Family-owned bicycle shop holds grand opening of downtown Macon space. Here’s more

A family-owned and operated bicycle shop since 1982, Bike Tech is celebrating its move to downtown Macon with giveaways, discounts, tutorials and demonstrations at its grand opening Friday.

The full-service shop, now located at 909 Second St., sells bikes for all ages, abilities and budgets and offers bike washes, tune-ups, flat-tire and other repairs, including complete overhauls.

“Being downtown … we’ve already just seen an increase with folks coming out for rides and events,” co-owner Elizabeth Schorr said. “We originally wanted to be downtown to be closer to the Ocmulgee Heritage Trail and just be part of all the synergy happening with all the other businesses downtown.

“Our new location is just a better spot for leaving from the shop to go on a bike ride. Vineville was a little hard to do that. So, our new downtown location allows us to have a lot more events at the shop and rides leaving from the shop.”

Nearly two decades ago, Bike Tech opened at 3003 Vineville Ave. In 2015, Schorr and her husband, Bobby, took over the bike shop, purchasing it from the previous family that owned and operated it.

“We grew up here in Macon, and he (Bobby) just has fond memories of going in there as a boy and riding bikes there,” Schorr said.

Bike Tech opened at their new Second Street location in a building shared with the Historic Macon Foundation. The historic mid-century modern building was formerly a garage.

“We moved the shop from Vineville to downtown in June, but it’s taken us just a little while to just get straight and get ready,” Elizabeth Schorr said. “So, we’re finally ready to do our official grand opening.”

Grand opening events

The grand opening celebration kicks off at 9 a.m. with Little Light Coffee Co.’s espresso bar on site and with Macon Bagels arriving with 50 freshly-made bagels, Schorr said.

Vendors, including Jamis, Muc-Off, and Thomson will be hosting demonstrations, tutorials and product giveaways throughout the day.

“They’re bringing some of the new electric bikes that people are excited about seeing,” Schorr said.

Bike Walk Macon, Central Georgia Autism, U Create Macon and Ocmulgee Outdoor Expeditions will have representatives on hand.

“They’re all going to set up a booth and tell people about their organization,” Schorr said. “ So we’re hoping it’ll be just a fun day of giveaways and discounts and all those things.”

The grand opening celebration ends at 6 p.m.

Fundraising ride

Saturday, Bike Thec is hosting the the 8th Annual Journey Ride for Central Georgia Autism, which is from 8 a.m. to 3 p.m.

The bike shop will serve as both the start and finish for the annual fundraising ride, which previously has taken place at Lake Tobesofkee, Schorr said.

It’s not too late to preregister for the scenic ride through the heart of Macon, with 10-mile, 30-mile and 60-mile ride options available to accommodate all skill levels, she said. Also, riders can show up Saturday and join the event.

Tickets are $50, and those who are preregistered will receive a newly designed, long-sleeve event T-shirt, bike socks and a post ride meal, according to eventbrite signup information.

“All proceeds benefit children and adults on the Autism Spectrum in Georgia by providing financial scholarships, family events, social groups, and more,” according to the eventbrite post.

Bike Tech’s regular operating hours are from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Tuesday through Friday and 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturday.

This story was originally published November 11, 2021 at 5:00 AM.