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Post by franco on Oct 19, 2020 15:52:00 GMT
The stock here got really low as well, places like Decathlon and Halfords were sparse on bikes, the smaller bike shops seemed to manage due to dealing with mostly second hand stock.
Between March and August I sold around 14 bikes, most of them didn’t need much other than a new chain, tube, tyres or cables which I managed to get from the small LBS.
Less cyclists out now than there was in the summer but still a noticeable increase in numbers. For some reason there aren’t a lot of roadies around here, most people buy Mountain Bikes and go for leisure cycling down country trails.
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Post by wheelson on Oct 19, 2020 20:55:09 GMT
Our small shop is a dealership for Cannondale, Norco, GT, and various BMX lines. We have one new bike on the floor, a $1,100 fat bike. We've been able to pick up a few high end road bikes and some electrics. Our main business is mainly hybrids in the $400 - $600 range (due to the many rail trails here in Pennsylvania), as well as some mountain bikes (state parks and ski resorts). Always a few higher end road bikes, and there is a women's tri group locally, but that business is down anyway due to the cancellation of many events. Repair work has been insane.
Trail "traffic" seems to be up tremendously, especially on weekends and within a mile or two of trail access points. I've been able to so a few shorter rides as my cervical disk surgery rehab continues and as I learn to contend with old age in general (shorter rides, wider tires, lower gears, . . .).
Best,
John "wheelson"
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Post by franco on Oct 31, 2020 0:01:08 GMT
Rumours of a national UK lockdown from Wednesday.
This is getting even more depressing.
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Post by wheelson on Oct 31, 2020 0:54:14 GMT
Rumours of a national UK lockdown from Wednesday. This is getting even more depressing. Hope and pray not, Franco. This is indeed depressing and seems not to be the answer somehow. How many countries have tried to end this by lockdown and failed. I’m 72, physically compromised, should be hiding under a rock, I guess. Yet I’ve been working four days a week in an “essential” bike shop, mask when a customer walks in, so far, so good. Luck or whatever, I really feel bad for those who haven’t fared as well. No, I don’t have an answer but somehow I don’t think a lockdown is it. Best, John “wheelson” |
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Post by oldroadietehachapi on Oct 31, 2020 2:32:30 GMT
So some guy in a little house in the country, can't go for a walk in the woods, despite no one being nearby. Or a guy can't ride a bike down a road while completely alone. Have I got that right? That seems a bit totalitarian for a free country. I understand the need for social distancing and not having public events, but what do I know; I am just a crazy old guy living in the hills of California. I will be surprised if a free people stand for it. I hope it does not come to pass; If it does, please avoid the riots.
Jim
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Post by franco on Oct 31, 2020 10:29:21 GMT
Totalitarian is about right Jim but because some of it is understandable (if you listen to the scientists) it’s difficult to get angry about it.
You can’t buy alcohol after 9pm here and in Wales they sealed off non essential items in supermarkets, so you couldn’t buy things as basic as a kettle or frying pan.
I dunno, it seems some of it is designed to break the human spirit.
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Post by oldroadietehachapi on Oct 31, 2020 16:06:43 GMT
I once was a training manager for a large mining company. We pursued many seminars and programs on how to change employee attitude and behavior. one tool was a significant emotional event. For us, it had applications mostly in safety and drug programs. Our company did things like suspend an employee for a week to contemplate his behavior, reorganize a department, or fire the head guy. A significant emotional event can be used for other purposes, including social change. The bigger the event, the bigger the change. A strategic significant emotional event was when one manufactured the event. The same ideas can be used for sinister purposes. I am of the opinion that Covid19 is being used by politicians as a significant emotional event to bring about social change and most importantly, feed their addiction, by increasing their power (never let a crisis go to waste). This blogger describes management uses of the Strategic Significant Emotional Event.
As for the UK lock-down, we have similar controls in California (in the US such regulation is done by the state and local, not federal government) but the term lock down is avoided as it implies doing the same as some countries that have less personal freedom. After all, it is easier to remove ones rights when it supports a good cause, or not knowing it is happening. California Covid Restrictions Fortunately, cycling is allowed for recreational purposes in California.
I feel much better now Jim
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Post by Jem on Oct 31, 2020 20:32:15 GMT
Naomi Klein has a good take on this in her book 'The Shock Doctrine'. It states how large scale change/disasters/natural or man made are used for nefarious purposes. Our Gov't have already handed £12 billion to their mates on a track and trace system that disappeared without trace and never worked. There's a number of people at the top getting very rich during this awful time off tax payers expense.
