Support Your Local Sheriff—and Bike Shop!

After several years off the saddle, I got back on a bike a few weeks ago—and this morning, I completed a 25-mile ride. No applause deserved: I only planned to go 15, but the perfect weather and a wrong turn stretched it into an extended adventure.

I actually bought my bike last fall when I dropped into my local bike shop just to look and plan for a spring purchase. Turns out, they were clearing out their rental fleet and I snagged a lightly used, well-maintained bike—normally $800—for just $200. I almost felt guilty until the salesperson explained they’d end up donating them otherwise, since storing old stock over the winter isn’t worth it. So technically, I did them a favor.

Had I not bought it then, I’d probably still be “planning” to buy a bike instead of enjoying the satisfying pain of sore muscles!

So here’s my plug: support your local bike shop. Sure, I grab deals on Amazon and bought cheapie Walmart safety glasses that look like expensive cycling shades as I whizz by, but those small shops are full of knowledge, experience, and community value. Pay the premium where it counts and find ways to give them your business—they’re worth it.