Wentings Cycles is preparing to celebrate its 40th anniversary of serving the community.
In the fall of 1978, the Wenting family was approached by Jack and Joan Carson regarding the opportunity to purchase their small bike shop, Planet Earth Cycles. Bill and Peg considered it, and the deal was finalized with their oldest son Doug moving over from the Abbotsford Cycle Center, where he had been wrenching and selling.
The name was changed to Wentings’ Cycle Shop on Dec. 1, 1978, 40 years ago.
Plans took a major change when Doug was killed while racing the Tour of the North in Belfast, Ireland in April of 1979.
Staff and family kept things running until Bill retired from BC Hydro. Peg kept the books, and Don, Bruce and Jim came in after school and as other jobs allowed.
The original store was only 650 square feet and more space was needed. A 1,200-square-foot location on the street front became available. In 1981, Bruce came on for the busy seasons, eventually becoming full time in 1984 just as a move to a 2,500-square-foot space came available.
Over the years, the family kept up their attachment to the sport, assisting athletes with equipment and organizing events. On the walls of the current shop proudly hang jerseys from many great Canadian champions – Vince Hartmann, Alison Testroete, Ricky Federau and Svein Tuft, to name a few.
The shop still has a strong commitment to the local club, with spin classes on Wednesday nights and Friday night shop classes.
Wentings Cycle and Mountain Shop today occupies 5,200 square feet and employs 10 staff, including Bruce’s daughters Elizabeth and Kathleen. The store operates seven days a week, including a satellite shop at the local arena, where patrons can grab a snack while having their skates sharpened.
On Dec. 1, the store is celebrating the passage of 40 years by inviting supplier representatives, local dignitaries and clients old and new for cake, door prizes and raffles.