We are getting perilously close to politics here...and that and religion are generally the one things that cause some friction on forums, so I'll say no more.
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Post by Jem on Oct 31, 2020 20:35:04 GMT
You can’t buy alcohol after 9pm here and in Wales they sealed off non essential items in supermarkets, so you couldn’t buy things as basic as a kettle or frying pan. I remember when you couldn't buy alcohol on a Sunday in Wales and in certain areas no pubs were open on the 'day of rest'...in fact, come to that, I remember when literally no shops except a paper shop and maybe a petrol station was open in England on a Sunday (and ironically it was against the law to buy a bible on a Sunday too) Haha..just managed to mention religion and politics in 2 posts....This could end in tears  |
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Post by brianbutler on Oct 31, 2020 20:58:14 GMT
Massachusetts had "blue laws" up until maybe 20 years ago where you could not buy alcohol on Sunday. Most other stores were also closed. I have often wondered whether the shopkeepers would prefer a day of rest. I doubt that Sunday alcohol sales increases the weekly amount consumed. It just adds a day of work for the stores. They should all agree to be open one day a week and go fishing the rest of the time.
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Post by Jem on Oct 31, 2020 21:25:05 GMT
Massachusetts had "blue laws" up until maybe 20 years ago where you could not buy alcohol on Sunday. Most other stores were also closed. I have often wondered whether the shopkeepers would prefer a day of rest. I doubt that Sunday alcohol sales increases the weekly amount consumed. It just adds a day of work for the stores. They should all agree to be open one day a week and go fishing the rest of the time. I think something might come out of this epidemic that is positive - in that, many people realise they don't need to drive and sit in traffic for 2+ hours a day in order to work at a computer, or meet in rooms with huge overheads needing to be paid. Many jobs could be done in a more flexible, economical way. I also suspect that people could do the job in less time and at times that suits them if they were given a chance - then have more time for healthy pursuits and creativity. |
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Post by franco on Oct 31, 2020 23:13:18 GMT
Naomi Klein has a good take on this in her book 'The Shock Doctrine'. It states how large scale change/disasters/natural or man made are used for nefarious purposes. Our Gov't have already handed £12 billion to their mates on a track and trace system that disappeared without trace and never worked. There's a number of people at the top getting very rich during this awful time off tax payers expense. We are getting perilously close to politics here...and that and religion are generally the one things that cause some friction on forums, so I'll say no more. Same, I could say a lot on all this and the likes of Serco but don’t want to because one of the great things about this forum is we escape all that and talk about cycling and bicycles. |
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Post by oldroadietehachapi on Oct 31, 2020 23:49:51 GMT
I apologize if I lead everyone off track. During the pandemic Cycling activity has greatly increased. I see families riding together, people out for rides. People who quit cycling long ago have a renewed interest. That is positive change.
Cheers
Jim
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Post by franco on Nov 1, 2020 0:18:41 GMT
I apologize if I lead everyone off track. During the pandemic Cycling activity has greatly increased. I see families riding together, people out for rides. People who quit cycling long ago have a renewed interest. That is positive change. Cheers Jim Jim, I love reading your posts and respect your opinions. On everything. No need to apologise, |
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Post by franco on Nov 10, 2020 7:18:12 GMT
Relevant to the thread, selling a bicycle during travel restrictions.
I had a couple listed on eBay before the second lockdown and didn’t remove them but wished I had once I read eBay guidelines and the rules on travel.
First one sold and the buyer wanted me to put a couriers sticker on the saddle and just send it like that, ended up refunding him. Second guy wants to get a train from London to the Midlands and me to meet him at the train station with the bike.
I’ve offered him a refund or suggested I hold on to the bike for him until travel restrictions are lifted.
It’s not worth the headache at the moment.
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Post by Jem on Nov 10, 2020 11:59:33 GMT
Relevant to the thread, selling a bicycle during travel restrictions. I had a couple listed on eBay before the second lockdown and didn’t remove them but wished I had once I read eBay guidelines and the rules on travel. First one sold and the buyer wanted me to put a couriers sticker on the saddle and just send it like that, ended up refunding him. Second guy wants to get a train from London to the Midlands and me to meet him at the train station with the bike. I’ve offered him a refund or suggested I hold on to the bike for him until travel restrictions are lifted. It’s not worth the headache at the moment. A couple of times, I used that on-line service where a delivery van is doing a job in an area and if it coincides with the item you want taking/picking up , then they quote for your job. You dont need to wrap/pack the bike, they just strap it in the back. I had a couple delivered like this, approx £25-£30 a couple of years back. I think it was anyvan.com |
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Post by oldroadietehachapi on Nov 10, 2020 14:41:08 GMT
I looked up the UK government website detailing your travel restrictions. I suspect in a week or two, everyone will be stir crazy and go out regardless. You have my sincere sympathy.
