Brommie Yummie

Folks gathering for the ride!

Jeff Heil helping us be better

I snapped this photo of Jeff Heil on Friday morning.  Jeff is working at bikes@vienna three days a week (can you see that logo on his bandana?).  Note his W&OD Trail Patrol jersey because he volunteers to help with the trail patrol. Jeff writes articles for Spokes Magazine.  He has a blog you can visit http://yellowbiketales.blogspot.com  It is a joy to have Jeff helping us in the store.

A Terrific Bike To Work Day

It was a day of sunshine, smiles, and miles of pedaling as cyclist throughout the Washington Metropolitan region made their way to work by bike and trike.  In Vienna there were 350 riders registered.  For the second year the Vienna Pit Stop was held at the Town Green.  Whole Foods provided beverages and bananas.  Spokes Etc had a number of employees helping and again Jeff Palmer of Spokes was the Pit Stop Manager.  Tim Fricker and I plus Hunter McCleary of Fairfax Advocates for Better Bicycling had the good duty of handing out the coveted BTWD t-shirts.

As someone wondered aloud ......... why can't we do this several times a year?

From left to right, Jeff Palmer of Spokes Etc, Cathy Salgado, Director of Parks and Recreation for the Town of Vienna, and Tim Fricker of bikes@vienna.

Riders waiting for the crossing light at Maple Ave. The traffic on the W&OD Trail was busy most of the morning.

Our customer on the Catrike Expedition waved just as I snapped the photo.  His arm is hidden by the bollard.  The impression is that the bollard is topped with a realistic looking hand.

Coming Up This Week

Jeff Anderson has signs up in the Wolftrap Elementary area as he
promotes cycling and walking to school. We took event bike rack to
the school to support their bicycle school bus on Wednesday.

If you have an activity which could promote better health through
cycling and you need bike racks ........call us

New Dahon Expresso

On Friday we received a new Baltic Blue Dahon Expresso. It has an
impressive list of upgrades from last year. On the improved list are
the Big Apple tires, Altus rear dérailleur, plusher saddle, MRX
shifters, and now magnets to hold the bike when it is folded. You
should come test ride it.

May 8th Plant Sale/Ride There

A visit to the store or following this blog tells you that we are interested in the health of Mother Nature.  An example is the sugar snap peas growing in the large green pots put in front of the store.  Yes, yes, we do like to graze on the fruit of the plants as we watch customers test ride bikes and trikes.

The Ayr Hill Garden Club will hold their Plant Sale on Saturday, May 8th.  It is a wonderful opportunity for you to purchase local plants.  We have a suggestion for you.  You need to get there early.  Saturday mornings are the Vienna Farmers Market in that same area.  We set out the bike racks for the Farmers Market and we'll provide bike racks for the Plant Sale.  So riding your bike is a good thing.   If you must drive then come park in our lot and walk or ride your bike the block and a half to the activities.

How about coming to see us this weekend to buy a basket or pannier so you are ready for this season of Farmers Markets?

TerraTrike Rover Announcement Spreads Excitement

Today's announcement from TerraTrike of the 3 speed ($799) and 8 speed ($999) Rovers has the trike enthusiasts communicating on the web this morning.  This trike seems to fit a need for individuals interested in a tadpole trike and a lower cost.  With the raised seat it solves problems for people like me with bad knees who are challenged by getting up from many tadpoles.

You can read a review about the Rover at bentRider on line.  Just click on 'BentRider

bikes@vienna has Rovers on order.  The last report was that the trikes would arrive in mid May.

Even Greater Comfort for a Carbon Seat

Our customer, Dave Krovetz, sought even more comfort for his
recumbent. He contacted the folks at Alaska Leather and they custom
produced a sheepskin seat cover. Actually they produced a couple.
Dave sent me one and so I'm mugging with it. soooooofffffffffttttt.

Advertising in the Georgetowner Newspaper

Today the Georgetowner Newspaper is being distributed with a quarter page ad featuring our folding bikes.  This ad shows a Brompton in Apple Green.  We chose this color Brompton for two reasons; it's a good color for Spring and we just got a P Model 6 Speed in Apple Green  to sell.

