Looking for places to swim and get a bike near Totowa

Hi!

I would recommend Westwood cycle in Westwood because that was where I got my bike this past summer. Alan and the crew was very helpful. great mechanics and just a friendly group of guys. VERY HELPFUL!

I'm also new to training for tri but I don't have a target race yet....atleast not until I can get myself to a pool and see what I can do. Riding and running is pretty much all I do at present time. I do have a trainer for the bike and a treadmill to keep me moving when the weather outside is too cold. I am going to looking into the Y here in Ridgewood and Hackensack...Please let me know about the Y in monclair and garfield....both towns are about 25 mins away for me.

thanks!

http://westwoodcycle.com/

Hi.

I would also suggest Ridgewood cycle in Ridgewood...they are a bigger shop than westwood and more selection but the help is not so the friendly and service is lukewarm. I started out here when I was shopping for my bike and ended up at westwood and there was a HUGE difference in service and help. http://www.ridgewoodcycle.com/

One other place worth checking out is piermont bike in Piermont NY. Heard great things about them but have not been there yet. http://www.piermontbike.com/

Do you know of any other facilities worth checking besides the Y?

Theresa.

Welcome to both of you.

Make sure whatever bike you purchase from Westwood cycle you get a fit, and ask about followup fits.  Your body may change(if signifigant wgt change), and flexibility, there could be some tweeking to your seat, stem, etc..  which only a trained tech and find and adjust.  Also ask about free tuneups and frame warranty.  I don't have a history with Felt, but I know a few Triathletes who have cracked frames, and the bike shops (out in Morris cty) were able to get new frames..

 As for swimming, I do a bulk of it in doors at the JCC in Whippany.  Then usually get on the Wetsuit the last week in May and brave the Open water.  Hot spot is Mountain Lakes just off Rt 46 on the Blouvard.  Usually 10 swimmers there M,W,F mornings before 6 a.m.  Could be difficult coming from the East, and having to fight traffic going Eastbound on Rt80 at 7 a.m.ish....

But what Open water training does for you is HUGH.  No wall, no Standing, No line to follow, etc...  plus if you are going to have a panic attack, might as well do it with other Triathletes who can calm you and coach you.  Happened to me!

Enjoy the hunt for facilities, be safe and injury free.

Oh one last thing.  Two really good races that are within a 30min drive and well organized, Wyckoff (usually in Early June).5m/17m/5m and West Point (middle of August) .5m/16m/5K

Hi zeroviz, I must have overlooked your reply because I never checked out LA fitness.  Thanks for the info, it looks like they are cheaper and have better hours than the place I ended up joining (Wayne YMHA) and about the same distance from my house.  How busy does the pool get in the evening?

The only other gyms I looked into in the area were Gold's and Ultimate Fitness (at the Holiday Inn), and was surprised to find out that neither had a pool!