This week the new bike shop “Arriving By Bike” is holding it’s grand opening celebration. Last night they held a grand opening celebration with pizza, libations and friendly chatter, turn out sounded pretty good.

Today was the Xtracycle Rally and few intrepid riders braved the cold ride from the shop over to Hideaway Bakery. There were about 9 Xtracycles on the ride plus a CETMA cargobike, and a couple ’standard’ bikes. Arriving By Bike treated the riders to some well earned hot coffee (or hot chocolate) and pastries before turning back around and heading back to the shop.
Grey Matter Jugglers greeted the group on the return and showed off their humorous juggling and entertaining skills for the kids (and adults). There was also a drawing for a “Kick Back” Xtracycle kickstand that went to Nancy, a mom who will certainly get a lot of use out of it as she totes her kids to school and back (and more) on her Xtracycle.
Tomorrow there will be a coffee social ride meeting at the shop at 10 a.m.- they’re buying.

I like these kind of events, hosted by bike shops. It allows the shop to show off it’s wears and is a little bit of advertising for them but it also gives the bike community a fun gathering that doesn’t have to be organized by a club or advocacy organization. Collin’s had a big shindig back in January, Revolution has hosted a couple events including a Pub Crawl and a Bike Brew ha! ha! (is there a theme there?), and I’m sure other local shops have put together gathering as well (right?).
I hope the trend continues to grow as we continue to build Eugene’s bike culture.

Here are a couple shots from today’s ride: