Open Roads Bike Program

Hi, I’m Benjamin, the new shop manager - Portland, Oregon export, recent Kalamazoo arrival, and part-time human, part-time bicycle gremlin. I’ve spent years in the nonprofit bike world, so joining Open Roads feels less like starting a new job and more like I followed a trail of loose ball bearings back to my natural habitat.

You’ll usually find me deep in conversation with a bicycle, teaching our apprentices, test riding bikes, or mysteriously appearing whenever someone says “that noise just started.” Outside the shop, I’m a maker of things, music, art, and kitchen experiments.

I believe bikes are one of the most powerful tools a community can have (transportation, connection, joy) and also believe that baskets belong on bikes. Where are you going to put that perfectly shaped rock you just found? In a basket. Racks and baskets, please!! Bags are cool, too. Put stuff on your bike.

Anyway - I’m super excited to be here and to be part of the magic happening at Open Roads.

Come say hi, bring your bike, your bike problem, or your favorite oddly specific cargo.
Open shop hours: Thursdays & Fridays, 2–6pm