Biking in Bethel is a Year-Round Delight

Instead of storing your bicycle in the garage for a winter of cobwebs and deflated tires, reconsider riding throughout the cold season. With a town that's headquarters to two major cycling manufacturers, that has two bicycle shops, a cycling club and two races throughout the town, maybe it's time to keep riding all year-round.

Why ride?

Cycling is not only a fun, family activity, but it's also good for you. Michael DeLeon of the Cycling Sports Group, a Bethel company that produces Cannondale, Schwinn and other popular cycle brands said, "Bicycling has cardiovascular benefits, and has less impact on knees and other joints compared to other activities such as running. And riding is also a good way to train for other sports."

Winter riding: what you'll need

With the right gear, riders can be comfortable in every season, including winter. 

Greg Pelican has been the owner of Bethel Cycle for the past 11 years and the store was in operation for 30 years before that. The shop recently got the approval to move to the Old Bethel Train Station from its current location on Greenwood Avenue.  

"We are one of the two most famous [shops] in New England and now, more than ever, we are encouraging people to come up, spend some time with us and maybe try out a Cannondale bike," Pelican said.

Pelican offered some tips on essential gear for riding as temperatures drops and the winds begin to whip. He said that no winterizing needs to be done to prepare a bike for the colder months, as would be the case with automobiles. The most important thing is to keep comfortable.

According to Pelican, cycling gear, like skiing, requires a "wicking " base layer. The objective is to move sweat from the body to the outside of the garment, keeping the body dry. Many companies make base layer clothing for men and women, even offering different garments to be worn at varying outside temperatures, Pelican said.

When the thermometer drops below 35 degrees, a wind-blocking layer is necessary.Pelican said with the speed of a cycle, you are always going to be colder than when running because of the additional wind chill factor.

In order to keep warm, Pelican suggests a headband that fits under the helmet to keep the ears warm and prevent the loss of body heat. Gloves will also keep the hands warm, but they need to be thin enough to allow a firm grip on the handlebars. The seasoned rider may want additional specialized protection, like "booties," the neoprene covers that fit over the tops of cycling shoes.

Bethel bike rides

According to the Bethel Cycling Club's website, there are many places to complete a bike ride:

For the family:

The J. Francis Clarke Industrial Park Circle is a great place for short rides or for bike lessons. Empty parking lots and the lack of cars make this .09 mile loop ideal.

Intermediate riders:

Norman Semchyshen, 55,  a member of the 200- strong Bethel Cycling Club is  a dedicated rider. Semchyshen got back on his bike in 2007 after a 25-year hiatus and logs 75 to 100 miles a week. He put together some suggested scenic routes. Full maps can be seen by accessing the links.

Ride 1 (10 miles): Sidecut and Long Ridge are very scenic roads.
Head right from Bethel Cycle, first right, next right on South Street to Route 53. Route 53 to Sidecut. Sidecut over the tracks to Long Ridge. Long Ridge to Reservoir. Reservoir to Greenwood.
Ride 2 (17 miles): A Similar from the shop to Route 53 to Sidecut. Then go on Starrs Plain and Picketts Ridge (very steep  downhill on Picketts Ridge, so  be careful). There's not much traffic, so enjoy the scenery.
Ride 3 (26 miles): This ride heads down Route 58 (paved and in good condition) and works it way back via back roads. Poverty Hollow gets a lot of traffic during the week in the evenings but is very scenic on weekends.

For additional and more advanced rides, check out the Cycle Club's Board.