Kevin Womac, Owner, Boulevard Bikes in Chicago's Logan Square

Say hi to Kevin here!

1) How/when did you get into cycling as a profession?
I started working in a grungy bike shop the summer after my sophomore year in college. Champaign-Urbana is a terrific place to commute by bike. Obviously we took care of students’ bikes, but over the summer most of the work was for the groovy locals (myself included) that understood how nice it was when 30,000 young folks leave town for three months. Bikeworks is owned by a grumpy hippie named Bruce who could fix anything. He had high standards for new bike assembly as well as repair. We didn’t waste time repairing department store bikes. I learned a lot there, and try to pass it along to the people I work with now.

2) How does your organization directly benefit cyclists?
Boulevard Bikes is a nearly full service shop (we stay away from shock forks and hydraulic disc brakes – DOT brake fluid is toxic). Obviously cyclists benefit from the storefront. In addition I try my best to spread the word about Critical Mass, and from time to time rope employees into volunteer positions. This month we manned the Palmer Square water stop on the recent BLT ride.

3) Do you specialize in a certain type of cycling?
We like touring bikes, and touring cyclists the most. I love to hear itineraries and stories of the road. However our specialty is commuting. (Touring bikes make great commuters too). Fenders, racks, panniers, helmets, lights, etc.

4) What are your "must-have" items for cycling (this could be a tool, an accessory, a food, etc.)
I like to have water on my bike. Whether its for a one mile commute to work or a run downtown, water is most important to me. I think the most important tool to have is knowledge. Get to know your bike. If it is in good repair, you don’t need tools on the road. The next most important tool is a pump. Even without a spare tube or patchkit, you can “blow and go”- pump vigorously and ride as far as possible before repeating.

5) What do you see as the biggest area of opportunity in your niche market?
Biggest area of opportunity? Attracting more noncyclists. Anyone noticed how there seem to be more cyclists on the road as of late? Great, but have you seen how many f’ing cars are still on the road?

6) How do you think the cycling community has changed in the last year or two?
In the last year or two I’ve seen lots more young people (without a good sense of community?) buying bikes and parts online. The internet is really ruining the bike market- and the furniture market and just about everything that was great about Mainstreet.

AND FINALLY......

7) If you could go on a bike ride with anyone (living or dead), who would it be?
In highschool I had a hip English teacher (Gerry LaChance) that sponsored our cycling club. I bought my first Fuji roadbike so as to ride farther with him and my buddies. He’s still in Connecticut where I grew up. I’d love to travel back East sometime with my bike and go for another ride with him. Or better yet have him walk into the shop someday out of the blue.