The Brompton compact fold and the rear suspension on the Brompton bikes makes it a good choice for folks living in Georgetown.  The bike will fit in the back of a vehicle, in a closet, or behind the couch for storage.  It can be used as a cart for shopping trips to the grocery as our own Tim Fricker does when he goes to Whole Foods.  It is quick and makes trips to Metro stations at Foggy Bottom or Rosslyn easier.  Why hail a cab when you can zip across town on your bike?

We've been spacing our orders of Bromptons to have "fresh" models for you to consider.  Come see us.  If you're coming from Georgetown ride Metro to Vienna Station.  Use your cell phone to call us when you reach East Falls Church and we'll pick you up Thursdays through Monday.

More information about the positive impact of cycling on Parkinsons patients

The New York Times on March 31 published an article on a study being done with Parkinsons patients and cycling.  It is worth reading.  Please go to: http://www.nytimes.com/2010/04/01/health/01parkinsons.html

We're the ViVa! Vienna! Comfort Station Sponsor

bikes@vienna is again a sponsor for ViVa! Vienna!, the community festival held over the Memorial Day Weekend.  For the last couple of years I have been trying to get the ViVa! organizers in the Rotary Club to let me sponsor the "Comfort Stations".  Cyclists who have participated in rides know about porta potties and we appreciate the ones that are clean and well stocked with toilet paper.

Each year on RAGBRAI there will be a town which has decorated their porta potties.  Creativity seems to be sparked by restrooms.  Several years ago one community had a crew of uniformed cleaners who tracked how many times a facility was used and on the tenth use a cleaner freshened the structure.

bikes@vienna specializes in cycling equipment that allows cyclist to be comfortable as they enjoy riding their bike or trike.  We are the proud sponsor of the ViVa! Vienna! Comfort Stations.

I survived!

Tired but smiling! I placed well down in the middle of the pack, around 34 out of I think about 70-80 riders. Tom finished well ahead of me at 18! You know what that means.... next year, a rematch!

Ollie Brock with the BUSC shirt

Ollie is a customer and owner of two Bromptons, and finished in the top ten, at number 8!

Tom and Newton after the race!

All that exploring and discovering new sights, sounds and smell just wore the poor guy out... Newton the Lab, of course. Tom is just basking in his very respectable finish at number 18!

Tom at bike start point

We run, unfold, run to start line, and ride.

Race number in place!

Waiting for start.

"Brocky" with bike

"Brocky", AKA Steve Huang

I thought, what with the whole Rocky/Philadelphia connection, he'd be a shoe-in for Best Dressed Male. Alas, that title eluded Steve, going instead to a trio of guys in plastic top hats, velvet jackets and shiny silver pants.

Waiting for registration

Gathering for Brommie Promenade

Tim and Tom in Philly

Tim Fricker and Tom Fritz are on their way to Philadelphia to race

Dear Brompton Owner   Tomorrow, Saturday March 20th, Philadelphia will be the first US city to host the Brompton US Championship.   There are still some spaces available and registration will be open till noon on race day, near Memorial Hall in West Fairmount Park, Philadelphia, as part of the Philly Phlyer collegiate bike race. Race start time is 1 p.m. Like the U.K. race which inspired it, the Philadelphia event will feature a Le Mans running start and have a strict dress code: helmets are a must, but so is a blazer or suit jacket, collared shirt and tie. Sports attire is not permitted, unless it is hidden by business garb. Hardcore racers may wear their clip-ins—there are no restrictions on footwear. This first Philadelphia race will be a U.S. Cycling Federation-listed event and spectators can expect to see just how fast these little British bikes can go. Brompton is sponsoring the U.S. event—and will bring America’s quickest Brompton riders to the Brompton World Championships this October. The winning man and woman in the Philadelphia races will get their plane tickets—and entry fees--covered by Brompton. The U.S. event will run a single, 6-mile lap starting near Memorial Hall in West Fairmount Park. In addition to the trip to the Brompton World Championship that awaits the top man and woman, there will also be prizes for second and third—and Best-Dressed. If you’d like to race your Brompton folder bike, you can register in person on race day between 9:30am and noon. Complete rules and information for spectators can be found atwww.bromptonbicycle.com/busc.    Race or spectate it promises to be a great day out.   Happy racing!   The Brompton Team

Our Customers Often Make Us Smile

Folks tend to think of our shop as "quirky", but to be fair, I think we could say the same about many of our customers. Luckily for us, they tend to be quirky in a fun and entertaining way.

