Pulse: At Your Service: Fresh Air: Gear Up, Philly!
Bike Shops, Classes and Services
In Feasterville, Guy’s Bikes has an upbeat staff that will fit you on the perfect bike no matter your skill level or age. You’ll find Bike Line all over the region and will love its wide selection. Keswick Cycle Company, with locations in Glenside and Cherry Hill, has stellar equipment, respected mechanics, bike-repair clinics and mountain biking classes. Bicycle Therapy on South Street has a friendly crew, a solid selection of women’s bikes, and roadside repair classes. Breakaway Bikes on Chestnut Street has a studio in which staffers customize training schedules. Get a city bike with style at Bicycle Revolutions in Queen Village. The REI stores in Conshohocken and Marlton offer classes on road, mountain and commuter cycling.
Getting Around
You can find a difficult-to-read yet comprehensive map of bike-friendly city streets and connections to surrounding parks and paths at the Philadelphia Streets Department. Trails.com is a great site for regional trails, and worth the $49.95 annual fee if you ride often. Some popular rides along the Schuylkill River Trail: Valley Forge to Manayunk (13.5 miles one way); Conshohocken to Phoenixville (13.5 miles one way); and Valley Forge Park, which has a few good beginner loops.
Clubs and Group Rides
Joining the Bicycle Coalition of Greater Philadelphia gets you access to events, lessons, rides and discounts. The more advanced Philadelphia Mountain Biking Association organizes group rides and helps keep trails pristine. For frequent group rides at all expertise levels, plus store discounts, join the Bicycle Club of Philadelphia. Ladies, coast over to Sturdy Girl Cycling for events, skills clinics and new friends. The family-friendly Delaware Valley Bicycle Club meets in the ’burbs and Jersey. Manayunk’s Cadence Cycling is a bike store that organizes trips to State College and Southern California.
