Vintage Bike Swap-Garland, Texas

My Day at the Bike Swap

Lots of oldies but goodies.

Today I checked out a local vintage bicycle swap meet, the first of it's kind in Garland, Texas. Garland is not known for it's bike-centric community, but there is a growing interest in cycling in this city that neighbors Richardson. Tucked away behind a self service car wash off the main interstate is Don Johle's Bike World. One of the only if not the only bike shop in town, it is a small but welcoming place for new cyclists as well as those already dedicated to cycling. Don Johle's was the host of today's event, an event which I got to participate in as well as showcase my vintage yellow Schwinn. The day's event was filled with heavy cruisers,  WWII era bicycles,  BMX, monstercross bikes, and the cat's meow of Schwinn Stingrays, Lemon Peelers, and Racers. 

It was great to get all the local feedback as well as valuable information from other bicycle restorers and enthusiasts alike.  I look forward to more events like these in my area. Here's a few pictures of the day's event.

Yours truly, Author of the Bicycle's Point of View. Courtesy of Suburban Assult

My vending stand and my featured bicycle.

BMX oddity. This is a six person BMX tandem.

Cruiser of the motorized variety.

Loved this British workhorse of a bike. I'll get one someday.

The raffle prize.

Schwinn's galore- All your 1960's boyhood dreams coming true. BMX precursors.

Participant on his custom cruiser.

Events like these help raise community awareness about cycling in a fun, non Lycra-clad sort of way. My hope is that cycling continues to grow in Garland as projects like the DART rail expansion and other city's efforts get acknowledged and recognized by the local community. Stay tuned for more reports like these from other cycling related events in the North Texas area. 

Richardson, Texas At a Glance

Richardson on an evening ride

Kids Playing at a square at close to Gatalyn Park. Transit Oriented Developments are becoming more common in this area

A last minute end of weekend urge drove me to go out to Richardson and do a little bit of cycling photo-journalism.  I managed to get on my bike just as the sun was setting. Although this short article does not do full justice in relating my experience, it does capture some points of interest along the North Richardson bike trail system. I will have to continue reporting on Richardson as time allows, although I can truly say that this city is already becoming one of the safest and most bike friendliest city for cyclists in Texas and among other states as well. Here's a couple of snapshots that I took today before night fell and left me in darkness. Below is a similar route of the trail and bike lane system in Richardson.

Find more Bike Ride in Richardson, TX

Proof that there are dedicated bike lanes here as well.