Jim |
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Post by brianbutler on Nov 10, 2020 15:10:53 GMT
I looked up the UK government website detailing your travel restrictions. I suspect in a week or two, everyone will be stir crazy and go out regardless. You have my sincere sympathy.
Jim On the other hand, in three to four weeks you might have the current wave under control. |
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Post by oldroadietehachapi on Nov 10, 2020 15:59:47 GMT
I looked up the UK government website detailing your travel restrictions. I suspect in a week or two, everyone will be stir crazy and go out regardless. You have my sincere sympathy.
Jim On the other hand, in three to four weeks you might have the current wave under control. That is the goal. Nevertheless, I think it very difficult to isolate people for such a long period of time; at some point, they simply won't comply. In my redneck county, when church was banned, people began to meet in their own homes. Weddings were banned, but people still married in private homes or parks. Parties were banned, people still had parties. Barber shops were banned, the shops were closed, but you could come in the back door and get a haircut. Unnecessary travel was banned, but people still traveled in their motor homes and any trip could be justified as shopping. I am not saying this is right or wrong; it is simply how free people operate. Fortunately, social distancing and wearing of masks was (and still is) mostly followed; it is inconvenient, but does not significantly hinder freedom.
I think the disease will continue to spread until the majority of the population is immune; a vaccine will speed that process. The disease itself may mutate and be with us (in different forms) for generations. For now, all we can do is slow the spread so resources are not overwhelmed.
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Post by ks1u on Nov 10, 2020 18:16:23 GMT
I feel fortunate to live in CT where nearly everyone is wearing masks and trying to do the right thing. There have been a few exceptions along the way, and I have had several unpleasant interactions with people, including a minor physical altercation at the local Home Depot in August. The mild November weather, actually record setting, has aided in getting people outside, but the news about the Pfizer vaccine has helped everyone feel like there may be an end in sight. My dentist's office called today and I told them until there's a vaccine I won't be getting haircuts or dental cleanings. I feel fortunate to be semi-retired, I'm sure I'd be a lot more stressed-out if I had to go to work everyday. I owe a great debt to those essential workers who bear the brunt of this pandemic.
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Post by dracco on Nov 10, 2020 18:19:34 GMT
At least during our first lockdown we had some decent cycling weather so we could take advantage of the lack of traffic on the roads. Now it's foggy and damp and it gets dark at 4pm. Yuk.
It's the behaviour of the population that matters more than the attempts of the government to impose rules. When Sweden first encountered Covid, they relied on the common-sense of their population to maintain 2-metre social distancing. Mind, when the risk of infection lifted, the Swedes heaved a great sigh of relief, because it meant that they could go back to their more normal 6-metre distancing.
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Post by Jem on Nov 10, 2020 19:48:31 GMT
I owe a great debt to those essential workers who bear the brunt of this pandemic. + 1 on that comment. By the way, even before lockdown maybe 6 or 7 years ago, I bought a set of Wahl clippers and a pair of nice scissors and cut my own hair - it's not too hard. And then at the start of March 2020 lockdown I bought a dental kit for plaque removal and suchlike, and some Thixotropic Prophy Paste Medium Grit polish. Use sparingly (ie once very 6 months, with an electric toothbrush ) and it just about does the same job as the hygienist. I have yet to make my own petrol, but I am sure I could convert the diesel van to run on cooking oil? |
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Post by franco on Nov 10, 2020 20:46:06 GMT
Relevant to the thread, selling a bicycle during travel restrictions. I had a couple listed on eBay before the second lockdown and didn’t remove them but wished I had once I read eBay guidelines and the rules on travel. First one sold and the buyer wanted me to put a couriers sticker on the saddle and just send it like that, ended up refunding him. Second guy wants to get a train from London to the Midlands and me to meet him at the train station with the bike. I’ve offered him a refund or suggested I hold on to the bike for him until travel restrictions are lifted. It’s not worth the headache at the moment. A couple of times, I used that on-line service where a delivery van is doing a job in an area and if it coincides with the item you want taking/picking up , then they quote for your job. You dont need to wrap/pack the bike, they just strap it in the back. I had a couple delivered like this, approx £25-£30 a couple of years back. I think it was anyvan.com I was a bit suspicious of the buyer and in the event of a case being opened eBay usually favours the buyer. I expected him complaining about it, asking for a refund and me trying to get a bike back from Manchester during a lockdown. You know within minutes when you talk to someone about bikes if they are genuine enthusiasts or not, this guy didn’t come across as he knew what he was buying (a 40 year old Raleigh) so why not buy one more local? That’s useful to know about the courier option though. As for this time around dracco is right, the weather alone makes it more depressing. |
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Post by oldroadietehachapi on Nov 11, 2020 0:51:36 GMT
After a few good weeks, my home county (and most of California) appears to be headed back to more restrictive Covid restrictions.
