Metro Boston: Good ride today?
07-28-10, 07:09 AM
#401
.
Join Date: Jul 2005
Location: "The Woo", MA
Posts: 4,831
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 0 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 1 Time
in
1 Post
Presumably they wanted to move some slow-moving inventory. One of their sales guys told me they don't work on commission, so I guess they don't care about necessarily pushing the most expensive stuff.
The other day I was in another well-known area store in Belmont, looking for a new seatpost and as usual being ignored by the sales staff, and I happen to see Sen. John Kerry buying a bicycle. I couldn't see what it was, he had the frame in his hand and it was wrapped in foam. I had gone over there after work and it was apparent from the way he was dressed that he had just come from the office too.
They didn't have what I was looking for, anyway.
The other day I was in another well-known area store in Belmont, looking for a new seatpost and as usual being ignored by the sales staff, and I happen to see Sen. John Kerry buying a bicycle. I couldn't see what it was, he had the frame in his hand and it was wrapped in foam. I had gone over there after work and it was apparent from the way he was dressed that he had just come from the office too.
They didn't have what I was looking for, anyway.
07-30-10, 08:05 PM
#402
Senior Member
Join Date: May 2007
Location: Watertown, MA (Boston)
Posts: 200
Bikes: '00 Kona Yee Ha, '83 Schwinn World (fix), '96 KHS Montana Descent (w/ RS XC-32), '05 Fort Ro.SLC (totaled), '01 Burley Rumba tandem, '15 Mattioli R1, '14 Nashbar Big Ol' Fat Bike, '96 Fuji Marlboro folder (drops), '04 Jamis Satellite, '04 Giant TCX
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 0 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 0 Times
in
0 Posts
Had a gorgeous ride with interesting people and perfect weather on the Belmont route of this morning's Boston Bike Friday -- https://www.bikefridays.org . A good-sized group on the route, and plenty of food and swag at Government Center.
Funny, I spoke again on the ride with a very nice guy who works at that very shop that you mention above, but he's "kept in the basement".
I too have gotten a bad vibe from that shop for the same exact reasons as you (though I haven't seen Kerry himself in there). Also after the ride today, I met an out-of-town cyclist who rode with me towards BU, looking to immediately go and buy clipless shoes at that newer shop on Comm Ave where I'd similarly gotten a bad vibe. I almost felt guilty for discouraging her from shopping there, though I did suggest she should visit that one first to check their large selection but then plan to continue down the street to the older one that I like much better.
Funny, I spoke again on the ride with a very nice guy who works at that very shop that you mention above, but he's "kept in the basement".
I too have gotten a bad vibe from that shop for the same exact reasons as you (though I haven't seen Kerry himself in there). Also after the ride today, I met an out-of-town cyclist who rode with me towards BU, looking to immediately go and buy clipless shoes at that newer shop on Comm Ave where I'd similarly gotten a bad vibe. I almost felt guilty for discouraging her from shopping there, though I did suggest she should visit that one first to check their large selection but then plan to continue down the street to the older one that I like much better.
Last edited by pocky; 07-30-10 at 08:14 PM.
07-31-10, 05:09 PM
#403
Senior Member
Thread Starter
A great thing about Metro Boston is the choice in bike shops. We have old, new, spin offs and specialists. Somerville has been home for bike makers in the past and we still have plenty of custom frame makers in our midst.
One should be tactful but I think most shops appreciate learning about your experience. My favorite LBS has referred me to others for items they decide to carry so I trust them.
One should be tactful but I think most shops appreciate learning about your experience. My favorite LBS has referred me to others for items they decide to carry so I trust them.
07-31-10, 05:10 PM
#404
Life Is Good
Join Date: Oct 2007
Location: Central Massachusetts
Posts: 1,695
Bikes: Zipp2001 Carbon Belt Drive SS, Kestrel RT900SL, Kestrel KM40 Airfoil 1x10, Orbea Occam H30, Trek Stache 5 29 Plus, Giant Yukon 2 Fat Bike
Mentioned: 5 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 277 Post(s)
Liked 870 Times
in
443 Posts
Did my rte. 12 NH. to CT. state line and back ride today (cut state in half x 2), with the extra miles from my house to rte. 12 it came to 139.40 miles. Great weather and lots of fun, if interested I will be doing the same route the 3rd Saturday in August weather permitting.
