When I first moved to Scottsdale and got into cycling, I was in search of a bike shop I could call my own. I wanted to learn everything there was to know about a bike. I wanted the people in the shop to know me by name. I searched and searched and was ignored time and time again. Maybe they could sense the un-coolness as I walked in the door. I have never apologized for ignorance more in my life. It was as if I had to bow down to their superior bike knowledge before they would even look up from their computers or get up from behind the counter. I honestly thought I was going to have to start kissing chainrings to prove my unworthiness.
Soon after, the decision to fuel my addiction was made and I began to look for work in a bike shop. With roots in Scottsdale as well as being family owned and operated I knew Landis Cyclery was the shop for me. It had the makings of a perfect bike shop - cruisers, hybrids, a wide range of road bikes, mountain bikes to hit every trail and for the first time ever, I walked in the door of a shop and was greeted with a smile. This was a shop for everyone. Lucky for me, I was hired and have never been happier. I’m surrounded by beautiful things all day that hold unique significance to everyone that walks through the door.
I’ve discovered that everyone in the shop works here for reasons beyond financial. A mecca for those in a transition period or those that have a profound love for bikes. In my triathlete community I am surrounded by carbon fiber, free speed, and aero bars. But, at the bike shop, I have been exposed to the bmx punk, the century-lovin’ roadies, the hardcore mountain “dude,” and a world of fixies, cruisers and some of the most beautiful steel frames I have ever seen - I'm "April in Wonderland."
It is this passion for ALL bikes that has kept Landis Cyclery relevant since 1912 and one of the many reasons I am proud to be part of their business. With that in mind, I have decided to write this weekly blog, to show our passion for bikes – from the Diamondback with cobwebs at the back of the garage to the Pinarello with a Campy Record groupo. We all ride for some purpose – fitness, social, competition, DUI. Landis is here to build a relationship with you and your bike – because often, that bike is not just a machine. It may have a name and a personality all its own. Personally, my tri-bike is a Russian assassin named Sasha and my mountain bike is a frisky little rascal named Roxxy. Come and introduce us to your bikes!
Also, I will be chronicling the triumphs and tribulations of the triathlon game. I’ve noticed that there are a ton of people that want to get into the sport, but may feel intimidated. Hopefully we can breakdown some of those barriers and help you to feel comfortable at the start line. I look forward to getting some feedback - please feel free to email me your questions or stop by the shop!
Peace.Love.Bikes
So many of us can relate to bikes because, well, it was one of the first things as a kid that gave us the freedom to roam, explore and discover new worlds.
ReplyDeleteAnd throughout the seasons of our lives as we changed, so did our bikes...
My first red tricycle when I was 3. The cool set of pink set of wheels I got for my 7th birthday -- complete with the plastic glitter streamers on the handlebar ends and the silver metal bell to warn those who might dare to get in the way of my path to destiny.
The sleek new 10-speed I borrowed $70 from my sister to buy (and never, to this day, have paid her back!). The pair of beefy mountain bikes with the handy water bottle holder and the portable, attached-to-the-frame mini-tire pump my husband and I bought to ride all over north Phoenix parks when we were first married.
And now, with our recent adventure of a home purchase in the great outdoors of Florida, we're set to hit the trails again with the latest in "hybrid" design and technology.
Biking is certainly a part of our collective continuum of life experience. For some, part of a daily transportation and exercise routine and for others, the chance to experience the exhilarating freedom of the open road, the discovery just around the bend, the winding path with treasure at its end.
Riding is connection to the abundance of nature and to the community of riders who share a common passion of bike "love"!
Ha! Your tri bike is a Russian assassin - great stuff! You expressed so well what many of us often feel walking into a bike shop. It's great to hear there's one that's different. I'll be sure to stop in and check it out.
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