Last night close to 50 individuals attended the Fairfax County Bike Map meeting at the Vienna Community Building. The Fairfax County Bike and Pedestrian coordinators as well as representatives of the consultants assisting with the map and representatives of the Virginia Department of Transportation all listening to cyclists suggestions for the map.
Charlie Strunk, the Fairfax County Bike Coordinator, (on the right) is shown in the photo receiving a suggestion.
Thursday, January 31, 2008
Five Boro Tour is 94 days away
I received the message from Bike New York that registration is now open for the Five Boro Tour. The Tour is the first Sunday in May. It features the opportunity to ride the streets of New York with 30,000 other cyclists. It is a treat to ride up through Central Park and through all the neighborhoods. Both Al Tyre and Tim Fricker from bikes@vienna are planning to participate in the ride this year.
This photo is of a group of us who rode in 2005. We stayed on Staten Island and this was us on the early morning ferry going to Manhattan for the start. This approach works because when you complete the ride you can get in your vehicle and begin your trip home. The individuals taking the ferry back to Manhattan in the afternoon have a long wait.
I recommend the Five Boro Bike Tour as an experience you'll remember for years to come. You can receive more information at http://www.bikenewyork.org/rides/fbbt/register.html
This photo is of a group of us who rode in 2005. We stayed on Staten Island and this was us on the early morning ferry going to Manhattan for the start. This approach works because when you complete the ride you can get in your vehicle and begin your trip home. The individuals taking the ferry back to Manhattan in the afternoon have a long wait.
I recommend the Five Boro Bike Tour as an experience you'll remember for years to come. You can receive more information at http://www.bikenewyork.org/rides/fbbt/register.html
Friday, January 25, 2008
Bike Map Meetings on January 29 -30
Next week there are two public information meetings for the Fairfax County Bicycle Map. Click on the poster on the right and you'll get a full sized version to review.
Creation of a Fairfax County Bike Map is an important project. The finished product will show the strengths and weaknesses for cycling in the county. There is a need for public input so I urge you to attend one of the two meetings.
Creation of a Fairfax County Bike Map is an important project. The finished product will show the strengths and weaknesses for cycling in the county. There is a need for public input so I urge you to attend one of the two meetings.
Monday, January 21, 2008
Basil Rear Basket Pet Transporter
This is the rear model for the Basil Pet Transporter. This unit needs a rear rack. It has the wire dome to keep your pet in the basket.
I would be quick to point out that the Pet Transporter can serve a dual purpose when it is time to run errands. Going to the grocery store? Image how much foodstuffs this basket can hold. Basil has a wonderful line up of baskets for the front and the rear of the bike. Stop by the store and see what we have.
I would be quick to point out that the Pet Transporter can serve a dual purpose when it is time to run errands. Going to the grocery store? Image how much foodstuffs this basket can hold. Basil has a wonderful line up of baskets for the front and the rear of the bike. Stop by the store and see what we have.
Basil Front Basket Pet Transporter
The Basil basket shown on the front of this Marin Belvedere is a bicycle accessory that Tim and I discovered at InterBike in September. Please note the wire cover. Yes, this basket is designed for a pet to accompany you on a bike ride. The basket sits on a strong platform and has a robust connecting system to keep your pet safe.
For years people have come to the store asking about baskets to have their dog, cat, rabbit, or parrot join them on a bike ride. Burley now has a couple of trailers for pets. These Basil baskets are going to provide a method for cyclist with smaller pets (no Java in that basket).
This photo was taken January 20. James is wearing a Santa hat because it was the warmest thing that he could find around the store. For years I have been known to keep the heat down in the store. I've been ribbed about my frugal approach to heating and cool, but now I can be thought of as a conservationist. It is so much kinder.
For years people have come to the store asking about baskets to have their dog, cat, rabbit, or parrot join them on a bike ride. Burley now has a couple of trailers for pets. These Basil baskets are going to provide a method for cyclist with smaller pets (no Java in that basket).
