Monday, November 26, 2007
Holiday Stroll rescheduled for Monday, Dec 3rd
The rain forecast for this evening has resulted in the Holiday Stroll on Church Street being rescheduled for next Monday evening (6:30 PM to 9:00 PM on December 3). The schedule of events will be the same as posted in an earlier blog entry on this page. Please adjust your calendar and come join the fun next Monday.
Monday, November 19, 2007
$50 buys this Trek Folding Bike Bag
For a short time Trek sold folding bikes. They no longer have folding bikes for sale, but they do have bags left over. I have an attractive offer for you. You can have a Trek Folding Bike Bag for $50. That price is much less than Trek sold the bags for originally ($79.99) and is less than the cost of a Dahon El Bolso bags priced at $59.
The design of the bag is another plus. The bike sits in what I will call a tray. It is easy to simply set the folded bike on the tray. Then you slip the bag over the top and click the two parts together. The bag is large and I believe that even folding bikes which have handlebars that swing to the outside of the folded frame like the Dahon Speed Pro will fit into this bag. The bag also features storage pockets and extra straps for attaching things like helmets. There is also a nice area of padding on the side of the bag to cushion you from the bike.
The $50 price is at the store. We will gladly ship this bag to you for the $50 and the cost of UPS to your door. How many would you like?
You can view details of the bag at http://store.trekbikes.com/jump.jsp?itemID=352&itemType=PRODUCT&RS=1&keyword=Folding+Bike+Bag&bShopOnline=1&CatID=476
The design of the bag is another plus. The bike sits in what I will call a tray. It is easy to simply set the folded bike on the tray. Then you slip the bag over the top and click the two parts together. The bag is large and I believe that even folding bikes which have handlebars that swing to the outside of the folded frame like the Dahon Speed Pro will fit into this bag. The bag also features storage pockets and extra straps for attaching things like helmets. There is also a nice area of padding on the side of the bag to cushion you from the bike.
The $50 price is at the store. We will gladly ship this bag to you for the $50 and the cost of UPS to your door. How many would you like?
You can view details of the bag at http://store.trekbikes.com/jump.jsp?itemID=352&itemType=PRODUCT&RS=1&keyword=Folding+Bike+Bag&bShopOnline=1&CatID=476
Draisin Plus at WCD
My camera work needs some honing. You can tell that I had to work with this photo to enhance the image. I was able to get the important part of this image viewable..........the smiles. Those are real, honest to goodness smiles as this mother and daughter tested the Draisin Plus.
Over and over again as people test rode the Draisin products at the World Congress on Disabilities last week we had big smiles. We also had a high number of comments about the high quality of the Draisins. People marveled at the engineering and the adjustability to meet peoples' needs.
There is one place in America to test ride a Draisin and it is here at bikes@vienna.
Over and over again as people test rode the Draisin products at the World Congress on Disabilities last week we had big smiles. We also had a high number of comments about the high quality of the Draisins. People marveled at the engineering and the adjustability to meet peoples' needs.
There is one place in America to test ride a Draisin and it is here at bikes@vienna.
????? Scott and Bianchi frames CAUTION! Will Robinson
We are scratching our heads about and worrying a little that some one is trying to take advantage of people with an offer on ebay. The ebay offer tells about a small Northern Virginia bike store that is selling off Scott and Bianchi frames. The seller name is Vienna Bikes located in Vienna, VA.
We've received inquiries and we know nothing other than it is not bikes@vienna. We're worried that someone is trying to use a name similar to ours for an enterprise that is deceptive. We urge extreme caution.
We've received inquiries and we know nothing other than it is not bikes@vienna. We're worried that someone is trying to use a name similar to ours for an enterprise that is deceptive. We urge extreme caution.
Sunday, November 11, 2007
Bikes for The Holidays
The photo shows a sample of the bikes for young people that we've brought in for the holidays. We have 16", 20", and 24" wheeled bikes to meet the needs of many children. Plus we've stocked up on 13" and 15" frames in the 26' wheel size. Yes, we're getting ready.
