Bike Shop Owner Promotes Healthy Living in Mohegan Lake

Howard Chung, an entrepreneur by nature, is always on the move, searching for the next adventure. His latest endeavor and big passion include setting up a bike shop in Mohegan Lake to cater the needs of bike enthusiasts and active families. 

"It keeps you busy," the 40-year-old father and business owner said of being on the move. "It keeps my mind young. I still have a decent amount of energy and being bored is not an option."

, located along Route 6, opened about two weeks ago. Chung describes it as a "cozy" place where a variety of bicycles, bike parts, gear and accessories are sold. The shop also offers professional repair services, as well as bike rentals, fittings and group rides.

"I didn't want this to be one of those pro-shops," Chung said. "I want it to be family friendly."

A whole wall is dedicated to kids' bikes adorned with baskets and colorful designs. The bike shop also sells shoes and helmets, which Chung calls the must have item because a good helmet can protect your head from injuries. 

While the shop would continue to sell bikes during the winter months, Chung said there is a good reason for not bringing in skis or other winter sport items.

"I like doing one thing and doing it really well," he said. "Everything will fall into place."

Chung, a New Jersey native who has lived in Westchester for 10 years, said he has always been into sports – from basketball to football, martial arts and has even taught tennis. 

"I love being physical and mountain biking kind of suited my temperament," he said of his passion. "I've always been very hyper active all my life. I love the way mountain biking gets the adrenaline rushing."

While he can't remember the first time he got on a bike, he said he enjoyed having the freedom of getting on a bike and going around the block as a young child. 

Of his bike shop, he said he would like to create "a bit of give and take" with the community and provide not only great service, but services that promote health. He said he chose opening his bike shop in Yorktown because of the town's infrastructure and great bikes trails in the area, including the North County Trailway and Blue Mountain in Peekskill. 

Chung also has an interesting background. He started out in finance, but felt confined in an office through his "real job."

"I like hustling," he said. "I like being on the street and finding new opportunities."

Chung opened seven Energy Kitchen stores in 2001, which he later sold. For a period of time, he was also a stay-at-home dad to his three kids, now 5-year-old twins and 7 years old. Two years ago, he and his wife Jennifer opened two restaurants in New York City – Calista Superfoods, a restaurant created with the concept of incorporating healthy eating into everyday life.

Being busy doesn't not scare Chung. It feels exhilarating, he said, to finish something you've started. No matter how long your to-do list might be, he said you have to be on top of things and pay attention to every detail.

This spring he recommends to bikers to have their bikes checked to make sure everything is properly tightened and tuned up. Having a good helmet is nothing something people should "go cheap on," he said. Make sure you dust it off and you haven't had it for more than five years – which is how long it takes for the helmet to expire. 

Since Danny's Cycles, in the Cortlandt Town Center, has closed, as posted on their website Mohegan Cycles said it will honor customers' bike warranty and service plans. 

Mohegan Cycles is located at 1922 E Main Street Mohegan Lake, next to the Wallauer's and Wild Fusion Restaurant. It is open seven days a week: Saturdays through Tuesdays from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. an Wednesdays through Fridays from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. For more information visit their website or call 914-526-2600. 

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