Hey Bostonians! So, what do you do when it gets cold out? Please, please, please don’t say you hop in your car and drive. I hope you’re saying that you are enjoying the cooler temperatures, fresh air, saying hi to people along the way and of course… hot cups of coffee. Bravo to those of you still making the daily commute by bicycle! We are still making our daily routes by pedal-truck. If you are signed up for winter farm shares and don’t want to go out in the cold to pick up your share, call us up and make the switch to pedal-powered delivery. If you want it, we’ll deliver it to you. I apologize for the gap in updates. We had a smooth Thanksgiving holiday with several cooked and non-cooked turkey deliveries from Savenor’s to hungry people like you all over Boston. I’d have to say it was quite the show arriving at homes, turkey in hand wearing bike gloves and a helmet with the trike in the background. We can do it all and we will. Yesterday I got to deliver some fresh caught Monkfish from Cape Ann Fresh Catch to several lucky residents of Boston. Today I’m in the shop working on some new PR materials and waiting for the snow to fly. Bring it on! So, while listening to NPR and Click & Clack, I got to hear about a lady complaining that her Dodge Durango didn’t have heated seats. [Read the rest of this entry...]

I just said that because I put new brake pads on 3 trikes today in case you’re wondering. So, you think you can beat the rush and make it around town to do your errands, huh? Well, I will challenge you… that is unless you are riding a bike. I got to do a multitude of tasks today including riding a bike really fast. According to my Cateye speedometer, I hit 28 mph. I was still legal with the speed limit (25) but it was sure great taking the full lane and not having someone tailgate. Or would I call that pannier me? Hmmm… I’ll have to think about that one. I also got to deliver some great (FULL) boxes of fresh vegetables from the farms to lucky residents of Cambridge and jam out in the shop while getting my hands greasy. I really like to make things work better and try to fix issues. I guess thats a good trait to have? So if you’ve noticed… It stopped raining!!! I looked at the weather schedule (don’t believe it) but it says clear skies through the weekend! You know what that means… You should get on that ol’ bike of yours and cruise up the coast to Salem (Only 18 miles) with a great bunch of folks from Bikes Not Bombs) [Read the rest of this entry...]

I played road side mechanic this morning and the rain and wind tried its best to beat me, but I won again! I got to ride in the rain when I least expected it, but got a great morning wake up and a good morning brew of coffee from Bloc 11 Cafe. I’ll spare the details but it involved some greasy hands and a good attitude. I also got to sing this morning. When everyone rolls up their windows and hunches over their steering wheels in bad weather I get the chance to hone my singing skills. I sang some Gloria Gaynor, then I switched gears and got into some Old Crow Medicine Show, Bob Dylan and finally over a nice warm cup o’ joe, some Nick Drake. I don’t listen to this out on the road, I just start singing what I know from my minds greatest hits. All in all, a good morning full of surprises and great chances to sing in the rain. Don’t give up, or if you do, please just call us to take care of all your delivery needs.

Frost on the windshield again? This is a foreign term for cyclists and we don’t have to spend any time worrying about this. Or warming the car up for that matter. I saw a lot of frost this morning and it made me happy. I know you must be thinking I’m nuts, but frankly, I prefer the cold to the sweltering summer days. Just to reconfirm, I didn’t have air conditioning this summer in my house, or in a car (I don’t have one.) I know, how did I do it? Well, I was used to it, my body became accustomed to it and voila! I used all that money I saved from the electric bills and gasoline on libations and delicious treats all summer long.

Now I’m switching gears and drinking more delicious coffee and teas as well as freshly baked muffins, scones and pie. And to tell you the truth, the freedom of the bicycle is getting me outside more often and venturing further and to other areas I would either A) never have the time for or B) never find due to the hassle of traffic, parking, etc.  For instance, the Arboretum in Jamaica Plain is a beautiful place to wander around in the fall. I stopped by Bikes Not Bombs in JP for a more comfortable seat, some new handlebar grips and just to peruse through their wonderful assortment of used bicycle parts. I figured to make it a day by visiting the Arboretum and stopping by Center Street Cafe for a delicious breakfast of locally sourced food. I wouldn’t have even bothered making the effort if I was a car driver. It wouldn’t have even crossed my mind. When riding a bicycle, everything along the way is a part of the adventure. Just think of how much you are spending just to have the vehicle sit there with insurance, parking, maintenance… my roommate spends about 80 extra bucks a month on parking tickets for not having it parked on the right side of the street for cleaning day.  I park my 3 vehicles in my room free of charge.

This morning while out on bakery duty, I stopped at Petsi Pies and saw the most amazing crescent moon. It was so clear that I could see the rest of the moon in the shadows. I also enjoyed saying hi to about a dozen other cyclists and morning commuters. None of the car drivers said hello because all their windows were up and they had the crazy driving face. [Read the rest of this entry...]

