This month, we interviewed RideTHISBike, a Reid retailer located in the lively French Quarter of New Orleans, USA. With their store being open for over a decade, they’ve sold and rented bikes to a variety of notable people, including Beyoncé’s sister and Laurence Fishburne!
Continue reading to hear more about RideTHISBike's intriguing store stories and who else they've encountered over the years!
INTRODUCE YOURSELVES...
I’m Larry with RideTHISBike. I opened my bike shop in the French Quarter as a direct response to Hurricane Katrina. Primarily, I sell bikes for practical transportation and leisure riding in the city.
WHERE CAN YOUR STORE BE FOUND?
Straddling the Museum of Death in the 200 block of Dauphine, just a block from the nonstop revelry of Bourbon Street and 1 1/2 blocks from the vintage streetcars (electric trolleys) of Canal Street.
WHAT DOES CYCLING MEAN TO YOU?
Freedom. Calm. Solitude. Being one with nature. Joy.
HOW DO YOU INTEGRATE WITH YOUR LOCAL COMMUNITY?
I collaborate with local artists to create custom bikes and give old bike parts to local crafters to be recycled into other objects. For example, there is someone that makes masks for Mardi Gras out of our discarded bicycle tubes and a counter culture crafter that makes flogging whips (for fun, she says).
DO YOU HAVE ANY INTERESTING STORE STORIES YOU CAN SHARE WITH US?
Are you kidding? My store is in the epicentre of one of the world’s truly most interesting cities…
Being in the French Quarter, I have quite a few famous people that have walked through our doors but what interests me most is the variety in the makeup of our customers. The Quarter is very bike friendly so it's common that people here use bikes for leisure, commuting and running errands.
Street tap dancers, trombone players, 24 hour dive bar shot girls, waiters from restaurants like Arnaud’s and the Vampire Cafe, dancers/bouncers from nearby strip clubs, Tarot card readers, A&B list Hollywood actors, an international orchestra conductor, famous musicians on tour - all these and more have purchased bikes from us.
Some of our bikes have even been costumed and featured every year in Mardi Gras parades. In fact, we lead a ride in the Star Wars themed parade known as Chewbacchus, where we ride as the Rolling Elliot’s with an oversized E.T., handing out candy to thousands of people.
Also, when Beyoncé’s sister (Solange) got married here, they rented bikes from us. Morpheus (Laurence Fishburne) came in one weekend with his family and rented bikes (yes, Reid bikes are in my rental fleet and guests love them). Another street musician bought a bike to pull his grand piano so he could play on the Mississippi River & the Cafe du Monde, etc.
HOW LONG HAVE YOU BEEN A REID RETAILER?
For as long as I have been buying from Olympic Supply, a bike distributor in Wisconsin, which is at least a decade.
WHAT IS YOUR BEST SELLING REID PRODUCT?
With its pastel color ways and classical lines, this step through is a popular choice.
HOW HAS YOUR EXPERIENCE WITH REID BEEN?
Great. Reasonable pricing for a decent product with excellent support.
FINALLY, WHAT ADVICE WOULD YOU GIVE TO THOSE WHO ARE CONSIDERING GETTING INTO BIKE RIDING, OR PERHAPS HAVE NEVER TRIED IT BEFORE?
Don’t buy on hype. Find a bike that’s comfortable to ride and appeals to you. The more you like your bike, the more you will ride.
Whether you're a New Orleans local or just visiting, make sure to stop by RideTHISBike to find your dream bike or rent one for the day! It's a perfect way to explore the vibrant French Quarter. Plus, if you're in town for Essence Fest from July 4th to July 7th, don’t miss the chance to rent a Reid bike for the weekend!