10 years of changing bikes amid 'awesome' faces
GREENCASTLE -- In a business climate where most fledgling businesses are expected to fold within the first five years, making it a full decade is a big deal.
Scott and Lisa Eaton, owners of Greencastle Custom Cycle, recognize this and intend to thank their friends and customers for helping them make it this far.
"After 10 years, it's time to give something back," Scott said.
So for this year's "Run 4 Fun," the shop is pulling out all the stops to say thank you to all those friends. The Aug. 28 event will be a 150-mile bike ride beginning at the shop at 200 N. Indiana St. and making its way back to Quarry Lake Camp Ground outside Fillmore.
The festivities will include a bike show, games, a performance from ABATE Region 6 Battle of the Bands winner F5 and dinner that includes the choice of rib eye steak, chicken and hamburgers.
Camping will also be available, but registration for camping must be done by Aug. 25.
Cost of the ride is $15, plus $5 per hand for the poker run. The price is one of the big ways the Eatons are trying to say thank you.
"When most other rides are charging $30 a person and this one charges $15 and includes a steak dinner, that's a way to give back," Scott said.
As in years past, proceeds for the Run 4 Fun will again benefit local residents in need. This year's beneficiary has not been announced.
The real point of it all, though, has been the friends the Eatons have made in their years of business.
"This has been such a wonderful, pleasurable event to do with the community," Lisa said. "I have made so many friends. The bikes have changed, but the people have not."
For Scott, it's a way to celebrate the shop, and the relationships it has helped forge, without actually being in his work environment.
"I like seeing the people and enjoying their company outside my work atmosphere," he said. "This is the one time a year for me to spend some time with my customers on a personal level, not professional. They are all my friends, and I like to spend time with them."
Through the shop, the Eatons have also made some friends through other businesses. They made sure to note Rossok Insurance and Bumgardner's Auto and Truck Repair, who were their first sponsors for the Run 4 Fun.
While making money is always a must for any business to stay afloat, what the Eatons talk more about are the friends. In 10 years, they've made their share.
"We've seen the bikes come and go, but the faces have stayed awesome," Lisa said.