Launched in 2005, WellesleyWeston Magazine is a quarterly publication tailored to Wellesley and Weston residents and edited to enrich the experience of living in two of Massachusetts' most desirable communities.
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eight to twelve miles each morning through area trails, "Mountain bikes are one of the greatest of man's inventions. I can fly though the woods and see no cars, just deer. Plus, I'm outside — what a great way to start my day." Local cyclists take up the sport for many different reasons — such as doing charity rides like the Pan Mass Challenge (PMC), staying in top physical and cardio shape, or enjoying the outdoors with family mem- bers. There are also a variety of different types of cycling these days propelled by technological advancements and space-age materials, says Andy Palmgren of Landry's Bicycles in Natick. The most popular bike is called a hybrid, which has flat handlebars and wider tires than stan- dard road bikes and is perfect to go on outings with the kids. Here are the major types of cycling. Road and Racing Cycling In general, road bikes today — which are often made with high-tech carbon fiber or aluminum frames — are much lighter, stiffer, and more responsive than those in the past. These bikes start at $700 and can go up to $15,000. They are characterized by thin wheels and drop style handlebars. One of the biggest reasons many local cyclists take up road cycling, says Palmgren, is so they can ride in charity rides. Wellesley resident Frank Nemia has participated in the PMC for 14 years, riding 192 miles from Sturbridge to Provincetown each August with his cycling group called the "Pedaling Paesans." Palmgren says Wellesley and Weston are some of the most represented Massachusetts towns for riders in the PMC. M E D I A B A K E R Y How to Find a Bike Group There are many small groups of friends and private riding clubs in Wellesley and Weston, but membership in them may be based on a rider's experience and skill level. One Boston-area recreational cycling club, however, is open to everyone and has been around since 1966. The Charles River Wheelers (formerly known as the Charles River Wheelmen) can be found at www.CRW. org. The club offers rides that start both in Wellesley and Weston. In addition, Landry's Bicycles on Route 9 in Natick has a comprehensive list of local riding groups and clubs on their website at www.landrys.com. There are rides that leave from the store in Natick as well as their other store locations throughout Greater Boston. If you'd like to give cyclocross a try, be sure to visit Steve the Bike Guy in Sherborn and online at www.stevethebikeguy.com. Steve is an experienced cyclocross racer, and his shop sponsors a number of rides all year long. 148 W e l l e s l e y W e s t o n M a g a z i n e | s u m m e r 2 0 1 7 fitness & health "a great, low-impact way to stay in shape"