Just yesterday, my friend Greg told me he likes to draw an imaginary circle around himself and every person with whom he has a relationship.
Speed. Strength. Endurance. You’ll need all three if you’re going to tackle the Keweenaw Trail Running Festival.
The Midtown Bike Center helps
cyclist get and stay on route.
Whether you need an extra
tube or an extra shot of espresso, the Midtown Bike Center will be your oasis
on the Midtown Greenway this year. Freewheel Bike, in conjunction with the
Midtown Greenway Coalition, City of Minneapolis, and Allina Hospitals and
Clinics, will operate the Center along the trail’s second phase beginning early
to mid April. The Center is the fruit of a long conjunctive effort between
Freewheel, the hospital, the city, and the Coalition to offer commuters and
recreational riders a stop in the center of Minneapolis.
“It’ll be a place to stop
for on-the-spot repairs, bike rentals, even order a favorite drink from the
barista,” says Kevin Ishaug, owner of Freewheel Bike. Local coffee distributor Peace
Coffee will provide coffee beans and barista training for early morning
commuters, while Freewheel mechanics provide the expert wrenching. The Center
will also have on-site showers, bike and accessory rentals, as well as valet
bike parking. There will be a hundred or so parking spots for bicycles, too.
“Rather than stop and lock up your bike, you can hand it over and the staff
will hang it up and watch it for you,” says Ishaug.
Cyclists can meet for
group rides, learn how to fix their bikes, and attend Spinning classes.
Freewheel staff will also lead experiential bike tours from the Center and
provide youth programs with organizations like Boulder Options. Freewheel is
also working on a deal with health insurance organizations to provide
validation for fitness reimbursement programs.
The Midtown Bike Center
will offer memberships ($110 per family for one year) and membership will have
its privileges, including free use of showers, after hours access, and
discounts on parts, repairs, accessories and valet parking. But membership
isn’t required, and all riders will be able to use the Center. Unlike
traditional bike shops, the Midtown Bike Center will be open during peak
commuting hours. Riders will find an open door early in the morning on their
way in to work and, in the evening, a shop ready to help them out as they head
home.
“The ride home can seem
like a long haul,” says Ishaug, “so why not have a comfortable stop on the
way?”
The Midtown Bike Center
will be located next to the renovated Sears building now owned by Allina
Hospitals and Clinics. The station was made possible by a federal grant plus
capital investment by Freewheel Bike, Allina Hospitals, and Ryan Companies.
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