From a hobby to a business
One Morganton couple has turned a hobby into a local business. In March, David and Phyllis Wright opened Cyclewright, a bike shop located in the River Village Shopping Center. David Wright, who retired from AT&T after 30 years of service, has been an avid bike rider for more than 25 years so opening the shop post retirement has been something he’s truly enjoyed.
Cyclewright Services
The Wrights don’t just sell bicycles, though. David is a professional, certified bike mechanic. He almost enjoys working on bikes as much as he does riding them. You can get much more than just bike repairs at Cyclewright, though. The walls of the shop are adorned with all types of gear, apparel, tires and must haves, like helmets, shoes, gloves and water bottles. The sales floor features a vast variety of Cannondale bicycles. Whether you’re a street rider, mountain /trail rider or someone who just enjoys a leisurely ride, Cyclewright has something for you to choose from. If there is as particular color or size you prefer that is not in stock, the Wrights don’t mind placing a special order for you.
What makes them different?
The Wrights just might have the perfect location for a bike shop. Since they are located in a shopping center out of town they have plenty of parking for their customers - in fact, customers can pull right up to the door to drop off a bike if necessary. Also, being located right on the Catawba River Greenway’s boardwalk, people can walk right in the back door, rent a bike and take a ride on the picturesque greenway. Or they can load it up in their car and go somewhere else. “You can rent for as little as an hour or as long as a month,” David said. They rent Cannondale hybrid bikes, which is a mix between a road and mountain bike. “It’s a very nice bike,” David said. “These bikes have simple one click changes for the gears. People have enjoyed renting them and usually end up buying.” The shop also offers workshops to teach riders “do-it-yourself” fixes. “The workshops are on little mechanical things you can do on your own,” Dave says. Some workshops scheduled for the summer include steps on how to change a tire, fix a flat tire or shift gears. Sign up for group emails or check out the shops Facebook fan page to find out what workshops are offered and when.
Get involved!
Even if you have your own bike, know how to do all your repairs and have all the gear you need or want, the shop still has something to offer you. “W e have group rides two to three times a week and then during the summer street rides,” David said. The shop’s facebook page makes regular post about when and where the group rides are. Most of the folks who are attending the group rides are avid bikers, but rides for less experienced riders are done, too. The last group ride was 35 miles long. Something Cyclewright is excited about…
The shop is sponsoring the McDowell Trails Association Triathlon at The Lake James State Park on July 24. Participants will complete a three-mile trail run through the Lake James State park scenic terrain, transition to the lake’s open waters for a 750 meter swim then finish up the last leg of the race with an approximately 18-mile bike ride. The race is limited to the first 200 athletes. The race starts at 8 a.m. and should wrap up around noon. A registration form can be downloaded from http://www.mcdowelltrails.com/Triathlon_Brochure_2010_(Read-Only).pdf. Registration forms also can be picked up on the shop. There is a Facebook event page for the race with more information. David will be there to assist riders for on-the-spot repairs, along with paramedics to help riders when needed. Cyclewright will have door prizes, too. Registration is $45 for individuals and $75 for teams. Awards for the top three overall performers will be given out, in addition to awards for top performers in several different age groups for men and women.
Greenway extension
Anyone who has recently driven through downtown Morganton has seen or dealt with the road construction along Green and Sterling streets. Though it may be an inconvenience to some now, the Wrights think the end result will be worth the trouble. Work crews are connecting downtown Morganton to the Catawba River Greenway – where Cyclewright is located – with a bike and pedestrian lane. “I think the extension from town is going to bring more people to the greenway,” David said, adding that a lot of customers have commented on the need for more bike trails.
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So stop on by! The shop hours make it easy for people to find time to stop on in and see what Cyclewright is all about. Hours of operation are as follows:
Monday – closed
Tuesday, 10 a.m. – 7 p.m.
Wednesday, 10 a.m. – 7 p.m.
Thursday, 10 a.m. – 7 p.m.
Friday, 10 a.m. – 7 p.m.
Saturday, 10 a.m. – 7 p.m.
Sunday, 1 p.m. – 7 p.m.
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