Bikers blaze a trail in Auburn

[Kelsey Chandler]

The Bike Shop, located in downtown Auburn, offers weekly rides for bikers who like to hit the trails with other bike enthusiasts. Choose from nine rides that cater to any biker's needs with rides ranging from five to 60 miles.

Jan Hamrick, an Auburn resident and avid biker, enjoys riding bikes in the Auburn area with the recent additions of biker-friendly trails, sidewalks and signs warning vehicilists of their presence.

"I knew there were a growing number of bike groups in Auburn so I checked the Internet," said Hamrick. "The Bike Shop was a great place to start. They have rides for those who are beginner, intermediate or advanced bikers."

Serving the Auburn and Opelika bikers for more than 35 years, The Bike Shop has created rides that take place in the early morning and afternoon. Each ride meets at a different location for the convenience of community members.

"I joined the Bike and Breakfast biking group one Saturday for an early morning ride," said Hamrick. "They are a very friendly group and never leave anyone behind. After they finish biking, they eat breakfast together."

There are many positive aspects to joining local bike groups if interested in biking. After joining a group for a ride once, each member is given a list of bikers in the community with their numbers. This list of numbers may come in handy to a biker if stranded on a trail or sidewalk with a flat tire.

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"I enjoyed riding with the group because I was able to share my interest in biking and rides that I have been on with others with the same interests," said Hamrick. "It is also nice because in groups you are able to encourage each other."

Local biking groups also make it possible for individuals or groups to host an event ride. Bike groups provide support and a source of people who are interested in riding for a cause.

"Some local bike groups do an annual ride before the Tour de France," explained Hamrick. "The Tour de France is a big thing for most bikers because it is one of the biggest tours. I will never miss the Tour de France; it is so much fun to watch."

Through these bike groups, The Bike Shop is taking steps toward promoting bicycling in the Auburn and Opelika areas.

"I think it's great that Auburn businesses and schools are encouraging biking as a form of exercise and fun," said Hamrick. "I know at Ogletree Elementary they encourage the kids to ride, which may turn into a life-long activity for some of the children."

For more information about the weekly rides that The Bike Shop offers, visit their Web site at www.thebikeshopauburn.com.

"I thoroughly enjoyed riding with the Bike and Breakfast group and plan on riding with them again," said Hamrick.
"The only problem is that they ride at 7 a.m. and I don't consider myself much of a morning person."