I suppose either of those is possible. Regarding a couple storing them there? Are they exceptionally well-locked? If I had to leave a bike somewhere outside for an extended period, I'd try to make sure they were secure.
2011-11-18 15:32:55
9
Bikes piled up at rack
Please tell me if I am paranoid or if this seems odd to anyone else.
I'm biking in 2 days a week, and I park my bike by the Gateway 1 loading dock downtown. Great spot - under cover, cameras, little foot traffic. It's also little-used. I think there are four of the wavy bar racks and there are usually 3-6 bikes parked.
A few weeks ago, I noticed first one, than another, and now there are four bikes all locked to the end of the rack. They are locked together, but it's a weird mix of bikes: a red bike with a motor and fancy motorcycle looking handlebars; an old school Schwinn Caliente; a new looking Giant hybrid/commuter-ish bike; a probably 70s-80s Free Spirit looking ten speed with disc brakes.
They've now been there long enough that the leaves are piled halfway up their frames. They are the only bikes that never move from the bike rack.
Is it possible that somebody or a partnered couple of somebodies owns all four and are parking there indefinitely?
Is it possible that they've been stolen and are being stashed there?
Not sure what to think of it, but something about the wide range of styles and the way they seem abandoned sits odd with me.
Am I just being paranoid?
2011-11-18 13:57:14
It might be like an impound area for the parking garage company. for example, a bus driver told me that somebody left a bike on a rack, so PAT kept the bike at their garage for 30 days in case somebody called up about it. So maybe the parking garages find bikes from time to time, and if they do, they lock them up there.
2011-11-18 15:55:48
They're fairly poorly cable locked with a U-lock holding the cable together. But given the relative security of the space, I think you can get away with bad locking and have it still be safe there.
Good point Boazo - I figure I'm back there enough that I'll keep an eye on them. I've already checked the open "stolen bikes" threads and none match the ones I see out there.
They probably are legit, I mean what bike thief would pile them up under a camera? But thanks for letting me sound this out with other bike people.
2011-11-18 16:14:48
Pinky
I park there daily and have wondered the same thing. It's funny how the leaves all pile up against the bikes.
2011-11-18 17:30:44
Bikes are still there. I talked to the security guard yesterday, and he said he reported them to management two months ago.
They wrapped caution tape around all four to see if they're being moved, and they're not.
I asked him what else could be done, and he shrugged and said not much.
My next plan is to take pictures (probably Thursday when I ride again?) and post them here to see if anyone recognizes the bikes.
2012-02-07 14:06:15
Here are the bikes:
2012-02-09 17:54:50
very strange and diverse assemblage indeed!
2012-02-10 14:39:58
I'll go with the theory that somebody lives semi-close by and is using it for permanent storage. I have a similar collection in my basement and use a Caliente as a primary commuter now.
2012-02-10 17:27:02