We've come to expect a certain amount of rain once April rolls around. With the rain comes greener pastures, happy farmers, and birds and bees rejoicing all around. And every May, we hope that warmer weather and sunny days follow suit. How you spend those sunny days are entirely up to you, but Kirk Lightsey, who owns and runs Lightsey Cycles in Gardiner, thinks that a scenic bike ride ain't such a bad idea.
New Riders and Experienced Cyclists Welcome.
Kirk encounters cyclists looking for a leisurely ride on the rail trail, trainees for the Grand Tour and everyone in between. The point being? Anyone can ride and there's a bike that's specifically tailored for the cyclist in you. Kirk explains, "It’s fun because when people walk into a bike shop, they’re not buying a bike because they have to. They walk in because they’re interested in the benefits of biking; and that’s where I come in." Kirk also happens to dish out advice and recommends trails to first-time and out-of-town cyclers; an added bonus to your experience at Lightsey Cycles. And what better place to ride than in Gardiner, NY? The mountains are calling your name, and whether you choose to ride on those mountains or tour the open road, there's a bike for that.
Repairs Galore.
A bike shop is not just about purchasing brand new products, and Lightsey is no stranger to repairs on bikes of all shapes and sizes. How does one learn to repair bicycles, you ask? With 30+ years of commuting, scenic and competitive riding under his belt, Lightsey's learned a thing or two about repairs. Old bikes, new bikes, all bikes welcome; he'll do his best to return your beloved bike to "like-new" condition. And he seems to appreciate the daily challenge, explaining "I worked in maintenance for years and wanted to do something that I actually enjoyed; that’s why I opened a bike shop." With an over ten year tenure in our town of Gardiner doing what he loves, by George! we think he's on to something.
Get Local.
Want to look like a professional bicyclist? Or like someone who exercises in general? If you like to exercise or not, Lightsey Cycles has you covered. With apparel designed for agility in addition to your basic tee, you can represent local in whatever way you please. Plus, Lightsey sells extras that you might not expect, like: skate boards, water bottles, climbing gear and more. So, the next time you think about going for a bike ride, or learning a new hobby, or repping outerwear from a local shop, stop in and say hello to Kirk, he'd be happy to help.
Article and Pictures by:
Lucia Civile
LACE Photo Media