07-31-10, 10:21 PM
#405
Senior Member
Thread Starter
Congratulations! Epic!
How was Rt 12? Fitzwilliam, Wachusett, Fitchburg, Worcester and Webster, Nice riding!
I made it over to Thompson CN earlier this year but it was only a century, my max.
Any idea what speed you averaged? When did you start and finish?
What did you refuel with; how many breaks; repercussions?
Sights along the way?
Again, Congrats.
Oh, I rode the CCRT from Brewster to Orleans and on out to P town. Nice, very nice but I'll take Metro Boston.
How was Rt 12? Fitzwilliam, Wachusett, Fitchburg, Worcester and Webster, Nice riding!
I made it over to Thompson CN earlier this year but it was only a century, my max.
Any idea what speed you averaged? When did you start and finish?
What did you refuel with; how many breaks; repercussions?
Sights along the way?
Again, Congrats.
Oh, I rode the CCRT from Brewster to Orleans and on out to P town. Nice, very nice but I'll take Metro Boston.
07-31-10, 11:42 PM
#406
What??? Only 2 wheels?
Join Date: Apr 2010
Location: Boston-ish, MA
Posts: 13,434
Bikes: 72 Peugeot UO-8, 82 Peugeot TH8, 87 Bianchi Brava, 76? Masi Grand Criterium, 74 Motobecane Champion Team, 86 & 77 Gazelle champion mondial, 81? Grandis, 82? Tommasini, 83 Peugeot PF10
Mentioned: 189 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 1222 Post(s)
Liked 645 Times
in
232 Posts
139.4 miles?? Yow! I managed only 57.56 today. Had a commitment for later so I couldn't eke out any more even though I felt good. It's still a personal best but not my age. I did my usual Waltham to Carlisle route but did an extra loop around East/Maple for the mileage. I should have done two loops.
In the crook of one intersection on Curve St, I think, there was a doghouse with a hand-lettered sign saying "Beware of the attack duck". Sitting inside was a near-life-size rubber ducky. Wished I had a camera.
Met the same tractor pulling the flatbed with the same aromatic load, but he was going the other way. Probably came from Great Brook Farm, the state park run as a working farm.
At the Concord Center water fountain one guy riding a Cervelo (edit, no, I think it was Winn-someongorother, Windiff?, ah, I've been on the computer too long) commented on my bike "That's a nice old classic bike." Cool! We spoke for a few minutes, he asked what model it was, I said Gran Sport, and he said he'd once had an International. Or was it a Competition? And maybe he wasn't riding a Cervelo. It's strange how some things slip your mind after only 5 minutes.
It was a good day.
In the crook of one intersection on Curve St, I think, there was a doghouse with a hand-lettered sign saying "Beware of the attack duck". Sitting inside was a near-life-size rubber ducky. Wished I had a camera.
Met the same tractor pulling the flatbed with the same aromatic load, but he was going the other way. Probably came from Great Brook Farm, the state park run as a working farm.
At the Concord Center water fountain one guy riding a Cervelo (edit, no, I think it was Winn-someongorother, Windiff?, ah, I've been on the computer too long) commented on my bike "That's a nice old classic bike." Cool! We spoke for a few minutes, he asked what model it was, I said Gran Sport, and he said he'd once had an International. Or was it a Competition? And maybe he wasn't riding a Cervelo. It's strange how some things slip your mind after only 5 minutes.
It was a good day.
__________________
Real cyclists use toe clips.
With great bikes comes great responsibility.
jimmuller
Real cyclists use toe clips.
With great bikes comes great responsibility.
jimmuller
Last edited by jimmuller; 08-01-10 at 07:57 AM.
