While everyone was freezing to death at the Inauguration or watching it on TV, The Mechanic and I continued to madly unpack and organize. I think after today we are pretty well set. Now the biggest challenge are the piles of things to get rid of – anyone need any moving boxes?!
We did take time out this weekend to see the National Symphony Orchestra performing at the Kennedy Center; this is always a treat. Although we disagreed on the Bartok Piano Concerto No. 2 (I love chaotic classical music), we both loved Brahms’ Symphony No. 2. Then last night we finally saw “Skyfall.” I’m a huge James Bond fan and really enjoyed the movie. I can’t wait to see it again.
The weather yesterday was so glorious that after our run to Bed Bath & Beyond, we biked around our new ‘hood, Ashton Heights. We biked around the Columbia Gardens Cemetery before realizing we were close to the newest bike shop in town, The Old Bike Shop. 
We hadn’t even gotten in the door before we were excited – we each found a new love for sale in front of the shop.
Vintage Raleigh with a really cool fork crown – this is the one I want.
Love the silver “joint” on this Raleigh!
The Mechanic drooled over this National Bicycle Company bike, with its decorative lugs.
I found a website for the company with an updated logo, but it’s “down for maintenance.” Anyone know if it still exists?
We chatted a bit with owner Larry Behery, who is astounded at the publicity his shop has received. And it should be getting great publicity! Where else can you find such a range of pre-loved bicycles for such a great price point (the ones we wanted were both under $300) that have been so well restored?! This is the best place for people who are unsure they want to spend hundreds or thousands of dollars on a bike they may not ride much, but are looking beyond Target and Wal-Mart for bikes. Larry and his crew will provide great customer service and care for each bike sold, you can tell just by talking to him, and looking around the shop.
And when you go, be sure to look around the shop. It’s full of vintage posters, photos and artifacts. I love the photo of a group of women from the 1890s, all proud on their bikes, and laughed to see a Ringling Bros. poster featuring a high wire act that used a bike. But there are many more gems to discover. If you can tear yourself away from the wall of bikes inside the shop!
Photo of Victorian lady cyclists (and not-so-subtle plug for BikeArlington!)
Ringling Bros. poster
Love the medallion of this bike.
If you get a chance to go by, do so, and help support the new shop! It’s the kind of place I’d like to see thrive in our community. Now, where could we put those bikes…?!
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