Looking for Green Opportunities with Work Cycles.

You have seen several posts on this blog about the Batavus Personal Delivery bike with photos of packages and a well known Labrador being transported. This photo shows you another work cycle, the Yuba Mundo, that has the amazing capacity of 440 pounds able to be transported. For our demonstration we placed James on the back to show the capacity.

JamesMundo
Originally uploaded by bikes@vienna

If you go to www.yubaride.com you can see a number of photos that show the practicality of the Mundo. bikes@vienna is seeking opportunities to show these work cycles to enterprises such as universities, healthcare facilities, shopping malls, storage facilities ..... anywhere it can be more efficient for a person to cycle instead of walk or where a smaller volume of items can be transported on a bike instead of a truck, Cushman, or gas powered vehicle of any type. .

bikes@vienna Grocery Getter

bikes@vienna Grocery Getter
Originally uploaded by bikes@vienna

We submit for your consideration the bikes@vienna "Grocery Getter" This is a Burley Flatbed Trailer with a plastic container that can be sealed and could be locked. It has so many possibilities for use and is affordable at $235.

Just like many products at bikes@vienna it is possible to rent the "Grocery Getter" and if you decide to buy one within 60 days then we will credit what you've paid in rent towards the purchase of the item.

She's a CargoDog!

Yep, that's Java, John's sweet chocolate Labrador, on her way home with John one recent evening.

Just to give you an idea of all the things you never knew you could do with a bicycle!

A RAGBRAI Slide Show

Ces put together a RAGBRAI Slide Show this afternoon.

Ces took nice photos from the stoker seat of the Barcroft Columbia tandem.

Go to http://www.flickr.com/photos/43898776@N00/sets/72157606722645696/show/

A Bear Story from Southwest Virginia

Tom Kehr has been a customer of bikes@vienna for years and years. He and his family moved to southwest Virginia a couple of years ago. Tom stopped in the store this week and shared stories about his new home.

He sent me this email detailing his recent bear encounter...........

RE: That was NOT a Bag Lady…

That was NOT a bag lady getting into our trash cans yesterday morning… It was a bear. While I enjoy living out here in the “sticks” and fancy the wildlife that goes with it, this is a bit much.

I awoke at about 6:30 am to the sound of crashing metal trash cans. I got to the window in time to see Mr. Bear carrying a fully loaded white garbage bag around to the front of the house. He (or she – like I would know the difference), appears to be a young bear that was pushed out from mamma this Spring to fend for himself (said the suburbanite in expert voice).

A bear enjoying our garbage is not exactly want I want hangin’ ‘round the house. But, first things first. “Hey kids, wanna see a bear?” Recall this is at 0630 hours. Nothing normally stirs around this place at that hour during Summer vacation. I couldn’t have gotten a faster response using an air horn. (Kris is in the shower at this time, missing all the events up to this point, is by the way.)

Now that everyone had gotten a good look at the bear not 30 ft. from their bedroom window, it was time to make Mr. Bear’s stay less pleasant. As I have not yet exercised my Second Amendment Rights, I had to resort to more, ah, “primitive means” of discouragement. I opened the window and threw my shoe at him. Startled, but not persuaded to permanently depart, he returned to his treasure. So I threw the other shoe at him. Ah, Mr. Bear apparently really likes our garbage (featuring last night’s chicken as the main course) and isn’t bothered much by this. So, I did what any good coach would do – I threw a baseball at him. (From the front porch and within safe distance of the front door, mind you.) And then another. And a couple of softballs. I believe the final count was five baseballs and two softballs. Each time, while startled, Mr. Bear came back faithfully to enjoy his easy feast. Let’s try a REALLY LARGE wrench. Nope. Same result. Then some 2x4’s about 18 in or so long. No change. By this point, I’m running out of new ideas for projectiles and we decide to let him finish and go about his business.

In cleaning up what Mr. Bear left behind, we find him to be very through. I cleaned up only trash. No leftovers. Unlike my children, Mr. Bear cleans his plate thoroughly.

A call to the local Animal Control Officer about our encounter reveals that he suggests using a paint ball gun to discourage Mr. Bear. Ummm… Let’s paint the bear. I’m going to have to think that one over. Hopefully Mr. Bear doesn’t have a Concealed Carry permit or I’m in trouble.

So…. This morning, Mr. Bear returns at 0600 hours. Again, he announces his presence by the sound of crashing metal trash cans. But this time, something’s different. We’ve used bungee cords to keep the trash can lids on tight. The combination of this low technology approach and his lack of an opposing thumb thwarts his efforts this morning. But do recall from yesterday’s lesson, that Mr. Bear is not easily persuaded to depart. I next find him on our back deck outside our kitchen as well as my office. What do I do this morning? Still unarmed with any real persuasive means, I open my office door and holler REALLY LOUDLY to frighten him. Again, startled but not departing, he wanders around the house, his nose up against various windows. You know how you might bang on a window to try and get something off the other side? Like maybe your dog has his muddy paws on the glass door? Imagine this scene: Mr. Bear is up against the house with his nose pressed up against my living room window. And I’m banging on the window where his nose is. “Bad bear! Now go lie down!” might be your imagery and you would be correct.

You might be interested to know that the Virginia Department of Game and Inland Fisheries has a video available entitled “Living with Black Bears in Virginia”.

It’s available if you scroll down on this page: http://www.dgif.virginia.gov/video/?video=1

How very thoughtful of the Commonwealth.

2008 Believable Hope Conference

2008 Believable Hope Conference
Originally uploaded by Liz Reitz

This photo taken by Liz Reitz at the UCP 2008 Believeable Hope Conference catches me talking about Draisin products. The United Cerebral Palsy Annual Meeting was held in Washington earlier this summer. I just discovered the photo in the annual meeting photo stream.

The interest in cycling products for individuals with special needs continues to grow.

Mira on the Kidz Tandem

MiraKidzTandem
Originally uploaded by bikes@vienna

Allow me a little grandparent equal time which must be required somewhere in the grandparent world. Mira is visiting from Seattle this week so we have been out riding the Kidz Tandem. You'll notice that Elmo rides with us in Mira's left hand. Yes, Mira likes to ring the Lady Bug bell.