08-01-10, 08:43 AM
#407
Senior Member
Join Date: Mar 2009
Location: Carlisle, MA
Posts: 209
Bikes: old Merlin, Santana Beyond, & a mommy bike
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 0 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 0 Times
in
0 Posts
[IMG]
[/IMG]BTW, they generally harvest cranberries from the bog in mid-October. Usually a pretty sight if the weather is cooperative. They aren't the high-yielding cranberry bogs like down near the cape, but still a nice treat to witness.
Last edited by bikinggrrrl; 08-01-10 at 03:42 PM.
08-01-10, 02:33 PM
#408
Life Is Good
Join Date: Oct 2007
Location: Central Massachusetts
Posts: 1,695
Bikes: Zipp2001 Carbon Belt Drive SS, Kestrel RT900SL, Kestrel KM40 Airfoil 1x10, Orbea Occam H30, Trek Stache 5 29 Plus, Giant Yukon 2 Fat Bike
Mentioned: 5 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 277 Post(s)
Liked 870 Times
in
443 Posts
Hi SBP !
Rte. 12 was in good shape throughout with a minor section near Dudley ripped up for repaving, and a few new sections paved. I started out at 7:30 and Finished at 4:09, so I had 8hr. and 39 min. of total time. Seeing that I only have room for one water bottle I made a total of 10 stops for water, and 1 stop at Bike Alley for some Cliff Shot Bloks. I estimate that I had to stop at 80% of the intersections with lights (couldn't catch a break). I saw a car get rear ended about 20 yards in front of me, no one was hurt. I also saw quite a few fellow cyclist which was cool, I very seldom see any on most of my rides. For food I had 3 bananas, 3 Fruit & Grain cereal bars, 3 Cliff Shot Bloks, and 6 GU's. As far as average speed not quite sure because of the stops but I was happy with my pace throughout, felt great the whole ride. For just plain STUPID AWARD I watched a fellow cyclist completely blow threw a red light, and to top it off wasn't wearing a helmet.
I keep seeing different post once and a while about the CCRT. What kind of shape is it in ? Is it very crowded ? How many miles is it ? I have only been on one real rail trail out in Ayer last year and it was way to crowded for my liking.
Rte. 12 was in good shape throughout with a minor section near Dudley ripped up for repaving, and a few new sections paved. I started out at 7:30 and Finished at 4:09, so I had 8hr. and 39 min. of total time. Seeing that I only have room for one water bottle I made a total of 10 stops for water, and 1 stop at Bike Alley for some Cliff Shot Bloks. I estimate that I had to stop at 80% of the intersections with lights (couldn't catch a break). I saw a car get rear ended about 20 yards in front of me, no one was hurt. I also saw quite a few fellow cyclist which was cool, I very seldom see any on most of my rides. For food I had 3 bananas, 3 Fruit & Grain cereal bars, 3 Cliff Shot Bloks, and 6 GU's. As far as average speed not quite sure because of the stops but I was happy with my pace throughout, felt great the whole ride. For just plain STUPID AWARD I watched a fellow cyclist completely blow threw a red light, and to top it off wasn't wearing a helmet.
I keep seeing different post once and a while about the CCRT. What kind of shape is it in ? Is it very crowded ? How many miles is it ? I have only been on one real rail trail out in Ayer last year and it was way to crowded for my liking.
08-01-10, 03:03 PM
#409
Senior Member
Join Date: Dec 2009
Location: Westwood MA (just south of Boston)
Posts: 2,215
Bikes: 2009 Trek Soho
Mentioned: 1 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 4 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 0 Times
in
0 Posts
004..jpgdid this 65-mile loop from Weston to the NH border yesterday: https://connect.garmin.com/activity/42548826
08-01-10, 09:03 PM
#411
What??? Only 2 wheels?
