The U.S. House of Representative held their Green Expo yesterday and bikes@vienna participated. Our participation lead to a couple of unique experiences for me. I had to take the bikes in the bikes@vienna van to be bomb scanned on Wednesday morning. The Capitol Police use dogs to sniff out bombs and I'm there wondering if the dog will react to Java's (our chocolate lab shop dog) scent which has to be very apparent. Nope not then or not on Thursday when they screened the van to pick up the bikes.
After unloading the bikes and promotional material at the Longworth Building I had to move things through the tunnel to the Cannon Building. How do you move bicycles, a tricycle, and a trailer loaded with catalogs? Well I hook the trailer to a bike and ride it. I'm wearing my bright orange helmet, bikes@vienna uniform (t-shirt and jeans) and a big smile as I pedal first through the tunnel and then down the third floor corridor of the Cannon House Office Building. It was fun! Most people that saw me would initially look surprised and then get a big smile.
On Thursday Bruce enjoyed riding through the halls of Congress while I retrieved the van and went through security. He said people had a similiar reaction to seeing him ride.
I see a new opportunity to speed up government......those hallways are long so allow people to ride bikes. I suppose that you could allow some people to use roller skates, but I don't sell roller skates.
Friday, October 26, 2007
Vienna's Vibrant Halloween Parade
Wednesday night I participated in the Vienna Halloween Parade twice. I marched with the Rotary Club of Vienna in position 17 and rode with the bikes@vienna entry at position 84. It was double the fun.
The rain fell off and on during the parade. I imaged that the crowd would be very small and I was very wrong. People lined Maple Avenue under umbrellas, pop-up tents, and tarps. This event is a signature of this communities' effort to be a small town. Rain was not going to keep people away. Rain that had been scarce for so long was almost embraced. I did not hear any comments about "too bad it's raining". The opposite reaction I did hear----"isn't this rain wonderful".
The Rotary Club was behind a group of librarians with book carts. We moved out on to Maple and there was a whistle. This was not just a group of librarians pushing book carts! It was a precision drill team! I laughed many times during the parade as the whistle would sound and the group would perform. The spectators at the curb would always break out in laughter and hoots of joy.
The librarians inspired our Rotary Group to adlib a routine using umbrellas. We were far from coordinated, but by the time we reached the reviewing stand we were getting better. We need to watch a video clip of Gene Kelly doing "Singing in the Rain" if we do this again. We need to watch the clip over and over.
I hustled back to the store to join our small band of riders and we navigated the back streets to get to the van that was holding our place in the parade. We then made the trip down Maple Avenue behind a high energy performing troop. It is fun to ride and wave to people you know. It is always a joy.
We had a dozen riders. I thank each of them for helping me to publicize bikes@vienna.
The rain fell off and on during the parade. I imaged that the crowd would be very small and I was very wrong. People lined Maple Avenue under umbrellas, pop-up tents, and tarps. This event is a signature of this communities' effort to be a small town. Rain was not going to keep people away. Rain that had been scarce for so long was almost embraced. I did not hear any comments about "too bad it's raining". The opposite reaction I did hear----"isn't this rain wonderful".
The Rotary Club was behind a group of librarians with book carts. We moved out on to Maple and there was a whistle. This was not just a group of librarians pushing book carts! It was a precision drill team! I laughed many times during the parade as the whistle would sound and the group would perform. The spectators at the curb would always break out in laughter and hoots of joy.
The librarians inspired our Rotary Group to adlib a routine using umbrellas. We were far from coordinated, but by the time we reached the reviewing stand we were getting better. We need to watch a video clip of Gene Kelly doing "Singing in the Rain" if we do this again. We need to watch the clip over and over.
I hustled back to the store to join our small band of riders and we navigated the back streets to get to the van that was holding our place in the parade. We then made the trip down Maple Avenue behind a high energy performing troop. It is fun to ride and wave to people you know. It is always a joy.
We had a dozen riders. I thank each of them for helping me to publicize bikes@vienna.
Sunday, October 21, 2007
Kidz Tandem now being rented
The Rushforth family was the first to rent the Kidz Tandem that we received on Thursday. It is a tandem that I saw at InterBike and ordered. I rent it for the same rates as the upright tandems.
