Located in the historic Mission District of San Francisco, Mission Bicycle Company is a great resource for everything from the most elegant custom bikes to rentals and city tours. They even sponsor bike dinners (there’s one coming up on June 10th). For those who can’t get enough to accessorize their bike life, this little company has the coolest collection of bike tidbits for anyone’s habit or gift needs. The distressed leather wallet and the cards below are made by local artists (and can be ordered online).
Tag: Shop Local
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SHOP LOCAL: BRICK WHEELS.
Brick Wheels is the largest bike store in Northern Michigan which allows them to carry an extensive selection of bikes, accessories and cycling apparel. Owner, Tim Brick, opened this store 42 years ago and has always been a pioneer in carrying many products 2-3 years before they become some of the hottest trends. He has a talent for forward thinking in this industry and is not afraid to take the risk of introducing new product, which is why Brick Wheels is so unique and is always a delightful shopping experience.
Why do you think women choose to shop at your store?
We offer a huge selection and variety of everything bike. The longevity of our staff and willingness to go above and beyond for customer service makes us recognized in the community as well as in our shop. We are very proud to show you what we have and what we know.
We have 5 women on staff with a combined 65 years’ experience here at Brick Wheels that have been active in cycling and have various interests so we are able to relate to our women customers in order to make them comfortable shopping here and find the right products for them.When you enter our store you are welcomed with a pleasing display of all of our women’s cycling clothing along with other active wear. We choose active wear that can be mixed with our cycling lifestyle wear in order to blend with our new demand for bike to work population and also for our more casual riders.
Why do you sell Terry?
We sell Terry because the products are high quality. Also, our customers are huge fans and love to come in and see their favorite Terry gear on the shelf.
When a new-to-cycling female customer comes in, what’s the first thing you tell her about cycling?
Start out nice and easy, enjoy yourself, and progress gradually. -
SHOP LOCAL: BICYCLE GARAGE INDY.
Established in 1983, Bicycle Garage Indy is a leader in the Indianapolis and Central Indiana community. The knowledgeable of their professional staff is their most important asset and key to providing the best possible customer service for life-long, loyal customers. They strive to support and increase bicycling in their community through advocacy efforts, event support and by providing bicycles to those in need through their Shifting Gears program. During 2016 they plan to have monthly activities (March – November) focused on increasing the number of women who ride: large events like Ladies’ Nights as well as smaller events like clinics and rides.
Why do you think women choose to shop at your store?
We strive to provide a welcoming atmosphere for all of our customers. In addition, we hold special events such as Ladies’ Nights which provide an evening of socializing, information and shopping 2-3 times a year. One of our most popular Ladies’ Nights was a fashion show which featured clothing from Terry as well as other vendors. Over the past 9 years, more than 750 unique women have attended our Ladies’ Nights. We regularly hold fixing flat tire clinics as well as other topics (Mastering your bike, Shifting Gears on Your Bike, Riding Outside Your Neighborhood for example) and clinic attendees are 60% women.
Why do you sell Terry?
The quality and design of Terry products is a great complement to the other clothing lines we carry. We are able to provide a great variety of clothing options by carrying Terry. We also carry Terry saddles which provide additional options for saddle comfort.
When a new-to-cycling female customer comes in, what’s the first thing you tell her about cycling?
“Bicycling is a fun activity, no matter what type of bicycling you are interested in. There are many opportunities to ride with others and learn about bicycling in our community. We have clinics, women-focused rides and events throughout the year; we encourage you to check them out and meet other women interested in bicycling.”
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SHOP LOCAL: GUS’ BIKE SHOP.

Jeff and Leslie Latimer own Gus’ Bike Shop in North Hampton, NH. We caught up with Leslie at a recent event for “Gus’ Gals” at their shop and asked her a few questions.
Tell us a bit about Gus’ Bike Shop:
“When my husband and I bought the shop there was no bike shop in New Hampshire that had a women’s department or worked to make women feel at home. We created a welcoming atmosphere, a weekly shop ride just for women, monthly pot luck suppers and minute clinics before each weekly ride” – Today you’ll typically find 40 -50 women joining our Thursday evening ride during the summer.