This photo was taken January 20. James is wearing a Santa hat because it was the warmest thing that he could find around the store. For years I have been known to keep the heat down in the store. I've been ribbed about my frugal approach to heating and cool, but now I can be thought of as a conservationist. It is so much kinder.
Saturday, January 19, 2008
Planning and Dreaming
As you probably know, riding in Northern Virginia is comfortable even in cooler weather until we get some ice and snow. It's possible to ride in the ice and snow as Tim Fricker demonstrated yesterday with his studded tires and determination, but it is a test of will and skill.
When the snow falls I find myself planning for rides later in the year. The mail and internet bring me news of rides. I curl up in a big chair with a calendar and a map to see what is possible. Last year the Newbold Reunion (my mom's family) was held days after RAGBRAI (Register's Annual Great Bicycle Ride Across Iowa) so I attended the reunion and skipped the ride. This year I have RAGBRAI on every calendar that I maintain with July 20-26 bordered in red. We are going.
Bike Virginia (www.bikevirginia.org) has three rides to consider. In May the Tour de Chesapeake will be held in Mathews County May 16-18 (www.bikechesapeake.org). The Bike Virginia "The Crooked Road Tour" is scheduled for June 20-25 in the southwestern section of Virginia and the northeastern part of Tennessee. (On Bike Virginia in 2006 we spent more time in North Carolina than Virginia it seemed.) The River Ride (www.riverride.org) is held along the back roads of the Northern Neck during September 26-28.
I'm working on a list and I'll try to share it with you later this month.
When the snow falls I find myself planning for rides later in the year. The mail and internet bring me news of rides. I curl up in a big chair with a calendar and a map to see what is possible. Last year the Newbold Reunion (my mom's family) was held days after RAGBRAI (Register's Annual Great Bicycle Ride Across Iowa) so I attended the reunion and skipped the ride. This year I have RAGBRAI on every calendar that I maintain with July 20-26 bordered in red. We are going.
Bike Virginia (www.bikevirginia.org) has three rides to consider. In May the Tour de Chesapeake will be held in Mathews County May 16-18 (www.bikechesapeake.org). The Bike Virginia "The Crooked Road Tour" is scheduled for June 20-25 in the southwestern section of Virginia and the northeastern part of Tennessee. (On Bike Virginia in 2006 we spent more time in North Carolina than Virginia it seemed.) The River Ride (www.riverride.org) is held along the back roads of the Northern Neck during September 26-28.
I'm working on a list and I'll try to share it with you later this month.
Sunday, December 30, 2007
A First Ride.....Tuesday at 1:30
The Sunday paper is filled with ads for wonder products that help an individual lose weight. Yesterday I noted a steady stream of people going to the workout facility across Church Street from us. It is the time of year that we take stock in our health and begin new regiments of exercise.
I want to return to an old form of exercise for me.....riding a bicycle. I invite you to join me on Tuesday, January 1, 2008 at 1:30 for a ride and social outing that will depart from the store. I think it would be fun to ride to the start of the W&OD. Just above Columbia Pike there is a parallel trail to the W&OD which loops through Barcroft Park and leads to Point 0 down by the Beanie Weenie so this ride will have some exploring.
The ride will be about 25 miles, but the wonderful thing about the W&OD is that if someone gets tired they can just turnaround and head home. Also with the route I'm suggesting it is possible to use Metro for the return to Vienna if needed.
I'm suggesting a 1:30 start because the forecast is for rain in the morning. The temperatures are supposed to be in the mid 40s. Find your stocking cap that goes under your helmet. Look for those new cycling gloves. Fill up those water bottles. Pump up those tires and let's go for a ride.
I'll be at the store at 1 PM if someone needs to pump their tires. I'll see if I can have some hot cider so we can get a warm start.
See you New Year's Day.
I want to return to an old form of exercise for me.....riding a bicycle. I invite you to join me on Tuesday, January 1, 2008 at 1:30 for a ride and social outing that will depart from the store. I think it would be fun to ride to the start of the W&OD. Just above Columbia Pike there is a parallel trail to the W&OD which loops through Barcroft Park and leads to Point 0 down by the Beanie Weenie so this ride will have some exploring.
