Every once in a while you come across someone so passionate about what they do you walk away energized by just being around them. Who knew walking into Veloville USA in Purcellville this morning I was about to meet one of those people…
Nicole Davison, along with husband Scott, is the owner of the newest bike shop in town and she is that kind of person. But don’t get this confused with every other bike shop in LoCo, that would be a mistake. Veloville (velo means bicycle in a number of languages) is all about the culture of cycling and their passion for it is obvious the moment you walk in the door. They are incredibly knowledgeable about all facets of the sport and love to educate people about it. I get the feeling it’s more about them sharing their love of cycling than it is about selling you gear.
The Davison’s moved from LoCo to Portland, Oregon two years ago to pursue an opportunity running a cycling shop. Although they learned the ropes and were grateful for the chance to live there, family and a horse farm were calling them back. This past February the stars aligned and Scott and Nicole found the perfect spot. They laid the tile, built the walls and counters, and hung the ceiling themselves using local materials whenever possible. The counter tops came from Riverbend Sawmill in Leesburg, the reclaimed wood walls came from Blue Ridge Timber Company in Round Hill, and the coffee bar was built using doors from an old home in Winchester.
That’s right, I said coffee bar. Apparently in Portland great coffee and cycling are like peanut butter and jelly. There are over 70 successful such bike shops there and it does make sense. Fueling up before you start or enjoying a nice espresso after your ride seems to go hand in hand. As a matter of fact, offering excellent coffee is so important their coffee machine came all the way from Florence, Italy. They’ve also brought in the folks from Hopscotch Coffee in Winchester to teach them how to use it properly.
The coffee is great, but cycling is the main attraction. Bikes range from under $500 to $10,000 for a high end road bike made in Italy or Spain. Fittings and rentals are available, and they plan on offering clinics and no drop rides in the near future. They also have a top notch service area run by former Ironman mechanic Bill McCarrick.
The grand opening is scheduled for tomorrow, May 10, rain or shine and you can always find them on Facebook and Twitter. I encourage you to stop by and say hi, you might end up finding a new hobby!
Cheers,
Mike
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RT @LoCoMusings: Welcome to the newest bike shop in Loco @VelovilleUSA. Their grand opening is tomorrow, stop by and see them: http://t.co/…