I was up at Tampa V-Twin the other day and got some sad news. Jan and Del told me that they will be closing the doors for good in a few weeks and retiring to Vermont. Tampa V-Twin up on North Florida Ave. will be no more.

T V-T was the first bike shop I went to when I moved to Florida in 1990 and I've been a regular customer ever since. I've had a lot of good times with the parade of people that worked there over the years. Guys like Charlie (RIP, I'll never forget the "fruit jars" at Christmas), Tony, Roy, Phil, Wayne (from Wayne's World of Hogs) and a host of others. It was one of the few businesses that never tried to hose me on parts or any work I had them do for me. BTW they said they are clearing out their inventory at greatly reduced prices on everything.

Jan and Del were good, friendly people and I will miss them. I wish them the best of luck and hope they get to enjoy their retirement for a hundred years.

 

That’s too bad. At least you had a good run. Do you know any other Indys?

 

Yep, good folks there!! I hope they enjoy retirement. Guess I'll use The Ride Factory from now on if I need anything...

 

.....

 

Thunder Bay Cycles on West Hillsborough Ave. in Tampa are extremely good folks also. That and the fact that Cody's Cycles formerly located way down on Lithia Pincrest Rd. has relocated to MLK Blvd. about 1/4 mile east of S. Parsons Ave. in Seffner leaves me in good proximity for access to parts and technical assistance if needed.

 

Oh really? I'll be damned, spoke with her lil over a year ago and it was they were gonna make it permanent here. I'll have to stop in and BS with them see whats up. I remember when she started racing years back.

 

For anyone in the area seeking another local independent shop, we would be happy to have you out to the shop for a visit anytime! Our address is 2101 N 22nd St, Tampa, FL, 33605. We are located right in the heart of Ybor City just south of I-4.

 

Reinhardts just North of Tampa V twin is a pretty good shop in Lutz's.