What’s a man to do when he can’t find bicycles for his children? Open his own shop, of course. It was the 1970’s and time for new bikes for the kids. Trouble was, they were hard to find in the area at that time. So Jim and Kay Pearson started their own business, Pearson’s Bike Shop at 164 S. Fifth St. in Hughesville. And it turned out to be a great idea–something that Jim loved doing and that proved successful.

It was a part-time business for many years until Jim retired from the US Postal Service in 2010 and opened the bike shop full-time. Though Kay helped in the shop off and on over the years, and has always been the bookkeeper, she had her own beautician practice until a few years ago, and was kept very busy.

“I haven’t really had other employees for quite a while,” Jim says. “For many years, there were always kids hanging around the shop– watching, helping. And I hired some of them–the Seely brothers, I remember, and several others.” He noted the change in the last several years. “Kids aren’t riding bikes like they used to–you’d see lots of them everywhere at one time. Guess they’re doing other things now.” Rumor has it that many go online instead of outside.

Pearson’s has a good variety of different bikes for sale, new and used. Electric, Mountain, Comfort, kids’–whatever kind you might want. The shop is also well-stocked with bike parts and bike accessories .

If you’re looking for those items or bikes, new shipments are always coming in, so Pearson’s will have or get what you need. Stop in and see Jim. He’s usually in the middle of assembling a new bike or repairing a used one. He’ll accommodate your requests, and you’ll see what joy and pride he takes in the bike business. Hours are Monday through Friday, 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. and Saturday, 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.