Mira is almost three. She likes to ride on the Kidz Tandem.

The Beekeeper Statue

Statute
Originally uploaded by bikes@vienna

Our digital photography is typically photos of family and bicycles. Ces was taking photos the other day as I looked through my bee hives. She clicked this photo of her geraniums with me in the background looking at a frame as I tried to locate the queen. I look like a statue.

Batavus bike arrives

Earlier John discussed the new Batavus Personal Delivery Bike that he saw at Interbike this year. It arrived yesterday and John promptly assembled in and took the first test ride. That's him with a boxed bike on the front rack, held on by a bungie cord. There is room for a couple of more boxes on the rear rack.

The bike comes with a Shimano Dynamo front hub for the lighting system, a three-speed Shimano Nexus rear hub, and an integrated lock for the rear wheel. It's a very stable, comfortable ride. Why not stop in for a test ride.

Batavus Personal Delivery Bike

Batavus Cargo
Originally uploaded by Hugger Industries

During InterBike I took photos of this Batavus Personal Delivery Bike. They did not come out as nice as this photo from Flickr that was uploaded by Hugger Industries.

Last week we had a conversation in the store about how many people come into the store and comment on how our business must be growing with the escalating cost of gasoline. While we are see some increased interest in baskets, racks and panniers it is still a trickle compared to what people assume is happening.

This Batavus Personal Delivery Bike and sales of similar bikes to this one will be a signal that Americans are moving to the bicycle for transportation. I expect to see growing sales of folding bikes first. The lack of bike routes and safe bike access will lead to people driving to a location, unfolding their folder and doing their errands in that area with their gasoline powered vehicle parked.

I suppose that you can call this intermodal transportation. I expect to see more folding bike to Metro trips. Change is coming and like everyone else I am trying to figure it out.

This coming week we'll have a Batavus Personal Delivery Bike in the store for a test. No it is not a recumbent or trike or folding bike, but it is a niche and you know how I like niches.

The Bromptons are Here!

Okay, I'll send out the word, since I was the big advocate for carrying them... our first shipment of Brompton folding bikes has arrived! These bikes are handbuilt in England, and feature a quick and ingenious folding system that makes for a remarkably compact package. And added feature is that they have rollers that make it possible to roll them around when folded.

We have an assortment of colors and at least one each of the three different handlebar designs... see our home page for an explanation, or go to:

http://www.brompton.co.uk/

To see the fold in action, check out:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=j3tgdlk8xl

So how do they ride? Great! Sure, it won't make you throw out your favorite recumbent or road bike, but you'll be surprised at how "normal" it feels and how fun it is to ride. So come on in and give one a spin.

Now that they're here, boy do I want one!


An interesting feature is that when you tuck the rear wheel under the bike (the first step in folding), the bike ends up free-standing, allowing you to "park" the bike:







And to the left you see the bike fully folded... a very tiny package!

Battle of North Valley Hills Ride

BVNHFlyer2008
Originally uploaded by bikes@vienna

bikes@vienna receives interesting information about rides and activities. We try to pass the information on to you. This information is very appealing with its location and the cooler September time frame.

Just click on the poster and you can get a larger version for easier reading.

Bike Maintenance Class for July

Hey gang! Here it comes again, the Basic Bicycle Maintenance and Repair Class, on Wednesday, July 2nd, at 7:00 pm. I cover the basic tools needed to work on your bike, basic gear and brake adjustments, and how to fix a flat tire. Cost is $36, which includes a small tool kit which retails for $20. Please come by the shop, call, or email tim@bikesatvienna.com to reserve your spot. We ask that you pay in advance so we know for sure who is coming. No need to bring your bike, but if you have specific issues you'd like to ask about, you can bring it and I'll try to address them.

Also, I'm pondering options for more advanced classes, so if you have any ideas, or are interested in a more advance sort of class, drop me an email and let me know your thoughts.

New Pedal From Shimano

A number of our customers use the pedal on the left, the Shimano M324, or one of a a number of similar "clones" of this pedal. The reason for their popularity is that it gives you what many see as "the best of both worlds"... that is, a SPD style pedal on one side, with a variation on a more conventional "quill" pedal on the other. It's handy because you have the option of wearing your special bike shoes with cleats that click into the pedal, or regular shoes that just sit on the opposite side like a "normal" pedal.

Well, as I understand it, the M324 is being or has been discontinued by Shimano. Don't despair though, because they've introduced a new model, the A530, that I think is even better! Take a look at it in the picture to the right. You can see that the non-SPD side is a very different shape. This new pedal supports your foot with a large, cast aluminum platform, rather than the thin, wraparound steel cage of the M324. As a result, there's more surface area under your shoe, which is really nice if you are riding in a more flexible shoe. I did about 20+ miles today on a set, wearing a pair of Teva closed toe sandals, and they were wonderful! Much better support, and no sensation of the pedal "digging" into your foot. To top it all off, the M530 is lighter than the 324 as well. All in all, a great improvement to a great idea.

I'm trying to keep a few sets in stock at all times, but it's been tough... they seem to fly off the distributor's shelves the moment a new shipment arrives, so I'm guessing demand is high. It's such a nice pedal, I'm not surprised. Come on by and take a look sometime... I think you'll like them. I do!

Got Gas Pain?

Got Gas Pain?
Originally uploaded by bikes@vienna

With gasoline moving rapidly up in cost we are all financially pained by the increased expense. We are starting a "Got Gas Pains?" campaign to promote riding a bike or trike. Just a folding bike in the trunk of your car and a bit of planning would allow you to run your errands more economically.

At $5 per gallon of gasoline it does not take long to offset the purchase price of a folding bike. It is good for your health, it is good for your wallet, and it is good for the environment.

Luke's First Ride

First Ride
Originally uploaded by bikes@vienna

My nephew, Luke, and his father, Scott, have such nice smiles as they take their first ride on a Captain Duo. Luke is ten years old.

The Captain Duo is the perfect cycling machine for the two of them. Scott is interested in slimming down and getting Luke out to exercise. The three wheeled stability of the Captain Duo will allow them to ride together as Luke gets bigger and Scott gets smaller. The capability to set the pedaling contribution by Luke will allow for longer rides. Having Luke in the front allows for more oversight and conversations.