Note the smiles and the position of the young person being in front. Ty Rushforth hoped that the experience would give his daughter the confidence to ride without training wheels. She was reluctant to ride the tandem at first, but warmed to the experience and when they got back from their family ride she was glowing with excitement. For more information about the Kidz Tandem go to Kidz Tandem
Note the smiles and the position of the young person being in front. Ty Rushforth hoped that the experience would give his daughter the confidence to ride without training wheels. She was reluctant to ride the tandem at first, but warmed to the experience and when they got back from their family ride she was glowing with excitement. For more information about the Kidz Tandem go to Kidz Tandem
Thursday, September 27, 2007
Interbike 2007
John and Tim are attending the Interbike 2007 bike expo held each year in Las Vegas, NV. That's the main reason we're closed today. They will likely have some tales to tell about the latest recumbent and trike news from the show. In the meantime the Recumbent Blog has some great photos of the many new bikes on display at the show, including the Grasshopper FX, the folding short wheelbase recumbent from HP Velotechnik. Ever since Bike Friday stopped production of the SatRDay folding recumbent there have been few options in this category. There are many new offerings from Rans and others as well. For additional info on recumbents at the show see the 'BentRider Online site.
Sunday, September 23, 2007
Buchanan Railcar Inn
Ces, my wife, and I stayed at the Buchanan Railcar Inn earlier this month. The rail car is an 85 foot long coach with beautiful paneled walls and lots of character. The living room is 45 feet long and tastefully decorated.
I grew up around trains. My father worked for thirty-eight years for what was the CB&Q which became the Burlington Northern and today is the Burlington Northern Santa Fe. As a kid I'd go with him and ride from Centerville, IA to Keokuk, IA or Fort Madison, IA to Bloomfield, IA. Yep, they'd allow me to sit in the engine and blow the whistle as we neared crossings. It was pretty heady stuff for a youngster.
Ces and I enjoyed the experience of having supper with Janie Harris and her husband, Will, who own the Buchanan Railcar Inn. Will is in the business of moving large objects like rail cars and Janie is in the real estate business. They combined their skills and in a short period of time they located the property, prepared the site, moved the rail car, set up the utilities, and completed the decorating. It was a terrific story.
I recommend that if you are traveling to southwestern Virginia you consider a stay at the Buchanan Railcar Inn. It's a delightful experience. If you're a railroad enthusiast then it will be even more enjoyable because the Inn is near a working line and the trains keep coming passed.
For more information go to www.buchananrailcar.com You'll enjoy looking at the photos.
I grew up around trains. My father worked for thirty-eight years for what was the CB&Q which became the Burlington Northern and today is the Burlington Northern Santa Fe. As a kid I'd go with him and ride from Centerville, IA to Keokuk, IA or Fort Madison, IA to Bloomfield, IA. Yep, they'd allow me to sit in the engine and blow the whistle as we neared crossings. It was pretty heady stuff for a youngster.
Ces and I enjoyed the experience of having supper with Janie Harris and her husband, Will, who own the Buchanan Railcar Inn. Will is in the business of moving large objects like rail cars and Janie is in the real estate business. They combined their skills and in a short period of time they located the property, prepared the site, moved the rail car, set up the utilities, and completed the decorating. It was a terrific story.
I recommend that if you are traveling to southwestern Virginia you consider a stay at the Buchanan Railcar Inn. It's a delightful experience. If you're a railroad enthusiast then it will be even more enjoyable because the Inn is near a working line and the trains keep coming passed.
For more information go to www.buchananrailcar.com You'll enjoy looking at the photos.
Tuesday, September 18, 2007
Piney Branch bridge opens
We are happy to report that the bridge over the Piney Branch that was damaged during a storm last year has finally been repaired. Now you no longer must ride along the gravel trail and temporary steel bridge to cross Piney Branch. It was a dangerous detour due to loose sand and gravel at times, although the park authority tried to keep the surface firm with spot repairs. Our rental bikes will have less dirt on their frames and drivetrains and there should be fewer pinch flats. Our trike owners are also very happy about the repairs.