This morning I was en route to deliver some freshly baked breakfast treats from Petsi Pies to Equal Exchange and what do you know; another car couldn’t wait to get around me so the person half-assedly switched lanes and screamed around me, (went really fast.) I decided to race him so I ditched the bike and bought a huge car with a huge gas tank and an epic grille. HA! I just continued on my way making sure my three lights were visible and flashing (they were.)  I met up with the car at the next two red lights and then proceeded to get in the lane ahead of them because of another traffic jam waiting to pay another 16 dollars for an early bird special. (Boston Parking garage special – if you didn’t get my bad joke) Wow, I just can’t wait for a screamin’ deal like that. Anyways, I parked my bike for free, had a great conversation with the barista about the newest shipment of coffee beans and proceeded to enjoy a freshly roasted and brewed cup on my ride back into Somerville.

Now I’ll be spending a couple of hours in the shop fixing some broken spokes and installing some new brake pads. Please do me a favor and ditch your cars. They are a pain in the _____.

Hey Boston! So, although you may think colder weather, shorter days and worse road conditions put bicycle riders away for the season, you are wrong! Give us a call anytime for delivery options throughout Boston! We run year-round. The only thing stopping us will be roads that haven’t been plowed when the snowstorms finally push through. (Even then, we will get out once roads are plowed, or just find alternate routes) Every year cyclists become more efficient at navigating the streets in all conditions with improved equipment and more important, clothing. As I said with my last post, just think layers. Its really easy to add and drop layers to fit the weather. I am still wearing shorts most of the time even with the cooler weather with the help of tights, long underwear, etc.

For those of you involved with our CSA shares and deliveries, we are switching to our late fall schedule and then into winter. Check our website for more details. The farms still have tons of fresh food from this season’s harvest and now is the time to stock up. Are you getting too busy, or is the weather preventing you from making it to your pick up location for your CSA share? Call us up and we can make that delivery for you saving you time and the hassle of the automobile!!!

Ride safe and stay warm!!!

So What do you do?

Add layers and make sure you have some nice lights to brighten up your day. (And make sure motorists can see how delightful you look while riding your bicycle in any condition.) Trust me, they are all jealous that we don’t have to worry about gas prices, oil changes and hundreds of moving parts that are extremely expensive. And if you still don’t believe in the bicycle as a great alternative mode of transportation, I give you this. http://www.cleveland.com/world/index.ssf/2010/08/massive_traffic_jam_in_china_c.html

I’m sure you’ve heard of it, or maybe just brushed it off, but thats up to you to decide. Thanks for the link Wenzday. I’m glad I had 9 days of great riding throughout the city and truly enjoyed all 200 plus miles I’ve ridden instead of being in a car and a traffic jam. Especially with the crisp fall air and changing leaves. Have you ever thought of how many great ideas you’ve come up with while on a bicycle. I can’t let my mind wander in a vehicle because of the serious risk of doing something stupid. On a bicycle that just doesn’t happen. Ok. Now back to some coffee and tricycle tune ups.

Don’t let the fall weather get you down. Ride more often and be safe out there. There’s a lot of crazy motorists out there who don’t understand the consequences.

Recently scanning the New York Times and pondering about our disappearing natural environment, I came across this commercial aired in Hong Kong talking about their air quality. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lmH3xCpOSW8&feature=player_embedded

You can say what you like, but I haven’t seen any air quality problems coming from anything other than human actions in technology and industry. Its easy to do your part and not adding to the problem by doing things that emit gases that pollute the air around us hint hint. The Northeast has just had its hottest summer on record and I believe there is something to say about it. Also, people are freaking out and coming up with solutions in not the greatest way. But also I see some truth behind it. But lets set all of these opinions aside and put it up to you. Do you think your opinions and actions count? I do. Well, since its my day off, I’m getting back to work on some personal projects and I’ll leave you with this first but really this. Enjoy!

So, guess what? I have been holding back and finally I’ve decided to connect my camera in and show you some photos! Who likes stories anyways? I was always the picture book person myself. Without further ado…

Where we live.

So… _______ Square. I really like picture contests, so thats all I’m giving you. Thanks to some artists, we now have a prettier home base.

Just a reminder

I took this photo in our parking lot, which is above our shop and office. This said, Nature still rules and we are experiencing it’s wrath. The rain has come just a few times this summer and it has come in torrential downpours; flooding homes, offices and bringing parts of the city to a stand still. All I can ask is to drive less and pave less. Although Somerville Ave is quite smooth for cyclists now. Oh, and plant some trees and gardens to soak up all the water.

Saturday Morning

And this is what the city looks like before it wakes up. Awesome bicycles gracing the city streets without polluting, idling gridlock traffic. My suggestions for you… ride bicycles more often. Start enjoying your day. You only have one life to live as far as I know. You might as well enjoy it.

