Many have grown to know and love Grey Ghost Bicycles over the years, so we’re thrilled at the opportunity to share the latest from the guys - Dan, Paul, Steve, and Niles, which just so happens to include their awesome new home on Lawrence Street. From some background on how they got started, to their favorite rides, and the transition to the new space, read on to hear more from Grey Ghost.
How did you catch the cycling bug? Why do you think it stuck?
Steve: For me, it may have been watching the Olympic Road Race in 1984. Watching Alexi Grewal outsprint a much faster Steve Bauer to win the gold medal really lit a fire in me for the sport. I always liked the freedom that riding provided me and still does to this day.
Niles: I fell in love with cycling when I was around 11 or so. I would ride my bike through Gansevoort, sometimes for transportation, but mostly for something to do. Ever since, I have been on two wheels for enjoyment.
Steve Fairchild & Niles Gagnon at Grey Ghost
For beginners… what’s the best way to get more involved in the sport?
Steve: Pedal your bike! Biking to cycling can be a different thing to different people and one in the same to others. It may be a 100 mile century ride, a mtb adventure race, a local group ride, or simply a cruise on the bike trail. There is a great support system locally for all types of cycling and a wealth of information as well.
Niles: To start, find something you’re interested in. Not all that love cycling do it to compete, most do it for fun. Now with all the different types of bikes from road to mountain to gravel, ebikes, hybrids, there is a bike for everyone.
Let’s chat about cycling in general… what do you think are the top benefits of getting involved in the sport?
Steve: Cycling can be a lifelong sport, it’s great exercise and fairly easy on the body. It can be competitive, a solitary relaxing activity, or a very social one as well. You get to choose what you want it to be!
Niles: One of my favorite things about the sport is the freedom of where a bike can take you. I recently did an event that takes you through some really rough jeep roads in Vermont, something a regular motor vehicle could not pass, and the bike can take you through it with ease. It’s all up to how far the rider wants to push themselves and their equipment.
What would be some of your top tips and tricks to be aware of before getting serious about the road?
Steve: Be aware and careful. There are a lot of distracted drivers out there, but I feel the roads are still as safe as they were 20 and 30 years ago. Cycling has grown in popularity greatly in the last few decades, so while we all hear about how unsafe the roads are, there are more cyclists and I feel more awareness for cyclists these days than when I began riding in the early 80’s. There are also bike paths that you can choose to ride on initially until you are ready to conquer the local roads.
Niles: Top tips for the road would be - don’t skimp on good cycling clothing. From good shorts, which are what provides the padding, to a nice helmet that is light with good venting. These items will keep you comfortable out there which will make you want to ride longer. Now as for the road itself, it can be a very dangerous place with traffic. I suggest learning all the quiet roads in your area, make sure you understand and obey the traffic laws, and don’t be afraid to explore. Washington County is one of our favorite places to ride, with tons of quiet roads and lots of different terrain options.
How would you describe the local cycling community?
Steve: The local cycling community is very active in my opinion for small town USA. There are groups to ride with pretty much every day of the week if you look a little. It is rare I go on a ride anywhere these days without seeing other cyclists out and about. When I first started riding we would be lucky to see 15-20 riders for an entire season, and we usually knew everyone back then! That is not the case these days, you could likely meet new riding partners everyday.
Niles: The local cycling community is great. There are a number of different core groups that are always doing rides, not just on the road too.
Dan: The local cycling community is strong and active. I see more people and different people out riding on the roads and the trails every day. In addition, the local communities have seemed to embrace cyclists at a new level. Take a look at the recent Bicyclists Bring Business initiatives around New York State.
You offer a cool variety of group rides over the season… is there a crowd favorite?
Steve: Has to be the Donut 100 - it’s a long, long day, but you get donut stops! Maple Bacon Donuts from King’s Bakery Donut Cart in Cambridge, NY does not disappoint.
Niles: It’s tough too pick one but I would say the Metric Loop for Janey’s Ride, our ride we do on Mother’s Day to support the breast cancer fund at the Glens Falls Hospital. It is a 62 mile loop leaving from Common Roots Brewing and heading into Washington County, around Lake Cossayuna and through some of the nicest views in the whole county. There are also two shorter ride options for Janey’s Ride, a 30 mile and a 15 mile.