The ride will be about 25 miles, but the wonderful thing about the W&OD is that if someone gets tired they can just turnaround and head home. Also with the route I'm suggesting it is possible to use Metro for the return to Vienna if needed.
I'm suggesting a 1:30 start because the forecast is for rain in the morning. The temperatures are supposed to be in the mid 40s. Find your stocking cap that goes under your helmet. Look for those new cycling gloves. Fill up those water bottles. Pump up those tires and let's go for a ride.
I'll be at the store at 1 PM if someone needs to pump their tires. I'll see if I can have some hot cider so we can get a warm start.
See you New Year's Day.
Thursday, December 27, 2007
January & February We're Encouraging Appointments
We're going into the two months that are the least fun in my view. Certainly with good weather people will be riding bikes, but there is much less good weather so we are constricting our hours more. For the last few days of December, January, and February we plan to be open:
MONDAY 10:00–6:00
TUESDAY CLOSED
WEDNESDAY CLOSED
THURSDAY 10:00–6:00
FRIDAY 10:00–6:00
SATURDAY 10:00–5:00
SUNDAY 10:00–5:00
We will be pleased to stay open later or open earlier by appointment.
Allow me to say that again......We will be pleased to stay open later or open earlier by appointment. Those are not hollow words. We want your business, but it is not wise in the winter to have long hours when no one is coming into the store.
MONDAY 10:00–6:00
TUESDAY CLOSED
WEDNESDAY CLOSED
THURSDAY 10:00–6:00
FRIDAY 10:00–6:00
SATURDAY 10:00–5:00
SUNDAY 10:00–5:00
We will be pleased to stay open later or open earlier by appointment.
Allow me to say that again......We will be pleased to stay open later or open earlier by appointment. Those are not hollow words. We want your business, but it is not wise in the winter to have long hours when no one is coming into the store.
Monday, December 17, 2007
Duplex on Prius
It is necessary to be creative when you own a Duplex tandem and a Prius automobile. This photo confirms the creativity of one of the bikes@vienna customers.
In cooler (exchange for "slower") times I get a chance to look through things from earlier in the year. This photo once again captured my attention. Using a hitch mount and roof mount racks in concert this transportation.
In cooler (exchange for "slower") times I get a chance to look through things from earlier in the year. This photo once again captured my attention. Using a hitch mount and roof mount racks in concert this transportation.
Thursday, December 06, 2007
Jeanette Jay TV Show
People ask what I do in the winter. They assume that it must be a slow time with the weather allowing fewer opportunities to ride a bike. Here in Northern Virginia people ride their bikes all year except when (like today) there is ice and snow on the roads and trails.
I do have fewer people coming to the store, but I go where the people are gathering. This photo is an example. From the home page you can tell that I'm trying to publicize the Draisin products. In November Michael Denu of Draisin and I took Draisin trikes to the World Congress on Disabilities at the Washington Convention Center. This weekend Ces and I will be in Richmond for the Caring Communities event at the Richmond Raceway called World of Possibilities Expo.
This photo is an interview being conducted for the Jeanette Jay TV Show which is aired in Buffalo, NY. bikes@vienna is the only Draisin outlet in the United States so I'll take publicity anywhere I can get it, but my primary focus for the next six months is the area a three hour drive from Vienna. From Virginia Beach to Philadelphia I'm looking for opportunities to show Draisin trikes,
I do have fewer people coming to the store, but I go where the people are gathering. This photo is an example. From the home page you can tell that I'm trying to publicize the Draisin products. In November Michael Denu of Draisin and I took Draisin trikes to the World Congress on Disabilities at the Washington Convention Center. This weekend Ces and I will be in Richmond for the Caring Communities event at the Richmond Raceway called World of Possibilities Expo.
