The wheels are in motion for one local bicycle shop to grow since it opened nearly a year ago.

Cycling Sports Center LLC, 130 Harding Way E., opened on Black Friday, or Nov. 28, 2014, with just four bicycles in stock throughout the winter. Now the family-owned store has 30 bicycles in stock as it enters its off-season.

“We’re hoping to expand,” said owner Troy Chipka.

Chipka is originally from Wooster, where his parents still live. He grew up in family that loves to ride whether for triathlons, enjoyment and other events.

“Cycling is really a family passion,” he said.

Now living in Galion, Chipka said it’s a community that he really enjoys for the store.

“It’s in a central area,” he said, referring to how the area is near larger communities such as Bucyrus and Mansfield.

In addition to bikes, the store offers bicycle accesories and repairs. Chipka said its a good time to buy 2015 models as newer models are coming in – similar to how the auto industry operates. With the holidays coming up, the store also plans to sell gift cards.

For the past year, Cycling Sports has also made efforts to make impact in the area, Chipka said.

“Our main priority is getting involved with the community and better it anyway we can,” he said.

Cycling Sports is involved with construction of Cobey Park’s mountain bike trail. With 1.5 miles already established and open to the public, Chipka said construction has started this year to expand it 3-3.5 miles by a to-be-determined date. He said there’s a need for volunteers on the development of the trail and detail work for the already established trail.

During the late spring and summer, Cycling Sports offers group rides once a week. Chipka said they are looking to start indoor cycling next month using stationary bicycles.

The business also has its own team of riders, who participate in events sanctioned by USA Cycling. According to its website, the membership-based organization comprises of 2,700 clubs and teams and more than 62,000 members including officials, coaches, mechanics, race directors and competitive cyclists.

Chipka said its team started out with three people and has grown to about 15.

With space becoming limited at its current location, Chipka says, Cycling Sports is looking to relocate to a larger venue within in the next year or so.

“(We) would be more than happy to stay in the area,” he said.

Troy Chipka, owner of the Cycling Sports Center, repairs a bicycle at the 130 Harding Way E location in downtown Galion. The store has been in business for nearly a year since it opened on Black Friday 2014.
http://aimmedianetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/29/2015/10/web1_troychipka.jpgTroy Chipka, owner of the Cycling Sports Center, repairs a bicycle at the 130 Harding Way E location in downtown Galion. The store has been in business for nearly a year since it opened on Black Friday 2014. Brandon Klein | Galion Inquirer

Chipka, owner of the Cycling Sports Center, poses behind a display of his bicycles at the store in downtown Galion. Chipka started out with just four bicycles in stock throughout the winter and now has 30 bicycles in stock as it enters its off-season this year.
http://aimmedianetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/29/2015/10/web1_chipkatwo.jpgChipka, owner of the Cycling Sports Center, poses behind a display of his bicycles at the store in downtown Galion. Chipka started out with just four bicycles in stock throughout the winter and now has 30 bicycles in stock as it enters its off-season this year. Brandon Klein | Galion Inquirer
Local bicycle shop has succesful first year

By Brandon Klein

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