Escape on Two Wheels This Weekend

Summer is the perfect time to get outdoors and into the incredible Southern California climate that brings vacationers from all over the world to our area. Instead of staying inside and enjoying the air conditioning, find a day to go on a bike ride by yourself, with friends, or with the whole family.

The , located at 2501 Honolulu Ave. at the west end of Old Town Montrose, has been open since 1962. The store is a true bike lover's paradise, stocking hundreds of models to choose from, from mountain and road bikes to bikes for children. They even boast a collection of high-end bikes for the cycling enthusiast that cost as much as $10,000. My family has frequented this shop on numerous occasions, for purchasing mountain bikes for the parents along with a Burley trailer to tote the kids behind, to helping our children choose their first bicycles.

Cruising through the store can be a trip down memory lane. They carry petite lavender bikes complete with a white basket on the front and streamers off the handle bars. There are casual cruising bikes with wide comfy seats that make me think of riding around Balboa Island on summer vacations. Bikes with flames painted on the sides are perfect for little boys. For teens, this shop stocks BMX bikes perfect for trick riding a la the X-Games.

Anything you could possibly need for an outdoor biking adventure can be found at this cycling haven. The fully-equipped service department offers supplies and repairs to make your bike run like new. The staff offers custom bicycle fitting to ensure the most comfortable ride. There is an enormous selection of helmets, bike shoes, water bottles, gloves and energy treats for the long ride. In the center of the store is a large clearance rack with clothing for men and women at greatly reduced prices. And, an entire wall is dedicated to bike racks.

Every Sunday at 4:30 p.m. the Montrose Bike Shop hosts a group mountain bike ride. It's open to people of all ages, as long as they've mastered basic skills and technical ability.

Feel like being part of a team? They also have a Road Bike and Mountain Bike team called Team MBS.

Be sure to check out the posting board at the front of the store. It's covered with fliers for all kinds of cycling events and offers copies of of a free bike map for Southern California.

For your own biking escape, consider a casual ride around the Rose Bowl or, for something a little more difficult, ride from the base of La Tuna Canyon up into the hills overlooking Burbank.  and the Hansen Dam also offers numerous biking trails. Get out and enjoy a little sunshine and relaxation on a bike this weekend!

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