This photo is an interview being conducted for the Jeanette Jay TV Show which is aired in Buffalo, NY. bikes@vienna is the only Draisin outlet in the United States so I'll take publicity anywhere I can get it, but my primary focus for the next six months is the area a three hour drive from Vienna. From Virginia Beach to Philadelphia I'm looking for opportunities to show Draisin trikes,
Monday, November 26, 2007
Holiday Stroll rescheduled for Monday, Dec 3rd
The rain forecast for this evening has resulted in the Holiday Stroll on Church Street being rescheduled for next Monday evening (6:30 PM to 9:00 PM on December 3). The schedule of events will be the same as posted in an earlier blog entry on this page. Please adjust your calendar and come join the fun next Monday.
Monday, November 19, 2007
$50 buys this Trek Folding Bike Bag
For a short time Trek sold folding bikes. They no longer have folding bikes for sale, but they do have bags left over. I have an attractive offer for you. You can have a Trek Folding Bike Bag for $50. That price is much less than Trek sold the bags for originally ($79.99) and is less than the cost of a Dahon El Bolso bags priced at $59.
The design of the bag is another plus. The bike sits in what I will call a tray. It is easy to simply set the folded bike on the tray. Then you slip the bag over the top and click the two parts together. The bag is large and I believe that even folding bikes which have handlebars that swing to the outside of the folded frame like the Dahon Speed Pro will fit into this bag. The bag also features storage pockets and extra straps for attaching things like helmets. There is also a nice area of padding on the side of the bag to cushion you from the bike.
The $50 price is at the store. We will gladly ship this bag to you for the $50 and the cost of UPS to your door. How many would you like?
You can view details of the bag at http://store.trekbikes.com/jump.jsp?itemID=352&itemType=PRODUCT&RS=1&keyword=Folding+Bike+Bag&bShopOnline=1&CatID=476
The design of the bag is another plus. The bike sits in what I will call a tray. It is easy to simply set the folded bike on the tray. Then you slip the bag over the top and click the two parts together. The bag is large and I believe that even folding bikes which have handlebars that swing to the outside of the folded frame like the Dahon Speed Pro will fit into this bag. The bag also features storage pockets and extra straps for attaching things like helmets. There is also a nice area of padding on the side of the bag to cushion you from the bike.
The $50 price is at the store. We will gladly ship this bag to you for the $50 and the cost of UPS to your door. How many would you like?
You can view details of the bag at http://store.trekbikes.com/jump.jsp?itemID=352&itemType=PRODUCT&RS=1&keyword=Folding+Bike+Bag&bShopOnline=1&CatID=476
Draisin Plus at WCD
My camera work needs some honing. You can tell that I had to work with this photo to enhance the image. I was able to get the important part of this image viewable..........the smiles. Those are real, honest to goodness smiles as this mother and daughter tested the Draisin Plus.
Over and over again as people test rode the Draisin products at the World Congress on Disabilities last week we had big smiles. We also had a high number of comments about the high quality of the Draisins. People marveled at the engineering and the adjustability to meet peoples' needs.
There is one place in America to test ride a Draisin and it is here at bikes@vienna.
Over and over again as people test rode the Draisin products at the World Congress on Disabilities last week we had big smiles. We also had a high number of comments about the high quality of the Draisins. People marveled at the engineering and the adjustability to meet peoples' needs.
There is one place in America to test ride a Draisin and it is here at bikes@vienna.
????? Scott and Bianchi frames CAUTION! Will Robinson
We are scratching our heads about and worrying a little that some one is trying to take advantage of people with an offer on ebay. The ebay offer tells about a small Northern Virginia bike store that is selling off Scott and Bianchi frames. The seller name is Vienna Bikes located in Vienna, VA.
We've received inquiries and we know nothing other than it is not bikes@vienna. We're worried that someone is trying to use a name similar to ours for an enterprise that is deceptive. We urge extreme caution.
We've received inquiries and we know nothing other than it is not bikes@vienna. We're worried that someone is trying to use a name similar to ours for an enterprise that is deceptive. We urge extreme caution.
