Since 2022, Bart has been the friendly face behind Fond du Lac Cyclery, carrying forward the incredible 44-year legacy started by John and Carol Bartow. When Bart, a former engineer, was ready for a new adventure, he decided he needed to chase a longtime passion.

A longtime bike lover, Bart was drawn to the idea of turning his love for cycling into something that could bring joy to others. Whether it’s road riding, mountain biking, commuting around town, or cruising with his daughter, Eleanor, they believe any time on a bike is good time — even if they don’t get quite as much ride time these days (turns out bike shops are a little busy during peak riding season!).

Bart is all about speed — flying downhill on a mountain bike, grinding out miles on gravel, or hitting that meditative rhythm that only a long solo ride can bring. While he tends to ride alone, he loves how cycling connects people, and he’s always happy to slow down and bring someone new along for the ride.

At the heart of it all is the belief that bikes are for everyone, and that cycling should be fun, welcoming, and empowering.

So, whether you’re a seasoned rider or just curious about getting started, stop by the shop and say “hi”!

Eleanor hopped on her balance bike at just a year and a half old. In those early days, it was all about a few cautious steps at a time — but by summer, she was confidently rolling off curbs, hunting for tree stumps to roll over, and giving her parents more than a few grey hairs!

As a tall-for-her-age kiddo who’s always ready for her next adventure, it didn’t take long before she was ready to pedal. Even with training wheels, Eleanor was tackling 4 to 5 mile rides like a champ. Some of her favorite spots include Lakeside Park and the section of the Loop behind the high school — she especially loves the rumbly sound the bridge makes under her wheels.

She’s had plenty of two-wheeled time with her parents, Alyssa and Bart, riding along in their cargo bike (aka the family minivan) or tagging along in the Burley Trailer or Tag-along. But this summer marks a big milestone: Eleanor is ready to ride on her very own mountain bike! For the past year, she’s been completely captivated by her parents’ “muddy bikes,” and will walk around the shop and confidently declaring, “That’s the helmet I’m going to wear when I’m a mountain biker!” or “I’m going to wash my bike here after it gets muddy!”

Growing up in a bike shop has been a special experience for Eleanor. The team knows her as “The Big Boss,” and they’ve all become like family. She asks about them if it’s been a while since she’s seen them and has a unique bond with each one.

When you ask her what she loves most about biking, the answer is easy: Pizza Rides, going “super speedy,” and sharing it all with friends.

What started as screen time quickly turned into trail time for Ryan and his son, Jordan. The two loved watching YouTube videos of skilled cyclists tackling challenging trails—and before long, they were inspired to get bikes of their own and join the fun.

To get set up, Ryan and Jordan initially shopped online, but after having a few fit issues, they headed to Fond du Lac Cyclery. Our team took the time to learn about their goals and helped them find the right Trek trail bikes, making sure everything fit just right. With gear in hand, they were ready to hit the trails.

For Ryan, riding is more than just exercise—it’s a way to connect with nature and spend meaningful time with his family. One of their favorite spots is the Fond du Lac Loop, a smooth and scenic trail that winds through the city and beyond.

Eight-year-old Jordan is soaking up every moment on his bike. He’s been studying his YouTube heroes closely, picking up tips on how to ride with control and confidence. But what he loves most? The thrill of flying downhill!

Having an activity that brings parents and kids together is something Ryan truly values. He’s constantly amazed by what his children are capable of, often doing things he never imagined they were ready for. Watching them face challenges fearlessly inspires him to push past his own doubts, too.

Back in 2011, Derek gave the Cellcom Marathon a shot. He finished the race—but not without losing three toenails and realizing the marathon scene just wasn’t for him. Derek’s always been more of a lone wolf, and cycling quickly became his outlet. It’s his escape, his freedom. With five bikes in his collection, he can hop on whichever one fits his mood and just ride.

Over the years, Derek has racked up some impressive achievements. He’s stood on the podium at the Tour of America’s Dairyland (ToAD), earned state championship titles in multiple disciplines, and even qualified for the Senior Olympics. But for Derek, every ride is more than just a race—it’s a step toward his next challenge, a way to keep moving forward.