Rats Jim
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Post by dracco on Nov 12, 2020 18:58:12 GMT
But not today! Looking out of the window at lunchtime, the sun was shining and the roads were dry. According to the forecast it wasn't due to rain until later this evening. It wouldn't be dark until about 4pm.
After a quick fossick around for my winter cycling gear (including a pair of tights that give me a disconcerting resemblance to Rudolf Nureyev - but without the grace and athleticism) I could nip out for a quick 30k ride around some of Lower Wharfedale's more attractive towns and villages (Spofforth, Kirk Deighton, Wetherby, Sicklinghall, Kirkby Overblow). The only downside was that none of the pubs or cafes were open.
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Post by Jem on Nov 12, 2020 19:28:36 GMT
But not today! Looking out of the window at lunchtime, the sun was shining and the roads were dry. According to the forecast it wasn't due to rain until later this evening. It wouldn't be dark until about 4pm.
After a quick fossick around for my winter cycling gear (including a pair of tights that give me a disconcerting resemblance to Rudolf Nureyev - but without the grace and athleticism) I could nip out for a quick 30k ride around some of Lower Wharfedale's more attractive towns and villages (Spofforth, Kirk Deighton, Wetherby, Sicklinghall, Kirkby Overblow). The only downside was that none of the pubs or cafes were open.
Bright day forecast for tomorrow, after breakfast till sun down! |
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Post by franco on Nov 12, 2020 20:20:43 GMT
But not today! Looking out of the window at lunchtime, the sun was shining and the roads were dry. According to the forecast it wasn't due to rain until later this evening. It wouldn't be dark until about 4pm.
After a quick fossick around for my winter cycling gear (including a pair of tights that give me a disconcerting resemblance to Rudolf Nureyev - but without the grace and athleticism) I could nip out for a quick 30k ride around some of Lower Wharfedale's more attractive towns and villages (Spofforth, Kirk Deighton, Wetherby, Sicklinghall, Kirkby Overblow). The only downside was that none of the pubs or cafes were open.
Good man and lol at the tights. I intended to go out but ended up trimming down our blossom trees whilst the weather was dry. Hopefully tomorrow... |
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Post by oldroadietehachapi on Nov 20, 2020 15:06:41 GMT
California is now locked down about like the UK. Stay at home order 10PM to 5AM, mandatory face masks and social distancing, theaters, churches, schools, restaurants are closed, strict limits on private gatherings, special guidelines for families when celebrating Thanksgiving and Christmas. and so on. A man was arrested and put in handcuffs for paddle boarding (not near anyone) off the coast. Seems to apply to all except high ranking politicians, as well as the rich and famous.
With that said, California is very diverse, it is very difficult to make one set of standards fit the entire state. The population centers create the legislation and culture most people perceive as Californian (Cali culture). The rural areas (of which there are many) are overwhelmed by the population centers and then dragged along - kicking and screaming. The link below is an excellent explanation of the regional differences in California. It is also a nice post card tour of the state. I hope you enjoy.
Jim
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Post by Jem on Nov 20, 2020 16:19:41 GMT
Seems to apply to all except high ranking politicians. Oh, we know all about that here Jim...  |
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Post by franco on Nov 20, 2020 20:31:18 GMT
Are you still allowed daily exercise Jim?
Even under the toughest restrictions we could get out to cycle/walk for a hour a day.
I’m in a weird place at the moment, allowed to work in peoples homes but otherwise all the lockdown rules apply. So basically I can go and spend eight hours in a strangers house but not allowed to see my parents or anyone else.
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