You may have read about our "Continuing Care" policy before, but just one more time...........
When you buy a bike from bikes@vienna we promise to do small repairs and adjustments for as long as you own the bike. As long as those repairs and adjustments are $20 or less then we only charge you for the parts. For a young person's bike this is a great asset.
Also bikes@vienna trys to help by considering trade-ins and serving as a drop off point for bikes going to Bikes For The World and to the Committee Helping Others.
You may have read about our "Continuing Care" policy before, but just one more time...........
When you buy a bike from bikes@vienna we promise to do small repairs and adjustments for as long as you own the bike. As long as those repairs and adjustments are $20 or less then we only charge you for the parts. For a young person's bike this is a great asset.
Also bikes@vienna trys to help by considering trade-ins and serving as a drop off point for bikes going to Bikes For The World and to the Committee Helping Others.
Thursday, November 08, 2007
Holiday Stroll set for Monday, November 26th
The schedule for the Holiday Stroll on Church Street is set and available for your review. This event has grown each year as people enjoy the lighting of the holiday tree and the entertainment. Granted weather plays a role in the turnout, but people like Vienna's small town feel and respond by participating.
We're getting ready. I planted Alberta Spruce trees in the planters out front. Tim's lighting up the windows and I'm looking for the lights we hang along the front of the building. I've been slyly mentioning in Al's presence that I need a Santa Claus for the event to no avail.
Please put the Holiday Stroll on your calendar and come visit us.
We're getting ready. I planted Alberta Spruce trees in the planters out front. Tim's lighting up the windows and I'm looking for the lights we hang along the front of the building. I've been slyly mentioning in Al's presence that I need a Santa Claus for the event to no avail.
Please put the Holiday Stroll on your calendar and come visit us.
Monday, November 05, 2007
Cy and the KidzTandem
Grandson Cy is visiting and so I took him around on the Kidz Tandem. This photo shows the gray seat that we can put on to take a younger rider for a ride. Cy is intrigued with the bell and you can see my hands as I adjust a helmet to put on him.
It is a perfect bike for a grandfather to ride with his two year old grandson.
It is a perfect bike for a grandfather to ride with his two year old grandson.
Friday, October 26, 2007
In the halls of Congress
The U.S. House of Representative held their Green Expo yesterday and bikes@vienna participated. Our participation lead to a couple of unique experiences for me. I had to take the bikes in the bikes@vienna van to be bomb scanned on Wednesday morning. The Capitol Police use dogs to sniff out bombs and I'm there wondering if the dog will react to Java's (our chocolate lab shop dog) scent which has to be very apparent. Nope not then or not on Thursday when they screened the van to pick up the bikes.
After unloading the bikes and promotional material at the Longworth Building I had to move things through the tunnel to the Cannon Building. How do you move bicycles, a tricycle, and a trailer loaded with catalogs? Well I hook the trailer to a bike and ride it. I'm wearing my bright orange helmet, bikes@vienna uniform (t-shirt and jeans) and a big smile as I pedal first through the tunnel and then down the third floor corridor of the Cannon House Office Building. It was fun! Most people that saw me would initially look surprised and then get a big smile.
On Thursday Bruce enjoyed riding through the halls of Congress while I retrieved the van and went through security. He said people had a similiar reaction to seeing him ride.
I see a new opportunity to speed up government......those hallways are long so allow people to ride bikes. I suppose that you could allow some people to use roller skates, but I don't sell roller skates.
After unloading the bikes and promotional material at the Longworth Building I had to move things through the tunnel to the Cannon Building. How do you move bicycles, a tricycle, and a trailer loaded with catalogs? Well I hook the trailer to a bike and ride it. I'm wearing my bright orange helmet, bikes@vienna uniform (t-shirt and jeans) and a big smile as I pedal first through the tunnel and then down the third floor corridor of the Cannon House Office Building. It was fun! Most people that saw me would initially look surprised and then get a big smile.
