Biking in Butler
Butler County, apparently, is a good place to bicycle.
Steve Reynolds, Slippery Rock University's coordinator of Outdoor Adventure and Club Sports and adviser for the SRU Cycling Club, took up cycling in the mid-1980s when he was a graduate student.
"Butler County's Moraine State Park is one of the greatest places around to ride," he said, adding the county's growth of recreation sites in recent years has helped bring people to the sport.
"Bicycling is for anyone of any age, and it's a good exercise without impact," Reynolds said. "If you need a bike that lets you sit up, you can find that. Or if you want to get off road, you can find the equipment and the trail."
While Dave Krack of Butler is even more die-hard when it comes to cycling — he unicycles throughout the city and Butler Township — he also advocates getting anyone on a bike and pedaling away.
"The thing about biking today is that you should be comfortable on the bike, and if you aren't, most bikes can be easily adjusted to fit you right."
Krack recommends meeting with the owner of a bicycle shop to get the best bike for you and to have it fitted correctly.
But he also said biking doesn't have to be expensive.
"Those tight clothes you see cyclists wearing are functional, but if you just want to get out and ride, throw on some shorts and T-shirt and go.
"Go to Moraine and bike the trail there, and later on, if you want to get the more technical clothes or equipment, go for it, but the one thing everyone should have is a helmet," Krack added.
Bicycling also is becoming a social activity, Reynolds said.
Every Friday at 6 p.m. in Slippery Rock, there is a community bike ride that takes about an hour. Afterward, the group stops at a restaurant.
"It's a chance to get some exercise, and also to get out and make new friends," Reynolds said.
As for biking in general, "Its supposed to be fun," Krack said. "That's the most important thing."
