It’s a time for celebration at Rollin’ Thunder.
After opening its doors for the first time in 2004, the store is celebrating its 20th anniversary this year.
Kurt Breitsprecher, owner of Rollin’ Thunder Bike Board and Ski, says it’s been great to see the biking community grow during that time.
“When everything started, it was a small close-knit group, and it’s been amazing to see everything grow and blossom - to see the changes that we have has been fun,” Breitsprecher said.
“There’s a real buzz in that atmosphere that surrounds our entire cycling community and it’s grown year after year. To be a part of that is pretty awesome.”
Rollin’ Thunder shop manager Daniel Fiorito has been with the store for 17 years and has seen a lot of familiar faces come through the doors over that time.
“We’ve had little kids that were just getting into biking when I started here, and now I’ve seen them grow up into some serious riders – some even starting to work here with us,” Fiorito said.
“You have the long-time customers, but you also have a lot of new faces, especially over the last couple of years.
“COVID wasn’t a great time - but that’s when a lot of people found biking. You saw some families that just wanted to get into something to pass the time, and now they are out at all the races and getting really involved.”
Rollin’ Thunder is involved with many events and organizations throughout the community, including the Thunder Bay Cycling Club, the Blacksheep Mountain Bike Club, and any non-profit clubs that are looking for help.
“We’re more than willing to come and help and support your group or your event in any way possible,” Breitsprecher said.
“Anytime that you can go and help expand the mountain bike facilities in the city, you’re going to get more and more people involved in the sport, which is what we’ve seen in Thunder Bay.”
“There are young kids riding with their parents and they’re racing and they’re having a heck of time. They don’t care if they win or lose and that’s what the sport is all about. It’s about going out, having fun with your family and friends and are just enjoying the outdoors.”
Rollin’ Thunder isn’t just about bikes though. They also sell gear for alpine skiing, cross-country skiing and snowboarding.
As the business has grown over the last two decades, Rollin’ Thunder has prided itself on staying close to its roots.
“We want to be an inviting place where you can just come in and it doesn’t necessarily feel like a big corporate store,” Fiorito said. “We want it to have that grassroots bike shop type of feel.”
“Every single one of our staff is passionate about the sport - we want everyone to feel that same love for the outdoors as we do. By getting out and supporting these local events, taking pride and being honest in the items we service and products we sell, and just trying to be a positive part of this community, I think we’ve done a good job of helping foster that passion in the store.”
“It gives me a sense of pride to know that we are a big part of our cycling and skiing community in Thunder Bay,” Breitsprecher added,
“That’s what keeps me going every day as I try to be more helpful and get out to the events that I can.”
To celebrate their 20th anniversary, Rollin’ Thunder has partnered with Norco Bicycles to give away a full suspension Norco Fluid FS4, which is valued at $3000
In order to be eligible for the raffle, people can donate time or money to the Blacksheep Mountain Bike Club, all of which directly supports our local trail system.
Every hour that’s spent attending the trail’s build days gets one entry, and an entry will also be given for every $10 that’s donated to Blacksheep.
The winner will be drawn during the Canadian XCM MTB Championship races on Saturday, Sept. 7.
