The cycling shops of the Greenbrier Valley
There’s so much wilderness and charm to bike through in Greenbrier County that 3 local bike shops are all thriving in this small-town spot.
Whether you are an avid cyclist or new to the sport, these shops can help help you rent, buy, or fix a bicycle. You might even find a new group of friends to ride with, too!
Stop by one of these shops before hitting the trails to get all the gear you need to be safe and keep rolling:
1. Appalachian Bicycle Co., Lewisburg
Owned and operated by certified mechanic Stu Schwab, Appalachian Bicycle Co. sells Trek and Ibis bicycles, as well as specialty items to make your biking experience better. Pick up a car rack, cycling computer or trainer at this boutique bike shop, in a prime location in quaint but bustling historic downtown Lewisburg. Although their showroom is small, just ask if you don’t see what you need— Schwab is happy to order a product for you that isn’t in stock.
Get your bike tuned up in their full-service area, all at very reasonable prices. Ask when the next group ride is heading out, or grab a map and explore the Greenbrier State Forest, Monongahela National Forest, or the nearby Cranberry Backcountry.
“A good thing about Lewisburg is, we are a gateway community to the Monongahela forest, so just out of town is true backcountry riding,” Schwab said. “It is a true mecca for riding here, with Snowshoe and Tea Creek wilderness.”
And it’s not just the forest riding that makes Lewisburg a cycling Almost Heaven.
“We’ve got all kinds of riding here, the road cycling is really phenomenal, just because from town it’s a really rural area,” Schwab said. “You’ve got rolling farmland to midrange mountain climbs and descents. You can start in town and do a century ride with 10,000 feet [of climbing] that starts and ends in town.”
2. Free Spirit Adventures, Caldwell
Free Spirit Adventures hears the call of the wild that burns in all of us (okay, most of us) and has all the services to help you make the most of your time in Greenbrier County. Just down Route 60 from Lewisburg, Caldwell sits right on the Greenbrier River— the perfect spot for your next adventure.
Tucked in the woods of Appalachia, just 2 miles from The Greenbrier and 1 mile from Greenbrier State Forest, you have tons of options for things to do in the area, from whitewater rafting to rock climbing. But cycling really shines here with the 78-mile Greenbrier River Trail.
Rent or buy a bicycle at Free Spirit, or have your own bike repaired. Bike rentals come with a helmet and souvenir water bottle, so there’s no need to fuss over what to pack or buy a helmet for a vacation.
Sign up for a shuttle service to get up to 75 miles away, or ask for help planning a cycling adventure in the Greenbrier area. Free Spirit Adventures is a small, family-owned business that cares about the cycling community and believes that good customer service means treating every customer like family.
3. Greenbrier Outfitters, White Sulphur Springs
Whether you are staying at The Greenbrier resort, another local hotel, visiting friends or live in the area but interested in exploring a new favorite sport, Greenbrier Outfitters has cycling something for anyone looking to push some pedals. Rent a high-end Cannondale or Gary Fisher mountain bike, Trek kid trailers, tag-alongs or kids’ bikes for a half or full day.
Take a shuttle to the Greenbrier River Trail, or sign up for a guided group ride if you want some help along the way.
Greenbrier Outfitters also offers a variety of other activities like kayaking, hiking, geocaching, aerial adventure courses, archery and even falconry.
This post was last updated on July 28, 2020