This photo would probably be better if there was more of the Captain Duo appearing. Yet the real story is in the smiles. Look at those smiles on father and son.

June 4th repair class re-scheduled!

Due to the storms and loss of power on Wednesday the 4th, I've re-scheduled the class for the 11th. Only three of the five folk originally scheduled can make it, so we have room for a couple more. If you are interested, call the shop or email me at tim@bikesatvienna.com. We request that you pay in advance, but we can handle that by phone if you'd like. The course starts at 7 pm, and runs until about 9 or 9:30, depending on how many questions come up. The fee is $36, which includes a toolkit that normally sells for $20.

Lose the Training Wheels

Lose the Training Wheels
Originally uploaded by bikes@vienna

This opportunity to volunteer is worthy of your consideration. Here is the description provided by the Park Authority:

The Fairfax County Park Authority is sponsoring a bike camp called Lose the Training Wheels (LTTW), a program where children with disabilities learn to ride a standard 2 wheel bicycle without training wheels. We will run this program for three weeks during the summer, July 14-18 2008, July 21-25 and July 28-August 1st. We are asking for your help. Please post the attached flier and registration form where they will get the most attention.

This is a life changing event that was a great success last year when we held the camp for one week. 32 of the 40 participants successfully learned to ride a standard bicycle without training wheels. This is a great volunteer opportunity for groups, families, and individuals. You can really make a difference in a child's life.

If you have any questions, please feel free to call or email me, 703-324-8641 and emily.house@fairfaxcounty.gov.

Coming Soon Catrike Villager

Coming Soon Catrike Villager
Originally uploaded by bikes@vienna

Catrike has introduced a new model. I have ordered one. This Villager mirrors an effort by several tadpole trike manufacturers to provide a simpler and lower priced model.

Here's how Catrike introduces the new model:

This is an affordable, user-friendly Catrike that anyone can ride. Based on strong demand, we have given it a higher seat, 20” wheels, a wider stance and incredible ground clearance. This is a true utilitarian vehicle that has many uses; ride it to the grocery store or out to dinner; it’s great for a picnic in the park, or ride it wherever you want to go. You will enjoy the scenery more than ever and discover the great joy of riding all over again.

The Villager’s 12.5” seat height allows you to get in and out with little effort; 5.5” ground clearance helps you negotiate speed bumps and curb transitions; stable 31” track; simple 9-speed drive train with quality components. This Cat is easy to ride and friendly for a first time buyer. And best of all, it’s affordable.

Human power is great for the future, but even better today.

Beautiful-Simple-Functional Catrike Villager priced at $1610 (the price is $1550 plus shipping).

A Stormy Wednesday at bikes@vienna

Well, yesterday I was at the shop, trying to get caught up on repair work. As most of you know, we had quite the series of storms during the afternoon. The power went out around 3:00pm, and hadn't come back on by the time I left at 8:00pm. As a result, we had to postpone the maintenance and repair class, and I got a lot less done than I had hoped. But I didn't let the weather completely thwart my efforts, as you can see in this clip:




Yep, that's one of those LED headlights I'm wearing. Handy little gadget!

Me and Bee

Me&Bee
Originally uploaded by bikes@vienna

For Viva! Vienna! Ces decorated a helmet using a bee stuffed toy and a fake sunflower. I wore the helmet in the bikes@vienna booth on Church Street to hand out flyers about our ViVa! Helmets contest. We had some delightful entries and the winner will be named tomorrow. I misplaced the down load cable from the digital camera until today so the process is taking longer than I anticipated.

I became a backyard beekeeper this spring after taking an eight week course sponsored by the Beekeeper Association of Northern Virginia (BANV). I now have two hives in the back yard and I am enjoying the experience very much. I would recommend the hobby to you. I have learned so much about bees.

You'd feel better on a bike

Well actually it's a trike, or rather three of them. An 86 year old mother and her 55 year old daughter have mostly stopped using their car and they now get around Carlsbad, California on their two single trikes and their trike tandem. Watch them in action. Hat tip to Adventure Cycling Bike Bits e-newsletter.

Bike To Work Day Thank Yous

Bike To Work Day 2008 was wet and given that fact it still was a success in my view. The downpour of rain during the earliest morning hours made me wonder if anyone would ride on Friday morning. At 5:30 on my way to the store and then to Whole Foods I noted the drizzle. But those determined cyclists started arriving at the Vienna Pit Stop a bit after 6:00 AM. During the next two and one half hours the stream of riders was steady and the water tailed off.

It was a good morning. Upbeat people riding bikes are inspiring. There were lots of volunteers helping with the distribution of t-shirts, the new Fairfax County bike maps, and W&OD water bottles. My thanks to Jeff, Larry, Jo, Marty, Anne, Tim, and Jeff.

Keren and the Whole Foods group kept the snacks, juice, water, and good strong coffee coming. Thank you so much Keren et al!

Keith Oberg was there from Bike For The World. We had a VDOT representative, a Tour de Cure representative, Barbara from PPTC, and Hunter from Fairfax Advocates for Better Bicycling. Once again Fairfax County Supervisor Linda Smyth joined us and listened to cyclist talk about what they believe needs to be done to improve cycling conditions in the county. Thank you to all of those people for joining in.

Fox 5 News chose the Vienna Pit Stop for their news coverage of Bike To Work Day. It added excitement to the morning as they did interviews and on the spot reports. A thank you to Fox 5 for giving the event coverage.

Over 6,000 riders registered for Bike To Work Day. Their motivation to ride is varied, but I always marvel at the emphasis that gets placed on the Bike To Work Day t-shirt. Thursday evening as I printed out the list of those registered for the Vienna Pit Stop I received a call at the store. It was a cyclist who wanted to know if he could get his t-shirt even though he would not be in town for the event. He was calling from Venezuela! He'd been there for business and his flight back to Washington had been cancelled so he would not get back in time for Bike To Work Day. A regular bike commuter, he had a collection of BTWD t-shirts and he did not want to break the string. I like it.

