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Every once in awhile I have this thought to carry lights with me when I go to a restaurant and then go in the back where the staff park their bikes and put little lights on them. I know when I go to Sweetwater Tavern in Fairfax there are always three or four bikes parked in back, the same with Noodles & Co. in Vienna. In fact that’s how I’m going to give away my extra Bike Arlington lights, I’ll go in the alleys of the dining establishments I frequent and put the lights on the worker’s bikes. Nothing thrills me more than lurking in dark alleys.

I should find a better hobby….

ann

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A positive effect of buying the El Diablo helmet light is that I have less money to spend on shoes. Although the ones you suggest would go well with my leather collection.

In all seriousness, I love my helmet light, it works well. I prefer it to my handlebar light.

ann

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You are kind, and I am not. The phrase that comes to mind is freakishly tall.
And that was said with the utmost respect.
Ann

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Hmmm, never realized how tall Tim was until I stood next him — oh, and that awkward high-five when I was forced to jump in the air….

Had so much fun — thanks.

My shoes may never dry out.

Ann

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What a wonderful evening! I can’t remember the last time I had so much fun standing on a street corner in the dark soliciting strangers.

Many, many lights were pressed into people’s hands who were dressed in black, did not have any idea they weren’t visible, and/or never considered how to light themselves up to be safe in a way that did not involve combustible materials and a match.

It was a very successful night, we gave away what seemed like several hundred lights and reflective straps. More importantly we were able to interact with the pedestrian and cycling community in a friendly way, shake hands, look into each other’s eyes and say, “Hello, can I give you a light?”

(FWIW, riding in the dark and the rain is a blast.)

ann

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Stopped by on Friday evening and I have to say Jan is just terrific, friendly and well versed in everything related to bikes. I was able to purchase a small U-lock, a cute pair of pink socks, and a trainer. Jan worked with me for half an hour putting it together and making sure I knew how to set it up in my home. Bikenetic has terrific customer service.

Happy indoor trails,
ann

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I am reminded of the time when Dirt put a dozen roses in his backpack and rode home with the blooms in plain sight. He said he got nothing but love from the cars around him.

ann

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I have the advantage of my gender and I’ve used it.

If there is a more nonthreatening human being on a bike, I’d be surprised so I can say things a bit more boldly and not get a defensive reaction. How upset can you get at a grinning woman wearing a ridiculous rhinestone helmet?

“Hey! I almost didn’t see you. I bet the cars really can’t see you. If you’d like, stick closer to me and my mega death lights.”

I’m honestly concerned for their safety and the last thing I want to do is scold them, I get enough practice at home with my children. But I am giving them an honest reaction, I can’t see them, and I am offering assistance that most big guys on bikes would prefer not to ever take. The one woman I spoke to admitted she was out later than she thought and she rode with me until our paths diverged.

BTW, I ordered a set of battery operated Christmas lights for my bike, just to make things festive.

ann

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Last winter when the snows came and my desperation level rose, I broke down and went to spin class. Fairfax County Recreation Centers have drop-in spin classes. The schedules are available online. http://www.fairfaxcounty.gov/parks/rec/xyo.htm
If you are a county resident the cost is $6.85

It’s not like riding outside at all, there is no comparison. But it gets your heart rate up.

Until I break down and go back to swimming or, perish the thought, try running again, spin class for a few weeks is fine. It’s better than nothing.

True confession, I’m on my way out the door to buy a trainer, so take what I said with a grain of salt.

Happy indoor trails,
ann

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@Tim Kelley 10875 wrote:

It doesn’t cover any of the routine stuff like you mentioned, but I’ve had a chain snap taking out my front chainring and deraileur. (Massive quads and all that right? )

Yeah, there’s something *massive* going on here….quit Blacknelling.

I wouldn’t finance a bike.

I wonder what proportion of customers are folks who own >1 bike. Clearly, there’s an addictive nature to this sport, however, I bet a large segment of the market is represented by customers who buy one bike, become discouraged or lose interest, and then drift away for a variety of reasons. Figuring out what keeps some people on bikes versus the people who drift away, and then capturing that demographic would be interesting.

Also capturing the family. Get the kid on a bike which leads to getting Mom on a bike, which leads to getting Dad on a bike (or the reverse).

Good luck with this project.

ann

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Oh gosh, the cargo bike event was very mellow, if you can imagine a sing-a-long sort of ride with bike people, that’s what it was.

But more to the point, dangling a combined event of shopping and riding makes me twitchy for a fix. Speed is not a factor in my mind.

ann

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Proteus knows how to host an event! Count me in.

What a great idea!

ann

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Thank you for your detailed accident reconstruction, it helps me visualize what may have happened. The good news is you were spared a major injury and that is something to be thankful for, this being the season, and all.

I wish you a quick healing time.

Best wishes,
Ann

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I’ll be there. I like things that light up and run on batteries.

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And A stands for…. No, I just called over there and the season is over.

Ann

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