Despite a less than ideal weather forecast, the buzz surrounding Hush Money Bikes’ “Fall Fuckaround” was undeniable. Stepping into the expansive warehouse, it was clear this wasn’t just another bike event. Gravel bikes of all shapes and sizes carpeted the floor, creating a vibrant tapestry of cycling enthusiasm. This cavernous space, adjacent to the brand-new Hush Money Bikes shop in Lancaster, Pennsylvania, was overflowing with anticipation. Around 150 cyclists had gathered on the day after Thanksgiving, ready to embrace the “fuck around and find out” spirit of a mixed-terrain ride spanning either 35 or 55 miles.
The Fall Fuckaround wasn’t merely a ride; it was an event meticulously crafted by Nathan Baker, one of the driving forces behind Hush Money Bikes. Known to many as “Baron Von Fancypants” on Instagram, Nate’s vision for Hush Money Bikes extends beyond just selling bikes. Since the shop’s inception in 2020, organizing events like the Fall Fuckaround and the Hush Money Hootenanny has been central to their mission. This particular event also marked the grand reopening of Hush Money Bikes at their exciting new location, a revitalized warehouse that once served a local grocery store.
The impressive turnout for the Fall Fuckaround was noteworthy for several reasons. Firstly, it coincided with a major travel weekend. Secondly, the weather forecast threatened rain and chilly temperatures. And perhaps most surprisingly, Lancaster, PA, is more traditionally associated with Amish buggies than the burgeoning gravel cycling scene. Yet, the event sold out its 150 spots before an official description could even be posted online. Cyclists from across the mid-Atlantic region, seeking a post-Thanksgiving adventure, were drawn to this vaguely named, non-competitive group ride on an unmarked course designed by Nate. This collective spirit of adventure in downtown Lancaster, Pennsylvania, also served a greater purpose, raising $8,018 for The Chaco Fund, an organization dedicated to providing education to underserved women in rural Bolivia.
The success of the event was even more remarkable considering the personal journey of its organizer. Nate Baker, while orchestrating the Fall Fuckaround, was also in the midst of his own recovery from open-heart surgery just months prior in July. His connection to The Chaco Fund is deeply personal, as he explained when asked about the charity partnership:
“My training partner, Jacky, co-founded The Chaco Fund. She served in the Peace Corps in Bolivia. This summer, Jacky gave me a hug and with her bare ear caught my heart murmur (she’s a nurse practitioner) that led to a very unexpected open-heart surgery. She also knew to get me signed up for medicare before I went to the hospital, a move which saved me from certain financial ruin. During my recovery, I kept asking myself- how do you show your gratitude to someone who does that for you? It seemed like the most impactful thing I could do was help her help others. So The Fall Fuckaround teamed up with The Chaco Fund and we raised $8,018 to add to the scholarship fund.”
Fortunately, the threatening weather largely held off, and despite some lingering road spray from the previous night’s rain, the conditions turned out to be ideal for a ride. Nate’s philosophy of “under promise and over deliver” resonated perfectly with the route he had crafted. Riding alongside a friend from DC, Chris, who had lived in Lancaster for years, the anticipation for the unknown course grew. The Fall Fuckaround truly lived up to its name, offering a diverse mix of terrain that challenged bike and rider alike. While paved sections hinted at road bike suitability, the route quickly devolved into muddy, rocky, and root-filled under-biking sections, prompting second thoughts about tire choices. The longer route featured a steep, rocky climb leading to panoramic river views, a winding singletrack section with creek crossings, a challenging stretch of railroad ballast, and finally, miles of scenic rail trail. The course design intentionally defied the notion of the “perfect bike,” encouraging riders to embrace the unpredictable and shed any self-seriousness. Adding a touch of playful competition, a machete with the winner’s name engraved awaited the fastest rider to conquer the QOM on the newly built Safe Harbor Rail Trail Bridge.
For many outside the region, south central Pennsylvania might not immediately register as a cycling hotspot. While Lancaster itself holds historical significance as one of America’s oldest inland cities, the birthplace of President James Buchanan, abolitionist Thaddeus Stevens, and the Woolworths chain, and even a one-day US capital, the allure of the Fall Fuckaround extended beyond the route and the location. The true draw was Hush Money Bikes and its passionate owners.
Hush Money Bikes proudly positions itself as a “destination bike shop.” Cultivating a quirky and engaging online presence, stocking a wide array of off-road bikes, and specializing in custom builds, Hush Money Bikes aims to attract cyclists from near and far to experience downtown Lancaster and explore the surrounding Amish countryside. In just two years, Hush Money Bikes has cultivated a vibrant community, evident in the sold-out Fall Fuckaround and the enthusiastic crowd at their grand reopening. The move to the new, larger location in the historic West End Market signifies an exciting new chapter for this unique bike shop.
The history of the West End Market space is rich and worth exploring further through articles like the one on Lancaster Online, republished on the Hush Money Bikes website. Originally a neighborhood grocery store and lunch counter for over six decades, the space had been vacant since 2020. By relocating to the warehouse section of this building, Hush Money Bikes gains 50% more space than their previous location, unlocking immense potential within this historic structure.
Nate, along with his business partners Chris and Ted, are deeply rooted in the Lancaster community, all residing within blocks of the new shop. “This is our neighborhood, and being good neighbors matters to us,” Nate emphasized. Recognizing the West End’s need for local food options, their vision extends beyond just a bike shop. Nate, Chris, and Ted aspire to restore the market to its former role as a community hub.
Hush Money Bikes has already proven its ability to draw people to Lancaster, and this historic building holds cherished memories for the community the owners grew up in. Their aim is to revive it as a central gathering place once again. The echoes of the service bell and the aroma of patty melts from the old lunch counter still linger in the air, with the original menu and hand-painted signs adorning the empty shelves. Nate, Chris, and Ted are collaborating with the building owners to create a welcoming community space and are actively seeking partners with entrepreneurial spirits who share their belief in Lancaster’s unique appeal. They are diligently transforming the warehouse into a welcoming space for locals and visitors alike.
The potential of this revitalized space is palpable. If you envision opening a welcoming cafe, a community-focused retail space, or a unique grocery, Hush Money Bikes extends an invitation to reach out. Even better, load up your bike and visit them at 414 N Mary Street. You’ll undoubtedly have a memorable experience and gain a newfound appreciation for Lancaster and the spirit of Hush Money Bikes.
“Don’t forget, Lancaster is America’s ORIGINAL cycling community. Our Amish population has been doing it since bikes were invented!” – Nathan Baker AKA Baron von Fancypants.
This article is inspired by Andy Karr’s report on The Radavist.