What ever the reason........$3.96 a gallon fuel, endorphins, or a Bike To Work t-shirt; I hope you can find a way to ride your bike to work, to school, to the store, or around the block because it is good for you.

More Dahons have arrived

We had 31 additional Dahons arrive last Thursday and Friday. We now have Ciaos, Glide P8, Mu 24, Mariner, and Vittesse models added to what we have in the store. I probably did not order enough Glide P8s. Two sold immediately because of the great ride and terrific looks. The saddle and grips with a leather look and the deep root beer color of the frame make quite an impression.

Folding bikes continue to sell briskly. This would be a good year to purchase your folder. I am already hearing conversations about big increases in folding bike costs in 2009. Come test ride a folder.

Do you sell tandems?

Oh yes, but we are not conventional in our tandems (just like we're not conventional in our other bikes).

What tandems do we have in the store?

Barcroft Columbia (recumbent)
Hase Pino (Mixed upright and recumbent)
Bike Friday Family Tandem (take apart bike)
Kidz Tandem from Brown Cycles (Upright with child in front)
Rans Dynamik Duo (Crank Forward)
Rans Screamer (Recumbent)
EZ-1 Side by Side Tandem (recumbents connected side by side)
EZ-3 SX Trikes connected in Tandem (recumbent delta trikes connected in series)
EZ-3 USX Trikes connected in Tandem (recumbent delta trikes connected in series)
Hase Kett Trikes connected in Tandem (recumbent delta trikes connected in series)
Draisin Plus (wheelchair and upright)
Draisin Captain Duo (upright riders on trike)
Draisin Twister (Side by side recumbent riders on trike)

Do we have road or mountain style tandems, nope.

Next......Hase at bikes@vienna

Today I have a broad range of Hase products in the store. Hase manufactures very nice trikes, tandems, singles, and a kid's trailing device that will turn into a sporty trike.

On this date I have:

1 Pino Tour w/Double Kickstand

3 Kettwiesels with 27 speeds

1 Kettwiesel Handcrank

1 Lepus

1 Trets Trailer

I sold the Tangun on Friday. I have ordered a replacement.

I have these high quality German bikes and trikes for you to test and purchase.

Do you have Dahons in the store?

We get lots of phone calls. I kid that it is because a human answers the phone here most of the time.

A reoccurring call involves whether we have certain products. For example, people call and say that they see we are a Dahon dealer. I confirm that and then they go on to ask if we have any in the store. It seems that they have called or visited other stores to find that while those stores are dealers there are not any or many models to see and test.

Sooooooooo I thought some blog entries might be helpful for our prospective customers. We have many, many Dahons. As of this date we have:

06 Dahon Hammerhead 1

07 Dahon Curve D3 7
07 Dahon Speed D7 1
07 Dahon Mu P8 1
07 Dahon Expresso 18" 9
07 Dahon Cadenza 18" 1

08 Dahon Speed D7 8
08 Dahon Speed P8 4
08 Dahon Mu P8 6
08 Dahon Expresso 16"/18"/20" 15

We have Dahons in transit (Ciaos). We have an extensive pre-season order that is being filled by Dahon as their containers of bikes arrive in California.

That's the Dahon news for today.

Recumbent Blog retires

The Recumbent Blog has been an excellent resource for recumbent enthusiasts since 2005. Alan Barnard maintained the commercial-free site, providing many excellent bike and accessory reviews, photos, and recumbent tidbits. It was one of the few bike blogs that I checked on a regular basis.

Alan's focus had changed from writing about recumbents to writing about bicycle transportation when he began using his bikes for his daily commute and for local trips.

You may have noticed that an increasing number of my posts fall outside the realm of what would be considered appropriate for a “recumbent blog”. As my focus has moved away from recreational cycling toward transportational and utility cycling, my interests have also grown to include bikes other than recumbents. This is a good thing, but I sometimes feel as if I'm doing my readers a disservice by veering off the advertised topic too often. So, at some point in the not too distant future, I'll be starting a new blog with a broader focus that encompasses any and all topics related to using bicycles for transportation. The new blog will continue to celebrate the beauty and elegance of bicycles, as well as the joys of bike riding, while simultaneously focusing on bicycles as instruments of change; in my view, these are not mutually exclusive concepts.

We look forward to reading his new blog and we suspect it will continue to include many entries about recumbents. What better bike to use for transportation cycling. We use ours for our daily commute to work, to get groceries with our trailer, and for touring and recreational rides. We just happen to like to be comfortable while riding. We'll miss The Recumbent Blog.

A success in organizing an event

As a community business I get lots of opportunities to donate money or products. I appreciate it when I receive a follow up thank you letter like this one. I really appreciate it when the organizers are wise and achieve the kind of success that tripling the number of elementary school students participating represents. Wow, an increase from 46 to 131 is remarkable. FANTASTIC!

Dear John,

I am writing to you to thank Bikes @ Vienna for their support of the 4th Annual Vienna Elementary Run for Fun that was held on Sunday, April 27th 2008.

Our event this year was the biggest yet, registering over 550 runners and exceeding the fundraising goals for our school. Our sponsors have greatly contributed to the success of The Run for Fun by supporting our efforts with generous donations of products, services and money. We truly appreciate our local sponsors and the individual support of people like you, whose time, generosity and community spirit go the extra mile.

This year we made a push to get more elementary students to run the race. We began in the fall with a weekly before school fitness program. Throughout the spring we offered weekly training runs and the physical education curriculum put extra emphasis on the 5K. As a result, 131 elementary students (compared to 46 last year) completed the 5K and each one received a medal for their efforts.

By sponsoring, you become a catalyst for our mission, to prioritize physical fitness and encourage kids in motion. This run, while providing motivation to adhere to a healthy lifestyle and improve general fitness, also funds many activities and improvements for our school. We appreciate your support and are grateful to live in a community that encourages fitness. We also hope that you feel it was a valuable promotion of your business and hope that you will consider sponsoring our 5th annual race next year, Sunday April 26th 2009.

