Riding a bike is a timeless activity that, for some people, has been part of life for many years. This includes the owner of Birch Bay Bike Shop, John Roy, who solidified his deep passion for biking in high school.
Photograph by Tristyn MacDonald
The Birch Bay Bike Shop opened in 2023. Roy is the main employee, with occasional help from his wife, Carolyn Roy. He saw something great in the local biking community, which he felt had been underserved. Before this, the nearest bike shop was at least a 20 minute drive.
He hoped to deepen his connection with the community.
“If I’m working on a bike or doing something and someone comes in, I walk over, shake their hand, thank [them] for coming in. That’s just missing [these days],” Roy says.
Photograph by Tristyn MacDonald
Anyone is welcome in the shop, current rider or not. For some, getting on a bike can be intimidating for a number of reasons. His inventory includes standard bikes, but is mostly made up of electric bikes (e-bikes). As e-bikes have grown in popularity over the years, he’s seen how they can help people regain the confidence to get riding again. It makes biking more accessible. Roy himself has been riding one for the last six or seven years.
With an e-bike, Roy says, “You can go more than a few miles, and kind of get out there and get the wind in your face and get kind of that fun feeling again. So they’ve just leveled the playing field and allowed people to get going again. And it’s still good exercise.”
Maybe someone had a bad experience, has health concerns, is recovering from an injury, or is even just nervous about keeping up with people. It can be a fun way to rejoin a community you have lost connection with or start something new.
Photograph by Tristyn MacDonald
In addition to selling, Roy offers in-shop repair service. It’s important to him to try to complete these in a timely fashion. He kindly requests that any big repairs be brought to him in the winter, giving him ample time to do so. He offers pick up and delivery, including for repairs—a service he wants to continue developing.
He’s realistic with customers about the best option. Whether it means they’ll save money by scrapping the bike and starting fresh, or if there’s something better-suited he can recommend elsewhere. Above all, Roy wants the right fit for customers and will never put the money before the people.
Photograph by Tristyn MacDonald
Roy’s goal for the future of the shop is only to deepen his connection with the community in any way possible. A more light-hearted way he connects with people is through his Instagram page, @dogsofbirchbay. It’s a collection of pictures of all the furry friends who have come into the shop, now somewhat dedicated to their late terrier, Henry, who passed away in 2024. On longer days, he says there’s nothing better than seeing a dog walk in and getting a big ol’ lick on the face. He encourages all dogs (and people) to stop by. 4823 Alderson Rd., Ste. 105, Blaine, 360.922.2447, birchbaybikeshop.com
