Rivendell ride- new perspective

[Tom Palmer]

Hi all,

Much has been written about the ride of Rivendells being special. I went to my local and favorite LBS Saturday in search of grey Newbaums tape to wrap the hooks of my flipped Granola bars.  The shop is very unique- owned and run by an Amish farmer that started selling primarily to the Amish community in 2013. Before 2013 they did not use pedal bikes- only kick bikes, like a large wheeled scooter. I stumbled on the shop on a dirt road ride 3 years ago- he did not even have a sign until 2020 but had been in business for 7 years. I was floored that there was a bike shop 12 miles from my home that I did not know about. Back to my point- I brought the Platypus with me in order compare to the tape he had. Joe (owner) and his 16 year old son I hunt with were interested in the long chain stays and bigness of the 60cm Platypus. I asked if he wanted to ride it and he declined since his dirt driveway was wet and did not want to get my bike dirty. I insisted and he did a quick blast. Michael was next. I did not set any expectation for them, I wanted a real opinion. Both were fairly blown away by the ride and handling. Both of them work in the shop and ride a lot of bikes- they carry Fuji, Breezer, Reid, Salsa, Surly, and others. Bikes are also their main mode of local transportation They just did not understand how a bike that looked like this could handle so well and feel fast.

 It was really cool to see their reaction. 

Joe is very forward thinking in his business, he has the best stock of bikes and parts in the area, even more than most of the big shops in nearby Grand Rapids. once I retire, I hope to work in his shop and help him grow the business. 

Tom Palmer

Twin Lake, MI

[Kim Hetzel]

Thank-you, Tom for sharing. Wonderful story. I enjoyed reading it. Nothing like leaving good impressions upon bicycle folks out in the country.

I, too, hope that upon your retirement that you can work in Joe's shop and help him grow and flourish his business.

Kim Hetzel

Yelm, WA.

[Bicycle Belle Ding Ding!]

I so enjoyed reading this. I will make it my business to get to the shop you mentioned. Can’t be more than a hour or so from me. 

I bet an Amish farmer bike dealer could really sell a pile of Rivendells. New business plan! I’m so pleased you are loving your Platypus. I have raved about the Platy and sometimes wonder if it’s just me. Whew - it isn’t!

Leah

[Tom Palmer]

Hi Leah,

It's probably 2 hours from you- 30 minutes north of Muskegon. You are not imagining the wonderfulness of the Platypus. I am afraid I will have a second one eventually also, well at least my wife is afraid.

It is called Central Cycles and near a very cool Amish bulk food store called Whispering Pines. Just north of Holton, MI.

Tom