Absolute Bikes has been the primary bike shop in downtown Salida for more than 20 years. Owner Shawn Gillis has seen a lot since then and took time to reflect on the changes brought on by the coronavirus pandemic and how the shop has adapted.
“Chaffee county is surrounded by 90 percent public lands; a lot of the mental therapy that people go through in this town is to get out and exercise” Gillis said, “We feel really lucky to be a critical service that Governor Polis listed us as.”
For Gillis and his staff, the hardest part is not knowing what lies ahead each day.
In these times, practicing social distancing is “just like riding a bicycle”, something you (should) never forget – Courtesy photo
“We’re helping people out with things that they need at that moment. It’s basics like putting air in tires and new chains on “It sounds simple but our business model is a social engagement. We now have to limit that.” he explained. Absolute Bikes is concentrating now on essential repairs instead of preventative maintenance, sales and rentals.
Another learning curve the store has faced is delivering their trademark customer service while enforcing new rules. Gillis says it was awkward at first, but they’re adjusting to greeting customers with a smile and new guidelines, like “the hands in the pockets rule,” to keep people from touching too much.
The team is the core of the store and it has come together through this tough time, “We wouldn’t do anything differently” he added. “The team comes up with a plan that everyone is on board with and sees it through. Every customer you come in contact with, you wash your hands,” he continued.
The team has experimented with different soaps and local disinfectants as well. “We’re very appreciative of the local places in Salida that have made them and passed them around,” he added.
Through all the unknowns, Gillis said there is a silver lining “there’s a lot of caring that’s going on. When people say how are you? It’s actually heartfelt and sincere instead of just a greeting. We’re watching people really, really care. The other day someone was in the shop and I’m talking to them and I go ‘oh I’ve got a mask on’, underneath this I’m really smiling and saying thank you.”
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