Viking Cycle Works Grand Opening

Spinning Wheels

Noted cyclist and travel writer Willie Weir was among those on hand for the grand opening of Berry’s newest Student-Operated Campus Enterprise, the Viking Cycle Works.

Weir, a columnist for Adventure Cyclist magazine and frequent contributor to public radio station KUOW in Seattle, took part in the ribbon-cutting ceremony for the new on-campus cycle shop and also delivered an hour-long presentation in the Evans Auditorium that focused on his adventures cycling around the world.

Weir’s enthusiasm for cycling set the perfect tone for the launch of Viking Cycle Works, located in a red brick building adjacent to the Audrey B. Morgan and Deerfield residence halls. The shop is within easy walking distance of the popular Viking Trail, a three-mile concrete route connecting Berry’s main and mountain campuses.

Led by sophomore Casey Retterer, a staff of eight student workers offers a wide variety of bicycle repair services for fellow students, faculty, staff and alumni. Aaron Jermundson, director of multimedia services, and Dennis Goshorn, director of housing, are the staff co-managers.

Hours for the new enterprise are 1-6 p.m. Monday, Wednesday and Friday through April 30. An abbreviated schedule will be followed during the summer months. No services are available to the general public at this time.

Student-Operated Campus Enterprises is an award-winning initiative launched in late 2008 to complement Berry’s premier on-campus work experience program. It provides students with the opportunity to gain real-world business and leadership experience while working together to market on-campus goods or services. Eleven pilot enterprises have been launched to date.

Story courtesy of Berry College