subversive cyclists can be", might be my comment before sharing the true story of the cube.
Pat Kraker has moved to Denver. We used to get first hand looks at his art work and his creative efforts with his solar powered trike. Now we have to be satisfied with photos. This photo shows his recent creation which he called "The Eye". I hope you can see that it uses Pat's woodworking skills and a new creative twist.....beads. He sent me several photos and I like this contrast of nature to "The Eye".
Imagine how "The Eye" would look staring down from the center column in the store. Got to watch those bicyclists.
Tuesday, November 29, 2005
Guilt Reduction Ride
ReducedGuiltRide 004, originally uploaded by bikes@vienna.
Geoff Steele provided me with a photo that he took of the Guilt Reduction Ride group in front of the Herndon Station. I tried to fiddle with the photo to get a closer look at the group, but I was not successful. SO........here's the best I've got.
You can tell from the photo that we had a nice sized group. We had trikes, tandems, recumbents, and uprights. It was a beautiful morning and we had a good time. About half the group went to Anita's, which is just acrossed the street from the station in Herndon, and had breakfast.
Thank you to the folks that participated in the ride. I appreciate the foodstuffs that you donated to the CHO Food Drive.
Monday, November 28, 2005
Zipcar & bikes@vienna/An attempt to reduce congestion
ziplogo_369_425_w_tag-1, originally uploaded by bikes@vienna.
The information on our home page quickly tells you that we're doing something special with Zipcar, a car sharing company with a growing presence in the metropolitan Washington area. It's a partnership which provides Zipcar members with a membership benefit (discounts of Dahon folding bikes) and bikes@vienna the opportunity to be presented to the growing Zipcar membership.
Yet there is something more here worth noting ---car sharing is a step to reduced traffic and parking congestion. Zipcar touts each of their vehicles as replacing 7 to 10 privately owned cars. I hope that by promoting the Dahon folding bikes we can expand the distance from a Zipcar that people will travel to participate in car sharing. Just the use of a bicycle can reduce car traffic and the need for parking. An intermodal effort of a bike and car sharing should hold potential and we're going to find out how much.
I anticipate that we'll be asked by people if they can have the Zipcar Member Benefit price. The answer is YES!.....if they will join Zipcar and become part of the effort to reduce the traffic and congestion that is diminishing the quality of life we have in this region.
Thursday, November 24, 2005
Too Little Fun Today/Let's Look at Sunday
Good Morning,
I've been out in my flannel robe checking the current conditions. The pavement isn't bad. The cold and the rising wind are my reasons for calling the ride for today. I feel guilty about it so I'd like to suggest we try to ride on Sunday morning. We can go a bit later in the morning let's say 9:30 AM. I'll start serving hot cider at 9 AM.
I hope you have a joyous holiday.
John Brunow
I've been out in my flannel robe checking the current conditions. The pavement isn't bad. The cold and the rising wind are my reasons for calling the ride for today. I feel guilty about it so I'd like to suggest we try to ride on Sunday morning. We can go a bit later in the morning let's say 9:30 AM. I'll start serving hot cider at 9 AM.
I hope you have a joyous holiday.
John Brunow
Wednesday, November 23, 2005
The "Guilt Reduction Ride" is looking iffy
us_dca_closeradar_medium_usen, originally uploaded by bikes@vienna
The weather map presents some concerns this evening. The snow out west of us is moving slower than originally predicted. An earlier forecast called for rain to follow the snow flurries, but the temperatures seem to be lower now. I'm afraid of the result for the Guilt Reduction Ride.
I'll check the weather first thing tomorrow morning and put a message on this blog and on the bikes@vienna voice mail (703-938-8900) I'm in this for the fun and companionship. Cold and wet weather reduces the fun and the number of people willing to ride. I'll let you know the plan early in the morning.
Saturday, November 19, 2005
BIKE FRIDAY CLUB OF WASHINGTON DC Chapter --- Dec 3 Ride with new club leader Charmaine!
This information comes from Lynette Chiang of Bike Friday.
You're invited to the Bike Friday Club of DC Dec 3 ride!
Please join the club message board to be informed of future rides:
http://groups.yahoo.com/groups/bfclubdc
A bit about Charmaine:
I'm an avid bicycle commuter and touring cyclist.
I live within a few miles of the Mt. Vernon Trail,
which I ride often, but there are also tons of other
great places to ride in the area, urban and country roads.
I prefer a stop and smell the roses, appreciate the
scenery rides, and also to explore new restaurants,
while getting to know my fellow bikers. I am a legal
secretary (I "swim with the sharks!") and love to be
outdoors any chance I can.
WHO'S INVITED: All cyclists, all wheel sizes, but
especially Bike Friday owners and those interested
in getting a closer look at the Bike Friday.
WHEN: Let's meet 11am on Saturday, December 3, 2005,
at Mt. Vernon, at the gift store entrance, for a short
and easy 10-mile ride into Old Towne Alexandria for a
bite to eat and socializing. We can do monthly rides
in the future!
RIDE LEADER: Charmaine Ruppolt, char22046@yahoo.com,
phone 703-780-3607
You're invited to the Bike Friday Club of DC Dec 3 ride!
Please join the club message board to be informed of future rides:
http://groups.yahoo.com/groups/bfclubdc
A bit about Charmaine:
I'm an avid bicycle commuter and touring cyclist.
I live within a few miles of the Mt. Vernon Trail,
which I ride often, but there are also tons of other
great places to ride in the area, urban and country roads.
