Arsaga’s owner Cary Arsaga (standing) and local contractor Marc Gunter work to install a new bicycle repair station Wednesday afternoon near the Frisco Trail entrance of the new coffee shop and creperie off Dickson Street.
Photo: Todd Gill, Flyer staff
If you find yourself with a loose lug or a low tire on your next downtown bike ride, you’ll be happy to know there’s a new bicycle repair station that’s free to use on Frisco Trail.
The new station was installed Wednesday afternoon at the trailside entrance of the new Arsaga’s coffee shop and creperie, thanks to a collaborative effort from a local resident, two business owners and an area non-profit organization.
The new station is located at the northwest corner of Arsaga’s.
Photo: Todd Gill
Quin Thompson, an avid cyclist and Bicycle Coalition of the Ozarks board member who recently took a position in the city’s planning department, came up with the idea when he saw a similar workstation in North Little Rock.
“I just thought, ‘I wonder what it would take to get those up in Fayetteville,’” said Thompson. “I started asking around, and found some people who were receptive to the idea.”
Thompson approached High Roller Cyclery owner Chris Dillard, who agreed to purchase the repair station. From there, Arsaga’s owner Cary Arsaga agreed to have the station installed on the coffee shop property next to Frisco Trail, and the Bicycle Coalition of the Ozarks agreed to maintain the stand for two years using a $500 grant promised from the Parker Thompson Family Foundation (via the Arkansas Community Foundation.)
Dero Fixit repair station
Photo: Todd Gill
The Dero Fixit station includes an air pump and several tools necessary to perform basic repairs and maintenance, from changing a flat to adjusting brakes. The tools and pump are securely attached to the stand with stainless steel cables. Hanging the bike from the included hanger arms allows a bike’s pedals and wheels to spin freely during adjustments.
Thompson said he hopes more repair stands can be installed through similar collaborations.
“I’m considering this a pilot,” he said. “I know there are other bike shops in town that would be interested in sponsoring these along the trails.”
Sponsors looking for some kind of recognition for their donation – such as a sign or a plaque – would need to find a private owner who is willing to install a station on their property.
“For now, I’m just excited to see one installed,” said Thompson.
Pretty awesome Fayetteville.
HOLY CRAP AWESOME
This is fantastic. I saw it last night when we were biking on the trail. We also stopped in and had crepes at Arsaga’s for the first time. They were really good. They even have gluten-free crepes. They did a great job on the interior of the building and managed to preserve the historic character. Great atmosphere, nice people, good food, and a bike station – gotta love Arsaga’s!
Good job, Quin! And thanks to High Roller and Arsaga’s! And BCO and Thompson Foundation! And the trail system continues to add to our quality of life in Fayetteville!
Wow. That’s str8 up super dooper (duper?).
This is cool, not just for bikes, but also if my wheelchair needs fixing while I’m out about town then it’s there for me too… Good on ya!
You’re doing a great job Quin!
Great addition to the trail! Collaborating for success, the best way to approach these kinds of efforts.
Go Fayetteville! Awesome collaboration.
That’s fantastic! Thanks for posting the story, Dustin.
Thanks everyone! I would like to point out that this project was conceived as a Bikes Coaltion of the Ozarks project from start to finish, and that’s where credit is really due. I simply managed the project as a board member. The BCO would like to express huge thanks to Chris Dillard of Highroller for his generous support of the biking community, and to Cary Arsaga for the one square foot of property we needed coupled with his trademark boundless enthusiasm.
Give ‘em a square inch, and they’ll take a square foot. Give ‘em a square foot, and they’ll take a nice long ride on well-maintained bicycles.
This is great. Hats off to all involved.
Way to go Quin and everyone else involved! What a cool project. Thanks for being so forward thinking and making it happen! These are the kind of things that keep me here and proud.
BRILLIANT!
am i crazy lost or would this be located on the northwest side of the new arsaga’s not the northeast. im just trying to picture where it would be. hmmmmmm. pretty freekin sweet either way.
Staff note: You’re not crazy. You’re right. Fixed. Thanks.
This is why I love Fayetteville. Something’s in the air.
Arsaga’s on the trail is definitely GirlieGirl Bike Ride “approved”!!! :)
How much does it cost for this unit?
Very cool.
Minor thread hijack: if you don’t already, please put a few lights on your bike while riding Frisco/Scull at night.
Put lights on your bike if you ride at night period. And wearing something other than all black would be appreciated too.
Lights on Bike? If you don’t want to pay the bucks, just tape some cheap flashlights on the front and back. Don’t forget to turn them off.
That’s better than nothing. :)
Awesome! Although i wonder how long it will take for the grafitti thugs to destroy it?
I’m proud of Fayetteville and Quin too—-so happy to have quin and family home!!!