Join Date: Apr 2010
Location: Boston-ish, MA
Posts: 13,434
Bikes: 72 Peugeot UO-8, 82 Peugeot TH8, 87 Bianchi Brava, 76? Masi Grand Criterium, 74 Motobecane Champion Team, 86 & 77 Gazelle champion mondial, 81? Grandis, 82? Tommasini, 83 Peugeot PF10
Mentioned: 189 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 1222 Post(s)
Liked 645 Times
in
232 Posts
That's hard to say. It depends on what you mean by "worth it" and how supportive your LBS might be. Somerville isn't what I'd call "local" to NH, so you'll burn gas and time making any trip. I have nothing against Somerville but I that's not a trip I'd expect to make on a regular basis simply because there are other places easier for me to get to.
__________________
Real cyclists use toe clips.
With great bikes comes great responsibility.
jimmuller
Real cyclists use toe clips.
With great bikes comes great responsibility.
jimmuller
08-02-10, 10:17 AM
#412
Senior Member
Join Date: Jan 1970
Posts: 387
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 0 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 0 Times
in
0 Posts
I feel an obligation to buy stuff and get parts form the same shop that I get my bike from. I'm wondering if the shop is too "big" to get any type of relationship going though, where I'd get any benefit out of it.
08-02-10, 11:20 AM
#413
What??? Only 2 wheels?
Join Date: Apr 2010
Location: Boston-ish, MA
Posts: 13,434
Bikes: 72 Peugeot UO-8, 82 Peugeot TH8, 87 Bianchi Brava, 76? Masi Grand Criterium, 74 Motobecane Champion Team, 86 & 77 Gazelle champion mondial, 81? Grandis, 82? Tommasini, 83 Peugeot PF10
Mentioned: 189 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 1222 Post(s)
Liked 645 Times
in
232 Posts
Whether you benefit much from it is a separate question. You will probably gain by having their attention to discuss technical issues or options. Financial benefit? Maybe. Consider it from their perspective. If they offered you a super price on the bike to win your loyalty they'll be hoping to gain something too. Most routine items, for example tires or gloves or whatver, will have a sticker price and you won't necessarily be offered a discount. If they do offer you a discount you'll be cutting into their profit margin so you won't be helping them much after all. If you bring the bike in they may help you by doing a quick minor repair or adjustment while you wait and perhaps even for free.
Now, since this thread is named "Good ride today?", have you picked up your bike yet? And if so what kind of rides have you done? That's the whole point anyway!
__________________
Real cyclists use toe clips.
With great bikes comes great responsibility.
jimmuller
Real cyclists use toe clips.
With great bikes comes great responsibility.
jimmuller
08-02-10, 11:31 AM
#414
Senior Member
Join Date: Jan 1970
Posts: 387
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 0 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 0 Times
in
0 Posts
Any day now.... any day...
Withdrawing money from this account, waiting for my check Thursday, waiting for money I loaned to get back to me.....
Never bought something this expensive haha Gotta organize the cake my man
Do not worry, when I get it I will put a post in road cycling with pictures.
Right after I try to go more than 10 miles on it without dying haha
Withdrawing money from this account, waiting for my check Thursday, waiting for money I loaned to get back to me.....
Never bought something this expensive haha Gotta organize the cake my man
Do not worry, when I get it I will put a post in road cycling with pictures.
Right after I try to go more than 10 miles on it without dying haha
08-03-10, 08:10 AM
#415
on a road near you...
Join Date: Jan 2010
Location: Metro Boston, MA
Posts: 460
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 1 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 0 Times
in
0 Posts
Travelled lite on the "good bike" into work yesterday. That meant I was able to tack on an extra 40 miles the way home.
08-03-10, 01:20 PM
#416
Senior Member
Join Date: Jan 1970
Posts: 387
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 0 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 0 Times
in
0 Posts
Ordered 2011 Allez with SRAM Apex 
$1300, and I got them to give me $50 off a nice helmet.
Now to wait a week haha
I took my friends cruiser bike that weighs like 50 pounds, and rode just 3 miles to my friends house because we wanted to hang out and I was huffing and puffing.... I can run for 90 minutes on a soccer field, but there aren't any climbs on a field haha I swear to god about 2 miles of it was just straight uphill. I averaged 14 mph for my first time on a bike in 4 years. Pretty embarrassing but I gotta work off the rust. Now when I get my bike Ill notice the difference I also should've eaten more than a few tostitos and hummus for breakfast/lunch......no fuel!