The past week has been some of the best riding weather of the year. If you haven't been out for a ride, now is the time to enjoy the brisk, clear Fall air.
The past week has been some of the best riding weather of the year. If you haven't been out for a ride, now is the time to enjoy the brisk, clear Fall air.
Tuesday, September 11, 2007
Two dates we'll be closed in the next month -- 9/27 & 10/8
We will have two days in the next several weeks that we will be closed.
Thursday, September 27 the store will be closed while Tim Fricker and I attend InterBike. InterBike is where many bike companies bring their latest and greatest for a four day event in Las Vegas. We'll be talking to the many companies that we do business with and some companies that we'd like to be representing.
Monday, October 8th the store will be closed for what is the Federal observation of Columbus day. Why Columbus Day when we've been open for lots of other Federal Holidays? Tim is attending a family event in Long Island. I'm driving from the Mississippi River to Virginia after an event.
I apologize in advance to those of you that come to the store those days only to find us closed. We'll try to publicize these closings to reduce the chance of this happening.
Thursday, September 27 the store will be closed while Tim Fricker and I attend InterBike. InterBike is where many bike companies bring their latest and greatest for a four day event in Las Vegas. We'll be talking to the many companies that we do business with and some companies that we'd like to be representing.
Monday, October 8th the store will be closed for what is the Federal observation of Columbus day. Why Columbus Day when we've been open for lots of other Federal Holidays? Tim is attending a family event in Long Island. I'm driving from the Mississippi River to Virginia after an event.
I apologize in advance to those of you that come to the store those days only to find us closed. We'll try to publicize these closings to reduce the chance of this happening.
Monday, September 10, 2007
IMPORTANT: CO2 inflation device voluntary recall
We have received from Genuine Innovations a notice of their voluntary recall of:
Genuine Innovations Second Wind MTB: Part Numbers 2525, 2525-0, and 3519
Wrench Force Two Shot: Part Numbers 84995, 84995-1, and 80383
The problem described is "The Unit can shatter while under pressure when inflating tires, This poses a risk of injury, such as bruising, lacerations, and ringing in the ears."
Genuine Innovations will provide replacement heads for these devices. Any of these devices shipped since the first of this year have the new head.
If you have a CO2 device I suggest that you look at it to determine if it is a model impacted by this recall. If you have an affected model then take it back to the store from which you purchased it.
Genuine Innovations Second Wind MTB: Part Numbers 2525, 2525-0, and 3519
Wrench Force Two Shot: Part Numbers 84995, 84995-1, and 80383
The problem described is "The Unit can shatter while under pressure when inflating tires, This poses a risk of injury, such as bruising, lacerations, and ringing in the ears."
Genuine Innovations will provide replacement heads for these devices. Any of these devices shipped since the first of this year have the new head.
If you have a CO2 device I suggest that you look at it to determine if it is a model impacted by this recall. If you have an affected model then take it back to the store from which you purchased it.
Friday, September 07, 2007
A typical Friday morning
Tim and I were enjoying a fairly typical Friday morning when this photo was snapped of us. I've just barely had my eyes open. Tim was sharing a bit of humor. SNAP, we were caught.
This is an invitation for you to visit us. I will try to have my eyes open. Tim will have an entertaining story. Most importantly we will work to provide good service and help you get out on your bicycle. A bike ride is an important activity. We understand that fact.
This is an invitation for you to visit us. I will try to have my eyes open. Tim will have an entertaining story. Most importantly we will work to provide good service and help you get out on your bicycle. A bike ride is an important activity. We understand that fact.
Thursday, September 06, 2007
Riding in Italy
I sell bikes to people and many times I don't know how they use them and whether they are enjoying them. I am always grateful when I receive information about how people are using and enjoying their bikes.
This photo is one of several that Sean Luke sent me of the adventure that he and the lovely lady in his life are having in Italy. They came in and bought two Dahon Helios folders. They brought in suitcases that they had and with some creativity they were able to pack the bikes. My memory is that they plan to leave the bikes in Italy for their use in future years.
