It's the officially, unofficial start to summer this weekend. In crafting my messages to you I am often moved by the slightest brush with natural beauty I encounter, never more so than this time of year. Tugging my imagination, these musings are apt to cause connections when riding my bike down a sun-swept lane, styling a bike basket with our latest tote colors or setting a picnic for two under the shade of a centuries-old tulip poplar in bloom. I just can't help myself. Nature is singing with such grounding tones and sometimes haunting refrains that my senses soar as if to take flight with the solitary heron, or the entire kit of killdeer as our bicycle wheels, crushing down the gravel road, flush them from their nest in the dried out cornfield. And here is where I could go on poetic and not get to what I really need to tell you, which is - - -

BIKES ARE HOT, Y'ALL!

I know I've already said it but I've gotta say it again. As we enter Phase One of reopening healthy distancing is still a priority, as is staying active and considering real and lasting changes to how we move about in life. And that's what I mean about bikes. They are so HOT I feel like pulling out my North Carolina accent to exclaim just how cool they have become. Bless my heart it's true! And the NY Times says so, too. Transit reporter Christina Goldbaum penned the article "Thinking of Buying a Bike? Get Ready for a Very Long Wait" noting the huge surge in sales across the country. Don't delay - reach out to us about purchasing a Priority Bicycle from Basket & Bike. Our Classic Plus style ships July 31 and when you purchase through Basket & Bike we will deliver it assembled in the Metro Richmond area. Three great new colors, too - plus always the gloss white and matte black.

We've started a waiting list for the Nantucket Lightship Adult Classic Bike Basket. Add your name to the list here and we'll let you know when the baskets are back in stock. In the meantime start considering one of our amazing colors for your liner/tote! We'll help you style your #virginiacyclechic ride with a custom, locally handmade liner/tote that will take you to the river, the market, or the trail in style. We can even custom design a liner to fit your own basket.

The Times article says, "The spike in sales comes on the heels of stay-at-home orders that have temporarily curtailed daily life, but that may permanently transform the role of bicycles into something more essential, including a safer alternative to public transit as the nation slowly begins to reopen." I love this of course, as someone who encourages biking as an everyday mode of transportation.

In town transit we love, but on the trail fun is where the allure of a bike ride with a basket hits it zenith. NY Times Reporter Goldbaum captured well the change we have seen these past two months,

"Going for a bike ride has replaced grabbing a drink on first dates. . ."

And not just first dates. Last week, two married Richmond couples celebrated with picnic excursions. Decidedly low key, peaceful, and relaxing was the order of the day. After distance learning with children and remote working, the idea of biking a little stretch, with the promise of a simple picnic as they completed their journey was appealing.

BIKING TO UPPER SHIRLEY IS HOT!

We have truly missed our friends at Upper Shirley Vineyards! They are re-opening Friday, May 22 with picnic fare, wine, and a wide-open lawn for spreading out on blankets and chairs along the banks of America's Founding River, the James River, a great place to be on Memorial Day Weekend. Contact us to coordinate a rental. INFO ON UPPER SHIRLEY VINEYARDS

I am extremely grateful for the supportive friends and followers who are renting bikes or purchasing bikes, baskets, liners, helmets, gift certificates and books from Basket & Bike. Contact us about taking our Signature Ride or planning any other excursion, including picnic rides. We are always happy to chat about what you would like to experience with your family or answer any bike or trail-related questions. We will help you find a beautiful way to savor this spring and summer as a family, or by yourself, whether it's a lengthy 26-miles or just a 6-mile jaunt. We will re-evaluate how larger group tours and group picnics can be reserved after June 10. I do offer a bit of warning: as you contemplate taking a day to see what's so hot about these bikes you might just come away from your ride floating on the wings of your imagination, musing on your brushes with beauty, a tulip poplar flower found tucked behind your ear.