Grocery Pick Up

My next suggestion… Buy food you enjoy and have a good experience while doing it. The reason why good, local food may cost more is because its good and you’re supporting people you know. Its not only great tasting but much better for you. Just like cycling is good for you. Why not mix the two? You could get rid of your car and use the Insurance $, Gas $,  Loan $, Maintenance $ to buy great food to make your life better. Or maybe afford that much needed vacation. Or what I like to do… Stay locally and visit those spots you’ve never gotten around to trying. Plenty of great options even the Bostonian can find in his/her own city. Did you know Don Otto’s sells fresh produce grown in the Suburbs of Boston? How about it is even delivered by bicycle? Looking to have some delivered right to your door? Support three great businesses all in one. Buy from the Local Farm from the Local Market delivered to your door by your own Local Bicycle delivery driver. No need to get in your car EVER AGAIN!!!! Just do it. If you’re wondering why this post is so awesomely long, its because I’m drinking my evening coffee from Equal Exchange, bought in the 5lb bean bag from Harvest Market in Central Square. Thats right, Bean Bag. I said it. Myself and my two roommates will be enjoying locally roasted coffee, fairly traded with cooperatives around the world without having to go to the store for the next month. Looking for other great bulk items, head over to Harvest Co-op and Whole foods, do some shopping and let us pick it up and deliver it right to your door! What can’t we do???

Dueling Bikes

Well… there’s more. Here I got the chance to load up with Fresh Mozzarella from Fiore di Nonno next to the Taza Chocolate bike and bikepool down to Davis Square Farmer’s market to drop off everything they needed while picking up a fresh picked order of farm fresh vegetables from Blue Heron Organic Farm in Lincoln, MA to take back to Sherman Market in Union Square. The leeks are delicious. Trust me. I helped weed them out on the farm too!!! What can’t we do? Go out to some of the better restaurants around and ask them where they source their food. The better the food, the more locally it is produced. Change with the seasons and with the food. It never gets old!!!

Taking the top off!

Here’s my ride of choice. The Flat Bed. One utility trike so simple yet efficient you don’t even know.You have to ride it to believe it. This is my go to transport for the long haul and all Pedal Powered!!! You may ask… well what do you power??? And I say… your imagination. If you are smart, you put pedal and power together and then figure out that its not gas powered. I hate those two words together (gas & power)  because if you look at it, you (the human) don’t have any of the power in a vehicle. You are controlled by oil and the companies that tear it out of the earth. Wow. Please look at this link and notice the child labor cleaning up oil stains on the pavement with gas nozzles looking more like guns and all the “green” sorry but all I can say is what a joke. I like how they are trying to hide the facts of oil behind all of their response pages and what they do outside of the oil industry… close to nothing. And when they fail at gutting the earth… this happens. Back to the greatest ride… The picture is of my ride loaded up from the South Station Farmers Market and Red Fire Farm. I am about to head over to an office building and deliver 12 farm shares to the same office!!! You see that? shopping done at work! No need to even go to the store. Now thats efficient. Let the farm come to you via pedal power!!! Hows that for lunch?

And what to do on your day off.

So, When you’re all burnt out on cycling around the city for the week delivering the best of the best, you head to the Berkshires and ride 180 km in one day in some of the most scenic parts of the lovely state of Massachusetts.

So, enough said. Hopefully this gives you some ideas of what we do, what you can do and some good vibes to dream about for a better tomorrow. Happy riding!

Cambridge is a truly amazing place in so many ways. Don’t you love Cambridge? I do. Since I do not live there, but just pass through so often, perhaps I only see what I want to see, but, I am continually convinced, Cambridge is the model land of the future utopia (yes i say this about Somerville too).

Anyway, this morning, I went to the Cambridge City Hall Annex building to pick up this weeks batch of City Smart packets for delivery. If you are a resident of the North Cambridge neighborhood (they started in the Cambridgeport neighborhood in 2009), you can sign up on their website to receive a bag full of goodies about how to get around the city by walking, biking and public transportation. There are bike maps, water bottles, stickers, information booklets, etc. Resources to help people figure out how to get around with out a car. Neat-o, right?

On my way out, I noticed a table with some cards on it advertising for an art installation upstairs. The public is invited to transcribe excuses from the City’s archive of parking ticket disputes onto the gallery walls. It sounded like fun, but I was on the clock so I just took one of the cards with me.

Interestingly enough, this is an ongoing exhibit (runs through Sept 2.) and part of a larger work by Daniel Peltz the Artist-in-Residence of the Cambridge Department of Traffic and Parking. (wait, the Dept. of Parking has an Artist-in-Residence? apparently so).

Other parts of his work include creating new poetic “non-regulatory” street signage and installing parking boots made of soft stuffed fabric. “The regulations surrounding “soft booting” embrace the ambiguous and sometimes seemingly arbitrary nature of our encounters with parking authority, while aiming to shift their energetic quality.”

I guess getting so excited about an art exhibit [Read the rest of this entry...]