| Austin, Texas, is well known for its high rate of | | | | dozens of bike shops, many of them local independent |
| resident activity. In fact, Austin is often rated among | | | | stores. Jack and Adam's, Southside Bicycle Shop, 360 |
| the healthiest and most-active cities in America. With a | | | | Cycleworks, Hammerhead Bikes, Freewheeling |
| wealth of outdoor activities to choose from (parks, | | | | Bicycles, Ozone Bikes, and Waterloo Cycles are just a |
| lakes, and hiking trails abound) Austinites have access | | | | few of the many homegrown cycling havens in Austin, |
| to an almost indefinite number of options when it | | | | with more stores opening annually. |
| comes to exercise. | | | | Lance Armstrong himself opened a boutique shop, |
| In recent years, Austin's cycling community has grown | | | | Mellow Johnny's, in Austin's popular downtown district |
| exponentially, due to its commuter-friendly downtown | | | | in 2008. The shop features a custom line of gear and |
| area, its close proximity to the beautiful hill country, and | | | | apparel, and Armstrong's many accolades and |
| its abundance of parks and trails. Both mountain bikers | | | | memorabilia decorate the walls. The shop even offers |
| and road bikers alike flock to Austin for its wealth of | | | | showers and lockers for commuters, in an effort to |
| exceptional, well-maintained trails, as well as its other | | | | promote cycling over driving, an initiative that's growing |
| cycling resources. | | | | in popularity across the city. |
| Bicycle shops abound in Austin, offering everything | | | | The cycling-centric social scene can be felt throughout |
| from merchandise, maintenance and service, to | | | | Austin, with bike races, charity rides and other events |
| beginners classes and organized riding groups for | | | | being held here on a regular basis. Austin is, in fact, one |
| every experience level. | | | | of only six cities in the country to host the annual |
| With two locations, strategically placed on opposite | | | | Urban Assault Ride, sponsored by New Belgium Beer |
| sides of town, Bicycle Sport Shop (BSS) is considered | | | | (a Colorado-based company), and geared toward |
| by many to be Austin's home for all things bike-related. | | | | urging commuters to forego driving in favor of jumping |
| BSS boasts a full shop, offering bikes, parts, apparel, | | | | on a bike. In fact, each year, hundreds of Austinites, |
| any and every type of bike gear imaginable (and if | | | | young and old alike, come out for the city-wide cycling |
| they don't have it in stock, they're more than happy to | | | | scavenger hunt, and many of the participants sign the |
| order it for you), and a supremely knowledgeable staff. | | | | New Belgium pledge to drive as little as possible for |
| They also provide service and maintenance, and even | | | | one full year. |
| have a rental service, making cycling accessible to | | | | With so many cycling events and resources available, |
| Austinites and visitors alike, regardless of their level of | | | | and such cycling-friendly terrain (Austin boasts some |
| experience or commitment. | | | | of the best, and most versatile trails in Texas; more on |
| But BSS is far from the only option when it comes to | | | | that in Part Two of this series), it's no wonder Austin is |
| cycling gear, apparel and service. Austin is home to | | | | widely regarded as a cyclist's paradise. |