Tara Howse
Rossland News
Marking their 10th anniversary this year, Revolution Cycles first opened their doors in 2004 with owners Tyler Merringer and Caroline Rousselle. As the only cycling-specific store in the Kootenays, Revolution staff pride themselves on level of service they can provide to locals and tourists alike. With passion that exudes a from the shop floor, you’ll notice how easy it is to distract staff into discussing anything bike related: from local trail recommendations, to bike suggestions, to new biking destinations; a simple wander into Revolution has always been a great way to pass the time. And with their new move, the store is more inviting and fun to check out than ever.
Now located at 1990A Columbia Avenue (in the old hardware store), their storefront encourages you stop and gaze. In an effort to support other local businesses — a point Tyler is proud to state — their new store predominantly features handiwork by local welders and carpenters. Starting with the incredible efforts of Mofab’s Matt Titheridge, the steel security bars that adorn the shop windows appear to be more artwork than anti-theft device. As you head inside, the large, new service area is on full display, framed by the wooden beams and cabinetry made by Al Eagleton and Pierre Fournier is credited with building their new displays. When asked why the move occurred, Tyler doesn’t hesitate and says it’s to provide a larger service area for the thriving cycling scene in Rossland.” With an increase of about 50 percent on the main floor from the old shop, they hope to better serve the loyal customers that have allowed them to grow.
And it’s not just locals that receive the service. Caroline and Tyler have created an environment to allow the staff to spend time with tourists who come in inquiring about trails along with directly supporting and organizing various initiatives in town. A big supporter of the Kootenay Columbia Trails Society (KCTS), Caroline notes she enjoys “supporting biking and trails related” events, such as Trails Day, helping refurbish the Skills Park, and supporting staff Rory Belter in organizing the Huck’en Berries. Quick to note their favourite event is the Poker Ride, it’s the major event Revolution organizes, having done so for the past 10 years. An idea that came from a former staff person, they are both happy in the growth and popularity the event has seen, with people calling as early as January for the September event and approximately 60 per cent of participants actually coming from out of town.
Both Caroline and Tyler credit the local community in supporting Revolution and are looking forward to providing Rossland with “even better service.” With final touches being done to the store, Rossland should look forward to a grand opening spring 2015.