New Bike Store to Open in Avon

Mike Woytowick met co-owner Paul Stephan at least 20 years ago as a customer in the sporting goods store.

The two have long talked about opening a bike store and that is finally coming to fruition as they prepare to open Ridgeline Bicycles right next door, possibly by next weekend.

"We're definitely excited about opening," said Stephan, who owns the building. "So far, the spring weather is cooperating."

The name is a tribute to the Avon Mountain ridge, Stephan said, which many can see from the bike trails. Some also mountain bike on the ridgeline.

"We thought it would have good synergy with Sartorius," Stephan said.

As it so happens, many customers have come into Sartorius over the years looking for bikes, he said.

Woytowick called the Farmington Valley the "hub for so many mountain bike trails" and said that biking is a lively part of the region, especially with the extension of Rails to Trails in Collinsville last year.

The bike store will carry a range of bicycles from kids bikes to road, comfort and mountain bikes, as well as helmets, shoes, clothing and bike accessories and parts. Giant Bicycles will be in stock.

While it is a separate business from Sartorius, which Stephan owns with his brother, Chris, he said he hopes that it will have the same family-friendly atmosphere. The brothers grew up in West Hartford, but now live in Avon.

"A lot of bike shops are intimidating, but our goal is to have a comfortable atmosphere. No question is a stupid question," said Woytowick, who will be available to help people from "all levels of biking."  

A large part of Sartorius has been community involvement. The Stephans have coached fifth- to eighth-graders in the town's lacrosse league for the past 25 years. Sartorius sponsors many local events, such as the River Run in Simsbury scheduled for April 29, according to runnersworld.com.

Woytowick, a Torrington resident, previously owned Straightline Bikes & Boards in New Milford for about seven years. He used to live in Canton, where he worked at Benidorm Bikes for many years.

The 2,500 square feet space in the Sartorius building opened up after .  was slated to move in, but that fell through.

Ridgeline Bicycles, which will be open seven days a week, will also offer bike repair services. Its hours have not been announced at this time.

Ridgeline Bicycles will open soon in its location at 177 West Main St. in Avon.

Editor's Note: Mike Woytowick's last name was spelled Woytowiack in an original version of this article. The error has been corrected. 

If there's something in this article that you think should be corrected or if you have questions or a news tip give Avon Patch Editor Jessie Sawyer a ring at 860-356-6339 or shoot her an e-mail at Jessie.Sawyer@patch.com. Join in on the Avon Patch conversation on Facebook (www.facebook.com/AvonPatch) and Twitter (www.twitter.com/AvonPatch). You can also add your own announcements and events or apply to blog on Patch.