Opening bikeshop.
By Motormeisje on April 7, 2006 at 22:22

How it all started.
On http://www.motorforum.nl it was mentioned already, that in the springtime of 2006 a new bikeshop would be opened in Coevorden. I had a look on the website, how far the rebuilding was. I got into contact with Annie, the owner. She would love to get aquainted with me and I promised that I would drop by, as soon as her shop was open. Coevorden is not exactly next to my backdoor. It is 120 km single trip. On a sunny day a nice trip, on a rainy day a drag.

Invitation.
In the beginning of March, I got a mail, saying that the opening was planned in the beginning of April. I was expected amongst the invited few, the fridayevening at 7 PM. The weather had to be extremely good, would I get there by bike, because at this time of year, it can still be very cold and certainly at night. From time to time I get an update from Annie, about the progress of the (re)building and the furnishing of the bikerstore. Along with the mails, my curiosity grows, towards Annie, her husband Ko, as well as to the whole picture of the shop, the workshop and the showroom. Then the invitation drops on the doormat. The official opening for the invited is on April 7th in the evening at 7 PM. Looking at the weatherforcast and the temperature, we choose to take the four-wheeler.

The opening.
According to the route planner it is a trip of an hour and a half. So we need to leave home in time. A quick snack and off we go. We have planned to drive by Emmen, but that is impossible and there is a detour by Hoogeveen. When we arrive in Coevorden, just before 7 PM, Annie walks up to me immediatly. She had a quick look on my website just before, she hoped to recognise me and she did. When I came out of the car, she knew who I was. So we got aquainted and after a short speech by Annie, Koos of the BMCM-club (British Motor Cycleclub Middelstum) cuts the ribbon together with a woman. Now my curiosity can be fed. Annie has a very nice large shop and of course we didn't come empty-handed.

The bikeshop.
What caught my eye immediatly: the workshop is in the shop itself. So open at the back of the shop. From the coffee-corner you can see what is happening to your bike, by the mechanic. Gives me a good and honest feeling. Well, the success of a bikeshop is depended by 3 things. First the reputation of the mechanic. That is ok. Second: the service that is given. The goodwill is there. Thirdly, of course, the quality of the coffee. I've tested that personally and can only be positive about it. This evening there are drinks and snacks. I wish I could stay a bit longer, but Roel has to rise very early the next morning.

Betty Smit.
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