Today we’d like to introduce you to Ann Greenbaum.
Hi Ann, we’d love for you to start by introducing yourself
Started back when I was 11 or 12, with my first bicycle. Found that I could get to places that were farther away, with little effort. Cycling allowed me a freedom that I had never experienced. I would ride for miles, to friend’s houses, or to pick raspberries. I would ride to school, about 15 miles away, when I was older. Mostly I went alone but sometimes with a friend. Riding empowered me to be strong, and have my own transportation, by my own power. It was a freeing experience! Later in my twenties, I was given a nicer bike by my boyfriend, and I went on many trips. I wanted to learn how to repair bikes but was intimidated. Later in my thirties, I would ride to get a break from child-rearing, riding out into the country for hours. When I came back the children were just awakening and I found I had regained my energy for them from riding. It was an escape from responsibilities and energizing at the same time.
In my forties and fifties, I would ride with my friends, getting time to talk and exercise. At the university I researched how cycling brought different meanings to people, receiving a doctorate in occupational science. Then in my late fifties, I wanted a new adventure and bought a bicycle shop. I wanted to bring these experiences to others so that they might more easily gain access to meaningful experiences through cycling.
We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
Struggles for me were more of a personal nature. However, we did have some challenges in the bicycle business with a dishonest partner, who stole money from the shop. We quickly separated ourselves from him and grew the business during COVID. We were fortunate to have a mechanic who showed us the ropes, and when he moved on we were able to become more confident in our workmanship and continue to grow the business.
Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your business?
We specialize in refurbished bicycles. We purchase shop quality (not Walmart brands) bicycles that have been pre-owned and fix them up to sell so that they are perfect on the inside, although they may have some scratches on the outside. We also have a full line of parts and accessories, and we do a lot of repairs on bicycles. We have sold different types of bikes such as mountain bikes, hybrids, road, comfort, tandems, adult trikes, and a host of other wheeled machines. We are a Mom and Pop business, where we aim to know our customers and provide a service where they feel comfortable asking questions about anything.
We are not a high end, fancy shop with all the bells and whistles, but a down-home type shop where you can browse through used parts, speak to the mechanic in person, find out about places to ride, talk about the fastest cyclist in the history of man, etc. We also buy and trade bicycles.
What are your plans for the future?
We would like to do several things in the future.
1. Customer appreciation day with food, rides, giveaways, music.
2. Create a brand.
3. Improve the infrastructure in the Parkville area for cyclists. There is limited access to parks nearby, and we would like to work with other groups to improve access.
4. bike repair classes for our customers.
Pricing:
- adult bikes range in price from $200-1000
Contact Info:
- Email: anngreenbaum@aol.com
- Website: www.baynesville.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/baynesvillebikeshop/?hl=en
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/baynesville/