I prefer a stop and smell the roses, appreciate the
scenery rides, and also to explore new restaurants,
while getting to know my fellow bikers. I am a legal
secretary (I "swim with the sharks!") and love to be
outdoors any chance I can.
WHO'S INVITED: All cyclists, all wheel sizes, but
especially Bike Friday owners and those interested
in getting a closer look at the Bike Friday.
WHEN: Let's meet 11am on Saturday, December 3, 2005,
at Mt. Vernon, at the gift store entrance, for a short
and easy 10-mile ride into Old Towne Alexandria for a
bite to eat and socializing. We can do monthly rides
in the future!
RIDE LEADER: Charmaine Ruppolt, char22046@yahoo.com,
phone 703-780-3607
Thursday, November 17, 2005
Cooler weather and slick surfaces. Be careful out there.
Temperatures dipped last night. I received this message this morning from a customer who commutes to work on the Mount Vernon Trail:
"Hi John:
It's that time of year again. Myself included, I saw five crashes on the Mount Vernon Trail this morning. All were on iced over boardwalks. I am thankful that my Tour Easy keeps me close to the ground so that I had only a scraped elbow to show for my troubles. (I'll bet my slide to a stop would have made Luis Aparicio envious!)
I thought I'd pass along the news so that you could remind your other customers to be extra careful, expecially on those wooden bridges."
Many of us ride with tires that have little tread and a high pressure. Wet leaves and frosty conditions can result in slippery surfaces and a need for extra caution. Consider riding on tires with more tread. Consider releasing air from your tires to give you more stable contact. Reduce your speed.
When you do take a fall resist the human tendency to jump right back on your bike and take off. Get your bike off to one side and do an inventory of yourself and of the bicycle. Double check the wheels, brakes, and straightness of the seat and handlebars. Take a couple of deep breaths and regain your composure.
Riding a bicycle is a skill. On a cool, beautiful autumn morning use your skill with care.
"Hi John:
It's that time of year again. Myself included, I saw five crashes on the Mount Vernon Trail this morning. All were on iced over boardwalks. I am thankful that my Tour Easy keeps me close to the ground so that I had only a scraped elbow to show for my troubles. (I'll bet my slide to a stop would have made Luis Aparicio envious!)
I thought I'd pass along the news so that you could remind your other customers to be extra careful, expecially on those wooden bridges."
Many of us ride with tires that have little tread and a high pressure. Wet leaves and frosty conditions can result in slippery surfaces and a need for extra caution. Consider riding on tires with more tread. Consider releasing air from your tires to give you more stable contact. Reduce your speed.
When you do take a fall resist the human tendency to jump right back on your bike and take off. Get your bike off to one side and do an inventory of yourself and of the bicycle. Double check the wheels, brakes, and straightness of the seat and handlebars. Take a couple of deep breaths and regain your composure.
Riding a bicycle is a skill. On a cool, beautiful autumn morning use your skill with care.
Saturday, November 12, 2005
On the Boardwalk We're Having Fun
This couple purchased two EZ-1 recumbents from us in early September. They told us that they planned to purchase the kit which connects the EZ-1s and creates a side by side. I received this photo today and obviously they have been successful in their effort. They are also obviously having a good time.
Our customers are very kind and thoughtful to share photos of their cycling experiences.. If you have a photo that you'd be willing to share, please send to my attention at bikes@vienna.
Friday, November 11, 2005
Oooooooo! Dahon Trunk Bag at a Terrific Price....$49
P1010001, originally uploaded by bikes@vienna.
I tripped upon this wonderful Dahon trunk bag at a delightful price. I had sold them for $69 a couple of years ago and now I offer you the same bag for $49. It has lots of room, plenty of pockets, and a great attachment system. Notice the bottom of the bag in the photo. That"s a base that connects to the rack on your bike. The bag bottom slides into the base and then clicks in place with a little tab.
Most trunk bags connect with velcro straps that weaken with time and with age many bags lose shape. This bag shouldn't have those issues. The connection system should help this bag give years of service. At this price you might like to buy serveral and give them to your cycling friends as holiday gifts.
Thursday, November 10, 2005
Ribbon Winning at the Halloween Parade
RibbonWinner, originally uploaded by bikes@vienna.
Monday night I attended the Award Ceremony for the 59th Annual Vienna Halloween Parade. bikes@vienna received a third place ribbon for our group of recumbent riders in the parade. I want to thank all the riders who helped us achieve this award. I had a great time and I hope that the other riders did also.
The Red Hatters took first in the same category. What a vibrant, fun group of people they are. I'm going to have to work to best them next year.
Friday, November 04, 2005
Now Appearing: Tim Fricker
I'm pleased to announce that now appearing at bikes@vienna is Tim Fricker in the role of Bikesmith. Why the theatrical introduction of Tim????? Tim comes to us after a long career in theatre technology. He helped this summer on a part time basis and it is wonderful that he is joining us full time.
Tim is a native of this area. He's an avid cyclist and he's been a mechanic for over twenty-five years. At one time Tim worked as the assistant manager for The Community Cycling Center in Portland, OR. Recently Tim was certified as a League of American Bicyclists Cycling Instructor.
You may see Tim riding on the W&OD Trail. He's commuting to work on the trail which is perfect for an individual who loves touring, commuting, and recreational riding. Come in and meet Tim or greet him on the trail.
