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Chattanooga: Local cyclists get exercise at Nightfall

By: Kathy Gilbert
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Mike Skiles

While motorcyclists rev their engines, local bicyclists are rolling into Nightfall.

“We hope to get folks more involved in the social aspects of cycling,” said Adam Grier, a manager at Suck Creek Cycle.

Every Friday night, Suck Creek stages a Bicycle Cruise-In. Cyclists meet at 5:30 p.m. at the North Chattanooga shop. At 6:40 p.m. they cruise to Miller Plaza downtown to hear free music at Nightfall.

“It’s fun to talk about bicycles and ride our bikes down to the event,” said Andy Parker, a 45-year-old Chattanooga wine salesman. “You don’t have to park, and you don’t have to get dressed up in spandex.”

Cycling is the seventh most popular recreational activity in the United States, behind exercise walking, swimming, camping, fishing, exercising with equipment and bowling, according to the National Bicycle Dealers Association.

Most riders — 94 percent — ride for recreation and fitness. Another 5.2 percent ride for transportation (the rest, 0.3 percent, like to race), according to the association. A leisurely 10-minute ride burns, perhaps, 45 calories, according to www.calorie-count.com.

That’s not a lot as far as exercise or weight loss goes. But it saves fossil fuel, reduces greenhouse gases and pollution, and encourages people to ride or walk — a habit that if applied daily, can add up to a lot of burned calories, cyclists said.

“It makes you feel good to be out and doing something healthy and being involved with people,” said Lorraine Norris, a 23-year-old Chattanooga interior designer.

The Bicycle Cruise-In is a BYO-almost-everything event.

New Belgium Brewing provides samples of its Fat Tire or other beers for riders over 21 years of age. But riders are encouraged to bring their own beverages, as well as their own bikes, Mr. Grier said.

Cyclists ride off no later than about 6:45 p.m.. The meet-up is free, he added. At the last concert, Sept. 26, Suck Creek hopes to sponsor a larger rally with 30 or 40 cyclists, he added.

Once at Nightfall, bikes are latched to local crape myrtles, or just stacked in a pile. Cruise-in participants take turn hanging out to watch the bikes, and the socializing continues in the bike area.

“It’s a very comfortable, laid-back kind of environment,” Mr. Grier said. A lock isn’t required, though a helmet is strongly recommended for safety.

As for bikes, old-fashioned ones, such as a vintage 5-speed Schwinn, are often the vehicles of choice.

Mr. Parker usually picks his “fixed-gear” with no brakes and one gear in front and in back.

“It’s just like your old tricycle,” he said.

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