A memory from the past has returned to many area residents’ lives over the past two months, a bicycle. With easy access to a 16-mile Greenbelt bike path, West Georgia Cycling has experienced skyrocketing demand. Owner Adam Alvord explains it best, “It’s like a tornado has come through every day. I come in and it’s off to the races. People are already lined up at the door.” In just the past two weeks Adam has sold 50 bikes,and now orders are being placed on a waiting list.
With the increased demand, Adam has made a new hire to help. Tobey Barden, his former 2019 Carrollton High School summer intern, is now a full-time team member. Tobey helps repair and maintain customers’ bikes. Tobey says, “I can do about five bikes a day, and this allows Adam to focus on the shop’s walk-in customer while I’m knocking out the repairs.” Adam remarks, “I’m very thankful for Tobey. He’s always ridden bikes, had past experience as my intern, and knows exactly what I need.”
At the beginning of 2020 Adam moved from his shop of eight years on Bradley Street to Maple Street Commons at 150 Maple Commons, Suite 117. Adam says, “This was the best move ever being right off the Greenbelt.”
Adam went on to mention that foot traffic is up 90 percent from the former location on Bradley Street. Most of West Georgia Cylcing’s customers come in directly by seeing the shop near the Greenbelt and by learning of it from word of mouth. He says, “I’ve always had a passion for bikes and owning a shop. I feel it resonates with those that can see my heart, so perception is everything, I must say.”
Adam shares his current and future goals, “I want to grow the business more and become a better cycling advocate for our town.”
With the addition of a new team member, Adam is on track to continue to grow his business and meet the demands of his customers. He closes with endless thanks and gratitude to the community, “I couldn’t be more proud of where I live, work, and play. We all work together and will get through the current crisis stronger.”