A Postcard With This Image
bikesatviennabg1, originally uploaded by bikes@vienna.
I'm starting on a project today to send postcards to the people that have purchased bikes since March 1. The postcard will feature the photo above of the store. The message carries news about "Continuing Care" and offers some discounts on accessories if action is taken before December 15th. We are anxious to have people visit us this fall to get their bike adjusted or repaired.
Tour de Lee and sunglasses
John Brunow1, originally uploaded by bikes@vienna.
Last Sunday we helped with the Tour de Lee which we've done for four years now. It is a multi-level ride staged by Fairfax County Supervisor Dana Kauffman and his staff which highlights cycling opportunities in the Lee District which Kauffman represents.
Whoever was in charge of the weather should be given a raise. It was a day of bright sunshine which was nearly perfect. There were lots on riders. People were in an upbeat mood. They rode the new bike lanes on Beulah while being escorted by members of the Fairfax County Police cycling unit.
From the photo you can see that Reed Hopwood and I needed sunglasses on this glorious day.
Thursday, November 03, 2005
Beautiful Fall cycling weather
I hope everyone is taking advantage of these beautiful, mild Fall days to get out on the roads and trails with your bikes. These are some of the best times of the year for riding; the trails are not crowded and the temperature is ideal. I've found that the best days to ride are on football Sundays, when many people are inside watching tv, the trails are nearly empty.
Now is also the best time to bring your bike in for a late season tune-up. Our service work has slowed and there is a very short wait time for your repairs. Why not get your bike ready now for these Fall rides and for next Spring.
Now is also the best time to bring your bike in for a late season tune-up. Our service work has slowed and there is a very short wait time for your repairs. Why not get your bike ready now for these Fall rides and for next Spring.
Thursday, October 20, 2005
Searching for a "kid's" recumbent trike
For several years I have kept an eye out for a recumbent that could be marketed to young people. It would be, in my opinion, a possible option for chidren with physical challenges. The problem I've encountered is cost. We are able to fit older children on our EZ-3 trikes ($875), but the cost is not practical for many families. So we've continued to look for a solution.
The photo above is for a KMX Kart ($550, yes their website says $500, but that model is being updated in features and price). It is a three wheeler for young people in the 6-10 age category. We're testing it out. We'll have one in the Vienna Halloween Parade.
When you go to the website (www.kmxus.com) for the product you'll see a pitch for "extreme" sports use. It has riding the trike on two of three wheels and jumping off of ramps. My interest is for a more practical use.
Sunday, October 16, 2005
Used Bikes
Several used bikes and used bike racks have recently become available. See the Used Bikes blog for pictures and details.
Saturday, October 08, 2005
Marin's Belvedere Commuter Model
Marin has announced the availability of their Belvedere commuter model. We should have these bikes in the store within a week. Here's Marin's description of the Belvedere:
"Developed on feedback from the popular and successful URBAN and CITY bike line, the COMMUTER models cater specifically to the cyclist that uses their bicycle as a primary or secondary mode of transportation. All models feature color matched heavy-duty aluminum fenders, an integrated LED safety light in the saddle, a full compliment of rear rack and fender mounts, a robust gusseted frameset, and an adjustable stem for a perfect fit for every rider. Suspension seatposts have been added to help smooth out the bumps and potholes encountered on every commuters’ daily journey.
Built on triple butted 7005 aluminum alloy frames with slightly taller headtubes, these bikes put the rider in a more upright position for improved visibility in traffic. The puncture resistant 28cm wide tires provide steadfast traction in all weather conditions, and the matched alloy fenders keep the wet stuff out of the rider’s eyes and off the back. Exclusive to this line is Marin’s integrated LED saddle featuring a steady-on and intermittent-blinking settings, bright enough to see through darkness, rain, and fog for year round visibility, day or night."
Mira & Me
Yes, Mira is a sweet babe. She and I need about the same amount of sleep and we were snoozing in this photo. The girl is taking long naps. She is taking in lots of mother's milk. She's being held by grandmothers, aunts, uncles, and cousins. I think we will keep her.
Friday, September 30, 2005
Mira, Mira in the Fall/CLOSED October 3-4-5
bikes@vienna will be closed Monday, Tuesday, and Wednesday --- October 3, 4, and 5. Because...............
Mira Holloway arrived on Wednesday, September 28th. She is the daughter of our eldest child, Jessica, and her husband Drew. Mira weighed 7 lbs and 4 oz. She has reddish brown hair and her parents report that she is in good health.
We are packing our bags and going to Seattle Sunday evening to meet Mira. You can understand the excitement that this new family member brings to us. I hope you will not be inconvenienced by the store being closed for the three days.
Yes, there will soon be photos around the store. Life is good.
Mira Holloway arrived on Wednesday, September 28th. She is the daughter of our eldest child, Jessica, and her husband Drew. Mira weighed 7 lbs and 4 oz. She has reddish brown hair and her parents report that she is in good health.
We are packing our bags and going to Seattle Sunday evening to meet Mira. You can understand the excitement that this new family member brings to us. I hope you will not be inconvenienced by the store being closed for the three days.
Yes, there will soon be photos around the store. Life is good.
Thursday, September 29, 2005
The new Bike Friday Recumbent
Here's the latest from Bike Friday:The new Bike Friday Recumbent, dubbed Next Sat R Day, is finally out of the bag!The bike is so new that there is almost no information on the Bike Friday Web site. Once we have more info we'll pass it on.
