If you’re a budding bike enthusiast or maybe a more seasoned cyclist, you’ll find plenty of camaraderie at Blood Sweat Gears Bicycle.
Owner Keith Isenberg started in the industry in 1996 while attending college in Pennsylvania, where he learned the finer points of bicycle service and repair. After graduation, Keith pursued a career in web development, but his passion for cycling kept circling back to inspire him. After seven years of training and learning the industry from companies such as Cannondale, Trek, Shimano and Rockshox. he opened Blood Sweat Gears in 2007. Even now, as a small business owner, Keith is an avid cyclist, racing his road, mountain, and cx bicycles — riding almost every day of the week!
“We are small, we live locally, and I think that sets us apart,” says Keith. “It’s normally only me and Cameron in the shop, so you get to see the same people when you come in!”
Cameron Moss, fellow mechanic and cyclist, began cycling in high school just for exercise, but after his first group ride, he was hooked! He worked as a bike mechanic for the U.S. National Whitewater Center in 2009, while attending UNC-C, and since graduating, has continued to pursue his own passion here at Blood Sweat Gears. He loves all cycling, including road, mountain bike, and cyclocross races.
However, the true guiding light behind Blood Sweat Gears has always been Keith’s mother, co-founder of the shop, and also a cyclist — Robin Isenberg. Robin passed away August 9, 2015, after battling ovarian cancer for three-and-a-half years. The annual Robin’s Ride for Hope honors her memory and her influence, while raising awareness for the most silent cancer of all.
“She is such an inspiration, and still very present in the shop,” says Keith. “She helped so many people in this community with her passion for cycling, and will be remembered fondly by those whose lives she touched.”
One of Keith’s own favorite memories is he and his mom often caring for Keith’s infant daughter there in the shop.
“We took turns playing with her, and most people don’t get that experience with their mothers — it’s one I treasure!”
This year’s edition of Robin’s Ride for Hope — partnering with the Town of Mt. Holly and Teal Butterfly, the non-profit supporting ovarian cancer awareness — will be held Saturday, August 12, 2023, beginning at the Mt. Holly Farmer’s Market, 226 S. Main Street, in Mt. Holly, NC. The race will include 50K & 100K routes with rest stops, with pre-registration $25, and day-of registration, $30. Registration will open at 7:00 a.m. that morning, and the ride will start at 8:00 a.m.
A reflection of both Keith and his mom, Blood Sweat Gears has always pursued a commitment to quality, service, and level of products — seen in their impeccable selection of bicycles and accessories. They stand firmly behind every sale, including these services with the purchase of any new bicycle:
- Lifetime adjustments, inspections, and safety checks ($50 value)
- Free basic tune-up after six months ($125 value)
- Free bicycle fitting (priceless!)
Blood Sweat Gears also offers repairs, bike fit, custom wheel building, and a kids’ trade-up program. Keith is also proud to be part of the first National Interscholastic Cycling Association (NICA) team — for grades six and up — in Lincoln County. NICA is a non-profit that promotes high school mountain biking across the United States.
“We are currently a composite team, which means we have multiple local schools involved to form a single team,” explains Keith. “The end goal is making mountain biking popular enough among middle and high school kids, that every school has its own team.”For all your cycling needs, and for the finest local service around, visit Blood Sweat Gears Bicycle at 108 Killian Farm Road in Stanley, NC. Reach them at 704-822-8803, on Instagram @bsg_lkn, or online at bloodsweatgearslkn.com where you can also register for this year’s Robin’s Ride for Hope. Shop hours are Monday, Tuesday, Thursday and Friday 10:00 am – 6:00 pm. Saturday 10:00 am – 5:00 pm, closed Wednesdays and Sundays.
