It is finally officially bike riding season again as May actually happens to be National Bike Month and I can readily say that it’s nice to don shorts and a tee shirt again.
To celebrate this beautiful weather we have been having, a group of us decided to make a pre-summer voyage just off the coast of Massachusetts to Nantucket Island. Four of us packed up two SwissBike TXs and two SwissBike LXs with some bags and food into the trunk of a Subaru and headed for the ferry in Hyannis. For those of your counting, that would be 4 bikes and 4 people in a Subaru. With the car left behind at the dock and the bikes loaded on the boat we departed on the two hour trip from the mainland to the island.
One of the beautiful things about Nantucket is that is seems as though it was made for bikes. Infused with paved bike paths and with cars governed by island wide low speed limits, any part of the island is accessible by bike. In fact, at only 45 square miles, all points are just a short ride away from each other.
After the two hour ferry ride we docked in the town of Nantucket. As the town is still paved with cobble stones, we were relieved that we brought SwissBike TXs and LXs as both are equipped with front suspension and knobby tires. Once we gathered all of our belongings we headed out to moors (think cranberry bogs) where we were staying. The house we borrowed was a classic cape positioned right on the water. Due to the flatness of the island we were positioned in a way that gave us both a brilliant sunrise and set. With a hot dog off the grill, it was a great end to a Friday.
Not only did our house give us good sun rises, but it also put us in the middle of the island making the farthest points from us no more than about 10 miles. Not being on a schedule found us leisurely pedaling the 5 miles into town for breakfast. Once there, however we found out it was the annual Nantucket daffodil weekend. This particular weekend daffodils all over the island come to bloom and a celebration and parade usually ensues. After coffe and scones we sat with the bikes and watched as a stream of classic cars drove a loop through town covered in the flowers.
After the festivities we mounted our bikes and headed a little ways out of town for lunch at a great sandwich shop called Provisions. After eating our monster sandwiches out on their lawn, we decided that such a beautiful day warranted some beach time.
Back on the bikes and another 5 miles later we had all of Cisco beach on the South side of the island to ourselves. When in season (August, September), Cisco beach is filled with surfers and beach goers.
After the beach we headed back toward town. On the way we stopped at the Bartlett farm off of Hummock Pond Rd. and shared a box of strawberries. Bartlett is one of two remaining farms on the island. Right next door to the farm is Cisco Brewers. Cisco Brewers is one of a handful of establishments that is simultaneously a brewery, distillery, and winery. Needless to say, we stopped and spoke with the owner about his business and ended up staying for a brewery tour.
By the time we left it was time to head in for the night. Jumping back on the bikes we quickly rode the 8 miles home and fired up the grill for another sunset dinner.
The final day of our excursion, the weather turned overcast. This gave us a chance for a good ride into the moors where we got some solid mountain biking in.
This was both Dana and Matt’s first time on the SwissBikes. Even though Matt is an avid cyclist, and Dana a beginner, they both found that the SwissBikes fit well and went beyond their expectations of folding bikes. Matt was especially impressed by the way the bikes handled off the road. The moors on Nantucket offer great fire trails and technical single track peppered with rock and sand. Both the LX and the TX grabbed the loose rock with ease and made quick work of the sand. Dana remarked that she had not previously thought a bike could be so versatile in the way it rides and travels. I had to agree. SwissBike does challenge the common belief that a bike has to be either a road or mountain bike, a small wheel folder or a full size elephant. SwissBike seems to find common ground between all of these categories and effectively shatters the stereotype. Matt agreed as he powered through a pile of sand in the trail.
The day ended with some warm authentic clam chowder and a ride back to the house.
A quick ferry ride back across the bay and we were headed back up to metro Boston. A great weekend excursion had come to an end. Thinking back it really is incredible how convenient the bikes were. The four SwissBikes fit perfectly in the car and on the boat, while at the same time giving us the freedom to hit the road, trails, and cobble stones with no problems at all. Now thats what I call performance and portability!
Ride Safe,
SwissBike
May 8th, 2008
I am sure that all of you have heard of the Ironman. A 2.4 mile ocean swim immediately followed by a grueling 112 mile bike ride and capped off with a marathon (26.2 mile run), Ironman events showcase what many believe to be the strongest, most determined athletes out there. Angel V. of Chicago IL. is one of these people. Having competed in and finished several Ironman events and several more Ironman 70.3 mile events (half Ironmans), Angel is a veteran to the sport. However, as these competitions are few and far between, with only a number occurring worldwide each year, Angel must travel some good distances to compete in Ironmans held in places like San Diego, Hawaii, and Florida. To sum up both the problem and solution in his own words:
“I am from Chicago, Illinois…hence the need for a folder.”