Nearly every day for the last year customers and others have called asking "when can I order one?" Finally after many challenges (we have been so busy that finding time to design a new bike was like squeezing grape juice out of a turnip) we are ready to say "you can order one now".
Hanz's goal with this bike was to make it lighter, faster, easier to fold and pack as well as have more tire choices. There are 2 models - touring and sport.
New Sat R Day General Features:
· Custom fit the rider with up to 6" of seat travel, and 5 boom lengths.
· Fits into the new Bike Friday F'lite case.
· European Optima fiber matrix seat (in 3 sizes) with thick foam padding.
· Quick folds with seat intact.
· Adjustable seat back angle.Special features of the Sport model (for people interested in fast riding)
· 451 mm rim seat diameter, 20" wheels.
· Weighs from as little as 26.5 lbs (weight of the finished prototype).
· 10 tire choices ranging from 20x1" to 20x1-3/8".
· Price ranges from $2750 to over $4000.
Special features of the Touring model (for people who want comfort touring).
· 406 mm rim seat diameter, 20" wheels.
· Adjustable boom (the Sport model will not have an adjustable boom).
· 17 tire choices ranging from 20x1.125" to 20x2.1".
· Price ranges from $2675 to over $3000.
Friday, September 23, 2005
Bike Friday will Travel
I'm anxiously awaiting news of the new Bike Friday folding recumbent said to be nearing production (as mentioned below in the Aug. 25 entry). In the meantime, I'll have to settle for trips with my New World Tourist. It's an older bike, that was purchased in 1997. It still rides well, and I'm always impressed with the ride each time I ride it on a longer trip. Between trips it doesn't get much use, but I've paid for it at least once by not having to pay the airline's bicycle surcharge.
Last week I used it on a trip to Vermont to visit my mother. I was able to complete the entire trip using the bike and Amtrak. I left the house early on Tuesday morning hauling the suitcase/trailer behind me. It contained my luggage, a soft canvas bag. The Vermonter leaves Union Station at 8:05. It takes about 20 minutes to properly pack the Friday, which meant that I should plan on arriving at around 7:15. The trip from home to the station by bike with the trailer takes me about 2 hours. To leave a little time to allow for problems along the way, I planned to leave at 5am.
It's dark at 5am and I hadn't installed my lights on the Friday. By the time I had the lights in place (NiteRider Trail Rat and Cateye rear light) it was already 5:20 am. I made it to the station a little after 7 and proceeded to pack the bike, rack, and trailer frame. I have to take the wheels in a separate bag inside my luggage. I changed into my traveling clothes and had plenty of time to catch the train.
The trip to White River Junction takes about 11 hours, a little longer than by car, but the trip is so much more pleasant. It gives one a chance to get caught up on reading and to watch the world go by. At White River Junction I reversed the process, unpacking the bike, assembling the trailer frame, and riding off. The trip to the cabin where my mother stays takes about 3 hours, which meant another dark ride. I have plenty of reflective gear and a neon lime green shirt that I purchased from Alert Shirts for a very reasonable $10 each.
The stars were incredibly bright, a factor of the clean air and lack of night lights. Vermonters tend not to venture out much after dark, so the ride was very pleasant with very little traffic. The only downside were the few cars who insisted on using their bright lights, nearly blinding me as they passed. I made it to the cabin a little after 10 pm, tired and ready for bed.
View some photos from that trip.
Last week I used it on a trip to Vermont to visit my mother. I was able to complete the entire trip using the bike and Amtrak. I left the house early on Tuesday morning hauling the suitcase/trailer behind me. It contained my luggage, a soft canvas bag. The Vermonter leaves Union Station at 8:05. It takes about 20 minutes to properly pack the Friday, which meant that I should plan on arriving at around 7:15. The trip from home to the station by bike with the trailer takes me about 2 hours. To leave a little time to allow for problems along the way, I planned to leave at 5am.
It's dark at 5am and I hadn't installed my lights on the Friday. By the time I had the lights in place (NiteRider Trail Rat and Cateye rear light) it was already 5:20 am. I made it to the station a little after 7 and proceeded to pack the bike, rack, and trailer frame. I have to take the wheels in a separate bag inside my luggage. I changed into my traveling clothes and had plenty of time to catch the train.
The trip to White River Junction takes about 11 hours, a little longer than by car, but the trip is so much more pleasant. It gives one a chance to get caught up on reading and to watch the world go by. At White River Junction I reversed the process, unpacking the bike, assembling the trailer frame, and riding off. The trip to the cabin where my mother stays takes about 3 hours, which meant another dark ride. I have plenty of reflective gear and a neon lime green shirt that I purchased from Alert Shirts for a very reasonable $10 each.
The stars were incredibly bright, a factor of the clean air and lack of night lights. Vermonters tend not to venture out much after dark, so the ride was very pleasant with very little traffic. The only downside were the few cars who insisted on using their bright lights, nearly blinding me as they passed. I made it to the cabin a little after 10 pm, tired and ready for bed.
View some photos from that trip.
Wednesday, August 31, 2005
The 50 States & 13 Colony Ride on 10/15
mapflags2
Originally uploaded by bikes@vienna.
