10
Vail Mountaineer Sunday, May 15, 2011
Be a Diver! Beginning SCUBA Classes May 21st & 22nd June 18th & 19th Locally owned & operated since 1986!
Eagle-Vail • 949.1012
THANK YOU From
MASKED MAN SERVICES
Established 1976 Windows & Lawns Vail 476.4478 Anything Legal in the Service Industry
Your Source for GuitarS, KeYboardS drumS, rentalS, leSSonS and more
Vail Valley’s Only Music stOre 122 Main St. Minturn 949.7976
20
%
off
Monday Madness all plants & wrapped cut flowers
41149 Hwy 6 & 24 • Avon • 949-6617
What Happens in Beauty Happens Here Services Include:
Jamie Chadwick Owner/Stylist
• CUT/COLOR • WAXING • EYELASH TINTING
LOCALLY OWNE Moontime Cyclery works bike magic Bike shop owner takes pride in perfection, service By Phil Lindeman Mountaineer Staff Writer The walls at Moontime Cyclery in Edwards are cluttered with hand tools of every kind: pliers, hammers, screwdrivers, ratchets, and a mind-boggling array of wrenches. While some bike shops choose to display row after pristine row of frames and gear -- almost like exhibits in a museum -- the overall feel at Moontime is more akin to a mechanic’s shop, or an enthusiastic handyman’s garage. For owner Frank Mitchell, that’s the point. “We really pride ourselves on top-quality service,” Mitchell says. “We strive to constantly make bicycles work as well as humanly possible. People will bring in bikes that are three or four years old, and after we’re done with them they’ll say they run better than when they were new.” The tune-up packages show Mitchell’s deep-seated appreciation for a well-tuned machine. Basic service begins at $50, but involves more than most once-overs: Along with one of four techs, Mitchell adjusts brakes, derailleurs, tire pressure, alignment, and drive train lubrication. From there, packages go up in price and attention. With service over $100, a bike is stripped to the frame and rebuilt from the bottom up. Locals have come to appreciate this approach, and Mitchell’s workload shows it: the current turnaround for service is two to three days.
Frank Mitchell, owner of Moontime Cyclery, pauses while tuning a bike in his Edwards shop. Mitchell sells a slew of bikes and gear, but specializes in repairs and tune-ups. Phil Lindeman photo.
Mitchell is an all-around cyclist —“I’ve participated in just about every type of biking,” he says — and the shop is a reflection of his verve for everything two-wheeled, with bikes and gear for trail and road. Moontime is now a well-known name in the valley, but Mitchell got started in the business almost by accident. More than 23 years ago, he went to a bike shop in his native Austin, Texas, looking for a fork. When the owner told him it would take several days to put the part on his bike, he baulked. “I said I’d rather do it myself and he offered me a job,” Mitchell says. In 2000, his love for tinkering
PuPPy SPecial
40
%
Family owned and operated since 1984
All Floor Model off Tempurpedics
Located on Hwy 6 in Eagle Vail 949.1111
970.949.5060
Rootz
Market Place in Eagle Vail 949.5060 10:30-5:30 Tues.-Fri.
Call 748-6788 for more information
LocaLLy owned & operated Since 1969
H A I R
S A L O N
led him to the Vail Valley, and two years later resulted in Moontime. About the shop’s name: Mitchell borrowed it from a tune by Widespread Panic, titled “Porch Song,” which tells of life as seen from the moon. The sole lunar job opening: work at the “moon-time bar and grill.” The song’s easy-going philosophy is one Mitchell takes to heart, particularly on days when he is stuck in the shop instead of riding trails. “Truth of it is, we’re selling fun,” Mitchell says. “You shouldn’t be stressed out or edgy. At the end of the day, you have to be happy with what you’re doing. I think that gets lost on a lot of people.”
Service • SaleS • inStallation Home & car entertainment
25
% Vaccine packages &
off spaying or neutering
new kittens or puppies only
GYPSUM ANIMAL HOSPITAL
970-524-3647 680 Red Table Drive Gypsum CO(just off highway 6)