Francis said he had always wanted to open his own bicycle shop, while working at the Bicycle Stop in Springfield. That dream became a reality when Francis and his riding buddy, Paul Cross, decided to team up.
“We had joked about it over the years,” Francis said. “We figured out a way, the finances lined up for the both of us and we were able to go 50/50 on it.”
Cyclotherapy is located two blocks from the convergence of the Simon Kenton Trail and the Little Miami Scenic Trail, Francis said.
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According to the Miami Valley Regional Planning Commission Count Program, the Little Miami Scenic Trail had an annual average between 91,900 and 104,800 people, from 2013 to 2015, use the trail through Yellow Springs.
Francis said he believes many of those bicyclists are not coming all the way to Springfield because they do not know what the city has to offer - businesses, breweries and restaurants.
“Now that we are here, we hope we can be a little bit of a draw for those people,” Francis said.
Cyclotherapy offers bicycle repairs, bicycles and accessories. They plan to offer repair classes, group rides, beginner cyclists rides, social hours, a small bar, yoga for cyclists - just about anything they can think of once restrictions are lifted due to the coronavirus pandemic, Francis explained.
“We’ll roll that out as soon as we can.” Francis said. “We will just have to see how things go.”
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Cross and Francis named the bicycle shop “Cyclotherapy” with the help of their local cycling group, Road Fish, that they have been riding with for years, Cross explained.
“There is a quote, ‘endurance pain is the most truest form of meditation,’” Cross said. “If your body hurts then all your problems become less - it’s a form of therapy.”
Cross said he is excited to introduce people to the cycling community.
“What I like to do is have adventures on bicycles and I want to share that with other people as well,” Cross said.
Francis added, “I don’t care where you bought your bike, bring it in, we will work on it, we will answer questions if you have questions - we’re just here to be helpful,” Francis said.
Cyclotherapy is open 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. Monday through Saturday at 40 W. High Street. For more information, search for Cyclotherapy on Facebook.
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