Bike shop to offer test drives of some of the best on market

Berridge Bikes slated to host event Sunday at Bringle Lake Park East

Texarkana cyclists have a chance this weekend to test ride some of the best-regarded bikes in the world.

Texas-side shop Berridge Bikes and Boards is sponsoring a Giant brand bike demo Sunday at Bringle Lake Park East.

“It would be like Ferrari showing up and saying, ‘Hey, come test drive’ or Chevy saying, ‘Hey, come test drive a Corvette.’ It’s that kind of opportunity,” Berridge Bikes owner Terry Berridge said.

Giant is “the world’s largest manufacturer of good, bike-shop-quality bikes,” he said. Though the company makes models that are accessible to the average rider, its topend designs will be the focus Sunday.

“Giant makes great bikes all the way down to the $300-ish dollar range, which is going to be your good, bread-and-butter, go-out-and-have-fun, durable bicycles that last a long time. But of course when they show off bikes, they’re not going to show off their $300 bike; they’re going to show off their $3,000 bike,” Berridge said.

Thirty to 40 on- and off-road bikes will be available to take for a spin, and riders can try out more than one. Giant’s team of elite mechanics and racers will be on hand to answer questions, as will a crew from Berridge Bikes.

“We’ll be out there to help people get fitted, find the right bike that feels comfortable for them and give it a pedal around,” Berridge said.

Berridge Bikes has been a leader in building and maintaining the mountain bike trails at Bringle Lake East, which are separate from the wilderness hiking and running trail there. Local cycling fans have volunteered to create bike trails suitable for beginning and intermediate skill levels, and an expert-level loop is on the way.

“That’s pretty much the premier (local) mountain bike trail to go play on right now, and it’s growing. We’re adding on to it,” Berridge said.

“They have really been great helping us, and they do a lot of work maintaining it, too,” said Robby Robertson, Texas-side parks and recreation director.

The demo takes place from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Sunday at Bringle Lake Park East, 7500 Bringle Lake Road. Riders must have a credit card and identification for a security deposit and bring their own helmets. Bringing their own pedals is optional.

For more information, call Berridge Bikes and Boards at 903-794-2453.

On Twitter: @RealKarlRichter