Sincerely,

Laura Goyer
PTA President
Vienna Elementary School
128 Center Street, S.
Vienna, VA 22180

Vienna Map with possible routes for travel to the W&OD

ViennaBikeRoutes9-26
Originally uploaded by bikes@vienna

This map is part of the Fairfax County Bike Map effort. Charlie Strunk, Fairfax County Bike Co-ordinator, and I talked with the Vienna Town Council about the County's Map project last September. It was a good discussion with the Council members making suggestions which Charlie incorporated into the map shown.

In attempting Fairfax County's first bicycle map Charlie Strunk has faced a wide range of challenges. This is a huge county. The traffic congestion is daunting. There are political sensitivities to be considered and accommodated. Charlie is doing wonderful work.

I present this map to you as a map that shows how a person might wish to travel in Vienna to get to the W&OD Trail.

ViVa! Helmets! bikes@vienna's contest

IMG_0663
Originally uploaded by bikes@vienna

bikes@vienna celebrates a 10th anniversary in May. We opened days before ViVa! Vienna! in 1998 and by golly, we're still doing business.

Now I'm a low key celebrator, but we need to do something fun to observe this anniversary. In 1978 I rode a day of RAGBRAI (Register's Annual Great Bicycle Ride Across Iowa) from Iowa City to Maquoketa. I noted a family with three children who had decorated their helmets with colorful nerf toys shaped like cars, trains, airplanes, and ships. This distinctive headgear allowed family members to spot each other in the crowd of riders.

In recent years as I've ridden on RAGBRAI I've noticed that the decorating of helmets is the norm. In 2003 I came across the guy with the Starship Enterprise displayed atop his helmet day after day. The teams decorate not only their helmets, but they many times wear costumes especially on the last day of the ride.

Easter Sunday we went to Richmond to visit my son, daughter-in-law, and grandson. They took us to the Richmond Easter Parade on Memorial Avenue. The Easter hats were everywhere with colors, shapes, and forms. Sooooooooo these experiences resulted in the idea for this contest...... ViVa! Helmets!

Our booth (#116) at ViVa! Vienna! will be where to wear your decorated helmet to enter our 10th Anniversary Contest. We'll take a couple of photos of you and your helmet. The photos will be the basis for a panel of judges to select winners for a new folding bike, a new youth bike, weekend rental of a recumbent tandem, weekend rental of a Kidz Tandem, and several free bicycle tune-ups. Our categories will be Youth, Adult, Couples, Parent and Child, plus Pet and Owner.

Now my photo here is not a prize winner, but something to get you thinking. Yes, that is a little Chocolate Labrador dolly on top of my helmet. Java, the Chocolate Lab, is such a part of my days that it made sense.

The idea is to have fun and promote safety. The decorations need to be light weight and flexible. Entries which use wood, metal, or items which would do harm if your helmet has to do its duty will not be considered for prizes.

Have your ideas started forming yet? ViVa! Helmets!

Coming Soon! GT-1

gt1 full shot b
Originally uploaded by bikes@vienna

This is a message from Mick Sims of Greenspeed.

There have been leaks and rumours for a while that Greenspeed was releasing a “cheaper” trike and we would like to squash those rumours! We don’t feel like we’ve created a cheaper trike at all, what we have created is the ultimate commuting trike. From the outset what we wanted to create was a hassle-free trike for commuters and ‘returning’ cyclists. Like the great new commuting bikes coming out with internal hubs and brakes we thought, ‘how easy would this be to incorporate into a trike’.



Appeal for this trike was two fold:

One was for your everyday commuter needs for a solid care-free machine that wouldn’t take up much of your time in maintenance. We understand that you as a commuter needs to rely on your trike day in and day out and with out getting grease on your hands. The second was for you who wanted a simpler or more integrated trike. Incorporating internal gears for the use of a single shifter, and internal brakes and single front ring, the gt1 is a very functional trike packed into a sleek looking design. But let’s face it, a reliable trike is going to appeal to all but the most touring or sports minded trike riders.



We started with the tried and true gt-series II frame; hand made from air craft grade Cromoly tubing, for light weight reliability, and a ride that isn’t going to shatter teeth. In that package you get all the gt-series II features of NSR steering for no brake steer and a smooth road feel, up-dated chain management and the alloy crank extension with adjustment markers. We stuck with the 16” wheels for their light, zippy feel and fast take off combined with high strength/weight ratio and their ability to transfer less stress to the frame under cornering loads.



As has always been our goal at Greenspeed, we feel such a worthy trike is really going to get people thinking more about human power. Oh yes, and by the way, this trike has a suggested retail of 2350USD. Although this is a new price point for Greenspeed, we feel it is more than worthy to carry our name along with its ‘derailleured’ brethren. Please take a test ride and see for yourself.



Full spec as follows:



Model gt1

Colours Deep Metallic Red w/ safety yellow seat

Frame Hand made cromoly 4130 main frame and seat

Alloy crank extension (no post, w/ light tag and adj. markers)

Folding Removable seat and folding mech.



Sizing Standard 41-49” x-seam

Small 37-45” x-seam



Steering. Linkage USS ‘NSR steering’. Bars with width and fore/aft adj.

Seat. Cromoly/Mesh 40dg with lumbar and shoulder curves



Track width 29.5” / 750mm

Wheel base 39” / 975mm

Seat height 9.75” / 250mm



Wheels 16 x 1-1/2” 40-349 Hand built w/ Jetset rims, SS spokes and Scorcher tyres

Brakes Sturmey Archer cable act. Drum brakes w/Promax locking levers

Cranks Driveline 170mm (std) 155mm (sm) fitted with 2 chain guards

Gears Shimano Nexus 8speed 25 - 78 g”s

Fitted extras Rear mudguard and flag



Build Options Schlumpf drive. (speed drive expands range to 22-113g”s)

Accessories All Greenspeed tadpole accessories, along with a myriad of other manufacturers’ accessories

W&OD Trail Patrol Seeks New Members

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.



Four orientation sessions are already scheduled for 2008: The first will be held on Thursday, April 17 in Alexandria from 7 to 9 pm, the second will be held on Saturday, April 26 in the Ashburn Library from 2 to 4 pm. The third will be at the Raflo Park in Leesburg on Saturday, May 3 from 2 to 4 pm and the forth will be Saturday, May 17 at the Vienna Community Center from 10 am to noon.