I have this quiet little inventory that I keep in my head of the states in which I have ridden a bike for five miles. So it will not surprise you that WABA's 50 States Ride is oh so intriguing to me. On one day, with only sixty miles of riding you can say that you have ridden your bike on all fifty states (streets). Here is the information for your consideration:
The Fifty States Tour, a 60-plus mile route where participants will ride on every state-named street in DC, takes place on Saturday, October 15th. The tour is part of WABA’s mission to promote cycling for fun, fitness, and transportation throughout the year. From Alabama to Wyoming, all 50 state-named streets in the Nation’s Capital will be covered by the riders on the Fifty States Tour.
The 50 States Tour is for more experienced urban cyclists used to riding in city traffic and WABA encourages all participants to bring tools, extra tools and a pump on their ride.
Can't do the full 60 miles? Then ride the 13 Colony Tour. Similar to the 50 States Tour, this is a cue sheet only ride that hits all of the original 13 colonies. The approximate distance is 30 miles.
Start Location: WABA office at 733 15th Street NW
Start Times: 50 States Tour begins at 8am
13 Colony Ride begins at 9am
Fees: cue sheets for both routes are $10
Payment for the tours will occur on the day of the event. Please RSVP by sending us an email at waba@waba.org or call us at 202-628-2500.
Thursday, August 25, 2005
Prototype Bike Friday Recumbent
Here's a recent shot of the prototype replacement for the Bike Friday folding recumbent, the SatRDay. The bike has been in the design stage for quite some time. Production of the 16-inch wheel SatRDay stopped a while back and there has been no replacement. According to an earlier Friday Web page, the design was supposed to be completed in Spring 2005, so it's exciting to finally see this rather fuzzy picture of the new 20-inch wheel design. The Bike Friday team hope to have the bike in production by October. Tip of the hat to one of our customers who mentioned seeing the photo on the Friday site.
Tuesday, August 23, 2005
The Boys in the Blue Shirts
It has been six weeks since I shared that I have a new grandson and posted the photo on the blog. Many people have asked if I have new photos of Cyrus. Of course, I do. Here is a photo of my son, Jacob, and my grandson, Cyrus, in a photo that we call "The Boys in the Blue Shirts". As any grandparent, I'm certain that Cyrus is extrordinary in every way. He'll probably be riding a bike before Christmas.
More appropriately, he is prospering and as babies do, he is giving all of his relatives someone to ooooh and aaaah over.
Sunday, August 21, 2005
DC Bike Map
The Washington DC Bicycle and Pedestrian Program recently published the District of Columbia Bicycle Map. The best part is that it's free. It's printed on water-resistent paper. The roads are color-coded according to their bike friendliness, and off-road trails are shown in bold patterned and colored lines. The map is available online, or stop by the store and pick up your very own version while they last. Maybe one day we'll have such a map for Fairfax County.
Saturday, August 20, 2005
Vienna cyclist killed in collision with truck
By Jerry Schanke
08/18/2005
David Marsden, 36, of the 200 block of Elm Street in the Town of Vienna, was killed at about 5:30 p.m. Wednesday, Aug. 17, when his bicycle collided with a truck at the intersection of Maple Avenue and Mill Street, according to Town of Vienna spokesman Marie Kisner.
Marsden was reportedly traveling west on Maple Avenue and turning from the sidewalk onto Mill Street when the collision occurred. At about the same time, a truck owned by Capitol Building Supply, also traveling west on Maple Avenue, turned onto Mill Street where the two collided.
Kisner said no charges have been filed, and neither speed nor alcohol appear to have been involved. An investigation, however, is continuing.
The story above is taken from the Times Community Newspapers website.
08/18/2005
David Marsden, 36, of the 200 block of Elm Street in the Town of Vienna, was killed at about 5:30 p.m. Wednesday, Aug. 17, when his bicycle collided with a truck at the intersection of Maple Avenue and Mill Street, according to Town of Vienna spokesman Marie Kisner.
Marsden was reportedly traveling west on Maple Avenue and turning from the sidewalk onto Mill Street when the collision occurred. At about the same time, a truck owned by Capitol Building Supply, also traveling west on Maple Avenue, turned onto Mill Street where the two collided.
Kisner said no charges have been filed, and neither speed nor alcohol appear to have been involved. An investigation, however, is continuing.
The story above is taken from the Times Community Newspapers website.
Friday, August 19, 2005
Levi Leipheimer leads the Tour of Germany
Levi is now leading the Tour of Germany, mostly due to his win of stage 4, the most difficult stage of the tour where he gained 50 seconds on Jan Ullrich. He leads Georg Totschnig, his teammate, by 18 seconds.
On the other side of the world
The headline is "Its Tanks Running Low, China Tries to Refuel". Peter Wonacott wrote a story for the Wall Street Journal which appeared in this morning's Washington Post. The opening paragraph is:
"China showed signs of alleviating a politically sensitive gasoline crunch, as emergency deliveries arrived in wealthy southern cities to placate private car owners angry over long lines for fuel."
The story provides a view of the demand created in a nation which has a consumption of 6.7 million barrels daily and a production of 3.5 million barrells daily. There are a couple of sentences that I reread several times: "But refineries have been partly to blame for the shortages too, as they have exported precious stock aboard, where they can command higher prices than they could get at home. Over the past months, Beijing has been bumping government-controlled fuel prices higher to keep a lid on inflation."
The closing paragraph quoted a spokeperson for a Economic and Trade Commission, "The situation is getting better every day," he said, adding that most of the police who had been keeping order at the gas stations have left".
Price controls? Release of oil reserves? What do you suppose that our government will do to respond to the outcry about the price of fuel? There's only one way that I can influence this effectively, I have to use less. What are you going to do?
