REPLY TO: dje@xxxxxxxxxxxxxx
-----Original Message-----
From: dje@xxxxxxxxxxxxxx [mailto:dje@xxxxxxxxxxxxxx]
Sent: Tuesday, May 22, 2007 5:41 PM
Subject: Bike Route move update; burglary
Greetings, all. Please forward this to whomever might be interested.
Thanks in advance.
A quick update for cyclists all around about our move...as is so often the
case in life, there's good news, and there's bad news. First, the good:
The move, so far, has gone well overall. We only had two down days from
closing down operations in Westgate Regency, to opening for business at the
new digs beside Harmony Gardens. We're still not completely settled in, but
hey, we're open, functional and operational. A common refrain when asked
for product has been, "yes, we have it...we're just not sure if we can
easily find it." We appreciate everyone's patience in our disarray.
Until this weekend, the biggest headache was our credit card machine going
toes up and having to run CC sales manually. A few hiccups and headaches
later, along with some sore muscles, but hey, we got through it, and wheels
are turning, if you'll pardon the pun.
Daily sales and foot traffic have been good, I'm pleased to say. The space
itself and the location have been working out as well as---if not better
than---expected...especially given that we haven't ramped up our advertising
campaign. Besides the GCC, Tri-Gators and RideWet e-mail lists, it's mostly
been word-of-mouth. Thanks to everyone who's visited the shop, and
spreading the news on our behalf.
As to the shop colors...IT WAS LIKE THAT WHEN WE GOT HERE! No, the
lavender, pink, turquoise and other colors aren't going to stay that way,
though it does get folks attention...just not in the way I want it to. Ed
Joy from GCC is going to be painting the exterior in the near future, as
soon as our respective schedules come together.
And yes, we know we need proper exterior signage. The banners out front are
merely a stop gap at best. Cindy Pagel, also from GCC, came out and is
going to give us some options that will be more permanent, and eye-catching.
The website (www.bikeroute.net) has been updated (finally), though it, too,
ain't quite done...but it has current info, new location, address, phone
numbers, and a new look and feel. Take a look when you have a chance. Oh,
and there's been a problem cutting over the e-mail, so if you need to reach
us electronically, please use this MindSpring account.
We'll be having a grand opening weekend in the near future, once we're more
settled. Details will follow, so stay tuned. We may time it to coincide
with the Harmony Gardens Hot Pepper Festival, scheduled for the weekend
after Father's Day.
Now, for the bad news...
Less than three weeks into the new location, early Sunday morning, I got a
call from our security company saying we were broken into. Police were
dispatched, including a K-9, and fingerprints and photos were taken.
So far, we have been able to ascertain that three (3) road bikes were taken:
the brand spankin' new 2007 Scott Addict R3, sizes 54, 56 and 58, were
stolen. This is one of the most sought-after and rarest road bikes for
2007, so they should stick out like sore thumbs. Very few have shipped
domestically to date. Each was priced at $6150. Here's a link:
http://www.scottusa.com/product.php?UID=9810
If you see anyone riding one, or have any information about the bikes, the
incident, or those involved, please let us or the police know, ASAP. We
have serial numbers for the bikes, as do the local authorities.
Note: there are numerous Scott CR1 bikes that are around town now. The
Addict has the name printed on the top tube by the stem and head tube. If
you click on the link a pick Zoom, you can see it clearly.
I am prepared to offer a reward of up to $1000.00 for each of these three
bikes for information that leads to their recovery, and the arrest and
prosecution of the perp(s). Please keep your eyes and ears open. Who
knows? You might end up with a quick $3k in your pocket.
Any information is greatly appreciated in advance. We also appreciate
everyone's good thoughts, prayers, well wishes, and patronage of the new
location, and hope this is an isolated event. Please come out and see us.
We know you'll be glad you did.
Best regards,
Doug Estok
President, GearHeads, Inc.
d/b/a The Bike Route
10100 NW 13th Street
Suite B
Gainesville, FL 32653
USA
386.462.5250 (V)
386.462.5251 (F)
352.262.5834 (C)
Douglas Estok <dje@xxxxxxxxxxxxxx>
www.bikeroute.net
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