PHOTO OF SPRING CHALLENGE PROVIDED BY SPECIALIZED BICYCLE COMPONENTS

Here in South County the opportunities to enjoy and benefit from cycling are limited only by our community ’ s collective imagination . Athletes crave the adrenaline rush of racing and trail blazing . Commuters pedal their way to school and to work . Families hop on their bikes for fitness and recreation . Local folks ride to raise funds for local causes . And the list goes on .

Thanks to some creative and collaborative folks in our midst , our region is becoming one of the most cycling-friendly-and-fun places in Northern California .

It goes without saying that we have the ideal weather and terrain for all kinds of riding . We also have the bragging rights of being home to Specialized Bicycle Components , one of the world ’ s best-known and admired bicycle brands . Company founder Mike Sinyard came to Morgan Hill in the 1970s to build the ultimate bike for racing . Since that time , Specialized bicycles have carried riders to victory in the Tour de France , the Ironman Triathlon and other notable road and trail events .

Today , Specialized joins local government , business , education and community leaders and cycling enthusiasts who are working side-by-side to integrate cycling into the fabric of community life .

In the view of Lucy August-Perna , Advocacy Manager at Specialized , “ We all want the same thing , and that ’ s to make our region the most active and healthy place it can be . The bike is a tool that can help to make it happen .”

For those who prefer a smooth ride on paved roads , Specialized has partnered with the City of Morgan Hill to create guided Lunch Rides . On the first Monday of each month , employees of Specialized share their cycling expertise by leading community rides on local roads . Based on their level of experience , riders can join a beginner , intermediate or advanced ride , and reap the rewards of a pedal-pumping , hearthealthy lunch break .

Ride leaders not only plan the routes but also offer tips on how bikes and cars can share the road safely . It ’ s not unusual for dozens of riders to show up for the increasingly popular outings . Sure beats staring at a screen while eating lunch at your desk , right ?

According to Jennie Tucker , a Community Services Supervisor with the Morgan Hill Community and Cultural Center ( CCC ), “ If someone is hesitant to try or doesn ’ t have a friend to ride with , the lunchtime rides are a great way to go . It ’ s a mix of working professionals , locals and retired folks . They get to know each other and spread the word , so we have new riders joining all the time .”

For those who yearn to conquer rugged park trails but haven ’ t the foggiest notion of what a derailleur is , and don ’ t know a dropout from an idler pulley , the staff at Concept Cyclery is a fount of information . Concept not only offers mountain bikes as part of its selection of road and trail bikes , but the Morgan Hill-based retailer also hosts themed rides three evenings a week . Thursdays are for trail riding .

Morgan Hill native Brian Crane is among a growing community of avid mountain bikers who enjoy the parks and open space lands of South Santa Clara Valley .

“ Harvey Bear , Henry Coe and Rancho Cañada del Oro are excellent places to ride ,” Crane said . “ You only have to ride fifteen minutes outside of town and it ’ s like you ’ re in the wilderness . No people . No cell phone reception . Just you and the trail .”

G M H T O D A Y M A G A Z I N E MAY / JUNE 2015 gmhtoday . com

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