Thursday, April 5, 2018

The Bike Stop of Orillia & Sports Voted Favourite Bike Store Orillia Today, March 29, 2018, Reader’s Choice Awards

The Bike Stop of Orillia & Sports’ Barry Middleton is one of Orillia’s icons. The business started in 1990 from a need to provide fast turnaround time on repairs. Barry has served 3 generations of bicycling families and knows most on a first name basis. He has trained and offered support to many aspiring bicycle mechanics along the way. Barry proudly upholds the traditions of the Family Bicycle Store with “Customer Service” as his speciality. Whether you need his expertise on repairs or a bike to suit your style “We have something for everyone” with selection from over 400 bicycles in stock by Giant, Trek, Rocky Mountain and more. He is happy to provide a proper fitting and the necessary safety gear from an array of accessories. “We want our customers to be able to ride their bike home instead of having to order it and wait. From ages 2 to 92 we can fit the right bike to you from BMX trick bikes, upright sitting Comfort or Cruiser style bikes, Road, Touring, Dual Sport, Full suspension, Mountain, Fat Tire to Electric bikes. Joint surgery or leg woes lend itself to a low step style, Trike or Recumbent bike allowing you to be active. Biking on the whole provides good exercise for good health and its fun!” Displayed in the showroom is Barry’s vintage bike collection. Every bike has a story so be prepared as he readily reminisces about bicycle history with customers. He is also a diehard Toronto Maple Leaf fan as evident from his show of banners and autographed hockey paraphernalia about the shop. In the winter Barry provides ski/snowboard tuning and hones skates to each customer’s specifications - and he’s good at it - having been trained by former Olympic Skater, Coach, expert Skate Sharpener and friend, Neil Carpenter. Barry has always been very supportive of the community and its athletes; Tobin Sutherland, Liz McClelland (nee Ross), Steve Graham and Ali Van Yzendoorn to name a few. He also supports many community initiatives, local events and fundraisers and remains a strong supporter of The Cancer Society, Orillia Minor Hockey, Rotary and Kiwanis Clubs. He fondly remembers being a staunch backer of the Bicycle Rodeos formerly located in both Cumberland Beach and Orillia; and was also a founding member of the former Orillia Cycling Club along with Dr. Lloyd Harrison and David Switzer. There is a heart in cycling and Barry Middleton has one.

Posted at 10:56 AM