For further information and signup please contact John Boone at 703-726-6993 or jmboone1@verizon.net.

It is a wonderful gift.

ViennaComm 20080404 Flyer
Originally uploaded by bikes@vienna

Seems like this blog has become a community billboard recently, but there is lots going on. The displayed flyer is for the blood drive scheduled for Friday, April 4th at the Vienna Community Building.

I give blood every two months. It is good, rich blood laced with plenty of fat. It takes about 45 minutes. I feel good about my donation.

My appointment is late in the morning. Join me for orange juice and Fig Newtons when we're finished.

9th Annual Providence District Environmental Fair

9th Annual Providence District Environmental Fair links
Originally uploaded by bikes@vienna

bikes@vienna gets all kinds of opportunities to make donations of goods and services. This Saturday is the Providence District Environmental Fair and we'll be there providing some basic bicycle repair and evaluations. While this is an event close to our core values it is also a way to say thank you to Providence District Supervisor Linda Smyth. Supervisor Symth continues to be a supporter of improving conditions for biking in Fairfax County. Each Bike To Work Day she comes early in the morning to the Vienna Pit Stop to talk to cyclists. Her support for creating the Fairfax County Bike Coordinator position, researching and publishing the new Fairfax bicycle map, and efforts to improve bike parking in commercial areas are reasons that she is appreciated.

This fair is Saturday from 9 to 12 at Fairhill School. It looks like an interesting event. I'd suggest that it would be a good opportunity to say thank you to Supervisor Symth for what she does for cycling and the environment. That is the reason that bikes@vienna will be there.

Yoga For Cyclists

Yoga For Cyclists
Originally uploaded by bikes@vienna

My friend, Luann Fulbright, is a wonderful yoga instructor. I've taken classes from her for several years. Tim Fricker is now enrolled in her classes. During a recent visit by her to bikes@vienna we got talking about a yoga class that would help prepare individuals for the cycling season. The result was Luann setting up a series of four classes to be taught on Sunday afternoons during April at her studio. bikes@vienna is co-sponsoring the classes.

Please click on the flyer and learn more about these classes. I think you will both enjoy and benefit from Luann's instruction.

BTWD is Friday, May 16th

BTWD Rack Card
Originally uploaded by bikes@vienna

This is a request ............ go to your calendar and mark Friday, May 16 and Friday, May 9. May 16 is Bike To Work Day. May 9 is the last day you can register for BTWD and if you are one of the first 7,000 riders be eligible to receive the prestigious BTWD T-shirt.

Big red circles on those days because this is going to be a noteworthy day for the Vienna Pit Stop. My plans are to expand the size of the event. I go to Spokes this afternoon to talk with Jeff Palmer about their participation this year. My Whole Foods partner, Ann Biesel, is going to the Alexandria Whole Foods so there will be a new Whole Foods person with which to work this year.

You mark your calendar. I'm going to get working.

EZ-3 SX Connected

EZ-3 SX Connected
Originally uploaded by bikes@vienna

Al Tyre and Jae Im are shown on a set of EZ-3 SX connected with a Van-Guard Manufacturing connector. Consider that the trikes can be pedaled and braked independently. Yes, the rider in front (captain) is doing the steering, but the rider in the rear (stoker) controls their own resistance, cadence, and some braking.

The cost of the trikes and connector is $2135. That brakes down as $980 per trike and $175 for the connector. This is based on costs as of 3.1.08. Sun Cycles is preparing to increase their price for the EZ-3 SX trike

Click on this photo to go to photos on Flickr.com which will show the connector more clearly.

EZ-1s set up as a Socialable Tandem

Socialable EZ-1
Originally uploaded by bikes@vienna

In an effort to find more opportunities for people to enjoy cycling together bikes@vienna has brought in the socialable tandem kit from Black Bird Manufacturing. As you can see in the photo........take two EZ-1 recumbents and add the connector kit which hooks the frames together, synchronizes the steering, and creates a platform between the bikes.

This configuration has so many potentials. The seats on the EZ-1s slide along the frame of the bike so an individual 6'4" and an individual much, much shorter can ride together. The pedaling is independent so riders of different strengths and stamina can enjoy riding together. Can there be wrestling over the steering, yes there can. This unit promotes socialability.

bikes@vienna sells the EZ-1 recumbent for $680. The kit adds $750 to the cost. Let's just call the cost $2050.

Spring hours begin March 20

Oooooooh, am I ready for Spring. Beginning Thursday, March 20th bikes@vienna will return to being open on Tuesday and lengthen hours to be open until 7 PM except Wednesday and Sunday. Wednesday we will continue to be closed. Sunday we will close at 5 PM. So here is the schedule beginning March 20th:

Mon, Tues, Thurs, Fri, Sat 10 AM to 7 PM
Sunday 10 AM to 5 PM
Wednesday Closed

As always, we will be happy to open earlier or close later by appointment.

In Praise of Fenders (aka Mudguards)

If you come by our shop, most days you'll see one of my bikes sitting out front, since I ride in most of the time. Folks that know me and know my bikes can pick them out by a couple of key features, one of which is the fact that most of my bikes have fenders on them. In this region, that sets my bikes apart from the vast majority of bikes, since folks here generally shy away from fenders. So why do I buck the prevailing style? It's not simply curmudgeonly behavior... there's a practical reason.

Take a look at my Bridgestone to the left there. Look closely at the tires and the inside of the fender and especially the black mudflap at the bottom. Notice the plethora of mud caked on the tire on the inside of the fender/mudflap? That's the accumulated goo from two recent rides on the C&O Canal after rainfall. What you don't see is any appreciable gunk on the rest of the bike, or on me, after the ride. In marked contrast, on both rides I saw a number of other folk riding bikes without fenders who had amazing mud streaks up their backs.

Aside from the forays on the towpath, one of the things I enjoy about having fenders on most of my bikes is that I never have to think about whether or not it's going to rain... I'm always prepared. It makes my bikes ready to go any time, any place... in other words, versatile. And honestly, they don't add significant weight or air resistance or anything like that. Sure, you probably wouldn't put them on a high end carbon racing bike (you probably can't fit them anyway), but on many other bikes they are a great feature.