The bike I just used was an old trek cruiser with grip shifters and they barely worked. Clicking the whole time. He doesn't take care of it.
Now that I'm back home I want to go out again and just see how much I can kill myself haha
$1300, and I got them to give me $50 off a nice helmet.
Now to wait a week haha
I took my friends cruiser bike that weighs like 50 pounds, and rode just 3 miles to my friends house because we wanted to hang out and I was huffing and puffing.... I can run for 90 minutes on a soccer field, but there aren't any climbs on a field haha I swear to god about 2 miles of it was just straight uphill. I averaged 14 mph for my first time on a bike in 4 years. Pretty embarrassing but I gotta work off the rust. Now when I get my bike Ill notice the difference
I also should've eaten more than a few tostitos and hummus for breakfast/lunch......no fuel!The bike I just used was an old trek cruiser with grip shifters and they barely worked. Clicking the whole time. He doesn't take care of it.
Now that I'm back home I want to go out again and just see how much I can kill myself haha
08-04-10, 02:04 PM
#417
Senior Member
Thread Starter
[QUOTE=bikinggrrrl;11210288]I know that duck house! I ride past that quite a few times through the week.
BTW, they generally harvest cranberries from the bog in mid-October. Usually a pretty sight if the weather is cooperative. QUOTE]
BG and Jim,
Excellent Metrowest sighting!
I suppose you've seen the mailbox that says'"taxes" on it? it is up too high for a postman's reach?
BTW, they generally harvest cranberries from the bog in mid-October. Usually a pretty sight if the weather is cooperative. QUOTE]
BG and Jim,
Excellent Metrowest sighting!
I suppose you've seen the mailbox that says'"taxes" on it? it is up too high for a postman's reach?
08-04-10, 02:07 PM
#418
Senior Member
Thread Starter
Ordered 2011 Allez with SRAM Apex
$1300, and I got them to give me $50 off a nice helmet.
Now to wait a week haha
I took my friends cruiser bike that weighs like 50 pounds, and rode just 3 miles to my friends house because we wanted to hang out and I was huffing and puffing.... I can run for 90 minutes on a soccer field, but there aren't any climbs on a field haha I swear to god about 2 miles of it was just straight uphill. I averaged 14 mph for my first time on a bike in 4 years. Pretty embarrassing but I gotta work off the rust. Now when I get my bike Ill notice the difference I also should've eaten more than a few tostitos and hummus for breakfast/lunch......no fuel!
The bike I just used was an old trek cruiser with grip shifters and they barely worked. Clicking the whole time. He doesn't take care of it.
Now that I'm back home I want to go out again and just see how much I can kill myself haha
$1300, and I got them to give me $50 off a nice helmet.
Now to wait a week haha
I took my friends cruiser bike that weighs like 50 pounds, and rode just 3 miles to my friends house because we wanted to hang out and I was huffing and puffing.... I can run for 90 minutes on a soccer field, but there aren't any climbs on a field haha I swear to god about 2 miles of it was just straight uphill. I averaged 14 mph for my first time on a bike in 4 years. Pretty embarrassing but I gotta work off the rust. Now when I get my bike Ill notice the difference
I also should've eaten more than a few tostitos and hummus for breakfast/lunch......no fuel!The bike I just used was an old trek cruiser with grip shifters and they barely worked. Clicking the whole time. He doesn't take care of it.
Now that I'm back home I want to go out again and just see how much I can kill myself haha
08-04-10, 02:15 PM
#419
Senior Member
Thread Starter
A very good thought.
That's a harder problem. When you walk into any shop you'll be helped by whoever happens to be there. If he/she recognizes you, then great. Mybe they'll all recognize you eventually if you go in often enough. If you bring your bike in on a buying trip and it has an "XYZ Bike Shop" sticker they will probably see it. If you bring it in for a repair or adjustment they certainly will.