Sunday, November 11, 2007
Bikes for The Holidays
The photo shows a sample of the bikes for young people that we've brought in for the holidays. We have 16", 20", and 24" wheeled bikes to meet the needs of many children. Plus we've stocked up on 13" and 15" frames in the 26' wheel size. Yes, we're getting ready.
You may have read about our "Continuing Care" policy before, but just one more time...........
When you buy a bike from bikes@vienna we promise to do small repairs and adjustments for as long as you own the bike. As long as those repairs and adjustments are $20 or less then we only charge you for the parts. For a young person's bike this is a great asset.
Also bikes@vienna trys to help by considering trade-ins and serving as a drop off point for bikes going to Bikes For The World and to the Committee Helping Others.
You may have read about our "Continuing Care" policy before, but just one more time...........
When you buy a bike from bikes@vienna we promise to do small repairs and adjustments for as long as you own the bike. As long as those repairs and adjustments are $20 or less then we only charge you for the parts. For a young person's bike this is a great asset.
Also bikes@vienna trys to help by considering trade-ins and serving as a drop off point for bikes going to Bikes For The World and to the Committee Helping Others.
Thursday, November 08, 2007
Holiday Stroll set for Monday, November 26th
The schedule for the Holiday Stroll on Church Street is set and available for your review. This event has grown each year as people enjoy the lighting of the holiday tree and the entertainment. Granted weather plays a role in the turnout, but people like Vienna's small town feel and respond by participating.
We're getting ready. I planted Alberta Spruce trees in the planters out front. Tim's lighting up the windows and I'm looking for the lights we hang along the front of the building. I've been slyly mentioning in Al's presence that I need a Santa Claus for the event to no avail.
Please put the Holiday Stroll on your calendar and come visit us.
We're getting ready. I planted Alberta Spruce trees in the planters out front. Tim's lighting up the windows and I'm looking for the lights we hang along the front of the building. I've been slyly mentioning in Al's presence that I need a Santa Claus for the event to no avail.
Please put the Holiday Stroll on your calendar and come visit us.
Monday, November 05, 2007
Cy and the KidzTandem
Grandson Cy is visiting and so I took him around on the Kidz Tandem. This photo shows the gray seat that we can put on to take a younger rider for a ride. Cy is intrigued with the bell and you can see my hands as I adjust a helmet to put on him.
It is a perfect bike for a grandfather to ride with his two year old grandson.
It is a perfect bike for a grandfather to ride with his two year old grandson.
Friday, October 26, 2007
In the halls of Congress
The U.S. House of Representative held their Green Expo yesterday and bikes@vienna participated. Our participation lead to a couple of unique experiences for me. I had to take the bikes in the bikes@vienna van to be bomb scanned on Wednesday morning. The Capitol Police use dogs to sniff out bombs and I'm there wondering if the dog will react to Java's (our chocolate lab shop dog) scent which has to be very apparent. Nope not then or not on Thursday when they screened the van to pick up the bikes.
After unloading the bikes and promotional material at the Longworth Building I had to move things through the tunnel to the Cannon Building. How do you move bicycles, a tricycle, and a trailer loaded with catalogs? Well I hook the trailer to a bike and ride it. I'm wearing my bright orange helmet, bikes@vienna uniform (t-shirt and jeans) and a big smile as I pedal first through the tunnel and then down the third floor corridor of the Cannon House Office Building. It was fun! Most people that saw me would initially look surprised and then get a big smile.
On Thursday Bruce enjoyed riding through the halls of Congress while I retrieved the van and went through security. He said people had a similiar reaction to seeing him ride.
I see a new opportunity to speed up government......those hallways are long so allow people to ride bikes. I suppose that you could allow some people to use roller skates, but I don't sell roller skates.
After unloading the bikes and promotional material at the Longworth Building I had to move things through the tunnel to the Cannon Building. How do you move bicycles, a tricycle, and a trailer loaded with catalogs? Well I hook the trailer to a bike and ride it. I'm wearing my bright orange helmet, bikes@vienna uniform (t-shirt and jeans) and a big smile as I pedal first through the tunnel and then down the third floor corridor of the Cannon House Office Building. It was fun! Most people that saw me would initially look surprised and then get a big smile.
