Looks like it will be a halfway decent day too.

-D

Taking my son to the Casual at Patapsco, I'd probably die trying to keep up at the higher pace.

I live in Ocean Pines, just outside of Ocean City. I'll be at the bethany ride next weekend.

Touring bikes in B'more area
 

I'm in the market for a high(er) end touring bike. A classy, pretty little number like a Bruce Gordon. However, I'm not liking the idea of dropping $1500-2000 without some extended testing and some knowledgable attention from whom I'm buying. Who should I talk to in the B'more/DC area?
Proteus? (still haven't been there).

I'd rather support a reputable independant builder than go the commercial route of the Trek 520/REI Novaro's, etc, but I'm not sure of who and where.
thanks.
-Bob

oh man... you should check out Bruni. He's in northern Baltimore. His bikes are great. Welds are beautiful. http://www.brunibicycles.com/

I used to work for Mt. Washington in the early 90's and he had just finished the first full suspension I had ever laid eyes on.

Toms a great guy and easily accessible. You wont regret the visit.

wow. nevermind. It seems Tom passed on in 2005. I've been on the shore for 10 years and had no clue. I spent a few weeks with him in his shop as an apprentice in 92'. I wasn't able to stay. I'm speechless.

Ummm... Tom Bruni died in an accident on his bike a couple years ago.

http://www.onelesscar.org/TopLevelDi/TomBruni.php

yes... i know that now.

We got in a 53 mile ride earlier today from the Davidsonville Park & Ride. Nice group of riders, met up with two other ladies from an earlier group and just had an enjoyable afternoon.

Today's Ride

Looks like they still seem to make some nice bikes. I would imagine/hope that in all these years Tom apprenticed at least a few to carry on his tradition.

-D

Derath, the site is stillup but look at the price list - I don't think anyone is carrying on the tradition. He was quite a free spirit. I did a ride last year and there was a sort-of tribute to Tom and lots of people showed up with his bikes - it was nice. Anyway, don't think there are too many custom bikes for less than $2000. Hollands makes nice bikes - but his prices were $2000 5 years ago....

I think John Hollands is more-or-less retired from frame building

Hey newbie: 1400 miles in this weather is very good. I have numerous reasons for lower output this years, old legs, been climbing on the decent wknds, mechanical problems but I had very few nooner rides. I am usually good for 1-2 a week in good weather. I just missed 5K last year and was hoping this was going to be the year. I'll need one helluva tour to get me to that plateau. Charlie

A few years ago I searched for a full loaded touring bike. I was disappointed w/ LBS knowledge of tourers. Most bikes sold were more credit card types. I often felt that I knew as much or more than most of the stores. I found a Miyata 1000 for $200 on Craigslist a few years back. It was almost unused. I love this bike, ride it almost everyday. The most comfortable I've ever ridden. It(we) aren't very fast but can ride it all day. I like the folks at Proteus. http://www.proteusbicycles.com/
The owner(Jill) knows tourers, they don't make frames anymore, they sell Herons. I think there's a model called Heron Randonneur for about 2K???? That might be the frame and fork only?? Charlie

Lots of good used touring bikes on Ebay if you know what to look for. I had a Lotus Eclair back in the day... factory front and rear racks!!!! Was stolen out of my back yard when I left it for a few minutes hanging on my garage-mounted repair hooks inside a fenced - in yard. It was my commuter and a great bike. Paid $75 I think. Tange full cromo frame and fork 25" frame, rock solid handling with 700/38 touring tires you could ride over anything...

It's getting closer to the weekend - Yeh I know It's only Monday :D

I'm looking for a ride partner for the Fenwick Bethany ride on Saturday. It looks like the weather is going to smooth out and warm up a tad for the ride. I Guess I'd be riding 15-18mph pace perhaps more or less. I'll be in OC starting Wednesday and plan to ride to Fenwick to pick up my shirt and stuff on Friday, but if anyone wants to meet Friday night for food or Saturday morning prior to the ride let me know.

Hey Don. I'm planning on riding as well. Look for the white Empella CX rider.

I see we share the same occupation. I work at a company here in Ocean City as a coldfusion dev. Give me a shout emmet( )oceancityguide.com

I'll look for you. So what do CycloCross riders look like? Do they all ride Empellas? :D or will you have a sign that has your name and Bike Forum written on it.. Only kidding. If I locate you I will get your attention. I'll be riding my black & yellow Giant TCR C1.

I took a ride today from our condo on 32nd street down to Fenwick and back. There was a nasty headwind on the way north, but a nice tailwind coming back home. I hope the wind gives us a break on Saturday, but at least the sun and temps look like they will be in our favor.

So what does the OC Guide do with a Cold Fusion programmer? I have used a lot of authoring tools but I never got into Cold Fusion. If I recall, it requires a special server setup and everywhere I worked for the past 15 years never had the hardware setup for it. I started years ago with Director and then Authorware. I'm working for the Air Force now and thier tool of choice is a blend of Flash authored through Lectora. This way everything talks to the LMS - Anyhow I'll chat with you later

Hope to see you there.

At least you got out today. I haven't been out since saturday afternoon. The wind just takes the joy out of it.

On the subject of easter shore riding... Has anyone completed the Viewtrail 100? I'm thinking of taking a weekend out in May and doing it.

I have the maps and other info about Viewtrail 100, but have yet to put wheel to pavement. I was thinking it could be a fun, short family tour for this spring. Still haven't set a date for the trip so who knows what will happen. Hopefully someone else has ridden it and can give us the lowdown.

hi all, new here. commuter from Silver Spring to McPherson Sq via the CCT... been lurking for a while and I have a question.

Someone was telling me about a trail that went through MD or WV that went through some old mining towns and the streams were rust red... anyone have any idea what I am talking about?

Thanks in advance..

It might be the Ghost Town Trail up in PA. Check out this link and see if its what you're thinking about:

http://bikewashington.org/trails/ghost/ghost.htm

Yet another trip that I've looked at for a family tour, but haven't yet turned the wheels. Perhaps now that the weather is improving, we'll get some wheels turning.

What the hell was that yellow thing in the sky this morn.....could spring be here, again! Might hit 80 this wknd. finally.

Hey that ghost town ride seems cool but that's a long car drive.

For eastern shore riders: here are 2 links w/ great biking maps. The first one is for eastern shore Delmarva($5) and the 2nd one is for delaware(free). Highly recommended.

http://tinyurl.com/b4g63

http://www.deldot.net/static/bike/maps/maps.html

Yo Barry: Please send me your email. I have a few q's for ya about trail monies and such. Charlie