Green River Cyclery and Busted Bike Cafe Grand Opening

I attended the Grand Opening and ribbon cutting ceremony for the Green River Cyclery and Busted Bike Cafe yesterday -- also still going on today -- the first time I'd done so for any bike shop (or any business at all, that I can remember).

The shop has been in existence since some time in 2014. How is it that I hadn't heard of this place until just a little over a week ago? Regardless, I have now, and I can say that I'm glad. A fellow rider had opted in for their Grand Opening on Facebook, which then showed up on my news feed. Hurrah for social media!

I'd introduced myself to Josef Forsberg, owner, over Facebook messaging prior to the day. I came in with some ride flyers for the Elbe Multi-Strada Loop Ride and the Lucky Masochist's Gravel Deuce, and business cards for Mjolnir Cycles and he welcomed me warmly. We had a short conversation, and then I took a look around.

The layout of the shop is a little different than anything I'm used to, and it is a refreshing change: the checkout stand is right in front of you when you walk in the door, and the shop/repair station is right behind it. To the left lies a 4-sided display of tools, locks, pumps, and patches, and clothing beyond. A half-dozen or so bikes are on display also.

But the thing that sets this business apart is the area on the side of the bikes. A full cafe, with sandwiches, pastries, coffee (and this being Seattle-ish and all, it's not just coffee -- full barista fare), beer and wine. Wait, what? Beer and wine too?

There's a Calfee fit-cycle to help with getting your ride dialed in perfectly, Brooks saddles, Surly, Jamis, and State bikes, Park tools and Pearl Izumi and Surly clothing. And several other items and lines I'm missing.

As I waited, I bought a sandwich and drink, and talked with some of the others that were gathered around. Turns out many of the people there were extended family. I had a nice conversation with Josef's father, Bruce, about bikes and the shop. At some time, Bruce related, Josef told him that he had been his inspiration for picking up cycling and eventually opening the shop. Josef's wife Kyla had always wanted to run a cafe, so this is their dream and collaboration.

There's a great atmosphere here. I can easily envision dropping in for an issue with a bike, and dropping into the cafe for a repast while the mechanic sorts it out. Or just stopping in as a refresher during a long ride.

The shop is not large, and I don't think it needs to be. At 8 S. Division St in Auburn, situated just a block east of the transit center, in sight of City Hall, and just a short hop from the Interurban Trail, they've got a good location. While this isn't so much "local" to me, I make my way into Auburn often enough that I can still stop in a couple times a month without going out of my way.

I wish them well, and see good things ahead for them.