What other retail establishment closes for a whole weekend to take all of its employees and customers on camping trips?

Sign up for our newsletter

* indicates required

Transit Bicycle Co., the Lower Greenville bike shop, has been doing it for the past three years.

The group of typically about 20 rides bikes from the shop to Cedar Hill State Park hauling their gear, “bikepacking” style. During the weekend they camp out and spend time on the trails around the park. Transit owner Fran Badgett says this “soft-core camping trip” is for all levels of riders and campers. The event is open to anyone.

Swift Industries, a bicycle gear and touring bag brand, organizes the event. It encourages riders to plan bicycle-only camping trips on the summer solstice all over the country.

Late June isn’t the best time for camping in Texas, so Transit has organized three camping trips a year for the last few years to enjoy some of Dallas’ more pleasant weather.

“We are unique among bike stores in Dallas,” says Badgett. “We want bikes to be an every day part of everyone’s life. This event is a celebration of the utility of the bicycle and the triumph of the human spirit. Few things give me the same amount of joy as seeing people enjoy themselves on a bike. I wish I could afford to close the store for a weekend and do this every other weekend.”

The campout will leave from the Transit Bicycle Company at 9 a.m., this Friday, June 23.