Tucked in the corner of 5th Avenue and Broad, hidden down a narrow stairway, adventures are taking shape. Stewart and Kelli Duncan owners of Revive Cycle Works are hard at work building more than a bicycle repair shop. They are hard at work building a community of cyclists.
“We opened up in January, it was a dream opportunity that just landed in our laps,” explains Kelli Duncan. She and her husband, Stewart, are both outdoor enthusiasts. Mountain Biking, road cycling, paddling, climbing, and backpacking this power couple does it all. “ When the possibility of opening our own bicycle repair shop presented itself last October, Stewart and I couldn’t ignore all of the signs pointing to ‘yes!’” says Kelli.
Making the bike shop their own was an essential part of the process. Out of his love for woodworking and creativity, passed down from his father, Stewart handmade the immense wooden counters and workbenches, all covered with bike parts and tools. From the snow ski coat rack to the funky posters, every corner of the shop pays tribute to the Duncans’ fun personalities and love of the outdoors.
“We are more than just a bike shop,” says Stewart. “Sure, we can change your tires and fix brakes, but we are equipped for full-rebuilds of vintage equipment.” He recounts last week a young woman came into the shop with a simple bike she had purchased not long ago. While there she tells him the story of how much her father had loved to ride when she was younger, and that he had kept a lot of his bikes over the years. Stewart is now rebuilding one of her father’s old bikes, reviving her cherished memories with her dad as well as their love of cycling.
Joining the Board of Advisors for TRED (Trails for Recreation and Economic Development of Rome/Floyd County) Revive Cycle Works hopes to push the idea, anyone can ride. “We want to build a community out of our basement shop. We want to get more people on bikes and increase cycling awareness,” says Stewart. Working with TRED, they hope to help educate the community about existing trails as well as the need for expansion. “We want to offer clinics and group rides that get all sorts of people together, exploring our roads and trails.” Kelli offers passionately. She pauses. Covid-19 puts important parts of the vision on hold. “We want everyone to be safe. So large group rides and in-person clinics are on hold for a bit.” perking back up, she adds, “There is a need to be filled in this community. We are here and excited for what is ahead.”
Stay posted for upcoming events and follow their shop on Facebook and Instagram. Find out more at Revivecycleworksrome.com.
