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Sam Robinson's avatar

I also want to give a shout out to a couple other great running stores in the US that I love. Runners Roost is an institution in the Colorado Front Range. It's been some time since I worked at the Denver store, but it was one of the most polished, customer-centered operations I've seen: https://runnersroost.com

Out here in Oakland, Renegade Running is redefining what a running shop can be with a fashion-forward community hub. I interviewed the owners back in 2021: https://open.substack.com/pub/bfastclub/p/7141617_bc-renegade-running

Finally, I want to shout Benchmark Bicycle supply, led by Ben Schowe, in upstate South Carolina. I worked with Ben when he managed Carolina Triathlon and he's easily one of the most interesting people I've worked with in a retail space. Hyper knowledgeable, with a relaxed vibe and eclectic taste in music, he's helped create some of the best small-business retail spaces in the south east: https://www.benchmarkbicycle.com

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Sarah Lavender Smith's avatar

Sam, this story tugs at my heart in so many ways and fills me with nostalgia. Transports was a huge part of my life in the East Bay from when I took up running in Berkeley as a grad student, to when I moved away for good in 2019. I always found belonging and motivation there. I always stopped in to chat with Bev about our kids as well as about running. I attended special events and group runs. Transports was the hub of a very special community. Thanks for writing this.

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