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BIKING BOOM
A pandemic-induced spike in bike sales has boosted local shops
By Hannah Hoffmeister | Photos provided by Shaw Media
The joy of biking is no secret to many Fox River Trail aficionados. But for many, it’s a newfound hobby. Last year, biking grew exponentially, as stay-at-home orders caused a mad dash to bike shops to try something outdoors. All Spoked Up in Aurora saw a 500% increase in bike sales, says store manager Jon Schratz. “We actually sold out of bikes in June,” he says. “More people are just really excited about being out on bikes.” Schratz says he’s noticed a shift in the public unplugging more and spending more time being outside. If that sounds appealing and you’re interested in buying a bike, don’t wait until the summer. Sooner is better, especially if you have to wait for delivery. Already a devoted cyclist? All Spoked Up has started virtual race challenges. You can view the route on a GPS system, then log your time with the bike shop to vie for merit badges and recognition. Check out the company’s Instagram page, @all_spoked_up_aurora, for details (and photos of the bike shop cat, Francis). LOCAL BIKE SHOPS are hubs for everything from bike maintenance to a sense of community among fellow cyclists. Have you visited these four? n ALL SPOKED UP 14 W. Downer Place, Aurora 630-801-9005 www.allspokedup.com n MILL RACE CYCLERY 11 E. State St., Geneva 630-232-2833 www.millrace.com n OSWEGO CYCLERY 59 Main St., Oswego 630-551-2300 www.oswegocyclery.com n THE BIKE RACK 2930 Campton Hills Road, St. Charles 630-584-6588 www.thebikerack.com
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