I have been cycling in Memphis since 1989 and have seen the number of riders, the number of training rides and the riding ability of riders increase dramatically over the period.
This past Saturday I participated in the Ride into Spring ride with at least 100 other competitive riders. RB Cyclery again organized an annual first class event - thanks Rod!
Over the past few year the Peddler Bicycle Shop and Hal Mabray has graciously opened his doors early in the morning to accomodate our needs. Saturday mornings Hal even makes coffee for us - thanks Hal!
The Tuesday/Thursday morning Toteboard rides have become a first class training ride that the best of Memphis participates in regularly.
It is too easy to forget the gems we have right in our own backyard and sometimes I forget to say thank you to those who help create these local opportunities.
One easy way for me to say thanks is to SHOP LOCAL. I hope everyone remembers when you need a tube, a tire, a new bicycle to first look at our local options. I am always thankful when I need a repair TODAY so I do not have to miss my daily cycling fix and Hal, or one of the many other local shops, puts me in front of the line.
I try my best to at least give our local bicycle suppliers the opportunity for my sale before I look elsewhere. And you know what, I have found that 99% of the time my best option was to spend my dollars local.
I hope you all will also continue to shop local and keep our local cycling vendors around for years to come.
Kevin
Wednesday, April 8, 2009
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