The Royal Flush Poker Run

by Eric Anastasia, National Sales Manager, Bicycle

Last week I helped support an alley cat here in Boston. The guys who put it together are also opening a new shop soon in an undisclosed spot in the Harvard Sq. area….stay tuned. openbicycle
These guys are real good guys and are super energetic about bikes and the community that surrounds it. They are a focused and progressive crew that are making huge efforts to help build the urban cycling culture in the city that I have called home for the past 10 year. (damn, time flies).
Anyway with 20-degree weather, gusting winds and our first snowfall, The Royal Flush Poker Run was better than we imagined! Over 80 people from all over New England collected cards, drank beer, ate burritos, completed the Poker Run and partied to their heart's content. Here are some pictures of the night.

Photos courtesy of Justin Keena - http://www.justinkeena.com/

Bikes Everywhere!

Because I don't watch TV in the morning - I can't, I'll get distracted and be late for work - I missed the piece The Today Show did last Friday on biking to work.

Thanks to Bicycle Retailer & Industry News for catching it and pointing me to it today because one of our distributors is mentioned for their great bike to work program. They interviewed Benjamin Joannou, Jr (one of the owners). He was talking about their incentive program for employees. Check this out - if they bike or walk to work and back the company will give them $4.00 per round trip. That can add up in a month. If you commuted 4 days a week for 4 weeks that would be $64 in your pocket. Not bad!

So, J&B employees are saving gas money, actually making money and helping the environment, just by not using their car. That's pretty darn cool! BRAVO J&B! Bravo! We're proud to have you as a partner!

On a related note, check out this story on Boston.com today about the increase in people using bikes in Boston. I'll bet it's similar in your city/town, too.

Biking in Boston...and Austin

Got a couple of quick tidbits for you as we get into the middle of Bike to Work week:

This weekend the Boston Globe had a great piece about Specialized creating versions of their new bikes to specifically fit different cities around the world. They've got one for New York, London, Seattle, Chicago and, yes, our little Boston!

It's a purple bike and seems fairly cool:
"There are big nods to messenger culture, including drop handlebars in bare chrome, a white chain (yes, it's really white), and white-painted rims and hubs. Flip the rear wheel around, and you can ride the bike as a fixed-gear, meaning you're always pedaling, whether you're accelerating or slowing."

Cooler still....our friend Chris is quoted as the counter to the 'fab' review...he's a Stah (as we say in Boston)....
Chris Rowe, a messenger who used to paint frames at Independent Fabrication, the high-end bike maker in Somerville, sums up a few common complaints. "The tribal graphics are kind of weird," he says of the paint job. "The track handlebars are wrong - for messengers, three-speed or downhill-type bars have been a Boston tradition since at least the early 1990s. And most of us ride steel frames - they break less than aluminum, and they're comfier on Boston streets."

Today, the Boston Globe has a piece about Mayor Menino taking a 'ceremonial ride' to kick off Bike Week in the city that has vowed to become bike friendly. It's kind of funny that the Mayor only rode a half mile yesterday since he truly is someone who rides his bike for exercise throughout the summer. Allez, Mr. Mayor!

Oh, and the Masiguy, Tim Jackson, has been crowing about Mellow Johnny's carrying Masi bikes (and that is completely fantastic!), but we've got some crowing to do of our own....turns out Mr. Armstrong's new shop not only carries Masi, but they also are an exclusive Kryptonite dealer. Yea...we're into world domination, too, Jackson!!

Ride safe, y'all!

Landry's Hosts Bob Roll

Friday night we were at Landry's Boston store for "An Evening with Bob Roll." Rob, Roby, Eric and I had a blast at the shop - everyone was so nice and they had everything planned perfectly. I think Bob's going to blog about it, but I thought I'd post some photos before then.

I just loved this display of the jersey and the old fashioned sign.

I might like this display just a teeny bit more, though. How could I not? It's what you see as you walk through the front door! I'm not kidding - it's right there. Have I mentioned that we love the guys and gals at Landry's?