I used to think in terms of having a "rain bike"... now I suppose I have a couple of "sun bikes"... the few without fenders that I only ride when I'm reasonably sure the weather is clear, while most of my bikes are fendered. It just makes it easier to have fun on my bikes. So give some thought to adding them to your bike... I don't think you'll regret it, and you may very well find it helps you get out on your bike more often, and that's always good!

Molly Raymond in the Inside BIS quarterly newsletter

Molly - BIS Newsletter0002
Originally uploaded by bikes@vienna

This weekend I was given a story about Molly Raymond who purchased an EZ-3 trike from bikes@vienna late last year. It is such an inspirational item that I want to share it with you. I contacted Mike and Molly Raymond to get a copy of the profile that appeared in Inside BIS which is the quarterly newsletter of Brain Injury Services, Inc.

Molly sent me this note which tells you more about her level of energy and how much she is enjoying the trike:

"hi john,
i dont mind if you use my story and photo. i am soooo enjoying the bike. freedom!! i used to ride a mountain bike 5-15 miles sometimes everyday for many years. so not being able to ride for the last 3 years -and then now. feels so great. my Physical Therapist is thrilled and says i am getting stronger. they have my photo up in their practice. my Neurologist is thrilled too and has the photo and gave both of them your web site. i gets lots of questions as i drive around the area with it on the back of my car. everyone wants to know where i got it so i tell them. one of the ladies at my church just this am -has a disabled daughter-she said in their special school one of the older kids was wanting one-the mom had looked into it and they were the real expensive ones-so she took down your number and website off my bike and will share it with the school this week.

attached is my photo.

thanks,
molly raymond"

Molly inspires me. I hope you will enjoy reading about her progress. Click on the article to gain a larger sized image and then click again where it says "All sizes" for an even larger text.

Our Change in 2008

Our Change in 2008
Originally uploaded by bikes@vienna

n 2008 bikes@vienna is moving away from selling conventional bikes. For an extended time we have not stocked road bikes and had just a few entry level mountain bikes. Our offerings have included hybrids and comfort bikes.

Our forte has been recumbents, tricycles, tandems, and folding bikes. I've decided to take us more that direction. Through several sales we will sell our more conventional bikes and end having those models in the store.

The rental program will also change. Rental bikes have always been a way for customers to test their interest in cycling and a way for us to sell bikes. The plan is for that idea to continue, but that means we will not rent hybrids this year. The yellow Fusion shown in the photo will be our most available rental bike. These crank forward bikes are very comfortable and I hope will provide hours of enjoyment on the W&OD Trail. Forgive me for pounding on this point, but we are NOT renting road, mountain, hybrid, single speed, cruisers, or ten speeds.

This shift in bicycles available for sale will prompt people to ask if we will do service work on all types of models and the answer is YES. We will continue to do repairs on all types of bikes and we will honor our commitment for "Continuing Care" for the bikes that we have sold regardless of style.

2008 is bikes@vienna's 10th year in business. We are moving towards "All Ability Cycling". This is an exciting change in a year when the word "change" holds hope for many people.

Live from Portland!

Tim here, coming to you from Portland, Oregon, at the North American Handbuilt Bicycle Show.

To the left here you see one of many amazing limited production bicycles at the show.  You're not seeing things... it's made of wood!  I don't recall the specific species of wood, but it's from Brazil, and I'm told it's being harvested sustainably.  It's from a company called Renovo Hardwood Bicycles, and it looks really lovely.  And they had one of their bikes hanging from a scale to show that it weighs in at just under 18 pounds!

This is just one of many very cool bikes I've seen so far at the show.  Many of the builders are working in steel, which is the material I am gearing up to work with myself.  There are a surprising number of small framebuilding outfits springing up around the country these days, and several of the "grand old names" in the business are still actively building, like Richard

 Sachs, Peter Weigle, Brian Bayliss and Bruce Gordon, who are all at the show.  In addition, there are a number of companies showing framebuilding equipment, which is of particular interest to me.  I got to meet Joe Bringheli, who built the jigs that I recently bought, as well as Hank Folson of Henry James Bicycles, who manufacture some of the most popular and well designed fixtures in the industry.  I had a really enjoyable chat with him at his booth today... a fascinating and very nice guy.

Finally, to the right here is a City Bike from Pereira Cycles, here in Portland.  He (Tony P.) builds some truly lovely bikes in steel.  He won awards at this show last year in three different categories, and I can see why.  Amazing work.

New at bikes@vienna.....Hase Tagun

I'll get a photo to go with this item.

James Anderson has been working this winter at bikes@vienna. Yesterday James assembled the first Hase Tagun that we've had come into the store. The Tagun has underseat steering, rear suspension, and it folds to fit more compactly in your vehicle or on Metro. James was out riding the Tagun in the parking lot and it was obvious that he was enjoying the bike so I suggested that he write a paragraph about his view of the Tagun.

Here's James' view:

Just wanted to write and express my thoughts on riding the Tagun I just built. Oh! What fun it is to ride! I know you asked me to keep the hyperbole to a minimum but I might have a really hard time. The highlights: A long wheelbase that feels like a short one, the SRAM dual drive gearing felt like the perfect set of ratios for the bike, I mean low down and dirty for the climbs and woah! widen that baby out and you're flying man! The motorcycle-esque-brake setup was ideal and sensible in a bike like this. I really liked the low center of gravity, It made all the crazy Hase promotional material (you know X-games style riding) seem like a great idea! Responsive all around. You know I'm pretty much an out and out road frame guy but this bike was nimble and quick reminding me of my super-lean Raleigh Supercourse.. Just fun, fun fun. Like the HP Veloteknik Street Machine fun, only more primal. The Street Machine feels like a leather lined BMW, the Tagun is like a Porshe.

James

I think this tells you a little about the Tagun and a little about James.

Your opinion..... Which icon suggests "recumbent"?

