Clear the streets! Boston Hubway is rolling out Friday
Tomorrow Boston will join the ranks of cities worldwide that have made space on their streets for futuristic “docks” and a distinctive fleet of simple, two-wheeled machines. Boston’s Hubway Bike Share program was originally set to launch this past Tuesday but last minute the date was changed to Bike Friday July 29th.
What is a bike share? It’s a simple and care-free concept, similar to the way Zipcar works. If you need to travel a short distance and would like to do so quicker than walking, without having to wait for the MBTA or worry about finding a parking space, then simply snag a bike from one of the many bike docks around the city. You don’t have to worry about maintaining the bike or finding a pole to lock it up to. When finished with the bike locate your nearest docking station to return.
In order to take a bike out you will need to be part of the membership program. Sign-up either online or at one of the kiosk stations. The first half hour is free and every half hour thereafter is charged a fee (click here to see pricing). You also have the option to sign up for a 1 day or 3 day membership. The program is geared towards individuals with a short commute. Helmets will not be provided at the docking stations, but upon sign-up there is an option to purchase a Bell Impulse Helmet or you can come into Urban AdvenTours for one of our super snazzy Nutcase Helmets.
Hubway is fully funded by grants totaling $4.5 million. Boston’s equipment and 600 bikes are the same in use as Montreal’s BIXI bike-share program, which is considered one of the most successful in North America. Other cities have been using bike share programs since the mid 90’s. Hangzhou, China currently boasts the world’s largest fleet of share-bikes with 50,000.
Hubway is a unique solution that, ideally, will ease the morning commute. The idea is that commuters will decide to grab a HubBike rather than driving to work or waiting for public transportation. Of course there are some folks that are excited for the program but have not been on a bike for a few years or have never rode in the city. It’s important that everyone on the streets is riding or driving responsibly and safely. Even if you already know Boston, a great way to get acquainted with city bike riding is to go on one of our tours. Who knows you might even learn some facts about Boston that you didn’t already know.
As non-bicycle owners (possibly yourself) test out the Hubway bikes and learn that bikes are probably the best thing ever invented (quicker than most public transportation and better for the environment than vehicles), people are going to want a bicycle of their own. Because we at Urban AdvenTours know all about bike love, we would be more than happy to fit this niche of people for their new baby or even one of our used (but not abused) bikes. We have bikes of all different shapes, sizes and styles, so if you know someone without a special two wheeled lover in their lives (cough YOU cough) or you just want to flirt with the good-looking fleet of bikes, stop by UA and who knows you may walk out with THE ONE.
Hey kids! Ready, Set, Go!
Do you know or have any children that love to ride bikes? Or how about a child that can’t stop running around? Well why not try to displace some of your child’s energy into an event where the kid can tucker themselves out in an organized manner and win prizes too!
This Sunday, July 31st is the second annual Run & Ride race at the CambridgeSide Galleria. This is a free kids only duathlon (sorry Mom and Dad you can put your kits away) ages 5-15 years old. The race will take place both inside and outside the mall, which is perfect for your kids who may have done some practice runs already. There will also be t-shirts, giveaways and entertainment.
Registration begins at 9am and the event begins at 10am. There will be separate races for different age groups of the children. The categories will be ages 5-6, 7-9, 10-12 and 13-15. Each age group will have a different length to run and bike.
If your child doesn’t have their own bike, or if their bike is currently out of commission, we, Urban AdvenTours, will be providing bikes the day of the race to your little speed demon. And not to worry, we will also have a staff member on site to make sure your child is being sized properly and safely on a bicycle. All free of charge!
What a great way for your kids to make new friends, get some exercise, and expel buckets full of energy so that you can have one of those things called a quiet night in.
I forgot to mention, sugary treats will be provided. Well, your kids will have a blast regardless!
For more information or to pre-register visit www.cambridgesidegalleria.com.
Pop champagne to celebrate le Tour with CYCLE Kids
The view of the final stage of Tour de France is going to be great from the top of the Eiffel Tower. Or better yet from the Urban AdvenTours private balcony chateau in Paris while we sip wine and nibble on cheese. Oh wait! We’re having too much fun tuning your bikes and giving five star tours to make it to France this year.
From Velonews.com
Well, for those of us who will be staying in Boston during the last stage with an intense need for a more authentic taste of the Tour, CYCLE Kids has invited us all to their Tour de France Party, Sunday July 24th at 7pm.
CYCLE Kids will be serving crepes and champagne and will rig up a few technological devices and gadgets together at Ride Studio Café in Lexington Center so that we can view the final leg of le Tour. Tickets for the event cost $40 and the proceeds will be used towards the implementation of biking and nutrition programs in four of Medford’s public elementary schools.
Ride your own mini-tour by joining the group bike ride to the event. Check out cyclekids.org for more information. CYCLE Kids supports health and fitness for children and is a great partner in getting more people biking in Boston.
Whether biking or driving, make sure not to drink too much bubbly. I think we have seen enough injuries for one tour.
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Pedal on with support from Urban AdvenTours
It’s been heating up here in Boston and we continue to look forward to an awesome summer and great rides. Many of out customers are also getting prepared for some serious long rides, for both pleasure and for a cause. It’s big time charity ride season and we’re happy to help support people riding with serious purpose.
This weekend we have Reid’s Ride, one of the events that we’ve helped support the most over the past few years. The ride is a fundraiser for the Reid R. Sacco Memorial Foundation whose mission is to support clinical and scientific research into finding more and better treatments — and someday a cure — for the cancers that predominantly strike adolescents and young adults. Keep an eye out for our bright green BioBus to be delivering bikes for the participants as well.
The following weekend we aim for more cowbell as the Tri-State Trek pedals along it’s epic journey from Boston to New York City. There’s still time for riders to reserve a nice road bike to upgrade their ride for the Trek, with a discount of 10% off. This major ride raises funds and awareness to help find a cure for ALS.
That same weekend Cycle for Shelter rides along the New Hampshire seacoast while raising money for Emmaus to help battle homelessness. There’s more to come as we continue into the summer, so stop into the shop to get geared up for any of your riding needs.
A great day in Boston, and for some Americans abroad
Today, as we celebrate our country’s independence – let’s take a look over to our American representatives in France, who made an excellent showing on our behalf. After a major tragedy, Tyler Farrar, from Montana, accomplished his first ever Tour de France stage win today at Redon. Riding for the American team Garmin-Cervelo, it’s the first time an American has won the stage on July 4th. We’ll celebrate with fireworks tonight here in Boston!
For more on the Garmin-Cervelo, Tyler Farrar story, check out this great article here.