LITTLE ROCK — Bobby’s Bike Hike is not the first bicycle rental shop in central Arkansas. Since 2007, David Fike has provided bike rentals, repairs and ride support in North Little Rock.
Recently he has changed the name of his shop from River Trail Rentals to Fike’s Bikes.
Fike’s Bikes stands on the waterfront within the river wall between Interstate 30 and the Junction Bridge. In addition to one-time rentals of bicycles, the shop offers monthly subscriptions with discount rates.
Fike, who is working on a new website at fikesbikes.com, said that the North Little Rock portion of the River Trail affords some of the best riding in a natural setting available in the area.
His customers have ready access to Little Rock via two nearby pedestrian-bicycle bridges, or they can ride west following the River Trail and back roads to Two Rivers Park.
His rolling stock ranges from child- and adult-size cruisers to Giant road bikes, mountain bikes, hybrids, recumbents and tandems.
On his original website, rivertrialrentals.com, he lists rental fees for four hours or 24 hours, and they vary with the type of bike. For instance, four hours with a single-speed adult-size cruiser is $16 ($30 for 24 hours). All rentals include water, helmet, lock and trail map.
He also offers repairs, serves snacks and coffee and sells beer, and many local bike club rides begin and end at his store - which has a party space he rents out for events. Currently he’s building a cover for his patio as well as a bandstand. Many of his customers are regulars with their own bikes, but he hopes more visitors to downtown will make the trip across the river. He noted that the completion of the Clinton Presidential Park Bridge in October has made the north side much more accessible to bikers.
Summer business is usually a bit slower due to the heat, so Fike typically keeps his shop open mornings and evenings. Anyone willing to brave the heat of the day - between 10 and 3, generally speaking - should call ahead to reserve a bike.
More information is at (501) 374-5505.
ActiveStyle, Pages 28 on 06/25/2012