A good example arrived last week, when Andy arrived on his Greenspeed trike, with a rather impressive sound system, flag, and two dogs! On this visit, the dachshund was in a bag on the back, but apparently she likes to trot alongside much of the time. Both dogs apparently love trike rides, and the moment Andy puts on his bike clothes, they gather around the trike, anxious to go!

Here's the dachshund in the bag:



And below is a video of the whole crew pulling out of our parking lot!

Mark your calendar for Bike To Work Day, Friday, May 21

Mark your calendar for both the event and the pre registration deadline.  Every year at the Pit Stop we have people that want the highly valued BTWD T-shirt, but they missed the registration deadline for receiving a T-shirt.  Friday, May 14 is the deadline for pre-registration.  Please mark this deadline date on your calendar so you can receive and proudly wear the BTWD T-shirt.

Please note that bikes@vienna is again a sponsor for BTWD.

Continuing Care --- Reprint

This is a reprint from a blog posting on February 25, 2005.  It describes bikes@vienna's Continuing Care Policy.

Soon after I opened bikes@vienna my lovely mother-in-law, Sara, sent me an article from the Seattle newspaper. The article featured a Seattle bike store which provided continuing service on the bikes they sold. I do not remember all the details, but it was the inspiration for what is called Continuing Care at bikes@vienna.

When you buy a new bike from bikes@vienna I promise that we will provide small repairs and adjustment for as long as your family owns the bike. As long as the cost of labor is under $20 then you will only be charged for the parts. A flat tube under Continuing Care is a good example; we will replace the bad tube and only charge you for the cost of the tube. You have saved $8 (our charge for switching a tube). We will adjust a derailleur or adjust a brake and because the labor is under $20 you’ll pay nothing. Our idea is for you to keep your bike in good condition so riding is fun and you ride more.

The question gets asked whether we give free or annual tune-ups? We do not. A brake and gear tune-up costs $40 so that is beyond the threshold. We do much better in my opinion. We work to keep your bike in better condition all year. Our effort is for you to visit us more than once a year. While you’re here might I try to sell you a new pump or basket or helmet? Yup, but I am low key.

Continuing Care is a reason for you to consider making your bike purchase at bikes@vienna.

Great Greenbrier River Race is Saturday, April 24

Today's mail had information from the Pocahontas County Convention & Visitors Bureau about the Great Greenbrier River Race which will be held on Saturday, April 24th. This is an event which features a 3 mile rail-trail run, 4 mile flat-water paddle, and a ten mile bike ride. The information says that most riders use mountain bikes.
The event begins with a Friday evening pasta party at the Marlinton United Methodist Church. Staging for the race begins on the morning of the 24th with dropping off boats from 8-10 AM. The race start is 11 AM. There is a post race picnic, socializing, and an awards ceremony that starts at 2:30 PM.

You can find more details at http://www.greenbrierrivertrail.com/race.html Registration must be achieved by having you registration in the mail by April 12.

Unanticipated Parking Solution on Church Street

This Honda automobile came to rest in front of Princess Fanny's Beauty
Salon just before 1 PM today. Witnesses reported that they believed
the vehicle struck at least one other vehicle as the accelerator
seemed to jam. The operator of the Honda was being tended to by EMTs
and was seated upright when this photo was taken.

Why yes, we do still have some snow

This afternoon I rode over to the Vienna Post Office to mail a couple
of packages. There I saw this pile of snow. Just an hour before
during a phone conversation I had been asked if there was still snow
on the ground.

As you can see there will be snow on the ground in front of the Post
Office for some time.

North American Handmade Bike Show 2010

Tim attended the NAHBS 2010 down in Richmond on Sunday, and had a great time! A lot of beautiful work to be seen, admire, and learn from. See his writeup and links to photos here:

http://spokesofawheel.blogspot.com/2010/03/north-american-handmade-bike-show-2010.html

Real Ready for Spring

The tulips are from the Home & Garden Show held at the Dulles Expo
Center. Ces and I went there this evening and the landscaping
displays reinforced how much I am ready for Spring.

Oh yes, I long for a sunny, warm day with this degree of color. Soon,
soon I hope.

