It wasn’t the worst winter in the history of Pennsylvania but it probably made the top five.
When it wasn’t snowing, there was plenty of persistent bone-chilling cold.
This put a serious crimp in local runners’ plans to get out on the roads and trails for daily outings. Let’s put it this way, that treadmill down in the basement got a lot more mileage than usual.
While the conditions were demanding for those on foot, can you imagine how tough it was to navigate the aforementioned venues on a bicycle? Sorry, when things get that gnarly, a lot of us head for the stationary bike right alongside that treadmill.
But now, after last Saturday’s final (hopefully) gasp of winter, some welcome temperatures in the 60s and 70s have arrived. And not a moment too soon.
So it’s time to get out the two-wheeler, pump up the tires, oil the chain and dust off the helmet. Let the good times roll.
This is the busiest time of the year for Bob Burke, co-owner of Guy’s Bicycles in Feasterville. When he’s not getting customers’ bicycles ready for the roads, he’s selling new ones.
An accomplished multi-sport athlete himself (he once won the Statue of Liberty-to-Liberty Bell Triathlon at age 40), Burke says it’s not only important for you to get into cycling shape but your bike in shape as well.
Roads are busier than ever so it’s crucial that your bike be in good working order to deal with the hectic traffic.
“We’re a big proponent that someone bring their bike in annually,” Burke said in a telephone conversation. “Have your bike checked over. When it comes in for service, we’ll look at the bike and might say there’s nothing really wrong. The bike’s in good shape, we’ll do a free inspection.
“If something is needed, the bike gets left here and the work gets done to it.”
Burke said that when the good weather comes, the waiting line goes out the door. To make an appointment can take up to two or three weeks to get your bike back.
When it comes to safety, Burke is quick to point out that with more and more people on their phones while driving, cyclists need to take as much precaution as possible. That includes illumination on the front and back of the bicycle.
“We’re huge fans of lights day and night,” Burke said. “Not just at night. So a blinking red or white light all the time. Make yourself be seen.”
The other real important safety precaution is your bike helmet. First, always wear one. Second, make sure it’s in good shape. If you are a regular rider, think about something new every three years or so.
“We have people who come in with helmets that are 10 years old,” Burke said. “Those are nonfunctional at 10 years. There’s nothing left to do a good job. You can get a good helmet for between 50 and a hundred bucks.”
Plenty of cyclists just show up at the store on Street Road and get a chance to pick up a new water bottle or a cycle jersey.
A quick tuneup is always a good thing.
“Chain lubrication, cable lubrication, (tire) air pressure,” Burke said. “We look at tire wear, all of it. The inspection is free.”
Guy’s has been in business for 55 years and Burke has been there for 47 of them. So you know you’re dealing with someone who’s dedicated to the business.
He still does a number of 100- and 200-mile race/rides, a lot of them just for the fun of it.
Back in the day, he rode in a group cycle the length of New Jersey (about 200 miles) in around 10 hours.
Rest assured your bike is in good hands when you walk in the door at Guy’s.
>Race calendar
Saturday
Hot Chocolate 5K/10K/15K, 7:30 a.m., Philadelphia. Contact www.hotchocolate15k.com
Saturday, April 11
Be Kind 5K, 9:30 a.m., Buckingham. Contact www.bucks5kseries.com
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