On Thursday Bruce enjoyed riding through the halls of Congress while I retrieved the van and went through security. He said people had a similiar reaction to seeing him ride.
I see a new opportunity to speed up government......those hallways are long so allow people to ride bikes. I suppose that you could allow some people to use roller skates, but I don't sell roller skates.
Vienna's Vibrant Halloween Parade
Wednesday night I participated in the Vienna Halloween Parade twice. I marched with the Rotary Club of Vienna in position 17 and rode with the bikes@vienna entry at position 84. It was double the fun.
The rain fell off and on during the parade. I imaged that the crowd would be very small and I was very wrong. People lined Maple Avenue under umbrellas, pop-up tents, and tarps. This event is a signature of this communities' effort to be a small town. Rain was not going to keep people away. Rain that had been scarce for so long was almost embraced. I did not hear any comments about "too bad it's raining". The opposite reaction I did hear----"isn't this rain wonderful".
The Rotary Club was behind a group of librarians with book carts. We moved out on to Maple and there was a whistle. This was not just a group of librarians pushing book carts! It was a precision drill team! I laughed many times during the parade as the whistle would sound and the group would perform. The spectators at the curb would always break out in laughter and hoots of joy.
The librarians inspired our Rotary Group to adlib a routine using umbrellas. We were far from coordinated, but by the time we reached the reviewing stand we were getting better. We need to watch a video clip of Gene Kelly doing "Singing in the Rain" if we do this again. We need to watch the clip over and over.
I hustled back to the store to join our small band of riders and we navigated the back streets to get to the van that was holding our place in the parade. We then made the trip down Maple Avenue behind a high energy performing troop. It is fun to ride and wave to people you know. It is always a joy.
We had a dozen riders. I thank each of them for helping me to publicize bikes@vienna.
The rain fell off and on during the parade. I imaged that the crowd would be very small and I was very wrong. People lined Maple Avenue under umbrellas, pop-up tents, and tarps. This event is a signature of this communities' effort to be a small town. Rain was not going to keep people away. Rain that had been scarce for so long was almost embraced. I did not hear any comments about "too bad it's raining". The opposite reaction I did hear----"isn't this rain wonderful".
The Rotary Club was behind a group of librarians with book carts. We moved out on to Maple and there was a whistle. This was not just a group of librarians pushing book carts! It was a precision drill team! I laughed many times during the parade as the whistle would sound and the group would perform. The spectators at the curb would always break out in laughter and hoots of joy.
The librarians inspired our Rotary Group to adlib a routine using umbrellas. We were far from coordinated, but by the time we reached the reviewing stand we were getting better. We need to watch a video clip of Gene Kelly doing "Singing in the Rain" if we do this again. We need to watch the clip over and over.
I hustled back to the store to join our small band of riders and we navigated the back streets to get to the van that was holding our place in the parade. We then made the trip down Maple Avenue behind a high energy performing troop. It is fun to ride and wave to people you know. It is always a joy.
We had a dozen riders. I thank each of them for helping me to publicize bikes@vienna.
Sunday, October 21, 2007
Kidz Tandem now being rented
The Rushforth family was the first to rent the Kidz Tandem that we received on Thursday. It is a tandem that I saw at InterBike and ordered. I rent it for the same rates as the upright tandems.
Note the smiles and the position of the young person being in front. Ty Rushforth hoped that the experience would give his daughter the confidence to ride without training wheels. She was reluctant to ride the tandem at first, but warmed to the experience and when they got back from their family ride she was glowing with excitement. For more information about the Kidz Tandem go to Kidz Tandem
Note the smiles and the position of the young person being in front. Ty Rushforth hoped that the experience would give his daughter the confidence to ride without training wheels. She was reluctant to ride the tandem at first, but warmed to the experience and when they got back from their family ride she was glowing with excitement. For more information about the Kidz Tandem go to Kidz Tandem
Thursday, September 27, 2007
Interbike 2007
John and Tim are attending the Interbike 2007 bike expo held each year in Las Vegas, NV. That's the main reason we're closed today. They will likely have some tales to tell about the latest recumbent and trike news from the show. In the meantime the Recumbent Blog has some great photos of the many new bikes on display at the show, including the Grasshopper FX, the folding short wheelbase recumbent from HP Velotechnik. Ever since Bike Friday stopped production of the SatRDay folding recumbent there have been few options in this category. There are many new offerings from Rans and others as well. For additional info on recumbents at the show see the 'BentRider Online site.