My personal favorite is The Donut 100- a ride where we head to Cambridge and get donuts at Kings Donut Cart then proceed to Manchester, VT for more donuts and a taco stop for lunch. The ride is about 120 miles all said and done. A great challenge.
Let’s get caught up on the tech a bit. Do you have any favorite new gadgets or design features that you find most helpful?
Steve: I’m partial to electronic shifting and carbon wheels, I need all the help I can get as I get older :)
Niles: There are a ton of items to make the riding experience more enjoyable. Narrowing it down to one or two is hard because they are different for everyone. The one thing I can say that everyone can enjoy is how comfortable bikes have become. Frames have more flex built into them where they need it, and the geometry offers a comfortable position. That teamed with a good bike fitting will ensure you enjoy your cycling experience.
How has technology made an impact on cycling over the past decade?
Steve: Technology changes have been non stop in the last decade. Hi tech carbon, electronic shifting, constantly evolving mtb suspension systems, pedal assist e-bikes. There has been tech upgrades to just about every aspect of every bike available. They all make for a more enjoyable experience.
Niles: The tech in the way frames are manufactured has allowed companies to make bikes for the road that are not only fast and efficient but extremely comfortable to ride. In the past ten years I can’t even begin to scratch the surface on how far mountain bikes have come. From frame geometry to shock technology, pretty much everything has changed in the dirt world and all of it has been for the better.
Your website mentions your favorite rides… what it is that makes them your favorite?
Steve: Palisades Road in Brant Lake - it’s just a really cool scenic fun road to ride on! I can get there easily and ride it whenever I want. It never disappoints.
Niles: Most of these are our favorites because they get you off the beaten path and off the main roads. Some take you by some scenic sights, some are just fun routes with twisting country roads.
Paul: With the new Kelly Bedford tandem, my latest favorite rides are anywhere that I can get out with my son, Max.
Dan: My favorite rides are evolving as well. I love the exploration component. Exploring a new town, county, state, or country on a bike gives unique perspective and a thrill.
We all know it, change is the only constant… how’s the move into the new space and location been?
Steve: It’s been fantastic. The store space is more open and inviting. To have our own parking lot so customers don’t have to drive around looking for parking is wonderful.
Niles: We love our new space. It’s always tough moving from your first location, but it has been well received by our customers. We have a much wider space that makes it easier to shop and walk around, and best of all there is no more hunting for a parking spot, we have plenty. And the bike path is right out back!
Who is your favorite cyclist of all time?
Steve: Greg LeMond, bar none. When I raced my bike in France, which was at the tail end of his career, he was more popular with the local French than their cycling stars. His accomplishments changed the sport for future generations.
Niles: I’m fairly new into following competitive cycling but if I had to pick one from years past I would have to say Greg LeMond. Current cyclist to watch would be Mathieu van der Poel.
If you could sit down and shoot the breeze with any current cyclist in the world who would it be and what would you ask them?
Steve: Peter Sagan. How do you ride a wheelie, uphill, on your time trial bike? Tour de France 2019......
Niles: I would sit down with the current US Cyclocross champ Stephen Hyde. I would have to image the conversation would consist of a lot of talk about trucks, he has really awesome older pickup. He is a total character, FYI.
Cycling seems like such a fun adventure… we bet you’ve got a story or two. How about one of the most inspiring ones? Or most humorous?
Steve: More than a few in 35+ years of being a cyclist. Helping a child ride without training wheels for the first time. Because you know you just opened up a whole new book of adventure for them. Some other stories are best untold :)
Niles: We have a youth mountain bike team (NICA) that consists of any kids in 7th-12th grade. When we get the group together each spring, some have been on the team for a few years and some are new to it and new to the sport, and it is great to watch them grow with their abilities and see them help each other. From helping each other through the trails to cheering teammates on at the racing, seeing the interaction and love for the sport is great. Getting kids into programs like this, whether they want to race or just ride with the group, helps to get them excited about cycling for years to come!
Anything you’d like to share about what’s on the horizon for Grey Ghost?
Steve: There may be a thing or two on the horizon, we can’t give all our secrets away. Stay tuned!
Niles: We are always looking for things to help grow all aspects of the cycling community so be on the look out for new events and rides, workshops and other fun events.
Niles Gagnon, Paul Fronhofer, Dan Fronhofer, and Steve Fairchild at Grey Ghost
Thanks guys!
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