In this age of digital cameras and electronic delivery, it is easier to share information about your adventures. Why not send me a photo of you enjoying your bike(s) that you bought at bikes@vienna.
Sean, thank you so much. I can tell by your photos that you had fun on your folding bike in Italy.
What would you do on a folding bike?
This photo is one of several that Sean Luke sent me of the adventure that he and the lovely lady in his life are having in Italy. They came in and bought two Dahon Helios folders. They brought in suitcases that they had and with some creativity they were able to pack the bikes. My memory is that they plan to leave the bikes in Italy for their use in future years.
In this age of digital cameras and electronic delivery, it is easier to share information about your adventures. Why not send me a photo of you enjoying your bike(s) that you bought at bikes@vienna.
Sean, thank you so much. I can tell by your photos that you had fun on your folding bike in Italy.
What would you do on a folding bike?
Wednesday, September 05, 2007
Just a block and one half from the Vienna Caboose
This Labor Day holiday it again became apparent that bikes@vienna is hidden from the public. I gave directions to the store multiple times and I heard others doing the same. The phone conversation most times begins with an individual on a cell phone asking "Where are you?"
So I thought it might be helpful to use some local landmarks to supplement the fairly good directions on our webpage which is www.bikesatvienna.com.
The Vienna Caboose is an easily identified landmark right next to the W&OD Trail. If you can see the Caboose then you are on Church, Dominion, or Mill Streets. You need to get on Church Street and go south (which is also away from the Presbyterian Church). You'll go through the stop sign at the corner of Center and Church and one half block up on your left is a brick house with a green sign in front which is Terra Christa. bikes@vienna is behind Terra Christa. If you pass the Blackeyed Susan, Great Harvest Bread, or Neilsen Frozen Custard then you have gone too far. If you're across from the Post Office then you've really gone too far.
Okay, let's go back to the Caboose. We ride by it all the time and perhaps you've not stopped and stood on the platform to peer in the window. A caboose was a key component of the American railroad industry for probably a century. Two crew members would travel in the caboose as the eyes at the rear of the train. Originally these crew members would use laterns to communicate with the front end crew. Today cabooses are not used for typical train operation. You see cabooses as parts of parks, business locations, bed and breakfasts, cabins on acreages and used as landmarks.
bikes@vienna is just one and one half blocks from the Vienna Caboose.
So I thought it might be helpful to use some local landmarks to supplement the fairly good directions on our webpage which is www.bikesatvienna.com.
The Vienna Caboose is an easily identified landmark right next to the W&OD Trail. If you can see the Caboose then you are on Church, Dominion, or Mill Streets. You need to get on Church Street and go south (which is also away from the Presbyterian Church). You'll go through the stop sign at the corner of Center and Church and one half block up on your left is a brick house with a green sign in front which is Terra Christa. bikes@vienna is behind Terra Christa. If you pass the Blackeyed Susan, Great Harvest Bread, or Neilsen Frozen Custard then you have gone too far. If you're across from the Post Office then you've really gone too far.
Okay, let's go back to the Caboose. We ride by it all the time and perhaps you've not stopped and stood on the platform to peer in the window. A caboose was a key component of the American railroad industry for probably a century. Two crew members would travel in the caboose as the eyes at the rear of the train. Originally these crew members would use laterns to communicate with the front end crew. Today cabooses are not used for typical train operation. You see cabooses as parts of parks, business locations, bed and breakfasts, cabins on acreages and used as landmarks.
bikes@vienna is just one and one half blocks from the Vienna Caboose.
Tuesday, August 28, 2007
Doing the things that you should have done yesterday
The summer has sailed passed. I came in today with the intention of clearing out the basement and getting the used and consignment bikes organized. I am in that process and I'm lowering prices on the bikes that have not sold. I am also taking photos to list bikes that have come in and escaped my attention until now.
Please look at our used bike blog http://bavused.blogspot.com/ There are lots of recumbents plus some quality uprights.
Please look at our used bike blog http://bavused.blogspot.com/ There are lots of recumbents plus some quality uprights.