Sunday, September 23, 2007
Buchanan Railcar Inn
Ces, my wife, and I stayed at the Buchanan Railcar Inn earlier this month. The rail car is an 85 foot long coach with beautiful paneled walls and lots of character. The living room is 45 feet long and tastefully decorated.
I grew up around trains. My father worked for thirty-eight years for what was the CB&Q which became the Burlington Northern and today is the Burlington Northern Santa Fe. As a kid I'd go with him and ride from Centerville, IA to Keokuk, IA or Fort Madison, IA to Bloomfield, IA. Yep, they'd allow me to sit in the engine and blow the whistle as we neared crossings. It was pretty heady stuff for a youngster.
Ces and I enjoyed the experience of having supper with Janie Harris and her husband, Will, who own the Buchanan Railcar Inn. Will is in the business of moving large objects like rail cars and Janie is in the real estate business. They combined their skills and in a short period of time they located the property, prepared the site, moved the rail car, set up the utilities, and completed the decorating. It was a terrific story.
I recommend that if you are traveling to southwestern Virginia you consider a stay at the Buchanan Railcar Inn. It's a delightful experience. If you're a railroad enthusiast then it will be even more enjoyable because the Inn is near a working line and the trains keep coming passed.
For more information go to www.buchananrailcar.com You'll enjoy looking at the photos.
I grew up around trains. My father worked for thirty-eight years for what was the CB&Q which became the Burlington Northern and today is the Burlington Northern Santa Fe. As a kid I'd go with him and ride from Centerville, IA to Keokuk, IA or Fort Madison, IA to Bloomfield, IA. Yep, they'd allow me to sit in the engine and blow the whistle as we neared crossings. It was pretty heady stuff for a youngster.
Ces and I enjoyed the experience of having supper with Janie Harris and her husband, Will, who own the Buchanan Railcar Inn. Will is in the business of moving large objects like rail cars and Janie is in the real estate business. They combined their skills and in a short period of time they located the property, prepared the site, moved the rail car, set up the utilities, and completed the decorating. It was a terrific story.
I recommend that if you are traveling to southwestern Virginia you consider a stay at the Buchanan Railcar Inn. It's a delightful experience. If you're a railroad enthusiast then it will be even more enjoyable because the Inn is near a working line and the trains keep coming passed.
For more information go to www.buchananrailcar.com You'll enjoy looking at the photos.
Tuesday, September 18, 2007
Piney Branch bridge opens
We are happy to report that the bridge over the Piney Branch that was damaged during a storm last year has finally been repaired. Now you no longer must ride along the gravel trail and temporary steel bridge to cross Piney Branch. It was a dangerous detour due to loose sand and gravel at times, although the park authority tried to keep the surface firm with spot repairs. Our rental bikes will have less dirt on their frames and drivetrains and there should be fewer pinch flats. Our trike owners are also very happy about the repairs.
The past week has been some of the best riding weather of the year. If you haven't been out for a ride, now is the time to enjoy the brisk, clear Fall air.
The past week has been some of the best riding weather of the year. If you haven't been out for a ride, now is the time to enjoy the brisk, clear Fall air.
Tuesday, September 11, 2007
Two dates we'll be closed in the next month -- 9/27 & 10/8
We will have two days in the next several weeks that we will be closed.