"China showed signs of alleviating a politically sensitive gasoline crunch, as emergency deliveries arrived in wealthy southern cities to placate private car owners angry over long lines for fuel."
The story provides a view of the demand created in a nation which has a consumption of 6.7 million barrels daily and a production of 3.5 million barrells daily. There are a couple of sentences that I reread several times: "But refineries have been partly to blame for the shortages too, as they have exported precious stock aboard, where they can command higher prices than they could get at home. Over the past months, Beijing has been bumping government-controlled fuel prices higher to keep a lid on inflation."
The closing paragraph quoted a spokeperson for a Economic and Trade Commission, "The situation is getting better every day," he said, adding that most of the police who had been keeping order at the gas stations have left".
Price controls? Release of oil reserves? What do you suppose that our government will do to respond to the outcry about the price of fuel? There's only one way that I can influence this effectively, I have to use less. What are you going to do?
Thursday, August 18, 2005
Chug-a-lug, chug-a-lug
From my title lines you can tell that music plays in my mind frequently. There is a Roger Miller song about drinking that prompts this title:
Chug-a-lug, chug-a-lug
Make you want to holler hi-de-ho
Burns your tummy, don'tcha know
Chug-a-lug, chug-a-lug.
I have been trying to drive less. I've been somewhat successful. The Great White Whale of a van that is used for deliveries and shuttling stuff has been sitting more this summer. I had gone weeks without putting in gas. Then it was time to fill up. It's a thirty gallon tank so there was a new cash outlay record set when it passed $70. The news has been filled with stories about the rising price of oil, but I had not experienced the sensation. It made me want to holler and it created a burning sensation.
The good news is that I've obviously been saving money with my bike riding. The bad news is that growing amounts of personal income and business costs are going into fuel costs. The ripple effect is going to impact how money is spent by all of us. We are going to have to act resourcefully or experience rapid erosion of our buying power.
Think about it. If you're reading this blog then you have some interest in bicycles. How can you shift your transportation needs to use a bike or walk more? It's the short trips that give us the poorest gas mileage. Can you drive to an area with your bike in the vehicle or on a rack and then do your short hop errands on bike? Have you thought recently about riding your bike to work or to Metro to get to work?
Small steps can begin long journeys. What small steps can you take? How can we help you? It's time to cut back on this chug-a-lug, chug-a-lug.........while it can be fun to holler hi-de-ho..........the burning sensation can be unpleasant.
Chug-a-lug, chug-a-lug
Make you want to holler hi-de-ho
Burns your tummy, don'tcha know
Chug-a-lug, chug-a-lug.
I have been trying to drive less. I've been somewhat successful. The Great White Whale of a van that is used for deliveries and shuttling stuff has been sitting more this summer. I had gone weeks without putting in gas. Then it was time to fill up. It's a thirty gallon tank so there was a new cash outlay record set when it passed $70. The news has been filled with stories about the rising price of oil, but I had not experienced the sensation. It made me want to holler and it created a burning sensation.
The good news is that I've obviously been saving money with my bike riding. The bad news is that growing amounts of personal income and business costs are going into fuel costs. The ripple effect is going to impact how money is spent by all of us. We are going to have to act resourcefully or experience rapid erosion of our buying power.
Think about it. If you're reading this blog then you have some interest in bicycles. How can you shift your transportation needs to use a bike or walk more? It's the short trips that give us the poorest gas mileage. Can you drive to an area with your bike in the vehicle or on a rack and then do your short hop errands on bike? Have you thought recently about riding your bike to work or to Metro to get to work?
Small steps can begin long journeys. What small steps can you take? How can we help you? It's time to cut back on this chug-a-lug, chug-a-lug.........while it can be fun to holler hi-de-ho..........the burning sensation can be unpleasant.
Sunday, August 14, 2005
Lepus and Kettwiesel
We recently received two trikes from Hase Bikes, the Lepus and the Kettwiesel. 
The Lepus is a foldable trike with underseat steering, a rear suspension, and a large rear cargo area. It comes equipped with Magura disc brakes and the Nexus 9-speed internal hub. The adjustable seat allows a very wide range of rider heights, from 3 ft 7" to 6 ft 4".The Kettwiesel is one of the best handling trikes around. The seating position is higher than most sport trikes and lower than the more upright trikes like the EZ-3. It comes equipped with fenders, disc brakes and the 9-speed Nexus hub. It's also one of the most comfortable trikes made. Why not come in and test ride the Lepus or the Kettwiesel.
Sunday, August 07, 2005
Bikes for the World - Mid-year 2005 Report
Many of our customers bring us bicycles that are no longer wanted. They may be old and the repairs will be very costly, or the bikes may just need a good home. For several years we have worked with the group Bikes for the World (formerly Pedals for Progress) that collects these and many other bicycles and sends them at low cost to community development programs assisting the poor in developing countries. We also collect a $10 fee that covers the handling and shipping costs incurred by Bikes for the World. The following is an extract from their mid-year 2005 report:
With your help, Bikes for the World has “hit the ground running”. We have developed an excellent relationship with our sponsor (Washington Area Bicyclist Association), established two highly-functional storage and shipping sites, completed an unprecedentedly successful spring and summer collection and shipping season, and established working relationships with local, regional, and international partners.