25th Bay to Bay Ride on Sunday, June 27

I did not tell you, but one of my resolutions for this year involves alerting people to the many delightful cycling events in our area.  Here's one for you.

The Lions Club of Chestertown, MD is again staging their Bay to Bay Ride which begins at 7 AM and consists of five routes ranging in length from 27 to 104 miles.  The ride raises money to support Leader Dogs for the Blind.  Not surprisingly, blind riders can participate for free.  Otherwise the cost of participation is $20 until May 15, $25 from May 16 to June 26, and $30 on the day of the event.  There are no refunds.

Registration uses active.com (www.active.com)  You can get more information at www.chestertownlions.org

Back open on Thursdays, begins March 18

You may have noticed that we have been open four days a week during these wintery months.  You thought we were closed for the winter?  THAT may explain our lack of business.

Thursday, March 18 we begin being open five days a week (Sunday, Monday, Thursday, Friday, and Saturday).  In mid April I'll resume Appointment Tuesdays.  This is a day for people to make appointments to come and test ride bikes.  I believe that people need to test ride to make a good decision about purchasing a bike or trike.  Many of my customers are working to overcome a physical limitation so it takes several test rides to insure the best choice.  I'll let you know when Appointment Tuesdays get underway.

The bikes@vienna staff is going to take a couple of three day journeys this summer.  The Great Allegheny Passage and the  C&O Canal are calling to us.  We'll let you know as we plan our escapes to ride our bikes and trikes.

Fairfax Budget Recommendations Delete Bicycle Efforts

This morning's Washington Post reports that the Fairfax  County Executive Anthony Griffin has recommended to the Board of Supervisors tax increases (return of the car tax), layoffs, and 257 million in cuts.  The story lists elimination of " the bicycle signage and maps program ($214,000)".  In an additional story the Post tells that additional cuts  include "Eliminate the county's bicycle program, which created lanes near the Vienna Metro station, the Merrifield Town Center, the Fairfax County Government Center, Reston and Tysons Corner. Savings: $213,641".


These are tough times.  It is my perception that in difficult economic times the bicycle becomes more widely used.  Riding bikes to Metro to avoid the parking fees is an example.  In fact, the Board of Supervisors may find that now is the time to take steps to enhance the use of bikes and pedestrian traffic to lower budget costs.  Transportation cost for the Fairfax County School District are substantial.  Embracing the Safe Routes To Schools (SRTS) program to reduce bus use has potential.  Undoubtedly there would be cost shifts implementing SRTS.  Bus driver positions may become crossing guard jobs.  Across this nation SRTS has grown in popularity for what it does for children's health, but I think it should also be considered for its budget impact.


Essentially doing away with funding for Fairfax County's fledgling bike program is short sighted.  The county bike map, bike racks on buses, beginning implementation of bike lanes to population centers, and a voice in planning changes in Tyson Corner, Merrifield, and Metro West were accomplishments with merit.  I'm going to end this entry and write messages to my Fairfax County Supervisor,  the three Supervisors that I have met at events, and the Chairman of the Board asking that they not delete the bicycle programs.  I would ask that you do the same.

Adventure Cycling Family Ride through History

Adventure Cycling Family Ride through History.

July 10-16 2010

A 7 day cycling through history along George Washington’s route West.

 

            This is a camping trip designed and planned for kids’ ages 9 to 18 that are accompanied by an adult over 25 to ride with them.  We will start in our nations capital Washington DC, where we will take a bus to the terminus of the C&O Canal in Cumberland.

            In the Queen City a 16-year-old surveyors assistant from the Gent survey team, by the name of George Washington, will meet us. Who surveyed these grounds in 1748.  We will tour the C&O Canal Museum and other historical sights in the area.

            Cycling for the next 6 days covering between 30 and 45 miles per day we will continue to take part in the living history of the area.  With encounters with 17^thcentury Native Americans, French and Indian War troops from the 1750’s.  The riders will take part in a reenactment of the famous Irish brigades attack of Sept 17, 1862 at Bloody Lane on the actual site at the Antietam National Battlefield.  

            We will end the trip with an outstanding cycling tour of the National Mall in DC by the National Park Service Friday July 16th. 