Thursday, September 27 the store will be closed while Tim Fricker and I attend InterBike. InterBike is where many bike companies bring their latest and greatest for a four day event in Las Vegas. We'll be talking to the many companies that we do business with and some companies that we'd like to be representing.
Monday, October 8th the store will be closed for what is the Federal observation of Columbus day. Why Columbus Day when we've been open for lots of other Federal Holidays? Tim is attending a family event in Long Island. I'm driving from the Mississippi River to Virginia after an event.
I apologize in advance to those of you that come to the store those days only to find us closed. We'll try to publicize these closings to reduce the chance of this happening.
Thursday, September 27 the store will be closed while Tim Fricker and I attend InterBike. InterBike is where many bike companies bring their latest and greatest for a four day event in Las Vegas. We'll be talking to the many companies that we do business with and some companies that we'd like to be representing.
Monday, October 8th the store will be closed for what is the Federal observation of Columbus day. Why Columbus Day when we've been open for lots of other Federal Holidays? Tim is attending a family event in Long Island. I'm driving from the Mississippi River to Virginia after an event.
I apologize in advance to those of you that come to the store those days only to find us closed. We'll try to publicize these closings to reduce the chance of this happening.
Monday, September 10, 2007
IMPORTANT: CO2 inflation device voluntary recall
We have received from Genuine Innovations a notice of their voluntary recall of:
Genuine Innovations Second Wind MTB: Part Numbers 2525, 2525-0, and 3519
Wrench Force Two Shot: Part Numbers 84995, 84995-1, and 80383
The problem described is "The Unit can shatter while under pressure when inflating tires, This poses a risk of injury, such as bruising, lacerations, and ringing in the ears."
Genuine Innovations will provide replacement heads for these devices. Any of these devices shipped since the first of this year have the new head.
If you have a CO2 device I suggest that you look at it to determine if it is a model impacted by this recall. If you have an affected model then take it back to the store from which you purchased it.
Genuine Innovations Second Wind MTB: Part Numbers 2525, 2525-0, and 3519
Wrench Force Two Shot: Part Numbers 84995, 84995-1, and 80383
The problem described is "The Unit can shatter while under pressure when inflating tires, This poses a risk of injury, such as bruising, lacerations, and ringing in the ears."
Genuine Innovations will provide replacement heads for these devices. Any of these devices shipped since the first of this year have the new head.
If you have a CO2 device I suggest that you look at it to determine if it is a model impacted by this recall. If you have an affected model then take it back to the store from which you purchased it.
Friday, September 07, 2007
A typical Friday morning
Tim and I were enjoying a fairly typical Friday morning when this photo was snapped of us. I've just barely had my eyes open. Tim was sharing a bit of humor. SNAP, we were caught.
This is an invitation for you to visit us. I will try to have my eyes open. Tim will have an entertaining story. Most importantly we will work to provide good service and help you get out on your bicycle. A bike ride is an important activity. We understand that fact.
This is an invitation for you to visit us. I will try to have my eyes open. Tim will have an entertaining story. Most importantly we will work to provide good service and help you get out on your bicycle. A bike ride is an important activity. We understand that fact.
Thursday, September 06, 2007
Riding in Italy
I sell bikes to people and many times I don't know how they use them and whether they are enjoying them. I am always grateful when I receive information about how people are using and enjoying their bikes.
This photo is one of several that Sean Luke sent me of the adventure that he and the lovely lady in his life are having in Italy. They came in and bought two Dahon Helios folders. They brought in suitcases that they had and with some creativity they were able to pack the bikes. My memory is that they plan to leave the bikes in Italy for their use in future years.
In this age of digital cameras and electronic delivery, it is easier to share information about your adventures. Why not send me a photo of you enjoying your bike(s) that you bought at bikes@vienna.
Sean, thank you so much. I can tell by your photos that you had fun on your folding bike in Italy.
What would you do on a folding bike?
