World Traveler

We pack bikes for travel here. It's not our most requested service (that would be flat tire fixes), but we probably box up 3-4 bikes a month. Bikes get boxed for shipping, for going on airplanes as checked luggage, in moving trucks, or on Amtrak (I hear the rates are reasonable). You can buy bike specific bags and boxes, but unless you're going to do multiple trips it usually makes the most sense to pack in a regular ol' bike box. They're the boxes that bikes get shipped from the factory in- they're sturdy enough that if they're handled with reasonable care you can get a use or three out of them.

This particular box is super sturdy. It must have been in a batch of particularly well made ones. It first contained a new bike that was shipped to a shop in Portland, OR. That's where my buddy, Mr. E picked it up to pack his bikes for a move to Texas. Where I grabbed it from him to bring the Brown Machine back after my winter adventure. It's now going on a moving truck, headed for who knows where (probably the person moving, that's who). It's still in wicked good shape, so I hope it gets passed on for another journey.

SAG

I'm packing up the crappy wimpy shop truck for a weekend of SAG wagoneering! It's time for the American Diabetes Association New England Classic Tour De Cure. This will be the 4th year Hub has supported this ride (yes- since even before Hub existed). It's a good time. Lots of bike eye-candy, good people, plenty of flat tires to keep busy, and I'm told that if everybody finishes the ride diabetes will be cured money gets raised for the ADA.

Working support for a charity ride is the bike mechanic equivalent of camping. You do all of the things you's normally do in a day, but simpler and outside. It can require some creative problem solving. You never realize how often you rely on a bench vise to do your job, until you don't have access to one.

I'm stocking up with tubes, tires, extra cables, a chain or two, a handful of misc. bolts and brake pads.

There's a good chance I'll go through a bunch of tubes, and a tire or two. If you're headed out for any charity or organized rides this summer you clearly don't need to be this well stocked. I'd recommend a tube, tire levers, an inflation device (my faves here and here), and a multi tool. That should have you pretty well covered.

The shop will be open for regular hours- I (Emily) won't be here, but Erich will be. You know Erich? Nice guy, glasses, kinda beardy, knows a lot about bikes. If you don't know him- stop by on Saturday and say 'hi'.

Alma's First Tune Up...

is in the books and totally PRO. 

CLOSED July 4

That's it. We're going to be closed July 4, and back open for regular business on July 5. In the mean time, check out this wicked patriotic injury I've sustained:

Red, white and blue, baby.