Glen Rock is filled with many athletic individuals and the value of sports and fitness is always a topic of discussion around the borough.

Sitting in our local Starbucks, you can hear parents speaking enthusiastically about their sons or daughters and their athletic schedules and triumphs.  You can also hear adults speaking about the last 5K they ran or their preparations for a triathlon that they will attempt.  All this requires a support system for those athletically inclined.  

I, as a matter of course, am athletically challenged. My idea of a good workout is to reach for the spatula and flip a heavy brisket as it sits on my grill.  I often switch arms so that I can get an even workout.  There is one other sort of exercise I enjoy and that is taking my bicycle out for a spin.

Granted, I have not been on my bicycle as of late because of the oppressive heat that has blessed our area; but the fact remains that "I Like to Ride My Bicycle, I Like to Ride My Bike." Freddie Mercury has nothing on me.

My mountain bike had been sitting in my garage for 5 years. Yes, I rode it in the park...I rode it in the dark. I took it on the train and even rode it in the rain. It needed lots of care because it had been everywhere! With years of abuse, it needed a serious tune up.

A few months ago, a new business opened up in our town that would allow me to address the issue of my abused bike.

Carrera Cycles opened up in the heart of Glen Rock in a small space that used to be a butcher shop at 235 Rock Road. It is a clean shop that features a master bicycle mechanic that boasts over 25 years experience working on everything from children's bikes to competition level cycles. I brought my old bike in to be serviced and waited to see what kind of results would be delivered to me. 

When I picked up my bike, I honestly was shocked with the results. It looked liked it was brand new! The bike was spotless, it sported updated brakes and new shifters. It was basically a complete overhaul and was much, much cheaper than buying a new bike. I have to say that I was completely satisfied and brought in my wife's bicycle as well as my son's little two-wheeler. Carrera Cycles has very reasonable prices and its mechanics are top notch.

There is another reason why Carrera Cycles makes it onto my list of the "Good Stuff of Glen Rock".  

The service at Carrera Cycles is the most comprehensive that I have seen in the area.  They are upfront and offer personal attention; from fitting a customer to the correct size bicycle frame to suggesting performance enhancing accessories for the competitive rider. They stock Giant and Orbea bicycles, two of the leading bicycle manufacturers in the world and are very friendly.  

If you are in the market for a new bicycle or want to make sure your current bicycle is safe and performing at its best, I strongly suggest that you visit Carerra Cycles. Once you do, Freddie Mercury's ode to the humble bicycle will be playing over and over in your head.