One of my favorite descriptions of our shop was written by a customer – it’s right here on our website: “Gus’ has been a purple institution (literally, purple) on the New Hampshire seacoast for many years, but only recently has the shop has been transformed into the community cycling epicenter. This change has occurred thanks to the Latimer family who purchased the store several years ago and have single-handedly recruited more women into cycling than I think even they could have imagined. Although the shop is known for its striking women’s cycling fashions, the slick women-specific bikes and the always friendly and helpful advice, it’s the palpable feel of family and community that attracts women who quickly become loyal customers. Before you even get out of your car, you are enthusiastically greeted by the couple’s teenage sons (and dog!). Outside the shop, local cyclists relax in chairs under big umbrellas and wave hi as you walk by like you’ve known each other for years. Inside, the crew gives you a big hello and asks you about your family. Where else do you get this type of welcome?” This summer Gus’ will be celebrating our 45th year of serving Seacoast cyclists and we’re looking forward to another great season with Gus’ Gals – the name affectionately chosen by the ladies for their Thursday evening ride.
Why do you think women choose to shop at your store?
Women are made to feel welcome here at Gus’ Bike Shop. Every customer here get’s the “Gus’ love”
Why do you sell Terry?
“Love Terry fit and Terry style. This past summer we did a tour in Quebec. The Terry tops are stylish enough to wear out to dinner paired with the Metro Crop pants. The top I wore to dinner, became the next days jersey. Each day I wore the Bella shorts and they have become a favorite of mine. I’ve actually worn some of my Terry jerseys and sweaters to work and never fail to get compliments on them.”
When a new-to-cycling female customer comes in, what’s the first thing you tell her about cycling?
“That it’s fun and that there’s a place for her on a Gus’ ride. Our rides feature a fast, medium, social or really social pace, no one’s left out. It’s all about community. “
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SHOP LOCAL: NEBRASKA’S BIKE RACK.
After meeting thousands of women who ride, The Bike Rack knows that everyone who comes into the store will be set up in the saddle a little differently. Their stores, in Omaha and Lincoln, carry the largest selection of bikes and accessories in the Midwest so that they are better able to help women find their dream bikes and the perfect gear.
The goal at Bike Rack is to create a comfortable shop environment that supports all women who want to learn about cycling, advocacy and events in the community, in addition to offering the best bicycles in the area. At this shop, it’s about the experience of freedom, friendship and empowerment that cycling brings. “If we do our jobs right, the only thing you’ll be thinking of as you roll down the road is, “WHEEEEEEE!”
Why do you think women choose to shop at your store?
We have the best customer service in our service departments and on our sales floors. We make it easy to get out and ride!Why do you sell Terry?
Terry is a company that supports female cyclists in the saddle and out, which means it is easier for us to help women ride comfortably, safely and beautifully. We sell Terry because women love Terry – it’s an absolute favorite in our shop.When a new-to-cycling women comes in, what’s the first thing you tell her about cycling?
Welcome to the greatest community on the planet!Next time you’re in the area, stop by or check them out online: Bike-Rack.com
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SHOP LOCAL: BURLINGTON’S SKIRACK.

Don’t let the name fool you–this is one shop that puts women and cycling front and center. Outfitting enthusiasts since 1969, Skirack is Burlington, Vermont’s Community Bike, Run, Ski, Ride Store.
Visiting Skirack is an adventure all its own. Located on lower Main Street a couple of blocks away from Lake Champlain, many beautiful mountain areas, trails and resorts, you’ll be outfitted for any adventure with the highest quality gear, footwear and clothing.
Whether you’re a skilled cyclist or just starting to ride, you’ll not only find a warm welcome from Skirack’s expert female and male staff, but you’ll also find the best selection of women’s bikes, cycling clothing and accessories anywhere.
Skirack is a key Terry partner, stocking one of the widest varieties of cycling clothing you’ll find in the US. They also provide valuable information about road, off-road, downhill, mountain, fat biking, and commuting. Skirack employees several women who are bike enthusiasts and experts in all kinds of cycling; they welcome any opportunity to encourage and assist women and young girls of all ages and backgrounds to achieve their personal aspirations. In fact, they serve as mentors for Vermont’s “Little Bellas”, a program that serves as an opportunity for young girls to learn to ride, build their biking and personal life skills and develop self esteem and confidence.
Most importantly, Skirack provides a friendly, inviting atmosphere for all riders by listening to each individual’s aspirations and providing expert advice.
Next time you’re in Vermont, be sure to stop in and say hello, or check them out online at www.skirack.com.
Happy Riding!









