FOR BREAKING NEWS VISIT www.qns.com AUGUST 18, 2016 • TIMES 23 buzz QUEENS Finally, Ridgewood has a full-service bike shop BY MARIA GOTAY editorial@ridgewoodtimes.com @RidgewoodTimes A full-service bike shop has fi nally arrived in Ridgewood! Located on 60th Avenue off Myrtle Avenue, Bike Slug offers repairs and tune ups, and sells new bikes and accessories. Bike Slug in Ridgewood is the second shop of owner Alex Picca. Alex became interested in building and repairing bikes while working as a guitar craftsman. Although the pieces that make up guitars are much more delicate, it struck a deep interest in mechanics. “There were these universal trades I learned working with my hands,” he explains, which soon led him “to understand a higher standard of technical skill.” Picca took his vision to steel and aluminum, brake pads and chains, and began a bike delivery service, which repaired and customized old bikes and delivered them anywhere in the fi ve boroughs. Eventually, the business transitioned into a full-time store, and the fi rst Bike Slug Shop was born in Bed- Stuy in 2012. Four years later, and they’ve expanded into Queens. Since July 5, the bike shop has been open seven days a week. Though Picca lives in Park Slope, he loves the bike ride over to Ridgewood, claiming 69th Avenue as one of his favorite bike lanes in the city. Forget the New York Biker attitude; inside Bike Slug, you’ll be greeted with a smile. Have an issue with your bike? Ask and you shall receive; these guys know what they’re doing and have plenty of bike wisdom to share. Whether you’re getting a simple tune up ($75) or just shopping for a new bike bell ($9-12), your bike will thank you for stopping by. Speaking of accessories, did we mention Bike Slug is a one-stop shop for anything you might need? Keep safe at night with USB-powered bike lights ($15-20) or upgrade your bike with one of the variety of comfortable new saddles ($14-33). They also have a small selection of new bikes for purchase, from BMX bikes for $159 to Picca’s personal favorite, the single-speed Fuji Feather, which sells for $389. Bike Slug is conveniently located next door to Vaya Bags, who upcycle bike tubes to create pouches and messenger slings. So whether you’re already a cyclist, or are considering joining the family, Bike Slug is a good place for you to start! Bike slug is open Monday through Friday 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. and Saturday and Sunday from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. and is located at 70-08 60th St., Ridgewood. GVAC to hold fundraiser this month The Glendale Volunteer Ambulance Corps (GVAC) is holding a fundraiser motorcycle show on Sunday, Aug. 21, at the Stop & Shop, located at 64-66 Myrtle Ave. The show kicks off at 11 a.m. and runs until 4 p.m. To enter the competition there is a $15 donation, and a donation of $5 for walk-ins. There will be a 50/50 drawing, along with food and soda for visitors. The Harley Davidson Truck will also be making a stop at the fundraiser. The rain date for the event will be Sunday, Aug. 28. Photos: Maria Gotay/Ridgewood Times
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