  If you want more information on the this exciting ride through history check out the Adventure Cycling Association’s web site on this ride.

            http://www.adventurecycling.org/tours/tourdetail.cfm?t=EV10&id=180&p=1  

            Our team has been leading cycling tours along this route since the end of the last century and this is by far the most exciting trip we have put together on this route.  If you are looking for an exciting and educational adventure for a grandchild, Niece or Nephew check this exciting trip out. 

 

Please let me  know if you are interested or know of anyone who would like to join this exciting ride through history.

RIDE ON!!!!

Larry J Brock

Adventure Cycling Guide

914 Lexington Ave

Cumberland, Md 21502

Lbrock@gapselfstorage.net

301-697-4343

And there I was, using a shovel!

But now that John is back, we've got heavy equipment at work! Soon
the front of the shop should be totally clear. Ah, technology!

We Have a Path... Again!

Once again, I've cleared a path to the front door. Closed today
(Thursday), but planning to be here on Friday. Watch this space for
updates!

On the roof

Shoveling ! Since they're calling for another 5 - 10" soon, figured I
should lighten the load up here.

NYC Converts Parking Meters Into Bike Racks

The NewYork Post reports that 225 parking meters will be converted to
bike racks. Meters on the Upper East and West sides, Park Slope,
Riverdale, and Ridgewood will have their heads removed and be turned
into bike racks. The new racks will replace every third or fourth
meter.

The NYC Transportation Commissioner, Janette Sadik-Khan told the Post
that cycling increased by 26% in 2009. Currently NYC has one bike
rack for every 30 cyclists according to Transportation Alternatives.

John Brunow
bikes@Vienna
128 Church Street,NW
Vienna,VA. 22180
703.938.8900

A Path To Our Door!

Well, John and Tim did some shovelling, and now there's a path to our
front door. At this point, Tim is planning to be at the shop from
noon to 5:00 pm on Monday. Watch this spot for updates. And it
wouldn't hurt to call before heading our way.

Closed Saturday, February 6 and Sunday, February 7

We're going to closed for the weekend.  The storm has turned out to be what was predicted.  The volume of snow and the colder temperatures forcast for the first of the week make us believe it will take more time to clear streets and parking lots.  Please call us before coming to visit on Monday.

We hope you are safe, dry, and warm.

One Less Car Symposium

It looked like a daunting trip early this morning with the new snow
and then foggy, but the trip was't bad. Bruce Wright of FABB and
Susan Stillman of the Vienna Bicycle Advisory Committee braved the
trip with me.

The turnout for the symposium was strong despite the weather . People
were excited to talk about alternative transportation.

The photo shows a new sign for exhibits and a flashy yellow Brompton.

Watching the snow. Are we going to the One Less Car Symposium?

Like many people in this part of the world, I'm watching the snow fall.

I'm trying to estimate if I'll be able to go to the One Less Car Symposium tomorrow.  The snow is coming right down, we'll see.

I'm taking a Nihola Family Trike to display.  I found our easel and had a sign made.  Over there to the left is the flyer that I got put together as a handout.  I had to learn a bit about a software package I have not used before.

There are five other people car pooling with me.  This will be a good symposium on bicycling and pedestrian issues.  Now if the snow will stop falling ...........

Catrike Musashi

With drums pounding, Catrike announces the new two wheel model,
Musashi. Go to the Catrike home page to experience the video.

http://www.catrike.com/

Brompton US Championship set for March 20 in Philadelphia!

bikes@vienna announces the excitement and wackiness of the Brompton World Championship is coming to America! Soon! Saturday, March 20th is the Philly Phyler Collegiate and USA Cycling Race Weekend in Philadelphia. Today Brompton announced the first annual Brompton US Championship (BUSC) will be held in coordination with the these events and  limited to 100 riders. The prize for the ...fastest man and fastest woman in the competition will be flights and entry into the BWC in October.

This competition is for riders dressed in business attire riding a Brompton bicycle.  It will cover a six mile closed course.  In addition to prizes for the top finishers, just as they do in the Brompton World Championships, Brompton will provide prizes for the Best Dressed.

The traditional "Brommie Promenade to the Race"  will depart the Amtrak 30th Street Station at 9:30 AM on Saturday, March 20th.  Brompton plans to have an afternoon pub reception following the awards ceremony.

You won't be surprised that bikes@vienna's own Tim Fricker is already registered for the event. Take the link below to learn more details about the event.

