The metaphor of automobiles yielding to bicycles in green Seattle has in this case become a reality. The former Huling Brothers Chrysler Jeep Dealership on
4550 Fauntleroy Way SW is now Cycle University, a bicycle shop and “school.”

Craig Undem started in 2004 on 5440 Sand Point Way NE and still operates there. He said he has trained over 3,000 customers.

Undem’s website states, “We have created a large curriculum of proprietary classes, coaching and teaching methods covering everything from how-to-ride-for-the-first-time to preparing for the Tour de France.”

At his Fauntleroy grand opening Saturday, Nov. 7, Undem, a former West Seattle resident of 13 years, explained, “You go to a tennis pro to learn tennis, a golf pro to improve your golf game. I teach people how to ride. We have 12 coaches, and can help kids balance to get rid of their training wheels as well as train serious competitors.”

Half the showroom features bicycles and gear for sale, and a repair facility. It carries the brand “Specialized” bikes. The other half has about 30 “indoor trainers,” mounts on that secure your bicycle. You face a large projected video screen. You pedal to improve balance and technique, as well as for a physical workout.

In a separate room resembling a doctor’s office you place your rear wheel on a “Computrainer” and, somewhat like a flight simulator, a computer screen scrutinizes your moves and indicates whether you favor one foot, overuse a specific muscle, or if you use another subtle misstep that may drag you down.

Undem said he worked closely with Chris Carmichael, Lance Armstrong’s cycling coach, and even coached Carmichael on his cornering.

“When Lance got cancer he inspired many people to jump on board,” recalled Undem of cycling as a sport. “Also gas prices went up. The sport of cycling got popular with those two big tailwinds.”

Armstong was diagnosed with cancer at age 25 in 1996 and established the Lance Armstrong Foundation. His cancer went into complete remission and he has of course continued competing.

“I coached at the Senior Center (of West Seattle) last year,” said Brad Loetel, Cycle University manager. They wanted to exercise on Indoor cycles over the winter. But our program is different than the traditional ‘spin class.’ (stationary bicycle exercise) We test students two to three times during the semester. Most see a 15 to 20- percent improvement at the end of our 10-week semester. We start a semester in January, and a shortened five-week semester (that began) November 16 you can roll over into January.

“I started with Craig about three years ago,” said Michael Dohan, of the Sand Point location. He attended the grand opening in West Seattle. “I was a runner but not much of a biker. I wanted to do some triathlons. How do you ride in a group? That’s a skill. You watch all the bike riders on the Tour de France ride next to each other, climb hills, do cornering. I first came into his shop huffing and puffing. I had huge gains in riding ability.”

Alexander West, 11, of Covington, was also at the opening wearing an ornate jersey and a wide grin. His family was en route to the Kenny Home to visit his grandma, Vivian Schwartz, a mere 93.

He explained, “I competed in the Junior’s Tour, a series of races. I accumulated the most points and won the jersey. I came here to check it out, say ‘hi’ to Craig, and look at the new facility. This is quite the place. I like it a lot. Pretty cool.”

Some may ask, “What’s in a name?” well, the brand name and model of Alexander’s two-wheeler is an “Explosive Exciting” road bike.

“This is a great opportunity for all our family,” said Alexander’s mother, Margie West, who grew up in West Seattle and recalled her dad taking her along as a kid through the Huling showrooms and sitting in the new cars. “My son and husband go downstairs and watch the Tour de France live on TV at 3:00 a.m. It’s been quite a tradition in our house.”

She said that Alastair Lockett and Fred Rehberger, master cycle racers, have taken her son under their wing. Rehberger attended the grand opening.

“I think it’s important for the public to be exposed to Craig’s expertise level and he brings together all the elements here,” said Alexander’s dad, Steve. “The family thing keeps us all together. My wife works as a ‘soigneur’ for us, and for Alexander bicycling gives him exposure to wide age group of talented people.”

Classes cost about $15-$20. People generally attend once, twice, or three times per week, and can get a punch card. Check their Web site or phone for hours. www.cycleu.com. (800) 476-0681.