If you’re traveling by bicycle to pick up groceries or prescriptions, commute to work, or get fresh air at a safe social distance, you’ll be happy to hear that Black Saddle Bike Shop is open 10 am‒6 pm weekdays except Wednesdays, 9 am‒5 pm Saturday and 12 pm‒4 pm Sunday. Visit their website blacksaddlebikeshop.com or Facebook page for the most current updates.
Madison Bikes created an online resource tracking local bike shop availability (including the Northside Dream Bikes) during the coronavirus outbreak and plans to keep it updated at Madisonbikes.org/covid19map.
By Beth Sluys
Northside News
Mitch Pilon stood in the middle of his newly opened bike shop amid a variety of fat-tire bikes, walk-through bikes and several steel frames hanging on the walls. In his hand was a mug of Black Saddle brand coffee called “Wound Up.”
Why bikes? Years ago, Pilon sold his motorcycle and car when he went to college and became an avid bike rider. After working in a shop in Iowa in 2012, he fell in love with the bike business and hasn’t looked back. He even met his partner Jessica at a bike shop. After several years of planning and continued work in the bike industry, Mitch decided to call the Northside home for his shop located at 601 N. Sherman Ave., near the Bear & Bottle.
Working in area bike shops, from management to repairs, Mitch learned patience as well as what it takes to run a bike shop and yearned to open one that is more of a community center, rather than just a local business. “My doors are open to everybody. It is a safe space to just stop by and visit. Everyone is welcome and the coffee is on,” said Pilon.
His shop is service focused for repairs, and he can help with adaptive bikes and get trike bikes for senior riders who no longer feel safe on two wheels. His goal is to keep people in the saddle no matter the type of bike they ride. Primarily selling USA-made bikes, Mitch can special order bikes, bike parts or supplies as folks may need. He will be selling trail passes, offering bike benefits to shoppers, and will provide free area bike path maps and information on bike-related events. He will also host a podcast through the website where he will interview area bike riders and speak to the relationship one can have to bike riding and their bike. (I know I love mine.) His shop promises to be a sort of “All Things Bike” clearinghouse.
Mitch looks forward to National Bike to Work Week May 11‒17 and invites riders to stop by for goodies inside the shop. During Madison Bike Week (May 31‒June 6), Black Saddle Bike Shop will host a commuter station outside the shop that will offer bike commuters food, fruit and coffee. It will also be a way to meet and greet area riders.
Volunteers are always welcome to help with events or lead area rides. If you are interested, stop by the shop or call Mitch at 608-283-9568. For shop hours and more information, visit Blacksaddlebikeshop.com.