Brompton US Championship

An Interesting Video About Catrike

If you have fifteen minutes then you should watch the video It's A Catrike.  Even if you not interested in trikes or cycling in general, you should still watch a person with a dream.  A person who is an example of pursuing the American Dream.  Paulo Camasmie tells the story of his journey from Brazil to America and his progress in building his company.

It's A Catrike is two segments on YouTube.  Here are the links:

It's A Catrike Part 1  and  It's A Catrike Part 2

Thanks to Geoff Steele for seeing the video on The Recumbent Blog and being thoughtful by sending a message.

Tighten Up --- We'll not be renting bikes in 2010

We're tightening up for 2010.  My effort is to operate more economically and efficiently.  With that in mind I have decided not to offer rentals this year.  It may seem counterintuitive to give up business in a slow economy, but allow me to share my reasoning.

People come to rent bikes on lovely sunshiny days.  These are the same days that people bring their bikes in for repairs and come shopping for a new bike or trike.  These are the days that we easily can be overrun with requests for our attention.

The people desiring to rent want to consider their alternatives.  They need some instruction and fitting to the bike.  They deserve our focused attention for their safety and well being.  The individual working with them needs to have a level of knowledge and patience. There is also the amount of time spent on the phone answering questions before the rental.  We  have always rented what we sell.  "So what is a crank forward bike?"  "Do you think I can ride a Recumbent?"  "Now I see that your website says you don't rent road, mountain, or hybrid bikes, but I just want to rent a "regular" bike; you do have those don't you?"

Weather plays such a significant role in the flow of this business and rentals are the most uncertain of the business segments.  Having the correct number of people working is one of my challenging tasks.   Keeping tight control of overhead will be even more important this year.  These are the thoughts that lead me to the decision not to rent in 2010.

I appreciate the people who have rented from us in the past.   I hope you will allow us to assist you in the future with repair services or selling you cycling equipment.  Thank you.

A Reminder of Our Used Bike Blog

I sometimes forget that it is possible to visit our website or this blog and not notice the links for the used bike blog.  We have gotten some interesting bikes and trikes in on consignment and trade-in in the last two weeks.  This Schwinn Fastback with a 52 cm frame is an example.  Priced at $525 this clean as a whistle bike would make a great purchase for someone.

For details about this and other cycling products go to bav Used

The ICE Vortex

bikes@vienna is now able to share that Tim Fricker test rode the ICE Vortex in October when he visited the ICE factory. Tim returned to the store speaking in hushed tones about the Compact Flat Twist fold, 700c rear wheel, Hard-shell performance seat, and much more. He had promised not to speak publically about the new model until the ICE team made their announcement. That release took place last week so now the story can be told.  Later this spring we'll have one for you to test. 

W&OD Trail Photo Contest

This posting is about fun and creativity. We are going to have a photo contest focused on the W&OD Trail until the end of February. With so many people carrying phones with photographic capabilities this could be a hoot. To get the creative juices flowing I'm posting photos of our winner of the helmet decorating contest we held in conjunction with ViVa! Vienna! in 2008 which had a W&OD theme..
As you can see from these photos our winner was highly creative and had alot of fun with this contest.  Now apply this same creativity to photos relating to people, animals, and scenery along the W&OD Trail.  Many of the photos will be posted on this blog and on the bikes@vienna blog and Facebook Page.  The winner will receive a new helmet, one of our Nutcase models.

Send your entry as an attachment to an email message to john.brunow@draisin.us.  Please keep the size of the file smaller (under 100K).  I'm directing the entries to an email I have that has quite a bit of capacity, but lots of entries could swamp it.  Understand these photos will be used in multiple ways to promote the W&OD Trail and bikes@vienna.

Let the fun begin.  Let's see what we capture.

Sammy and his Mom

Sammy and his Mom
Originally uploaded by bikes@vienna

We're doing test rides on this warmer day. Sammy and his Mom tested the Nihola Family trike in the parking lot. Sammy liked it so much that he objected when he was taken out. I gave the family the same pitch about the Nihola taking the place of a second vehicle.

Bike To Work Day will be Friday, May 21

Above is the new logo being used for Bike To Work Day in 2010.  I completed the paperwork yesterday to be a sponsor again this year.  This event increases in its importance each year as more riders participate and greater media coverage takes place.  There were over 7,500 riders in 2009.  Coverage of the event was seen or heard by a million people.