Iconbent
Originally uploaded by bikes@vienna

I would like your opinion. The adjacent graphics are meant to be icons suggesting a recumbent bike. Although there are four examples you'll note that the two at the top are the same shapes and the two on the bottom are the same shapes with the difference being the a positive or a negative.

Be part of my focus group, please and tell me which better symbolizes a recumbent bike in your opinion. Send me an email at john@bikesatvienna.com.

In the near future I will be asking about icons depicting the other styles of bikes in which we specialize. Yes, this is our tenth anniversary and I'm working on a new look.

Rans Dynamik Duo on order

08Dynamik Duo
Originally uploaded by bikes@vienna

I have struggled with the issue of "upright" tandems since we lost Burley as a supplier. I used a good deal of my time at InterBike investigating available tandems.

I keep coming back to the Rans Dynamik Duo. Our success last year in selling Crank Forward models has continued in 2008. People like the Crank Forward models. They are a wonderful combination of comfort and performance.

So Monday I ordered a Dynamik Duo. If you are interested in a tandem then I'd like for you to click on the adjacent fact sheet and read through it. We should have the Corvette red Dynamik Duo here late in February. Could it be a belated Valentine for the one you love?

VTRCC's March 1st Casino Night

CasinoNightPoster
Originally uploaded by bikes@vienna

The Vienna-Tysons Regional Chamber of Commerce will hold their fifteenth Casino Night on Saturday, March 1. The site is the Westwood Country Club which is on the east edge of Vienna on Router 123. This is an enjoyable event which bikes@vienna supports with certificates for bike rentals.

Click on the adjacent poster for more information about the event.

In Praise of Dynamo Wheels

What you are looking at is the front end of my '93 Bridgestone XO-2, which I frequently use for commuting. While most of the bike is original, one big change I made was installing a dynamo (generator) hub on the front wheel, and a light to go with it. Specifically, the hub is from Shimano and the light is from a German company, Busch & Mueller. In a nutshell, the spinning wheel sends electricity to the light, thus negating the need for batteries. The advantage of the hub dynamo over the older style tire-driven style you may remember from days gone by, is that the mechanism is impervious to weather and requires no adjustment. The tire-drive units are prone to slippage, especially in the rain, are noisy, and less efficient than the dynohub.

Now, some of you are saying "but the light goes off when you stop moving, doesn't it?" Well, the more observant might notice that the light is glowing (hard to tell in daylight) with the bike sitting still in this picture. That's because the light has a capacitor that charges while you ride, which powers an LED which comes on when you stop. Not all dyno lights have that, but it's a nice feature.

So, how much does this all cost? I knew you'd ask. Since it involves a new hub and building a wheel, it's true, it's not cheap. However, it's not out of line with other high quality lighting systems. Assuming you start from scratch, and have us build you a whole new wheel around the hub, you're looking at around $250 or so as a starting point. This gets you the high end Shimano hub, new double butted spokes, and a good quality, strong rim, as well as a dynamo headlight. Depending on specific options you choose, it could be a little lower perhaps, or higher. But a good investment for the long run. I can just hop on the bike and know I've got light without having to worry about batteries being dead or forgetting my light altogether.

Come on in and talk to me (Tim) about your options if you're interested. We have a demo wheel built up for you to look at and a couple of bikes in the shop that come with a dynohub stock. And there's a good chance that one of my 3 dynohub equipped bikes will be around.

Fun in the Service Area

Winter is a relatively slow time in the service area here at bikes@vienna, since many folks aren't riding their bikes much. On the other hand, because they aren't riding as much, we do get a few people who bring in bikes that are sometimes longer-term, more involved projects for us. While they are a lot of work, they can also often be among the more fun projects I tackle here.

A good example of that is the bike you see to the left. It's a 1980s Alpine, a brand of bicycle made and sold right in the DC area back in the day. This one came in needing some serious TLC. The owner loved the bike and rode the heck out of it in days gone by, but over time his riding fell off, and the bike sat for a long time. He's back on bikes again, zooming around on a Rans "crank forward" design... but he really wanted his old friend back in riding form, so he brought it in to us. I have an affinity for classic steel road bikes, so this one appealed to me immediately, especially with the idea of "reconnecting" the owner with the bike he had enjoyed so much in the past.

It took a LOT of time and work and care, but it was worth every second of it when I saw the look on the owner's face after his first loop around the parking lot on the bike. Based on discussions with him, I had put a set of "butterfly" bars on the bike, and a new stem, to raise his hands up compared to the position on the old drop bars, and that seems to have really worked out well. A really fun project, and I'm looking forward to hearing more from the owner about his re-discovery and enjoyment of his bike.

Funny thing is, around the same time this bike came in, another fella brought in a '73 Motobecane Grand Jubilee, a really nice bike of the era, with a very similar story. Again, it was so much fun to work on the bike, and most of all to see the owner's face when he rode it after it was finished. It really gives me a lot of joy to help connect or re-connect folks with the joy of riding a fine bike.

Fairfax County Bike Map

SharingIdeas
Originally uploaded by bikes@vienna

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.

Five Boro Tour is 94 days away

5Boro
Originally uploaded by bikes@vienna

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

Bike Map Meetings on January 29 -30

BikePubMtg022008
Originally uploaded by bikes@vienna

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.

Basil Rear Basket Pet Transporter

RearBasket
Originally uploaded by bikes@vienna

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.

Basil Front Basket Pet Transporter

James&Basket
Originally uploaded by bikes@vienna

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.

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.

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.

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.

Duplex on Prius

Duplex_on_Prius_s_20070525
Originally uploaded by bikes@vienna

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.

Jeanette Jay TV Show

JeanetteJay
Originally uploaded by bikes@vienna

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,

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.

$50 buys this Trek Folding Bike Bag

$50 buys this Trek Folding Bike Bag
Originally uploaded by bikes@vienna

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

Draisin Plus at WCD

WCDPlus
Originally uploaded by bikes@vienna

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.

????? 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.

Bikes for The Holidays

Bikes
Originally uploaded by bikes@vienna

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.

Holiday Stroll set for Monday, November 26th

Stroll001
Originally uploaded by bikes@vienna

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.

Cy and the KidzTandem

CyKidzTandem
Originally uploaded by bikes@vienna

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.