Rob, Eric, Bob and Roby hanging out before the event

Packed house! I think there were a couple of hundred people there. Everyone had a great time.

Bob joins manager Mark Vautour and the rest of the Landry's Crew. I dig their shirts, don't you?!

After the event, Mark brought us to the Washington Square Tavern, which isn't too far from the shop. Gerry's the owner and made us feel extremely welcome all evening. He's a cyclist (if you can't tell by his shirt!)and hosts evening rides with the Landry's crew on Tuesday nights. But, better than that...yes, there is a "better than that"...the food is amazing! I've been raving about it all weekend to everyone I know in the area; both Roby and I have been telling everyone in the office today, too. It was the perfect end to a great event.

Thank you to Mark and everyone at Landry's for making us feel so welcome - and, of course, for being such a great Kryptonite partner!

THIS WEEKEND

There are so many things to do this weekend....here are only a few of the VERY coolest!

BOB ROLL at Landry's Boston store. Friday night at 7pm. C'mon out. Roby, Eric and I will all be there, too.....but we won't be offended when you tell us that you're there to see Bob...

Barb's Harley-Davidson in New Jersey is having their annual Open House on Saturday. Dave Perewitz will be there -- and, bonus....Susan and Jaren will be there, too!

Austin's latest bike shop, Mellow Johnny's, is opening on Saturday at 7am. They expect "special guests." Why's that so important? Lance Armstrong owns the joint. You figure it out. If you go let us know how it was....and take photos that you can share.

There's Cyclism Sunday on Versus! The Giro is going on, don't cha know!

And, of course, on Sunday it's Mother's Day. Celebrate by going on a Tour Day Neighborhood with mom. Just please make us and your mother happy and WEAR A HELMET, please!

Have a great, great weekend! And, Bostonians...we expect to see you on Friday night!

Happy Marathon Day!

It's Marathon Monday here in the Baystate (Massachusetts) - the 112th running of the Boston Marathon. Wheelchair racers start at 9:25am, women at 9:35am and 10am for the men. The US Women's Olympic trials were held here yesterday. Congrats to Deena Kaster, Lewy Boulet, and Blake Russell on making the Olympic team! I know Blake's coach, Bob Sevene ("Sev"), quite well so congrats to them! Sev's coached many Olympians over the years, but having Blake qualify in the marathon reminds me that he coached someone else in the marathon back in 1984 and she came away with the Gold medal...yes, Ms. Joan Benoit. Go Blake!

I have a special place in my heart for the Boston Marathon - it's where I started my career, made a lot of friends (like Sev) and had a lot of fun. You can read about my favorite part of Race Weekend and Race Day on my blog. It was a magical time.

I wish Dave McGillivray (race director), Sue Smith (start line announcer) and all of the marathon volunteers and officials a wonderful day.

To the wheelchair racers and runners - I wish you all personal best times! Including one Lance Armstrong, who will be in the pack.

Update: Lance Armstrong passed through the half marathon at 1:26. He's running at a 6:38 per mile pace, which gives him a projected time of 2:53, which is under the 3 hours he wants to run. Remember, he's still got the infamous Heartbreak Hill to go.

Happy St. Patrick's Day

To all of you who are Irish, and those of you who are Irish for a day....have a fun, safe St. Patrick's Day!

Because Boston is about as Irish as you can get away from Ireland itself, Boston.com did a pictorial today on many things Irish including the Southie parade and something I found interesting, "Exports from Ireland." It's not all about the Guinness, people!

Enjoy your day and may the luck of the Irish be with you.

Update: If you want to learn about the history of this day, check out this little quiz. It's not as easy as you'd think! Enjoy.

Red Sox!

by Melissa McPherson, Customer Service


Today is the unofficial start of spring here at Kryptonite. It may appear to still be winter with snow on the ground and cold temps but Red Sox training camp kicks off today in Ft Myers Fl.

Our customer service team (Donna, Joe and myself) have been counting down the days for the past 2 weeks.

Usually birds chirping, flowers blooming and sunny skies gives you that warm spring feeling but in our office the sounds of bats hitting balls and Jason Varitek in uniform lets us know spring is right around the corner.