This photo is one of several that Sean Luke sent me of the adventure that he and the lovely lady in his life are having in Italy. They came in and bought two Dahon Helios folders. They brought in suitcases that they had and with some creativity they were able to pack the bikes. My memory is that they plan to leave the bikes in Italy for their use in future years.
In this age of digital cameras and electronic delivery, it is easier to share information about your adventures. Why not send me a photo of you enjoying your bike(s) that you bought at bikes@vienna.
Sean, thank you so much. I can tell by your photos that you had fun on your folding bike in Italy.
What would you do on a folding bike?
Wednesday, September 05, 2007
Just a block and one half from the Vienna Caboose
This Labor Day holiday it again became apparent that bikes@vienna is hidden from the public. I gave directions to the store multiple times and I heard others doing the same. The phone conversation most times begins with an individual on a cell phone asking "Where are you?"
So I thought it might be helpful to use some local landmarks to supplement the fairly good directions on our webpage which is www.bikesatvienna.com.
The Vienna Caboose is an easily identified landmark right next to the W&OD Trail. If you can see the Caboose then you are on Church, Dominion, or Mill Streets. You need to get on Church Street and go south (which is also away from the Presbyterian Church). You'll go through the stop sign at the corner of Center and Church and one half block up on your left is a brick house with a green sign in front which is Terra Christa. bikes@vienna is behind Terra Christa. If you pass the Blackeyed Susan, Great Harvest Bread, or Neilsen Frozen Custard then you have gone too far. If you're across from the Post Office then you've really gone too far.
Okay, let's go back to the Caboose. We ride by it all the time and perhaps you've not stopped and stood on the platform to peer in the window. A caboose was a key component of the American railroad industry for probably a century. Two crew members would travel in the caboose as the eyes at the rear of the train. Originally these crew members would use laterns to communicate with the front end crew. Today cabooses are not used for typical train operation. You see cabooses as parts of parks, business locations, bed and breakfasts, cabins on acreages and used as landmarks.
bikes@vienna is just one and one half blocks from the Vienna Caboose.
So I thought it might be helpful to use some local landmarks to supplement the fairly good directions on our webpage which is www.bikesatvienna.com.
The Vienna Caboose is an easily identified landmark right next to the W&OD Trail. If you can see the Caboose then you are on Church, Dominion, or Mill Streets. You need to get on Church Street and go south (which is also away from the Presbyterian Church). You'll go through the stop sign at the corner of Center and Church and one half block up on your left is a brick house with a green sign in front which is Terra Christa. bikes@vienna is behind Terra Christa. If you pass the Blackeyed Susan, Great Harvest Bread, or Neilsen Frozen Custard then you have gone too far. If you're across from the Post Office then you've really gone too far.
Okay, let's go back to the Caboose. We ride by it all the time and perhaps you've not stopped and stood on the platform to peer in the window. A caboose was a key component of the American railroad industry for probably a century. Two crew members would travel in the caboose as the eyes at the rear of the train. Originally these crew members would use laterns to communicate with the front end crew. Today cabooses are not used for typical train operation. You see cabooses as parts of parks, business locations, bed and breakfasts, cabins on acreages and used as landmarks.
bikes@vienna is just one and one half blocks from the Vienna Caboose.
Tuesday, August 28, 2007
Doing the things that you should have done yesterday
The summer has sailed passed. I came in today with the intention of clearing out the basement and getting the used and consignment bikes organized. I am in that process and I'm lowering prices on the bikes that have not sold. I am also taking photos to list bikes that have come in and escaped my attention until now.
Please look at our used bike blog http://bavused.blogspot.com/ There are lots of recumbents plus some quality uprights.
Please look at our used bike blog http://bavused.blogspot.com/ There are lots of recumbents plus some quality uprights.
Ryan surrounded by red
Ryan Bannon has started helping in the store several days a week. I captured him early Sunday morning as he switched a tube at the Reston Bike Club's Century ride.
Ryan is not normally that red. It is a combination of the tent and banner, I think.
Ryan is not normally that red. It is a combination of the tent and banner, I think.