If you're interested in racing mountain bikes, competing in triathlons, or just finding others to ride with, then this is a great opportunity! 

Road rides are every Saturday at 10am from the shop.  Mountain Bike rides are every Wednesday at 6:30pm from the shop.

Team meetings are the first Wednesday of each month at 6pm at Big Sky Cyclery.

For more information about the team, please contact us.

Subscribe to the Team's Yahoo Group

York 38 Special

Mark your calendars for Saturday, August 23!  The York 38 is now open for registration.  New this year is a shorter ride for youth ages 5 - 14.

The Helena Bicycle Club continues to host a variety of rides, including the Double Divide Ride, The Helena 100 Century Ride and weekly road and mountain bike rides.  Visit their website for a complete ride schedule listing.

Big Sky Cyclery is proud to support the Helena Bicycle Club.

Commuting 101: Essential Tips For New Riders

With gas prices soaring, more and more people are turning to commuting, and rightfully so.  But as your bike becomes your main transportation, there are some tips well worth following to stay safe and keep riding.

Wear a helmet! There is a lot of debate about whether or not you really need to wear a bike helmet; years in a bike shop listening to stories has proven that you do.

A bicycle is a vehicle. Follow the rules of the road.  Montana cycling laws.

Be visible. Wear bright colors in daylight hours. At night, wear something reflective - or - at least wear something white or bright yellow. Use front and rear lights and reflectors.

Be predictable. Make eye contact. Ride on the correct side of the road, not against traffic. Look behind you before you make a turn or lane change, that lets drivers know you’re up to something. Use hand signals (not THAT one) and don’t wobble around. Don’t weave in and out of the lane when parked cars are spread out.

Plan your route. Your drive to work went straight down the busiest street in town. You’ll add about a mile and a half to your bike commute by heading down to the next street down that crosses the highway with a nice over-pass. Believe me, it is more than worth the extra 5 minutes. (You’ll then be able to pick up part of the bike path and get out of traffic completely.)

Bike/hike paths are great - but remember - Don’t ride on sidewalks!

Ditch the headphones. Even if you enjoy the iPod you got for Christmas, don’t use it while you’re cycling in traffic. It muffles traffic sounds essential to being safe.

Take the lane: Don’t be afraid to get out in the middle of the lane in stop-and-go traffic, when changing lanes to make a left turn and to avoid being “doored.” You WILL be tempted to blow past a line of cars queued up at a stop light; don’t, just take your place in the middle of the lane and take your turn.

On the other hand, when the going gets really tough, there is no shame in moving off the road for a minute to let a long line of drivers go past you.

Speaking of “winning the door prize,” make sure you look through the windows of parked cars. You’re looking for people in the car that might be trying to exit and also for people who are stepping out into the road in between parked cars.

Glare can blind motorists. If the sun is in your eyes, the people driving up behind you DON’T SEE YOU.

Bells and horns are a great way to get the attention of people on the bike path; in traffic you’re better off yelling at the top of your lungs. This is not to say you need to be rude to drivers. You only yell to catch people’s attention, not to express your displeasure.

And, finally, the three most common causes of drivers hitting cyclists:

At Big Sky Cyclery, we can help you be successful with your commuting.  Whether, you're needing a more efficient or reliable bike, a helmet, lights, bright clothing, or just some advice on how to get started and keep going, let us help you!