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FRANKLIN, TN (July 18, 2010) – Harpeth Bicycles Racing is the first bicycle racing team in Middle Tennessee to be named a ‘Home Team’ by Franklin Mayor John Schroer.
“Franklin is home to several hundred cyclists — recreational and racers alike — and it’s exciting to see a shop opening in this area to cater to them,” said Schroer. “I also hope to generate awareness and support for the Harpeth Bicycles Racing team, Franklin’s ‘Home Team,’ which competes and represents our city across the Southeast and Midwest as well as Wednesday evenings at the Nashville Cyclist Criterium Race Series at LP Field.”
Schroer made the announcement at Harpeth Bicycles’ recent grand opening. In the photo, shaking hands with Mayor Schroer is owner Jonathan Woody with wife Gabrielle nearby. The Woodys are flanked by some of the Harpeth Bicycles Racing team, including shop manager Fred Cothren, fit specialist Chris Smith, lead mechanic Ben Bynum and shop dog Maverik.
“We were amazed and honored at how many people came out all day in the heat to support us, the sport we love and love to share,” said Woody.
Making sure the Harpeth Bicycles grand opening was a proper celebration were sponsors North Face, Oakley, Girodana, Jamis Bicycles, Seven Cycles, Eddie Merckx Bikes, Swiftwick Socks, Publix, Ride for Reading, Mini Pearl Cancer Foundation, Sharptopia.com, Green Fleet Messengers, Lightning 100, Team Green and Yazoo Brewing Company.
Those in Franklin and surrounding communities have been receptive to Harpeth Bicycles’ commitment to the “green” lifestyle. Bike shops are typically all considered green because they promote alternative means of transit, but Harpeth has gone one step further.
“We try to be environmentally conscious on every level,” said Woody. “Everything from the chemicals we use to clean the shop and bikes to our low VOC parts washer, to recycling and emailing receipts. We are committed to this as a lifestyle so being the first bike shop to be a charter member of Franklin’s Live Green Program was a natural fit. We are also working on a very cool commuter program we should be able to announce soon for people who are ready to take the next step.”
Most recently, members of the racing team road with Mayor Karl Dean to support the Shelby Bottoms Greenway.
“Harpeth Bicycles hopes to help the people who do not consider themselves as cyclists to embrace our team as their own,” said team President Jay Spiegel. “Even if you don’t ride a bike, we’re the folks next door, we live here, work here, ride here and race here. When the team is out training and you or your family see the team wearing the red, black and white, cheer us on!”
Spiegel, on behalf of the race team, recently donated $1,000 dollars to Mercy Ministries. This is one of the ways Harpeth is able to give back after a successful 2010 season winds down.
“Just like football, baseball, track or any other sporting event we want people to get involved and get their kids involved,” said Woody. “Our goal is to help anyone who loves biking but don’t know what, where or how to go to the next level. Our sport is perfect for young adults in school who are already athletic or who want to be competitive in sports but don’t fit the typical offering at school. We plan to start working with schools in Franklin to educate. Ultimately, the idea is to keep young people active, healthy and having fun.”
If you’re the athletic type in high school or college and want to get plugged into a fast, fun and challenging sport, contact [javascript protected email address] or stop by the shop. From our D-Squad (developmental), entry-level racing on up, road or mountain biking, we want to hear from you.
For those of all ages, if you’re ready to explore beyond the neighborhood but need some know-how from a kind, patient mentor, contact [javascript protected email address]. She hosts a ride for any level beginner from the shop on Sunday at 8 a.m. It’s free! She covers road etiquette, proper signaling, basic maintenance, as well as how to ride in a group.