Basically, Angel found he needed a bike that performed like a professional tri bike, but packed away easily for travel to competitions. He found his solution to be the Montague MX which offered a full-size geometry using industry standard components.
After finding the MX through online reviews, he customized the bike to triathalon standards (650c wheels, specific gearing, and other components). When all was said and done, Angel was left with a sub 20 pound monster of a tri bike that folded to meet airline requirements.
After completing 5 races on his MX, Angel reported back to us on the project.
” …The truth is I can’t tell the difference between this bike and my 19 pound titanium litespeed bike. It’s pretty cool to see the looks on my fellow-tri athletes when they see my folder. With my 54 tooth chain ring in the front and 11 tooth in the rear I can keep up with the best of them.”
To find out more about Ironman events or for a listing of the events in your area check out the official Ironman website. Also remember to keep your eye out for Angel and his MX!
Ride HARD!
Swissbike
January 29th, 2008
Just before the New Year, I wrote in a post about visiting a winery. I received several emails from riders who were interested in learning more about the prospect of touring vineyards via SwissBike. After some research and several phone calls I was able to put together a tentative “to-do” list for SwissBike riding wine aficionados. One of the best locations (in the US mind you) to partake in vineyard tourism by bike is Napa Valley, CA. In the height of the wine season Napa can be a little too overwhelming due to the amount of tourists running from vineyard to vineyard. Thus, as a cyclist, one of the most relaxing times to visit Napa by bike is slightly after the peak season namely in the late fall or early winter months. During this time, the roads open up, and reservations are easier to make. Off seasons will also find winery staff with more time to stop and chat offering you local knowledge and tips to make your vacation even better.
Through the length of the valley run two major roads; route 29 and The Silverado Trail. Route 29 is characteristically a much more well traveled road, yet in recognition of the amount of cyclists that enjoy traveling through this area, stretches of great bike paths are found along this road. The Silverado Trail is a bit more dependable. More off the beaten path, this road tends to be more cycling friendly, providing direct access to route 29 and most major towns along the way via small dirt roads. The Silverado Trail runs parallel to route 29 from Napa to Calistoga covering approximately 26 miles. The Napa County Transportation Agency has provided very detailed free maps for the area here. Note the bike lane runs from Napa all the way up to Callistoga. Rumor has it that there are many rest areas and public parks along this route for tired legs to get some rest.
As San Francisco is just a short car or bus ride (perfect for your folding SwissBike) from the Napa area we would suggest that you begin your trek there. Once arriving in Napa nightly accommodations are easily found although you may want to make reservations some time before depending on the season. Depending on your riding ability day trips of virtually any length can be had. Thus vacationers can spend as little as a day or as much as they wish touring the wineries and taking in the great scenery to be had.
Of the hundreds of wineries in the Napa Valley area, there are a handful that have come recommended to us as priorities on the “to- do” list. All of these three wineries are both renowned for their history as well as their product.
Beaulieu Vineyard
- As one of the oldest vineyards in Napa Valley, Beaulieu was one of the few to survive prohibition of the 1920s. By the 1940s, Beaulieu wines were featured at all major White House functions. The vineyard is located in Rutherford, a 15 mile cycle from Napa. Make reservations for a tour here.
Beringer Vineyards
- Another survivor of prohibition, Beringer is the oldest continuously operating vineyard in Napa Valley. As the vineyards surround a huge estate that itself is worth the trip, this location is a must for obvious reasons. Dinners and events occur yearlong at Beringer. Find more information about it all here.
Robert Mondavi Winery
- Robert Mondavi is one of the leading names in advancement and promotion of Napa Valley wines. Some say he is responsible for the international success of the area. His winery off of route 29 should not disappoint. Make reservations for a tour or here.
The above wineries are just three of hundreds that are easily accessible via your SwissBike. As a cycling friendly community, Napa Valley welcomes you to share their roads and taste their award winning wines. For an added treat search out the famous hot mineral springs in Calistoga; The perfect treat for the weary legs of a cyclist.
Ride Safe,
SwissBike
January 8th, 2008
