Shenandoah Bike Company (SBC), tucked beside a river, is one of the longest standing businesses in Harrisonburg, Virginia. Bikes fill the yellow walls from floor to ceiling, the smell of tires and wood wafts through the air and the feeling of community leaves a consumer feeling at home.

A local, community business was thought up by Thomas Jenkins and Tim Richardson in the late 1990’s. Nine years later, they opened their doors to the public. The shop provides bike repairs for the local community. Currently Jenkins is the sole owner of SBC, as of two years ago.

“I always had a desire to own my own business,” Jenkins said.

Jenkins describes how in 1920-2000s the town was not very vibrant and there were not many businesses.

“I wanted to do something to encourage that growth as well,” Jenkins said.

If you turn to the right, as you walk through the door, you will see Pulp Café. The café provides a colorful and inviting environment run by Manager Luke Watson. They serve healthy and comforting juices, smoothies and acai bowls.

The community played a key role in supporting SBC in various ways.

“With the support of the bike community as a whole,” Jenkins said, “it made what is always a challenge opening any business, I think as smooth as it can be.”

For more information about SBC, visit their website.