I do not have any idea how many BTWD participants get inspired and begin riding to work regularly.  I do hear people at the Vienna Pit Stop talking excitedly about their experience and how they could be riding to work more often.

As I filled out the sponsorship paperwork I heard a news clip on the radio about Metro's funding issues and the steps reducing service which were being considered.  Late in the afternoon the traffic alerts were again telling the story of clogged roadways.  Biking to work is not for everyone, but for some people it is the lifestyle decision of significant importance.  Mark your calendar for Friday, May 21 and I'll put up a post when registration is open.

Canceling First Ride

I am sorry, but the rain and temperatures hovering close to freezing make it sensible to cancel First Ride.

I do want to wish you a Happy New Year.  I hope you find many ways to spend days riding your bike or trike in 2010.

Rode to work today!

The side streets are still a mess, but my studded tires kept me
going! Fun ride!

Shortening hours for the winter

bikes@vienna needs a cleansing coat of interior paint and days of organization.  We start in after Christmas with a plan to paint, move the service area, and organize, organize, organize.  Our plan is to be open four days per week ...... Friday, Saturday, Sunday, and Monday.  This extends our closed days to Thursday so the three days Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday we'll be officially closed.

We'll keep you posted on our progress with photos and descriptions.

Luminary Ride and First Ride? I doubt we can have them.

The snow storm has created doubt on whether we can have the Luminary Ride on Christmas Eve or First Ride on New Year Day.  The Luminary Ride is out through the neighborhoods of Northeast Vienna which do a wonderful job of lighting the night with thousands of luminaries.  How will that be possible with the mounds of snow everywhere?  It most likely won't be possible so I'm canceling today.

First Ride is a week later so there may be some hope, but the W&OD Trail has sections that are out of the sun and stay frozen.  I have concerns.  Check back here next week.

And then...

... Tom and Beryl came in on cross-country skis!

A Customer!

Well, he just stopped by to say hi, but Chris deserves notice for
riding in to see us. Those are Nokian studded tires on his old
Schwinn. Great fun in snow!

Great "Stocking Stuffer"!

For the holidays, here's a great gift set of accessories from Sigma Sport

You get:

BC506 Cycle Computer (regular price $25)

TriLED LED Headlight (regular price $20)

CubeRider LED Taillight (regular price $15)

All three together for only

$40!

Hurry! Supplies are limited.

Days are Short, Nights are Long

It's that time of year when the year-round cyclists among us end up riding a lot in the dark. The good news is that there are a huge array of options available in bicycle lights these days. One really good option that Tim uses on several of his many bikes is a system built around a hub dynamo. What's a hub dynamo, you ask? Well, some of you may remember the little "generators" that bolted to your bike, with a little roller that pressed against your tire, creating a lot of noise and drag and just enough electricity to power a dim headlight and maybe a tail light. Well, the hub dynamo is a further refinement of that idea, and a huge improvement. All the power generation components are enclosed in the hub of your front wheel, safe from the elements and directly connected to the rotation of the wheel, so there's no slipping and no noise. There is some resistance... that's the nature of a dynamo... but when riding it's hard to feel any difference.

One more improvement... You may recall that the traditional generator systems left you dark when you came to a stop. Many of today's lights come with a "standlight" that stays on when you stop moving! A very nice safety feature.

We currently have in stock two complete wheels ready to roll. Here are the specs:

For 26" Wheel Bikes -

Shimano DH-3N72 Hub Dynamo: $120
26" Sun CR-18 Rim: $36
32 Stainless Steel Double Butted Spokes: $32
Labor: $45

Total: $233

For 700C Wheel (road, hybrid, touring) Bikes -


Shimano DH-3N80 Hub Dynamo: $168
(the 3N80 is a bit lighter and more efficient than the 3N72)
700C Sun CR-18 Rim: $36
32 Stainless Steel Double Butted Spokes: $32
Labor: $45

Total: $281

The above are just two possible setups. Other options are available. Lights compatible with dynamo hubs start at around $40 for a head light, $30 for a tail light. Ask us about the options available. You can see an example of a wheel and headlight in the shop, so come on by!