Whether you benefit much from it is a separate question. You will probably gain by having their attention to discuss technical issues or options. Financial benefit? Maybe. Consider it from their perspective. If they offered you a super price on the bike to win your loyalty they'll be hoping to gain something too. Most routine items, for example tires or gloves or whatver, will have a sticker price and you won't necessarily be offered a discount. If they do offer you a discount you'll be cutting into their profit margin so you won't be helping them much after all. If you bring the bike in they may help you by doing a quick minor repair or adjustment while you wait and perhaps even for free.
Now, since this thread is named "Good ride today?", have you picked up your bike yet? And if so what kind of rides have you done? That's the whole point anyway!
That's a harder problem. When you walk into any shop you'll be helped by whoever happens to be there. If he/she recognizes you, then great. Mybe they'll all recognize you eventually if you go in often enough. If you bring your bike in on a buying trip and it has an "XYZ Bike Shop" sticker they will probably see it. If you bring it in for a repair or adjustment they certainly will.
Whether you benefit much from it is a separate question. You will probably gain by having their attention to discuss technical issues or options. Financial benefit? Maybe. Consider it from their perspective. If they offered you a super price on the bike to win your loyalty they'll be hoping to gain something too. Most routine items, for example tires or gloves or whatver, will have a sticker price and you won't necessarily be offered a discount. If they do offer you a discount you'll be cutting into their profit margin so you won't be helping them much after all. If you bring the bike in they may help you by doing a quick minor repair or adjustment while you wait and perhaps even for free.
Now, since this thread is named "Good ride today?", have you picked up your bike yet? And if so what kind of rides have you done? That's the whole point anyway!
Last edited by sherbornpeddler; 08-04-10 at 08:42 PM. Reason: spelling
08-04-10, 08:49 PM
#420
Senior Member
Thread Starter
Attachment 162704did this 65-mile loop from Weston to the NH border yesterday: https://connect.garmin.com/activity/42548826
Congrats on a great ride.
08-04-10, 08:55 PM
#421
What??? Only 2 wheels?
Join Date: Apr 2010
Location: Boston-ish, MA
Posts: 13,434
Bikes: 72 Peugeot UO-8, 82 Peugeot TH8, 87 Bianchi Brava, 76? Masi Grand Criterium, 74 Motobecane Champion Team, 86 & 77 Gazelle champion mondial, 81? Grandis, 82? Tommasini, 83 Peugeot PF10
Mentioned: 189 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 1222 Post(s)
Liked 645 Times
in
232 Posts
Cool pic of the bike and the Welcome sign.
__________________
Real cyclists use toe clips.
With great bikes comes great responsibility.
jimmuller
Real cyclists use toe clips.
With great bikes comes great responsibility.
jimmuller
08-05-10, 10:08 AM
#424
Senior Member
Thread Starter
Good point. A few times a year I ride Rt 125 through the eastern side of Lawrence then cross the river in Haverhill to Rt 108 on route to or from Durham, NH. Nice roads and generally bike and pedestrian aware traffic. I'd like to explore the Lawrence Riverfront.
08-05-10, 10:17 AM
#425
Senior Member
Thread Starter
Ok here is another Metro Boston sighting at the end of a shady albeit humid 43 mile ride. I went through 5 towns and found this hidden in Holliston in the village of Mudville. 
There may have been no joy in Mudville (that story and ride is for another day) but I was pretty happy to find this marker in the shade.
Now, if I'm able to hitch a ride today, I'll ride home from Marthas Vineyard/Woods Hole tomorrow. Short notice but any opinions on roads? Should I go through Taunton or Bridgewater enroute to Sherborn? Which side of Rt 495? Same distance.
Now, if I'm able to hitch a ride today, I'll ride home from Marthas Vineyard/Woods Hole tomorrow. Short notice but any opinions on roads? Should I go through Taunton or Bridgewater enroute to Sherborn? Which side of Rt 495? Same distance.