Spring-summer collection and shipping — Bikes for the World supported an unprecedented 47 collections with 42 community service organizations and jurisdictions beginning March 13 with REI and ending July 17 with the Herndon Friends Meeting. These generated the bulk of the bicycles collected during the season. In addition, BfW concluded an agreement with Montgomery County to pick-up usable bicycles discarded by County residents, receiving a $5/bike payment. In all, we appear to have received more than 3,700 bicycles to date.
Of these bikes, Bikes for the World has donated an unprecedented 3,180 bicycles (and additional parts and accessories) to eight organizations in eight countries.
With your help, Bikes for the World has “hit the ground running”. We have developed an excellent relationship with our sponsor (Washington Area Bicyclist Association), established two highly-functional storage and shipping sites, completed an unprecedentedly successful spring and summer collection and shipping season, and established working relationships with local, regional, and international partners.
Spring-summer collection and shipping — Bikes for the World supported an unprecedented 47 collections with 42 community service organizations and jurisdictions beginning March 13 with REI and ending July 17 with the Herndon Friends Meeting. These generated the bulk of the bicycles collected during the season. In addition, BfW concluded an agreement with Montgomery County to pick-up usable bicycles discarded by County residents, receiving a $5/bike payment. In all, we appear to have received more than 3,700 bicycles to date.
Of these bikes, Bikes for the World has donated an unprecedented 3,180 bicycles (and additional parts and accessories) to eight organizations in eight countries.
Thursday, August 04, 2005
Crank Forward Bikes
The new Rans relaxed-geometry bikes, the Fusion, Cruz, Dynamik, and Zenetik, have proven to be very popular with our customers. They are designed so that the cranks (the arms that hold the pedals) are more forward than on a regular upright bike, but not as far forward as a recumbent. The rider sits very upright and with the relaxed geometry, the feet are very close to the ground. The following is a recent article by Randy Schlitter of Rans on the advantages of these new bikes:
[Update 9/1/2005 - The article below is now being hosted on the Rans site, with an additonal photo.]
Advantages of Crank Forward Bikes
By Randy Schlitter
With our four models of crank forward bikes we have enjoyed many positive responses from owners. After exposing them to the general public it has been interesting to note how many "get it". It seems the world is filled with people not happy with conventional bikes. The seat on our CF bikes just beckons to them, and many are disappointed to learn simply installing the seat will not work. Because the seat tube on a conventional bike is steeper, the angle of the seat would be too vertical, causing the rider to slip off. The frame is the key that ties it all together. The frame geometry results in the following advantages:
The Seat—Perhaps the most outstanding sign that this bike differs is the seat. It is what attracts people to the bike. The seat is actually a spin off from our recumbent seat, only it is less wide, and fitted with a dense foam cushion. The cushion and fabric are designed to allow the rider some grip, to feel more attached to the bike. It is not an ordinary bike seat pumped up in size, like on many flat-footer comfy bikes, this is a purpose built seat that actually dictated the frame geometry. Other non-standard attributes of the seat are tilt and height adjustment. Both are through quick release levers, so it is easy to dial in the fit. The seat tube is large in diameter because of the low angle it projects off the frame. A groove is machined into the seat post, and a key on the seat clamp. This key and groove keep the seat from rotating and make it simple to adjust since it is always lined up level.
One Size fits Most—Because of the dramatically slanted seat tube the frame grows in length as the seat is raised. This is a win-win feature for all since dealers need only stock one size, and owners can share the bike among many sized riders.
Of course sizing has it limits and riders less than 5' may need to consider the more laid back of the four models, the Fusion and Cruz. These two models seem to favor the shorter riders since the seat tube angle is more laid back, allowing flat-footed stance at proper seat height.
No Learning Curve—Looking mostly "normal" the CF bike attracts the timid, those not wanting to make the jump to recumbents. They are welcomed by a bike that rides without the checkout ride. You simply set the height and tilt and ride. No learning curve is prominent since the handling is standard. In fact the handling is more than likely to impress as easier. The lower CG and flat-footed stance contribute to the fine riding qualities.
Great Climbers—The first ride on a CF will instantly reveal the power stroke. With the crank forward it creates an automatic "dig in" effect when pulling on the bars. In fact you can apply more than your own weight to the pedals, making standing to climb optional. To get the best effect the handlebars need to be adjusted to just 1" or 2" above the highest point of the knee.
Swift Bikes—"Comfort bikes are not supposed to be this fast" is a common comment when expressed by new owners of our CF bikes. It was an intended design aspect, and why not? Bikes that are efficient are more fun to ride, and just as easy to ride as ones that dog along. We call it zoom factor and all of our CF bikes have ample amounts.
Flat Footed Stance—With the seat in the proper position the rider can stay seated and reach the ground with both feet. This has been a big winner with the less tall crowd. It also brings a great safety aspect to the bike in way of a lower center of gravity. The low stance offers a secure feeling inspiring confidence. This is crucial for those who have experienced mis-adventure groping for the ground with tippy-toes.
Little to No Palm Pressure—The number of riders or would be riders who suffer from numb palms is outstanding. Conventional bikes simply place too much weight on the arms and hands. The laid back seat post design places the upper body more vertical thus removing the pressure. The price you pay for this feature is aerodynamic drag. Yet riders have shown ways around this potential performance robber by tucking, or hanging low on the bars. Such a riding position is not comfortable for all, but on the downhill it is a blast to tuck and let the bike fly! Riding while tucked is OK for some, but most find in high winds that the semi-tucked position will offer relief from drag.