Ryan surrounded by red
Ryan Bannon has started helping in the store several days a week. I captured him early Sunday morning as he switched a tube at the Reston Bike Club's Century ride.
Ryan is not normally that red. It is a combination of the tent and banner, I think.
Ryan is not normally that red. It is a combination of the tent and banner, I think.
Friday, August 03, 2007
Ponder this
In an email inquirying about one of our used recumbents was this nugget of information which is worth pondering.
100 bicycles can be manufactured for the energy and materials it takes to build a medium-size car.
---Worldwatch Institute
100 bicycles can be manufactured for the energy and materials it takes to build a medium-size car.
---Worldwatch Institute
Tuesday, July 31, 2007
I'M READY for our concert on the Town Green
Friday, August 24th from 6:30 to 8:00 PM bikes@ vienna is sponsoring the concert on the Vienna Town Green. I'm promoting the idea of people riding their bikes to the concert. Call it a "Ride In" if you will. The Town Green is next to the W&OD Trail between Maple Avenue and Church Street. It is a perfect venue to reach by bike.
I want to set aside some space near the performance space to park trikes so people can sit on their trikes and enjoy the music. I'm trying to set up a parking area for other bikes so people can leave their bikes and not worry about them.
The musical entertainment for this concert is a group called the NiteHawks. They are a swing band that features the music of Glenn Miller. As you may know, Glenn Miller was an Iowan. His music has proven timeless and I'm certain you'll have a good time if you join us on August 24th.
Now as the photo indicates I'm just waiting for the concert. Please mark your calendar, tell your friends about it and ride your bike to it because it is going to be fun.
I want to set aside some space near the performance space to park trikes so people can sit on their trikes and enjoy the music. I'm trying to set up a parking area for other bikes so people can leave their bikes and not worry about them.
The musical entertainment for this concert is a group called the NiteHawks. They are a swing band that features the music of Glenn Miller. As you may know, Glenn Miller was an Iowan. His music has proven timeless and I'm certain you'll have a good time if you join us on August 24th.
Now as the photo indicates I'm just waiting for the concert. Please mark your calendar, tell your friends about it and ride your bike to it because it is going to be fun.
Sunday, July 22, 2007
Wishing I was there
I woke up this morning in my bed on Moorefield Road in Vienna and wished I was somewhere half a country west of here. I knew that in Rock Rapids, Iowa the sleepy beginnings of the day would be turning to excitement and adrenalin as thousands of cyclist began making their ways to the lines of port-a-potties, began folding their tents, began pumping their tires, and finally began riding their bikes. This morning the riders would follow the signs to the highway and the week of RAGBRAI would begin.
I took Java out for her morning walk, noting the temperatures in the low 60s here in Virginia. I’d have my jacket on to start this morning I thought. My friend Gene Crosby would be riding close by and describing the day’s route in great detail. Gene studies subjects and then kindly shares the information. We can ride for six or more hours with Gene having lots to share. RAGBRAI is the only time we spend together each year. We have a lot to catch up on.
I cooked eggs for breakfast thinking about a breakfast burrito from the Farm Boys. They generally set up about fifteen to twenty miles into the route. Yes, there are other alternatives: Mama Rafael’s, Chris Cakes, and last year the counterfeit Farm Boyz, but the Farm Boys have great breakfast burritos and they set up about where we need a break. We sit down to eat and watch the parade of cyclists.
In northwestern Iowa today people will be sitting in lawn chairs watching that parade. They’ll start out being wrapped in blankets. They’ll drink coffee, lemonade, and then beer. They’ll wave. They’ll call out “where are you from?” They’ll offer water, shade and mechanical help. They’ll point at the costumes that some riders wear. They’ll marvel at the bikes, trikes, quads, and an occasional unicycle. They’ll wonder why all these people are riding passed and they’ll watch for Lance Armstrong because Lance is riding all week this year.
Yup, I’m missing it.
The photo is from the first day of RAGBRAI last year. Gene is wearing his yellow jacket. Daughter Sara and I have a bright spinnie on the back of the Barcroft Columbia.
