Wyckoff Cycle Fills Void in a Motor-Based Township
Local business sells bikes and promotes a so-called "lost" sport
Wyckoff Cycle has been open in the Wyckoff business district over a year, and maintains a steady stream of seasonal customers.
Located at 396 Franklin Avenue, next to Aldor's Kitchen Cabinet Corner, Wyckoff Cycle aims to appeal to casual and career bicyclists alike.
In a township where it is more common to see a BMW than a BMX bike, Wyckoff Cycle wants bicyclists to unite and share a passion for this pure form of exercise and transportation.
Wyckoff Cycle carries all types of bicycles, tricycles, spare parts, helmets, tools, and gift cards. Brands include Schwinn, Raleigh, Orbea, Mongoose, and more. This business also repairs bicycles and offers free air pressure for bike tires. If you have an older bike, Wyckoff Cycle offers trade-in and consignment options, too.
Mike Porraro, manager of Wyckoff Cycle, says the business opened its doors in April 2010. If you're experiencing deja vu, it is because Porraro and his business partner, Patrick Hunter, were employees of Wyckoff's now defunct Bergen County Cyclery. Both Porraro and Hunter met in the late 1990s while working at the 30-year-old landmark store on Everett Avenue.
Porraro, an avid biker, feels strongly about this "lost" sport.
"I really enjoy the challenge and freedom that cycling offers. There are many different disciplines with cycling...from cross country mountain biking, downhilling, BMX, and road riding," said Porraro.
For anyone who is looking for a fun way to exercise, Porraro offered some advice. "[Cycling has its] own challenges and it's a very uplifting feeling when you can master the skills and courage needed to overcome them," said Porraro.
Wyckoff Cycle's manager reminisced about his long history of cycling. "My first bike was a Pinnacle. It was a department store brand. My oldest brother, Stephen, had decked it out with Classic Schwinn YO! freestyle parts," said Porraro. Bikes can clearly leave a fond impression upon anyone's childhood.
For readers who are seasoned cyclists and yawn at Wyckoff's flat — yet bucolic — tree-lined streets, advanced bike trails are closeby. "We have way too many of them!" laughed Porraro. "There are many great places to ride in N.J. For trail riding you can't go wrong with Ringwood State Park. They have a great trail system maintained by volunteers," said Porraro.
For the most adventurous riders, Plattekill Mountain in Roxbury, N.Y. offers downhill trails, according to Porraro.
However, some prefer local and leisurely family bike trips. If you're looking for smooth pavement without any cars, Porraro recommends the Saddle River Area Bike Path near the Wild Duck Pond in Ridgewood.
Just like cars, bicycles require maintenance. "If you're just getting into cycling, it's important to remember that your bicycle is a machine. It will need regular maintenance and care. Air pressure should be checked before every ride as well as making sure the chain is properly lubricated. Bring plenty of water and don't forget to eat, your body needs energy," said Porraro.
Are you going out on a family bike ride this weekend? Tweet us your photos @Wyckoff_Patch.