Relief from Neck and Back Pressure—Without the torso laid almost flat between bar and seat, the back and neck are now happy. For some this is the only option for riding. A standard road bike with flat bars still does not offer the ideal position of a CF.
The Future of CF
We are very pleased with the response to our line of CF bikes. No doubt copies of our bikes will appear, as this market is way bigger than us. However we will strive to maintain the leading edge in quality, developments, and service. We enjoy the bikes on a personal level and a business level. This project has been rewarding from the aspect of creating many new riders, who are now doing extended rides, and getting into cycling. Without the CF design many would have not re-entered the world of cycling. Many have expressed interest in trying a recumbent, and others are actually coming away from bents. What the bikes do is bring people to cycling in a way that is enjoyable to the point of holding interest. In our minds at RANS we say "mission accomplished!"
What lies directly ahead for 06 is some real excitement in the form of pushing the CF envelope. Until next month stayed tuned and stay into the ride! -RJS
[Update 9/1/2005 - The article below is now being hosted on the Rans site, with an additonal photo.]
Advantages of Crank Forward Bikes
By Randy Schlitter
With our four models of crank forward bikes we have enjoyed many positive responses from owners. After exposing them to the general public it has been interesting to note how many "get it". It seems the world is filled with people not happy with conventional bikes. The seat on our CF bikes just beckons to them, and many are disappointed to learn simply installing the seat will not work. Because the seat tube on a conventional bike is steeper, the angle of the seat would be too vertical, causing the rider to slip off. The frame is the key that ties it all together. The frame geometry results in the following advantages:
The Seat—Perhaps the most outstanding sign that this bike differs is the seat. It is what attracts people to the bike. The seat is actually a spin off from our recumbent seat, only it is less wide, and fitted with a dense foam cushion. The cushion and fabric are designed to allow the rider some grip, to feel more attached to the bike. It is not an ordinary bike seat pumped up in size, like on many flat-footer comfy bikes, this is a purpose built seat that actually dictated the frame geometry. Other non-standard attributes of the seat are tilt and height adjustment. Both are through quick release levers, so it is easy to dial in the fit. The seat tube is large in diameter because of the low angle it projects off the frame. A groove is machined into the seat post, and a key on the seat clamp. This key and groove keep the seat from rotating and make it simple to adjust since it is always lined up level.
One Size fits Most—Because of the dramatically slanted seat tube the frame grows in length as the seat is raised. This is a win-win feature for all since dealers need only stock one size, and owners can share the bike among many sized riders.
Of course sizing has it limits and riders less than 5' may need to consider the more laid back of the four models, the Fusion and Cruz. These two models seem to favor the shorter riders since the seat tube angle is more laid back, allowing flat-footed stance at proper seat height.
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No Learning Curve—Looking mostly "normal" the CF bike attracts the timid, those not wanting to make the jump to recumbents. They are welcomed by a bike that rides without the checkout ride. You simply set the height and tilt and ride. No learning curve is prominent since the handling is standard. In fact the handling is more than likely to impress as easier. The lower CG and flat-footed stance contribute to the fine riding qualities.
Great Climbers—The first ride on a CF will instantly reveal the power stroke. With the crank forward it creates an automatic "dig in" effect when pulling on the bars. In fact you can apply more than your own weight to the pedals, making standing to climb optional. To get the best effect the handlebars need to be adjusted to just 1" or 2" above the highest point of the knee.
Swift Bikes—"Comfort bikes are not supposed to be this fast" is a common comment when expressed by new owners of our CF bikes. It was an intended design aspect, and why not? Bikes that are efficient are more fun to ride, and just as easy to ride as ones that dog along. We call it zoom factor and all of our CF bikes have ample amounts.
Flat Footed Stance—With the seat in the proper position the rider can stay seated and reach the ground with both feet. This has been a big winner with the less tall crowd. It also brings a great safety aspect to the bike in way of a lower center of gravity. The low stance offers a secure feeling inspiring confidence. This is crucial for those who have experienced mis-adventure groping for the ground with tippy-toes.
Little to No Palm Pressure—The number of riders or would be riders who suffer from numb palms is outstanding. Conventional bikes simply place too much weight on the arms and hands. The laid back seat post design places the upper body more vertical thus removing the pressure. The price you pay for this feature is aerodynamic drag. Yet riders have shown ways around this potential performance robber by tucking, or hanging low on the bars. Such a riding position is not comfortable for all, but on the downhill it is a blast to tuck and let the bike fly! Riding while tucked is OK for some, but most find in high winds that the semi-tucked position will offer relief from drag.
Relief from Neck and Back Pressure—Without the torso laid almost flat between bar and seat, the back and neck are now happy. For some this is the only option for riding. A standard road bike with flat bars still does not offer the ideal position of a CF.
The Future of CF
We are very pleased with the response to our line of CF bikes. No doubt copies of our bikes will appear, as this market is way bigger than us. However we will strive to maintain the leading edge in quality, developments, and service. We enjoy the bikes on a personal level and a business level. This project has been rewarding from the aspect of creating many new riders, who are now doing extended rides, and getting into cycling. Without the CF design many would have not re-entered the world of cycling. Many have expressed interest in trying a recumbent, and others are actually coming away from bents. What the bikes do is bring people to cycling in a way that is enjoyable to the point of holding interest. In our minds at RANS we say "mission accomplished!"
What lies directly ahead for 06 is some real excitement in the form of pushing the CF envelope. Until next month stayed tuned and stay into the ride! -RJS