I took Java out for her morning walk, noting the temperatures in the low 60s here in Virginia. I’d have my jacket on to start this morning I thought. My friend Gene Crosby would be riding close by and describing the day’s route in great detail. Gene studies subjects and then kindly shares the information. We can ride for six or more hours with Gene having lots to share. RAGBRAI is the only time we spend together each year. We have a lot to catch up on.
I cooked eggs for breakfast thinking about a breakfast burrito from the Farm Boys. They generally set up about fifteen to twenty miles into the route. Yes, there are other alternatives: Mama Rafael’s, Chris Cakes, and last year the counterfeit Farm Boyz, but the Farm Boys have great breakfast burritos and they set up about where we need a break. We sit down to eat and watch the parade of cyclists.
In northwestern Iowa today people will be sitting in lawn chairs watching that parade. They’ll start out being wrapped in blankets. They’ll drink coffee, lemonade, and then beer. They’ll wave. They’ll call out “where are you from?” They’ll offer water, shade and mechanical help. They’ll point at the costumes that some riders wear. They’ll marvel at the bikes, trikes, quads, and an occasional unicycle. They’ll wonder why all these people are riding passed and they’ll watch for Lance Armstrong because Lance is riding all week this year.
Yup, I’m missing it.
The photo is from the first day of RAGBRAI last year. Gene is wearing his yellow jacket. Daughter Sara and I have a bright spinnie on the back of the Barcroft Columbia.
Saturday, June 30, 2007
IMPORTANT: Thule Hitch Rack Recall
Yesterday afternoon I received an email message telling me that Thule
is doing a voluntary recall of hitch mount racks manufactured prior
to 2007. These are the racks that slide into the receiver hitch under
the rear bumper of a vehicle. These are not the racks that sit on the
trunk or hatch of a vehicle and attaches with Thule's blue straps.
The email said that we are not to sell the racks if we have any.
Okay we won't sell them. It points out that the problem is that a
pinch point exists at the base of the arms of the rack. People have
suffered injuries as they released the pin and allowed the arms to
fold down which made the rack more compact when not in use.
Thule provided no indication of how they are going to address the
issue with purchasers of the rack. They reported that they are
working with federal authorities to receive approval for a recall
campaign.
Okay........if you have a Hitching Post Pro (934, 934XT, 935, 935XT,
936, 936XT, 937, 937XT, 951, 951XT), Expressway (995, 995XT, 996,
996XT) Trailblazer (998, 998XT) then you'll be hearing from
bikes@vienna in the next week. The message will be DO NOT FOLD THE
ARMS DOWN ON YOUR RACK. If you don't fold the arms down then you
won't get your finger in the pinch point.
I know you will have all kinds of questions. I do not have the
answers. I do not know when I will have the answers. My intention
is to make sure that the many customers who have this type of rack
know of the danger and create a contact list that will let us share
information as it becomes available. I'll also provide this list to
Thule so they can make contacts.
One more thing.......I noted in my first paragraph that these are
hitch mount racks manufactured prior to 2007. The Thule Revolver,
Ridgeline, and Roadway models manufactured for this year feature
the "Hitch Switch" folding arms --- which eliminates this pinch
point.
is doing a voluntary recall of hitch mount racks manufactured prior
to 2007. These are the racks that slide into the receiver hitch under
the rear bumper of a vehicle. These are not the racks that sit on the
trunk or hatch of a vehicle and attaches with Thule's blue straps.
The email said that we are not to sell the racks if we have any.
Okay we won't sell them. It points out that the problem is that a
pinch point exists at the base of the arms of the rack. People have
suffered injuries as they released the pin and allowed the arms to
fold down which made the rack more compact when not in use.
Thule provided no indication of how they are going to address the
issue with purchasers of the rack. They reported that they are
working with federal authorities to receive approval for a recall
campaign.
Okay........if you have a Hitching Post Pro (934, 934XT, 935, 935XT,
936, 936XT, 937, 937XT, 951, 951XT), Expressway (995, 995XT, 996,
996XT) Trailblazer (998, 998XT) then you'll be hearing from
bikes@vienna in the next week. The message will be DO NOT FOLD THE
ARMS DOWN ON YOUR RACK. If you don't fold the arms down then you
won't get your finger in the pinch point.
