Just Riding Along Bike Shop Celebrates 2 Decades
Just Riding Along Bike Shop Celebrates 2 Decades
It’s Been a 20-Year Ride of Doing What It Does Best
Photos / Pete Dzirkalis, Owner, Just Riding Along
I started Just Riding Along in Bradford, PA during the summer of 2003, so we’re excited to celebrate 20 years in business this June. We started Just Riding Along to fill the need for bicycle sales and complete service for all brands. We take care of customers from all over northwest PA and western NY, and tourists visiting the Allegheny region.
Our shop may seem small from the outside, but the large selection of new bikes and services often surprises our first-time customers. We pride ourselves in pairing people with the right bike to fit their body, their budget, and any terrain they may encounter. Whether it’s smooth roads or rugged trails, we steer riders (young and old) to the right ride.
If you’re looking for the latest in electric-assist bikes, wireless shifting, and hydraulic brakes and suspension, we have you covered. But if you are simply looking to breathe some new life into your trusty old relic, we can handle that just as well. Reliably servicing bikes from all eras only comes from years of experience and flexibility to adapt to new technology.
The shop is more than just a job - it’s a way of life. We’re not just salespeople and mechanics. We ride to work, we ride for fun and personal challenge, and we ride to explore the beauty of our area. There’s nothing like a ride to relax the mind, breathe in some fresh air, and escape modern-day stress. I’ve never been a gym person, so staying fit while exploring the beauty of our area is a great feeling.
While most people come to the shop to pick up a new bike or drop off a repair, a few dedicated souls show up every Thursday at 6:00pm to join our trail ride. We’ve been doing the ride every Thursday from May through September - rain or shine - since the beginning… that’s over 400 group rides in the books! The rides are geared toward intermediate riders and cover a variety of terrain including some pavement, dirt roads, and rugged trails. We recommend a mountain bike, but any bike with a wider tire can suffice. Bring your helmet, water bottle, snacks, and a little willpower. The typical ride is about two hours of spirited riding with about 1,500 feet of elevation gain. While the terrain is not always easy, a sense of adventure and a positive attitude will smooth out the tough spots. The group typically celebrates the journey with a post-ride beverage and some good eats at one of downtown Bradford’s eateries or taverns.
People often tell me it’s great I’m doing what I love. We really do enjoy the diversity of our customers and the new challenges that come each day. Not knowing who will come through the door was a bit anxiety-inducing at first, but I’ve really come to embrace the different characters that may show up. A day in the shop always serves up a real slice of life. We really pride ourselves in working hard to make customers happy. Winning over a demanding customer is not always an easy process, but we earn trust from never giving up on delivering the best service. Not every deal is a winner, but a positive reference is the best advertising.
My favorite part of the job is the friends I’ve made and the community of riders the shop has brought together. I think of all the people that may have never crossed paths if Just Riding Along had never existed. Looking back on 20 years of work, I’m proud to say that that we’ve done our best to grow the cycling way of life in our area. I sincerely thank all those that have supported our efforts along the way. It’s been a great ride!
Just Riding along is located at 48 Mechanic Street, Bradford, PA 16701. To learn more about their offerings and services, as well as group rides and events they are involved in, follow them on Facebook (Just Riding Along Bike Shop) and Instagram (@justridingalongbikes) or call 814-363-9101.
