Bicycling season is in full swing, and just in time, because May is National Bike Month.<\/p>\n
This is a chance to celebrate practical local travel by bicycle. In this time of no special events or crowd gatherings, the celebration will take on a slightly different tone, but the joy and convenience of riding remains undiminished.<\/p>\n
In fact, the current circumstance actually lends itself to more bicycling. People generally have more time to get places and to get things done. Most of us are craving physical activity and time outdoors. The bicycle paths are wide open, and the streets have less motor traffic.<\/p>\n
It all adds up to an excellent time to use bicycles for necessary local trips \u2014 essential shopping, errands, selective appointments. For some, even commuting to work still happens. Families can make school-at-home more fun with a bicycle outing before starting studies \u2014 sort of like riding to school.<\/p>\n
Glenwood Springs Bicycle Advocates have arranged a handful of accents and specials to make Bike Month more interesting and appealing.<\/p>\n
Prizes for trips<\/p>\n
Bicycle gadgets and shopping certificates will be given to reward local riding.<\/p>\n
During the month of May, cyclists keep a record of trips and miles ridden and send in their summary each Friday (glenwoodbikes@rof.net). Some prizes will be awarded per week, and bigger prizes for the month.<\/p>\n
Springtime bicycle tune-ups<\/p>\n
For a safe and enjoyable ride, bicycles should be well-tuned with freshened drive-train, good and well-inflated tires, safe brakes and comfortable adjustment. For electric bicycles, battery should hold a charge and motor should be reliable.<\/p>\n
Several local professional outfits can help with tune-ups and repairs (the state of Colorado has designated bicycle shops essential services):<\/p>\n
\u2022 Sunlight Ski & Bike, 945-9425 \u2014 Complete in-store bicycle service, repair, and tuning. Distancing and safety protocols are in place. Limited hours, gradually increasing during May; call ahead for details.<\/p>\n
\u2022 Road Runner Mobile Bike Service, 456-8466 (call or text), taz@rrmbs.com \u2014 Completely mobile service, no-contact or minimal contact. Set out your bicycle for Taz to pick up, tune and return. Even payment can be done remotely.<\/p>\n
\u2022 Colorado Electric Bikes, 1301 Grand Ave. Suite A, 948-1292, seclusion3d@comcast.net \u2014 In-store service and sales for e-bikes. Distancing and safety protocols are in place \u2014 customers and staff wear masks, no more than four in the store at a time.<\/p>\n
How-to-ride-videos<\/p>\n
Improve riding skills with better balance, control and safety. Several handy videos are provided by League of American Bicyclists at:<\/p>\n
https:\/\/bikeleague.org\/content\/getting-back-bike-watch-these-five-videos<\/p>\n
Additional information and riding tips are available from Bicycle Colorado at:<\/p>\n
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