I know you will have all kinds of questions. I do not have the
answers. I do not know when I will have the answers. My intention
is to make sure that the many customers who have this type of rack
know of the danger and create a contact list that will let us share
information as it becomes available. I'll also provide this list to
Thule so they can make contacts.
One more thing.......I noted in my first paragraph that these are
hitch mount racks manufactured prior to 2007. The Thule Revolver,
Ridgeline, and Roadway models manufactured for this year feature
the "Hitch Switch" folding arms --- which eliminates this pinch
point.
Saturday, June 09, 2007
Ketts Used on Tandem
Hase Ketts can be hooked in tandem as shown in this photo. There is a connector which links the fork of the second trike to the frame of the lead trike. It is a terrific alternative for people who enjoy riding together, but want the flexibility to ride separately. Think of the possibilities.
We are stocking the Ketts so come take a test ride. We'd need some extra notice if you want to test ride with the trikes hooked in tandem. If you can imagine, the Hase people hooked 63 Ketts to establish a world record. Let's see a Kett is probably five foot long so 63 would streach the length of a football field. Think of the organization to get all those Ketts connected and all the riders on them at once. I don't want to think about it.
We are stocking the Ketts so come take a test ride. We'd need some extra notice if you want to test ride with the trikes hooked in tandem. If you can imagine, the Hase people hooked 63 Ketts to establish a world record. Let's see a Kett is probably five foot long so 63 would streach the length of a football field. Think of the organization to get all those Ketts connected and all the riders on them at once. I don't want to think about it.
Now in America, Draisin
We unloaded a container from Germany on Wednesday. The photo shows fourteen Draisin bikes lined up in the parking lot of the Stor-All. We have Draisin Plus, Captain Duo, Relax, and Twister. These are all speciality bikes focused on the needs of indivduals with disabilities.
There will be more entries appearing here about bikes@vienna selling and distributing these bikes in the United States. It is a new venture and we have hope that it will be fun and exciting.
There will be more entries appearing here about bikes@vienna selling and distributing these bikes in the United States. It is a new venture and we have hope that it will be fun and exciting.
Appearing today in Batesville
It is early morning on what looks to be a nice June day. The big white bikes@vienna van is headed south to Batesville. Matt will be providing mechanical help for an MS 150 ride which will attract people from the Charlottesville area and beyond. Six hundred cyclists will ride on a hot day to raise money to fight MS. Thank you to each and every one of them.
As Matt and I went through the checklist of supplies I answered a question that might have been in his mind about why we'd sign on to support a ride two hours away. I told him, "If someone asks why you're in Batesville all the way from Vienna, tell them it's because the guy who owns the store has a daughter and she has MS."
Oldest daughter, Jessica, is shown on the right with her daughter, Mira, at Christmas time. She participated in an MS walk in Seattle last month and raised a nice sum. Our entire family has a heightened interest in getting more funding for MS research. So in the early hours of this day the big white van speeds south to Batesville.
Tomorrow we will help locally with the ADA Cure de Tour's Family Loop that comes into Vienna. Is there a family tie there? Yes, but that is another story. Thank you to all the cyclist who ride to raise money. Thank you to the people walking this weekend for the Relay for Life. We need to focus more money to combat the dreaded diseases which we all fear.
As Matt and I went through the checklist of supplies I answered a question that might have been in his mind about why we'd sign on to support a ride two hours away. I told him, "If someone asks why you're in Batesville all the way from Vienna, tell them it's because the guy who owns the store has a daughter and she has MS."
Oldest daughter, Jessica, is shown on the right with her daughter, Mira, at Christmas time. She participated in an MS walk in Seattle last month and raised a nice sum. Our entire family has a heightened interest in getting more funding for MS research. So in the early hours of this day the big white van speeds south to Batesville.
Tomorrow we will help locally with the ADA Cure de Tour's Family Loop that comes into Vienna. Is there a family tie there? Yes, but that is another story. Thank you to all the cyclist who ride to raise money. Thank you to the people walking this weekend for the Relay for Life. We need to focus more money to combat the dreaded diseases which we all fear.