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
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
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.
Great tribute to Transports, nice work Sam! Their weekly runs around Rockridge were one of the best perks of living in the neighborhood for me. And their trail runs in the summer pushed me to discover new routes that I probably never would have ventured to on my own. Every community needs a store like this. Even after moving to the North Bay I still love seeing their updates via email and Strava and re-run the old routes whenever I'm back in Oakland/Berkeley.
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
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.
Thank you so much, Sarah. Transports is an East Bay institution!
Great tribute to Transports, nice work Sam! Their weekly runs around Rockridge were one of the best perks of living in the neighborhood for me. And their trail runs in the summer pushed me to discover new routes that I probably never would have ventured to on my own. Every community needs a store like this. Even after moving to the North Bay I still love seeing their updates via email and Strava and re-run the old routes whenever I'm back in Oakland/Berkeley.
Thanks so much, @Chris Jennings! Agree, it’s a real node of community connection and exploration. Every area would benefit from such a space.
Great story! I'll always look back at my time at Transports with a smile ☺️
Same! Thanks so much, Tim!
I remember the Transport centipede going by at Bay to Breakers, taking the corners like a choreographed dance. 🙌 Great write up.
That team was so fast! I was on it for a couple years and was lucky to even be the fifth or sixth man on the squad.
That looked to be the hardest slot of all, getting whipped around like an empty trailer. Kudos! 🙌
I need to start doing the voiceover again.
I love your voiceovers, Raz!
That's genuinely all the encouragement I need. Thank you!