On Thursday Bruce enjoyed riding through the halls of Congress while I retrieved the van and went through security. He said people had a similiar reaction to seeing him ride.
I see a new opportunity to speed up government......those hallways are long so allow people to ride bikes. I suppose that you could allow some people to use roller skates, but I don't sell roller skates.
Vienna's Vibrant Halloween Parade
Wednesday night I participated in the Vienna Halloween Parade twice. I marched with the Rotary Club of Vienna in position 17 and rode with the bikes@vienna entry at position 84. It was double the fun.
The rain fell off and on during the parade. I imaged that the crowd would be very small and I was very wrong. People lined Maple Avenue under umbrellas, pop-up tents, and tarps. This event is a signature of this communities' effort to be a small town. Rain was not going to keep people away. Rain that had been scarce for so long was almost embraced. I did not hear any comments about "too bad it's raining". The opposite reaction I did hear----"isn't this rain wonderful".
The Rotary Club was behind a group of librarians with book carts. We moved out on to Maple and there was a whistle. This was not just a group of librarians pushing book carts! It was a precision drill team! I laughed many times during the parade as the whistle would sound and the group would perform. The spectators at the curb would always break out in laughter and hoots of joy.
The librarians inspired our Rotary Group to adlib a routine using umbrellas. We were far from coordinated, but by the time we reached the reviewing stand we were getting better. We need to watch a video clip of Gene Kelly doing "Singing in the Rain" if we do this again. We need to watch the clip over and over.
I hustled back to the store to join our small band of riders and we navigated the back streets to get to the van that was holding our place in the parade. We then made the trip down Maple Avenue behind a high energy performing troop. It is fun to ride and wave to people you know. It is always a joy.
We had a dozen riders. I thank each of them for helping me to publicize bikes@vienna.
The rain fell off and on during the parade. I imaged that the crowd would be very small and I was very wrong. People lined Maple Avenue under umbrellas, pop-up tents, and tarps. This event is a signature of this communities' effort to be a small town. Rain was not going to keep people away. Rain that had been scarce for so long was almost embraced. I did not hear any comments about "too bad it's raining". The opposite reaction I did hear----"isn't this rain wonderful".
The Rotary Club was behind a group of librarians with book carts. We moved out on to Maple and there was a whistle. This was not just a group of librarians pushing book carts! It was a precision drill team! I laughed many times during the parade as the whistle would sound and the group would perform. The spectators at the curb would always break out in laughter and hoots of joy.
The librarians inspired our Rotary Group to adlib a routine using umbrellas. We were far from coordinated, but by the time we reached the reviewing stand we were getting better. We need to watch a video clip of Gene Kelly doing "Singing in the Rain" if we do this again. We need to watch the clip over and over.
I hustled back to the store to join our small band of riders and we navigated the back streets to get to the van that was holding our place in the parade. We then made the trip down Maple Avenue behind a high energy performing troop. It is fun to ride and wave to people you know. It is always a joy.
We had a dozen riders. I thank each of them for helping me to publicize bikes@vienna.
Sunday, October 21, 2007
Kidz Tandem now being rented
The Rushforth family was the first to rent the Kidz Tandem that we received on Thursday. It is a tandem that I saw at InterBike and ordered. I rent it for the same rates as the upright tandems.
Note the smiles and the position of the young person being in front. Ty Rushforth hoped that the experience would give his daughter the confidence to ride without training wheels. She was reluctant to ride the tandem at first, but warmed to the experience and when they got back from their family ride she was glowing with excitement. For more information about the Kidz Tandem go to Kidz Tandem
Note the smiles and the position of the young person being in front. Ty Rushforth hoped that the experience would give his daughter the confidence to ride without training wheels. She was reluctant to ride the tandem at first, but warmed to the experience and when they got back from their family ride she was glowing with excitement. For more information about the Kidz Tandem go to Kidz Tandem