By: Jen Wainwright
Discover something you might not know…about a local place or face you might just love!
Colorful Character: Jack’s Bicycle Shop
207 3rd St., Bay City, 989-684-1735, www.jacksbikeshop.com
Jack Havercamp opened “Jack’s Bicycle Shop” in 1976 in a renovated garage. Nearly 40 years later, his grandson’s Nick and Chad Mehl now carry on his vision in Downtown Bay City. Jack’s Bicycle Shop is a hometown, friendly spot where biking enthusiasts can purchase or rent bikes, and also get them serviced. From kids’ to adolescents’ bikes, mountain bikes to comfort bikes, fat bikes (see below) and more, Jack’s supplies a wide range of bikes for a wide range of people. Jack’s services all brands, makes, and models of “traditional” bikes – no gas or electric – and offers full bike tune-ups, brake adjustments, wheel trueing (straightening bent rims or wheels/wobbles), and beyond.
Tasty Tidbits – Did You Know…?
* Rent Em’ & Ride Em’
For out-of-towners, or a chance to try out a new bike before buying – or an opportunity to experience a tandem bicycle – Jack’s rents bikes for half-days and full days, both during the week and on weekends. Rental bikes can accommodate children approximately 10 or older (based on height, i.e., if the child could ride a small cruiser), and Jack’s offers tandem bikes and Burley trailers for rent for families with smaller children.
* Come, Again? Year-round Riding?
Once thought of as “snow bikes”, a fat bike is, indeed, a bike that can be ridden in the winter snow – and also through sand, mud, and more! With four- to five-inch-tires, riders are able to float or glide over snow/sand/mud (rather than digging down into the material) by lowering the air pressure in the tires, thereby creating a wider base. Cyclists can also utilize fat bikes for summer cruising to extreme off-road touring. Year-round bikes, year-round riding – who knew? Jack’s offers fat bikes, custom bike mittens, hats, and plenty of gear to further support year-round riding.
* Shop Rides
Spring through fall, Jack’s offers “shop rides”. From “Ladies Night” around Bay City to “Mountain Bike Rides” in Midland – the themes change, but the premise of guided bike rides remains the same. “Shop rides” outings and schedules are posted in Jack’s, and also on their Facebook page.
“It’s our atmosphere,” says Mike Zajac, manager of Jack’s, about what separates Jack’s Bicycle Shop from other places. “From our location to our custom displays…we’re down to earth, not in your face. Come in, have a seat at our counter, and chat. You want to talk bike, we’ll talk bike all day.”
Great Lakes Bay Moms Loves Jack’s Bicycle Shop!
Jen is a freelance writer, parent to three, and she’s been a stepparent for over 15 years. She is well-equipped to discuss and write about the great, and the not-so-great, details of all-things-parenting. Along with spending quality time with her family, Jen enjoys music, chocolate, camping and relaxing. And laughing!