Cycling has become so popular during the COVID-19 pandemic, that The Bicycle Shop in Sarnia is spinning its wheels trying to keep up with demand.
Owner Scott McPhee said sales started off slow in March, but got rolling quickly when people realized sporting events and activities would be shut down.
"It's an individual sport that people can get out, get on bikes and go, keep their distance while they're riding and they're able to cruise around and get their exercise," said McPhee.
McPhee said sales at the 406 Front St. N store have doubled.
"In a month and a half, I would say we're doing the sales of three months. The problem with that is because the industry as a whole is up 400 per cent, availability for bikes has gone through the roof. The industry is sold out. Our suppliers right now have no more stock."
McPhee said bikes aren't being made to replenish the stock.
"Normally our inventory starts rolling through again in June, and July you see some of the new product coming down the pipe and unfortunately that isn't going to happen until August, September, October of this year."
He said they've had customers come from Toronto, London and Windsor to pick up bikes.
McPhee said he's never experienced anything like this in the 24 years they've been in operation.
"This is off the charts. We've had definite increases in bicycling in the city, we see it increase every year, but this is definitely the busiest it's been."
McPhee said they're also selling lots of skateboards, scooters, paddleboards and handling bicycle repairs.
"The other tricky part for store owners right now is their availability of trained employees and who wants to work, versus who doesn't want to work. Who feels safe, who doesn't."
Five staff are currently working at the shop, which is operating at reduced hours during the pandemic.