Bryson City Bicycles (and thoughts about browsing in bike shops)

While up in beautiful North Carolina, my wife and I were checking out down town Bryson City, and we came across Bryson City Bicycles.  Of course, I grabbed her by the hand and dragged her in the door to check it out.  What we found was an impressive little bike shop.  Big by no means, it definitely made up for its lack of size with big character and style.(Well, who ever said size has anything to do with being a good bike shop anyway? I like small shops.)  Andy, the owner, greeted us as we walked in the door, and we got to chat with him for a good while about almost anything and everything bike related.  He's just a really cool, down to earth guy that obviously loves what he does for a living!  Man, I could tell that this guy was just fired up about riding bikes.  He shared beta with us about the local trails, local races, group rides, bikes, pedals...  you name it. We left feeling well taken care of and walked out the door with a super positive vibe, but feeling a little guilty deep down for not spending a cent.

Do you ever get that feeling when you walk into a bike shop and just want to browse?  I do--often.  I want to support the shop and the guys working their by buying at least a little something, but I'm usually so flat broke that I can hardly afford the gas to get there (ok, that might be a slight exaggeration). Sometimes I wonder if they get tired of me coming in, and always responding to their "Do you need any help finding anything?" question with a "No thanks man, I'm just browsing." 

However, eventually I do become entirely justified when I settle down and choose a local shop to keep coming too... because invariably, I will break something major on my bike and will need to get work done.  For evidence, check out all the bad bike repair karma that has hit me in the past month.  So while it may not happen immediately, I eventually become one of the owner's favorite customers.  When I walk into the shop pushing my bicycle and looking frustrated, they know there is some serious cash coming their way.

Regardless, if you're ever in town and need a part, or are just looking for beta on the local trails, be sure to wander into Bryson City Bicycles in downtown Bryson City.