A BIKE MAKES IT BETTER!

Last weekend I got my bike out and gave it a good sprucing up. I pumped up the tires, spritzed the gears and chain with oil and washed off a winter’s worth of dust and dirt. I also removed one spider, but it was just a small one, so no big deal. Some hardy souls bike all winter and as much as I love to ride, I’m not one of them. I’m an April to November Biker!

In Belleville there is a strong culture that works towards a safe and accessible community for bikers. “Belleville on Bikes” champions for better bike riding and thanks to their continuing efforts we reached “bronze status”, an award level for bicycle friendly communities.  We have great bike lanes with hopefully more to come. I use the bike lane on Bridge Street to ride to work and let me tell you, what difference in the level of safety!

This year I wanted to add a basket to my Bike ensemble. I always have a back pack but often when I head to the Market on Saturday morning I pass by the flowers. They don’t fare well on the ride home in a back pack. There’s also the dude who is always trying to get me to buy a watermelon. I’m not keen on sticking one of those in my back pack either!

So I headed downtown where we have not one, not two but three amazing shops that provide excellent bikes, parts and practically anything else a 2 wheeler enthusiast could want.

I have bought my last 2 bikes at Stephen’s License, the grandfather of all Belleville bike shops. They have been in business since 1918 – you heard me, that’s over 100 YEARS. Anybody who can keep a business going for 100 YEARS knows what they are doing. I headed there first for a basket. And I was not disappointed! Prompt and friendly service   showed up as soon as I walked in the door and we talked about my options. Within 20 minutes, I had a new basket and voila!

I can easily unclip it and carry it around, which I proudly did as I explored the market.

I bought some eggs, a loaf of Jackie’s fresh whole wheat bread and splurged on some pussy willows, since a I had a basket I could put them in!

My next stop was The Brake Room. This trendy Bike/Coffee spot opened up a few years ago and immediately captured the hearts of hip, coffee-living bikers. Before the pandemic they were growing into quite a hot spot for community events and I’m sure will soon find their way back to building this culture.

I walked in to order myself a nice cappuccino. I also picked up a big chocolate chip cookie for my husband, but I confess it didn’t quite make it home in one piece (probably should have ordered two). The owner was busy working on a bike while a couple of ladies with an adorable baby chatted with the girl behind the coffee counter. I love their family focused atmosphere.

Finally, I checked out the newest member of bike shops downtown, called “Ideal Bike”.

This was my first time in and they did not disappoint.

The place was hopping with customers and staff alike. I checked out their huge assortment of bike accessories and will likely be back for a few. They also carried skateboards and name-brand clothing – all things for an “ideal bike” ride!

I headed home, huffing up the Bridge street hill -don’t quite have my bike legs back quite yet. I wasn’t sure if the eggs were going to survive the bumps and jolts but I’m happy report, all eggs accounted for and looking gorgeous!

Spring is here – time to get out that bike, get some exercise and save on gas. What? You don’t have a bike? Well I’ve got a few suggestions!