BioBus Bike Blog

Boston is looking to get some more snow this weekend and there are no complaints here. In fact some of the UA crew is excited to kick off their cycling booties for ski boots. Danielle, who you’ve probably spoken to at the counter or over the phone, volunteers for Youth Enrichment Services teaching kids to ski and ride. Sounds fun to me! You might just see us getting those same kids out on bikes this summer.

There will also be a little vacationing this holiday season, maybe for some time in the mountains but definitely for family time over the holidays. The shop will close early on Wednesday, December 23, at 2 p.m and will reopen after all of the New Year festivities on Monday, January 4, 2010.

Several Santas on the Jingle Ride

To show just how excited we are to get the 2010 season under way we’re offering an extraordinary deal. If you book for any tour during the 2010 season between now and February 1, 2010, you get 25% off. It’s that simple. Think of us early, call us at 617.670.0637 to make your reservation and get 25% off.

The Jam Bike in action, caroling in Harvard Square

Another great holiday tradition was the Jingle Ride. Organized by our friends at Ciclismo Classico to raise funds for the always fantastic MassBike, some of the UA crew joined the festive ride, bells and all.

Check out the video of UA crew member Galen and his awesome JAM BIKE. And we wish you a happy holiday season full of brisk bike rides and warm celebrations. See you next year!

It’s nearly time for pies and stuffing and green bean casserole, and to give thanks. The crew here at Urban AdvenTours couldn’t be more thankful for the great season we’ve had. Everyday we get to mess around with bikes and show people around our wonderful city. So we’re thankful for YOU, our awesome customers who continue to support our local sustainable business.

So along with Thanksgiving it also means that it’s about time for gifts for friends and family. So our gift to you is hefty discount. Mention the BioBus Blog and get 20% off merchandise, apparel and parts. That includes our famous “I ‘bike’ Boston” gear and gift certificates for tours and rentals too!

We also still have bikes for sale. They make fantastic gifts and we can size them up for that special someone just by knowing their height, so you can keep it a surprise! We’ll be open everyday from November 27, Black Friday, until Wednesday, December 23. Be sure to call for hours and to make appointments for any repair work. Happy Holidays!

*20% off discount is subject to some restrictions.

You’ve all seen me by now I would imagine. Driving around the North End, outside Fenway Park, cruising around to our favorite hotels bringing bikes to their guest, this is the life of the BioBus.

I party on the plaza with the cyclists at City Hall’s Bike Fridays

Othertimes I get out and commune with nature

At a Boston Natural Areas Network event

And sometimes I get to park it with the Governor at the State House

But, once upon a time, a long time ago I spent my days as a postal truck. Guzzling gas, carting around snail mail, it was a respectable position, but I knew there was more to be done.

So I joined the crew and Urban AdvenTours, and our Chief Wheel Officer’s friend Dana set me up with fantastic new paint job. In October he came to visit the crew and went on one of our great Fall Foliage and Emerald Necklace tours.

Dana riding the Esplanade

He had a great time riding out through the parks system and we hope he enjoyed it as much a we’re into his great portfolio and checking out his shows.

So thanks to Dana Woulfe! Check out his awesome works and maybe I’ll be due for a new coat soon!

They have arrived. They are here! Look look look! The bike racks have arrived.

Bike Racks at the corner of Atlantic Ave and Richmond

Now while this may not seem like a big deal, two little posts in the sidewalk, it is. We have waited months, submitted applications and filed paper work. Think about the yards and yards of street space reserved for parking cars, yeah it’s about time we got some bike racks down here.

As it has been often noted, providing a safe place for bike storage is often a key element to getting more people on bikes. We’re happy to get as many people riding and commuting as possible. Need racks where you live or work? Let the city know!

It’s starting to feel like we should be preparing for hibernation. After running some deliveries earlier this week I got the full clean out/wipe down, looking to settle down in a nice parking spot for the winter. While I might be getting ready to lock up and put on the parking brake, the shop is still open and busy. We’ve got everything to keep you warm and dry on your ride, from new arm warmers and gloves to fenders and rain gear. We’ll be around all winter long to keep you pedaling through all four seasons.

In fact we’re already thinking about some of the cool things we’ll want to do next year. With all this planning ahead, we’re gonna need another mechanic. Think you’re up for the job? Here’s the description:

We are looking for an experienced bicycle mechanic who is eager to help develop our shop. In addition to working on customer bikes, responsibilities will include maintaining our fleet of rental bikes, building bikes, managing shop inventory, assisting with ordering, and selling bike parts and accessories. This is an opportunity for a motivated and knowledgeable individual to join a great green business with plans for growth. Ideal candidates will be detail-oriented, friendly with customers, and prepared to take on responsibilities beyond just wrenching. Email jobs[at]urbanadventours[dot]com with a resume and brief letter explaining your interest.

Pass the word along and if you or any one you know is interested in joining the team, tell ‘em to send an email over with how they think they’d help our green business grow!

The award for most distracting, crazy day goes without a doubt to last week’s North End’s Columbus Day Parade. High school marching bands, colonial reenacters, old 1950s cars, North End societies and tween pop bands all passed right by on Atlantic, providing a little more than the usual entertainment as the afternoon tour got ready to leave.

It’s an awesomely busy time with the weather perfect for riding, and visitors excited to get out and explore Boston at it’s best. We ran into a half marathon, Honk! festival, Oktoberfest and a road race last weekend.

We had an epic Paul Revere Ride to Freedom and dealer tours with Bicycle Retailer and Industry News this week after the Outdoor Demo in Providence. We lead rides to several of Boston and Cambridge’s retailers, talking shop on the latest in the land of bikes. Saw a lot of great shops, rode some cool new bikes and learned to good deal too, even in some soggy weather.

Getting some miles under the wheels

Notable info from Bikes Not Bombs

So even though the weather may currently be doing kooky things, the Urban AdvenTours crew is ready to get sp0o0o0ky scary for the rest of October. We’ve got a Witch Hunt, a sustainable transportation conference, and some more great Fall foliage in the works. Keep pushing pedals with us!