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Last Word
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Last Updated:
Jan 19th, 2010 - 13:22:35 |
In honor of the Dequindre Cut’s grand opening on May 14, Real Detroit spins by Wheelhouse Detroit to chat it up with owners Kelli Kavanaugh & Karen Gage.
This shop is absolutely lovely, and on a beautiful day like this, it feels like we’re hanging out on a California beach. Where did the idea come from to start spinning wheels at the Wheelhouse?
Kelli Kavanaugh: We talked about going into business together. We both loved bikes, and it just sort of came to us. We knew they wanted rentals here … and we felt like the right people to do this.
Karen Gage: One of the inspirations is Tour De Troit, an annual bike ride that we’re involved in, and last year we had over 1,000 riders. We figured there was a lot of interest in cycling in Detroit. Also, we were tired of taking our bikes to the suburbs to get fixed. Whenever we had a flat, we had to go out of town, so …
What was the most exciting thing about being down here finally and what was the biggest challenge that you faced?
KK: The challenge was to get the word out, get people to come down here and see biking as a feasible entertainment option — not just for people who ride regularly. One of the most exciting things is when we rent to people from other places. You go to most major cities and renting a bike is not abnormal. They come here and expect to rent a bike and have Detroit deliver for them — it’s not a radical experience for them. Getting to see a city by bike is awesome, and allows a fair view of this town that not many visitors get to see.
KG: On the flipside, I love it when Detroiters and residents and local people come in and are like, “Whoa! That’s whats up.”
What would you consider Detroit’s best places to feel the wind whipping through your hair on two wheels and a cluster of spokes?
KK: We have a basic tour we offer that takes in Belle Isle, Indian Village, Eastern Market, Earthworks Urban Farm and the RiverWalk. It’s a nice 12-mile ride, and if you had to do one of those just on bike, Belle Isle is just the best place to ride.
KG: And Lafayette Park!
KK: And the Dequindre Cut!
Are you doing anything special to celebrate this massive step forward for Detroit’s pedestrian and cyclist friendly greenways?
KK: We’re offering free half hour bike rentals from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. on May 14, and we’ll be having a little bike parade after the opening ceremonies.
Toss us on your handlebars and take us to the last word.
KK: Experience the Motor City on two wheels!
KG: It’s in our Wheelhouse. | RDW
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