BAXTER-The new owner of Life Cycle bicycle shop takes an innovative approach to the business of bicycling.
Zac Swarthout said he seeks to contribute to his community, while encouraging others to recharge their lives through human-powered, outdoor recreation.
In April 2016, Swarthout purchased the former Trailblazer Bikes and rebranded it as Life Cycle, a retail bicycle store with locations in Baxter and Nisswa. With the help of his senior team members, Pat Handlos, Carl Gammon, and Zach Flash, Swarthout says Life Cycle has become more than a bike shop.
"New shops bring new initiatives and the world of cycling, while historic in its roots, is changing rapidly," Swarthout said in a news release. "Life Cycle promotes riding bicycles as a way to find yourself, while losing yourself in nature. We provide adventure and experiences, not just products. Bicycling with others is a great way to unplug and build community, while getting fresh air and exercise at the same time."
Life Cycle will host a grand opening event from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday, 14843 Edgewood Drive N., in Baxter, next to Black Bear restaurant. A $10 rewards card will be offered to anyone who attends grand opening day. There will also be demos, including new items such as a maintenance-free bicycle with airless tires and pedal assist electric bikes. Jack Pine Brewery will provide complimentary beer tasting.
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The Baxter store is Life Cycle's primary location and is open year-round. The business has fat bikes, pedal assist, and road bikes, as well as a full service department. The Nisswa location is open spring through fall and specializes in rentals, accessories, and quick repairs.
A lifelong bicycling enthusiast, Swarthout grew up in the Brainerd area. His approach to business is based on bringing the joys of bicycling to children at a young age.
"My family is my rock," said Swarthout. "My wife, Emily, and our young son are the world to me. That's why Life Cycle's 'Kids' Bicycle Tradeup' program is one of the main focuses this year."
After purchasing a child's bike at Life Cycle, parents can then trade it in for credit toward a new one once the child outgrows it.
"We inspect and tune up the returned bikes and donate them to kids' programs in the community," explained Swarthout. "But it goes beyond just putting kids on bicycles.
Giving them the tools to discover their own adventures and experiences is a great way to encourage kids to be active throughout their lives."
