Jackson Family Cycle debuts in Three Oaks

Considering it’s been the epicenter for bicycling enthusiasts near and far every fall since 1974, it would make sense that Three Oaks would be Ben Holt’s chosen spot to open Jackson Family Cycle.

For years, the Jackson family has ridden in the Apple Cider Century, an annual one-day 15, 25, 50, 75, or 100-mile bicycle tour of the orchards, forests and wine country in and around Three Oaks the last weekend of September, together.

It was last fall’s Century that prompted Holt to make the move to open his business at 110 N Elm Street in Three Oaks.

“It was down pouring rain, it was the rainiest Apple Cider there was - and there’s still all these bikers,” he said.

Holt thought: “This community loves biking - this is the spot where I should open a shop.”

Months later, Holt was celebrating the ribbon-cutting with members of the

BY FRANCESCA SAGALA

Harbor Country Chamber of Commerce of his business’ opening day, which was Saturday, April 15.

In his remarks to chamber members, Holt thanked Bryan Volstorf, president of the Three Oaks Spokes Club and founder of the Apple Cider Century, for instilling – and keeping – the “bike culture” that abounds in Three Oaks, which has “allowed me to come to this town and do this.”

Kimberlee Wendt, executive director of the chamber, said Three Oaks “has a long history with enthusiasts that bicycle, and the sport itself, here in town” and noted Holt’s familial connections there.

“The owners have many long family ties with this community - so it’s great whenever we can bring in that heritage with business and continue on the participation here,” she said.

The location was formerly occupied by The Jackson Group, an accounting firm that was managed by Holt’s late uncle.

While he’s from South Haven, growing up, Holt visited relatives in the community often. In one corner of the shop, pictures of them grace the walls.

“This town was never my home, but we do lot of Thanksgivings and Christmases, so it always kind of felt like home for all the holidays here,” he said.

Currently, Holt still resides in South Haven, where his wife, Victoria, operates a bed and breakfast. For 15 years, he managed a bike shop there, Rock ‘n’ Road Cycle.

“All throughout high school and college, I was working there, kind of trying to find a career - and I realized biking was my career,” he said.

Holt credits his grandfather, who often went riding with him growing up, for getting him into cycling. In addition to the Century, he also took his grandchildren riding on the PALM.

“And then I got offered the job in the bike shop and I just fell in love with fixing bikes and getting everything working - it was a passion for me and I really kind of grew on that side even more than just the pedaling,” he said.

The family friendly shop offers rentals, sales and full-service repairs. Jackson Family Cycle is a distributor of the respected Giant bicycle brands Giant, Liv and Momentum and offers rentals for electric bikes, comfort hybrid models, electric scooters and road and gravel cycles.

Per its website, the shop also has a selection of new and used parts and items such as bags, baskets, cycling clothing, water bottles and mirrors.

Jackson Family Cycle will be open Wednesday through Sunday; however, Holt said, with it still being spring, he’s working on being open 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. More information can be found at www. jacksonfamilycycle.com or by following them on Facebook.