Life hasn’t always been smooth for Derek. He’s a recovering drug and alcohol addict. He used to smoke a pack a day and struggled with his weight. His past led him down some difficult paths that caused pain for both himself and others. But cycling has helped turn things around. It gives him something that addiction never could—positivity, purpose, and a clear sense of direction.

While he enjoys the solitude of cycling, Derek knows he’s not in this journey alone. He counts on Bart and the crew at Fond du Lac Cyclery to keep his bikes in top shape. He might not be a bike mechanic, but he knows when something’s off—and he trusts the team to get him back on the road, ready for whatever comes next.

Matt isn’t someone who naturally gravitates toward traditional workouts—but cycling? That’s a different story. It keeps him fit while satisfying his craving for adrenaline and adventure. His love for riding started back in college when he was training for triathlons. Since then, he’s taken on two Olympic-distance triathlons, two half Ironmans, and even one full Ironman.

These days, with a busy career, Matt makes the most of his time on two wheels. He carves out moments to hit the trails at CamRock Bike Park in Cambridge and his go-to routes in Greenbush—his favorite way to recharge and get moving.

As Matt’s lifestyle shifted from college competitions to career and recreational riding, so did his bike. Now he’s all about the features that come with an e-bike—especially the tech and data that help him make the most of each ride. He opted for a sleek, lightweight model that’s more about performance than looks. For Matt, it’s a tool built for purpose.

Back in his college days, he’d unwind by building dream bikes online. So, when it came time to invest in an e-bike, he saw it as just that—an investment in his health and future. The personalized care from the team at Fond du Lac Cyclery made the process even better. They helped him find the perfect fit and made sure he had everything he needed to ride with confidence.

Matt’s also a big believer in cycling safety. As a healthcare provider, he’s seen firsthand how important it is to wear the right gear and keep yourself safe. Thankfully, safety tech has come a long way, and the crew at Fond du Lac Cyclery can set riders up with protective gear that’s both effective and comfortable.

Lisa is all about the hills—she actually seeks them out! For her, they’re not obstacles, they’re fun challenges to conquer on two wheels. Every ride is an adventure, and she rarely heads out for anything less than 20 miles. Some of her favorite rides are along the paved trails from Fond du Lac to Sheboygan—pure joy on a bike.

Earlier in life, Lisa’s competitive spirit led her to train for a triathlon. She already had running and swimming down, and cycling was the perfect third piece. These days, she finds joy in group rides and being part of the local cycling community. For her, it’s all about connection, shared passion, and the good vibes that come with riding together.

For nearly two decades, Lisa has been leading group cycling classes at the YMCA. Her energy and enthusiasm are contagious—she has a way of drawing people in and helping them push past their limits. She loves feeling that spark in the room, and she hopes it sticks with her students long after class ends.

Over time, Lisa has also become close with the team at Fond du Lac Cyclery. They’ve made her feel welcome and supported her cycling journey in so many ways. Her advice for anyone thinking about getting into biking? Don’t be intimidated! There’s nothing to be embarrassed about—cycling is whatever you want it to be.

For Darren Munson, it’s all about having the right bike for every occasion and the perfect ride for every season. He’s taken part in six triathlons and even once biked round-trip from Fond du Lac to Stevens Point, a journey that took him nearly eight hours each way—before cell phones were around to help with navigation!

Darren learned to ride a bike at just four years old—no training wheels, because he was eager to hit the road. By the time his mom came outside, he was already on his way! Fast forward to sixth grade, and he was racing bikes. Darren kept competing throughout high school and college, and his time working at Campus Cycle gave him valuable insight into how bikes work and how to get the most out of them.

When it came time for Darren to find a commuter bike, he turned to the friendly folks at Fond du Lac Cyclery. From the moment he walked in, he felt like part of the family. “They made me feel so welcome and treated me just how I wanted to be treated,” Darren says. “Whenever I’d come back, they’d remember my name and greet me like an old friend.”

Now with a properly fitted commuter bike, Darren’s ready to ride. As a math teacher and soccer coach, he’s always looking for ways to improve, both on and off the bike. If you’re thinking about getting back into cycling or buying a bike for the first time, Darren encourages you to tap into your inner child. “Start small—don’t worry about going big right away. You’ll be amazed at how far you can go before you know it!”