Spring is here and people are itching to get out and get active, but physical distancing guidelines have been limiting recreational opportunities. One of the ways it appears area residents are looking to enjoy the great outdoors while maintaining a safe distance is through bicycling. Owner of the Iowa Small Engine Center (ISEC) Bike Shop in Carroll, Chad Onken, says they have seen a phenomenal rush as of late.
Onken says their sales are way up and he is hearing this is also a national trend.
Onken and his staff are spending more than 12 hours a day putting together new bicycles and doing repairs. And compared to previous years, trail traffic seems to have kept pace with the increased demand at the shop. Normally, on a ride between Carroll and Lake View on the Sauk Rail Trail, a cyclist would see maybe 20 or 30 bikes. Now it is more common to see around 90 to 100 with riders almost constantly coming out of the Carroll area. Onken says it is great to see this kind of traffic because the Sauk Rail Trail is one of the best he has ever ridden on.
Onken says he sees a lot more children out riding bikes as a great option for a family outing during this unusual time. Onken adds that when he looked at bike accessory sales, they are currently seeing a doubling over what they typically sell this time of year. The ISEC Bike Shop is also able to meet the needs of customers seeking specialty bicycles, like sport, electric and all-terrain tricycles. Onken adds that although the forecast for this weekend isn’t great, he is hoping it won’t be long before that turns around and people are able to get back out to enjoy the area trails.
