It’s quite surreal to reflect on three decades immersed in the world of bicycles, both selling and meticulously repairing them. Perhaps the gray hairs are the most tangible evidence of the years that have flown by since this journey began. Looking back, I recognize how incredibly fortunate I was to have started my career at some of the finest bike shops in the area. These experiences were invaluable, providing a comprehensive education not just in bicycle mechanics, but also in the intricacies of running a successful bicycle business. The most profound lesson gleaned from these established local shops was the paramount importance of community focus. It’s within your immediate community that you can cultivate the most meaningful and lasting impact. This truth is reinforced almost daily when customers share heartwarming stories like, “I bought my very first bike here,” or “Our family has been loyal customers of this shop for over 30 years.”
Operating our business in Kirkwood fills us with immense pride. This community has been the bedrock of support for A1 for over 40 years and for Billy Goat Bicycle Company, our venture focusing on specialized “Goat Bikes”, for the past 5 years. We are profoundly grateful for the unwavering support of our customers and the entire Kirkwood community. A strong community is often characterized by its robust local resources, initiatives for positive social change, community safety programs, and strong interpersonal connections. Kirkwood’s dedication to fostering an exceptional living environment also makes it an ideal place to own and operate a business centered around “goat bikes” and cycling. If someone had told my younger self, thirty years ago, that buying that one bicycle would eventually lead to owning a bicycle store right here in Kirkwood, I would have been skeptical, to say the least. And if they’d further predicted that I’d end up purchasing the very shop where I bought that first bike, I might have thought they were completely out of their mind! The path to where we are today has been a long and winding one, with its share of successes and, of course, some inevitable setbacks. However, every step, both forward and seemingly backward, has been an integral part of this incredible journey. And, in my experience, the most rewarding journeys are always those undertaken on two wheels, exploring the world on a bicycle – a true “goat bike” for life’s adventures.