Opening day at Fenway Park for the 2004 & 2007 World Champs is just 7 ½ weeks away….but hey who’s counting?!

Play Ball!

It's Official!!! Jody Perewitz is a member of Team Kryptonite!

As I inferred a little over a month ago...Ms. Jody Perewitz has now become an official member of Team Kryptonite!

We've been working with Jody in an "unofficial" capacity for a couple of years now, but it was time to make it official. There are some really cool things we'll be doing with Jody this year. More to come on that tomorrow.

Karen says it best, "Our partnership with Jody will help us bring the message of security to an ever expanding audience that we may not have been successful at targeting before – the woman motorcycle rider. We all look forward to having a long relationship with Jody.”

So, yes this means y'all get more Jody on the blog, too!

If you'd like to meet Jody and welcome her to this crazy crew, she'll be at the Northeast Motorcycle Expo at the Bayside Expo Center in Boston this weekend. Details to the side here.

Welcome to the gang Jody! We're "wicked" glad you're on board.

Kryptonite Mini Protects Bikes and.....

Got a message this weekend from my friend Chris. Said that he was out riding late Friday night - about 20mph through the streets of Boston. Something happened (didn't quite get that part) and he ended up sliding down the street on none other than his Evolution Mini that was in his back pocket. He didn't get a scratch on him, and his bike seemed fine, although his new jeans weren't as fortunate......

So, Chris is proof that, when used properly, the Kryptonite Mini protects your bike and your body. Although, I have to think landing on a steel lock must cause bruising, but....no road rash!

Do I even have to say "don't try this at home, folks"? Just don't. But, we are all happy that Chris is safe and sound...and it looks like the Mini is even still functional, doesn't look too bad considering.

A Happy Red Sox Nation

I couldn't make this up....

The way I wake up every morning is to my trusty alarm clock that I've had for seemingly forever - at least 20 years. They don't make things like they used to anymore...goodness, now I sound like one of my older relatives. But, I digress.

My alarm clock is set to wake me to WZLX every morning. This morning...I kid you not...it clicked on and I heard, "No time for losers, we are the champions...of the world." Yes, Freddie Mercury and Queen were how I learned that the Red Sox had swept the Colorado Rockies and won the world series. I went to be around 10pm last night and figured they would either win or not...but they would eventually win the series. That much I had faith in - seriously, 3-0 before last night? And, yes I stayed up until 1am on Saturday night to watch that win. How about that Jacoby kid? He's someone to watch as the years go by. And wacky, wonderful Papelbon? Gotta love him. But, last night was a "school night", as they say.

(Photo: Stephen Dunn/Getty Images)

Congrats to all bleary eyed fans in Red Sox Nation - here's a fun montage that Boston.com put to music that a friend, and huge Red Sox fan, sent to me first thing this morning. Good stuff.

The only question now is....when will we see Papelbon's World Series dance? He said he'll dance when he's in Boston. We're waiting....

Update: The World Champion Boston Red Sox will arrive back in Boston around 3:30pm today. Their rolling parade and celebration are scheduled for tomorrow in downtown Boston. The Dropkick Murphys will be there on a flatbed....and Papelbon will dance according to Mayor Menino. Rock on, Jonathan!

Portland's Jonathan Maus on Boston TV

Not sure if I missed this the first time around since all the filming was in the summer, or if they are just getting around to airing it, but tonight's Chronicle (Boston's local channel 5 station) is featuring Portland, Oregon.

In the middle of the feature they talk to our friend Jonathan Maus who they label as a "bike activist and blogger". While they are talking with him he's sitting on his bike and what's attached to the back of the bike? Oh...a bright orange Evolution U-lock! Nice choice, Jonathan ;)

Better still, when they are cutting to break the anchor, Mary Richardson, calls Jonathan a "one man institution" taking on city hall and having the bike blog in the city. They don't mention the name of it, but we all know it's Bikeportland.org and it's fabulous! In all fairness, they do give the information here on their website.

Great to see you on this side of the country, Jonathan, even if it isn't in person. Congrats!