This story was originally published in the Johnson City News and Neighbor Dec. 19, 2018.
At long last, those who frequent the Tweetsie Trail have an outpost to serve their needs at the beginning or the end of their respective journeys.
Local Motion Cyclery, a bike shop with a bit of European Trail Café ambiance, has opened its doors at 701 East Maple Street, just steps away from the Johnson City entrance to the 10-mile Tweetsie Trail. The outpost is an example of public-private cooperation as much-needed public restrooms are being added to a bike shop that aims to serve the needs of anyone who uses the trail.
The ceiling inside Local Motion Cyclery is painted to resemble white clouds and blue sky, albeit a little abstract. There are bikes, but also drinks, snacks, apparel, a patio and destination souvenirs. Being located directly next to the Tweetsie Trail provides a unique opportunity for founder, owner and operator Bryan Winston.
“I think we are more than just a bike shop,” said Winston. “We can help all the genres of people that utilize the Tweetsie Trail in specific; that is runners, walkers, hikers and cyclists. We have a patio out front, we have drinks, edibles, wear-ables and we offer all things cycling, whether that be maintenance, service, rental or sales.”
In the small show room, one will discover Fuji bicycles of all types surrounding an island stacked with shirts themed around the Tweetsie Trail and biking. Lining the checkout counter and end capping the island is an assortment of energy gels, bars and hydration additives. The shop also includes a maintenance area and a coffee/slushy station.
There were many obstacles to getting the doors open at Local Motion, starting with a caved-in roof. According to Winston, the structure was built in 1920, and a failed remodeling job led to the dilapidated state.
“It was like a swimming pool, and water was accumulating,” Winston said. “It was just going to collapse at whatever point in time. We removed the roof, but we couldn’t be on or inside the building. So we had to hang through and above to dismantle it piece-by-piece.”
The plan for the shop hatched after Winston bought the building in April 2017. It took him about five months to get the building rezoned and secure a building permit to begin reconstruction. After that, Winston postponed the work until spring, but received a boost when city commissioners agreed to reimburse him up to $35,000 for construction and cover the shop’s utility costs.
“We started putting it back together, pumped the walls full of concrete,” Winston said. “Did what we wanted to do with new doors, new garage doors. Then we elevated it up and went pretty much with the architectural plan.”
Now, the building is an aesthetically pleasing mix of tin and wood, giving it the ambiance of a 1920-era speakeasy or modern European Trail Café. One almost expects to hear a “Hallo” or “Buongiorno” from behind the counter upon entering. Instead, visitors are greeted with Winston’s smile and slow Southern drawl.
“My goal for the shop is to be a destination point,” said Winston. “I think the Tweetsie Trail is a logical destination point for the local community, as well as visitors coming to the John-son City area. Our goal is to be that destination point. We want to be the ones that can fulfill (needs for) all things cycling.”
Winston went on to say that the decision to open a bicycle shop was made due to need, location and opportunity. His initial plan was to provide drinks, snacks and bicycle rentals aimed at the Tweetsie Trail. The decision to expand to a full cyclery came later.
Plans for the future include bicycle maintenance classes, no-drop group rides and working with The Goose Chase, a non-profit running organization. One of Winston’s part-time employees, who he referred to as a coach, is planning mountain bike “How-to” classes. All he needs is support from the community.
“I would love to have the community to support local,” said Winston. “In turn, I will continue to support the community. If I can provide the tools for the people in Johnson City, in our community, to be a healthier, more fit, diverse community, I am willing to step on the edge, and offer an abundance of guidance.”