The beginners ride started at the end of April. The riders decide where they will go on a day-to-day basis to make sure they have the right level ride for everyone who participates. Sometimes they can
by David Kilby, Special Writer
ALLENTOWN — Many motorists may see the bicyclists riding on the country roads in the area, and as they do so they may contemplate joining them to get some fresh air and exercise. Thanks to the new Beginner’s Bike Ride hosted by Bruno’s Bike Shop in Allentown, these reluctant spectators no longer have an excuse.
Heather Bruno Saracen of Wrightstown is responsible for getting these people out on their bikes. She posted information about the bike ride on social media, and next thing she knew people from all around town started showing up at Bruno’s Bike Shop to join the rides.
The rides take place five days each week. The group meets Mondays at 6 p.m., Wednesdays at 9 a.m., Thursdays at 6 p.m., Fridays at 9 a.m. and Sundays at 8:30 a.m. The largest groups are on Friday and Sunday mornings, when 30 to 50 riders show up.
”We’ve always organized rides out of the bike shop for experienced riders, but didn’t have anything for beginners,” Ms. Saracen said.
The beginners ride started at the end of April. The riders decide where they will go on a day-to-day basis to make sure they have the right level ride for everyone who participates. Sometimes they can have up to four different rides in a day.
The experienced riders group is led by Jim Bruno, Ms. Saracen’s father and owner of the shop, and they meet at Bruno’s Bike Shop at 8:30 a.m. on Sundays, and go on longer rides, such as all the way to Belmar, Sandy Hook or the Assunpink.
”A lot of people want to get on their bikes but are afraid to do it,” Ms. Saracen said. “When I started I hadn’t been on a bike in years. So I decided I wanted to get some people together. I wanted to get in better shape, conquer my fear and make some new friends.”
Terry Veiga of Smith Drive in Allentown, is one of the several regulars in the group.
”I try to go the gym and had wanted to get back on my bike because it’s beautiful out there, but I didn’t know how to ride on the streets and things like that,” she said. “Heather came at just the right time. Now I’m riding three or four times a week. We made new friends.”
The beginner’s rides are designed to make sure cyclists can feel comfortable.
”Nobody gets left behind. We all stay together,” Ms. Saracen said. “If one person is having a hard time, we all encourage each other. We have something for everybody.
”When my father first started riding he hadn’t been riding in years,” she added. “Now he doesn’t look back. He’s been hosting the rides since the store has been opened.”
All ride schedules are posted on the bike shop’s website, www.Brunosbicycles.com.
”With the help of everyone else I can do 20 miles a day,” Ms. Saracen said. “That just shows how much we improved in just a few months. There are other people who have improved as well. There are so many benefits to riding your bike. Aside from the physical, we’ve really developed friendships. Sometimes it doesn’t even feel like exercise because we’re so busy chit chatting. It’s just gorgeous to ride your bike in New Jersey. It’s the perfect riding area.”
Bruno’s Bike Shop is in the strip mall on the western edge of town next to Pete’s Deli. It opened six years ago, and is planning to move into the former hardware store location on Main Street. The new shop will be called “Bruno’s One Sweet Ride” and will incorporate a candy shop into the bike shop. The shop, which will also feature fresh fruit smoothies, skateboards and bicyclist clothing, will have its grand opening the first week of October.
”We’re hoping the new store will help generate some more business for the town as well,” Ms. Saracen said.
Bruno’s Bike Shop is also hosting a ride called Finish Wine on Sept. 14 that will start and finish at the Cream Ridge Winery. All riders will get a bottle of wine. Visit the www.brunosbicycles.com for more information.