The Recumbent Bicycle back at bikes@vienna

Recumbent Cyclist
Originally uploaded by bikes@vienna

After a long drought we have The Recumbent Bicycle back in stock for the holidays. This book is quite interesting for anyone interested in cycling, but of significant interest for someone trying to learn more about recumbents. Do you need a stocking stuffer for someone or for yourself? This book is a good choice.

Nihola Family 3 coming to bikes@vienna

Sometimes I just need to be patience.  At least five years ago I started emailing the Danish cycle manufacturer, Nihola in an effort to become a dealer for their tricycles.  I had no success getting a response  for a period of time.  Then I got a response I didn't like.  So I stepped back and scratched my head.


This fall the folks at Fourth Floor Distribution in Toronto have been successful in importing the Nihola Family 3.  I now have a Nihola on the way to bikes@vienna.  I'm excited about the potential for the Nihola products in this area.  The Family 3 provides for an adult piloting the trike and up to three children in the front compartment.  The compartment has a seatbelt or has optional shoulder harnesses.  It also has a hood available to keep young passengers dry and out of the cold.  The Nihola site in Germany says it this way:

     "Our new Öko-Tex-100 hood (an ecological fabric), now available in bright fantastic colours, will ensure that you will be easily spotted by other traffic users. Underneath the hood our smaller Nihola passengers will be cosy, dry and warm.  No expense was also spared for Nihola's lighting system.  Niholas are factory fitted with one of the safest dynamo driven bicycle lighting systems produced by the German leader "Busch & Müller.“ Additional easily fitted bright positioning lights (two in the front and two in the back) allow you to be seen even better.  And each and every Nihola is fitted with super robust anti burst tyres by German tyre manufacturer "Schwalbe.“ Pinched or burst tyres will be other people's problems.   Remember that with a Nihola you are safely on three wheels and won't tip over in any weather, even in wet or icy conditions."  


You can review a number of photos of the Family 3 by clicking on http://nihola.info/da/nihola+cykler/cigar+family/


If you'd like to see how the hood goes on the Family three you can view a video showing the installation at Nihola YouTube Install Video  plus you'll get exposed to some German language too.


I believe that the Nihola Family 3 will appeal to families who have wisely chosen to live close to schools, stores, and activities so they can cycle.  The Family 3 can be the replacement for a second auto and perhaps even a first vehicle.  Sooooooo how much does a Nihola Family 3 cost?  Generously appointed the Family 3 costs $4150.


Thinking that is serious money?  Let me take your mind off that number with a lighthearted video featuring the Nihola trike in an outdoor pageant.  Click on this swimmingly interesting video.


When you've stopped smiling then here's a video looking over a Family 3 up close.


Places to visit:


http://www.nihola.fr/fr/Accueil-Nihola-France/



http://www.nihola.de/


http://www.nihola.info/en/nihola+bikes/cigar+family/

MORE INFORMATION NOW AVAILABLE

The Nihola trikes available to bikes@vienna are outfitted with:

7 speed SRAM internal hub
Drum Brakes
Padded Bench Seat
Child Harnesses
Cargo Straps
Clear Front Panel
Rain Hood

The trikes are black frame with a black container (remember the clear front panel) with Rain Hoods in black, red, tan, white polka dots, or green.

The cost ready to ride from Vienna (includes shipping, assembly, and continuing care) is $4150 plus Virginia Sales Tax of 5%.

 bikes@vienna is located in downtown Vienna on an alley just off of Maple Ave/Route 123.  We sell cycling equipment that you don't normally find in a bike shop such as folders, trikes, recumbents, and tandems.  We're open five days a week.  We're open on Saurday and Sunday so we close on Tuesday and Wednesday.  We're close enough to the Vienna Metro Station that we can pick people up at Metro and bring them to the store.  Call us before you begin your journey.


703-938-8900
128A Church Street, NW
Vienna, VA 22180

First Canal Ride on Brompton

Well, it's taken me too long to get around to it, but Tuesday I
finally tried the Brompton on the C&O Canal. I started at Carderock
and rode about 8 miles out and back, and it was great. The small
wheels handled the surface with aplomb, and the bike was comfortable,
fun, and fast. My speed was right about the same as on my full sized
bikes, and it was great to be able to just tuck the bike away when
done. Watch my personal blog for a longer post and more pictures.

Tim