There’s an exciting new sports retail hub emerging in North West Berkeley around San Pablo Avenue and Gilman Street. A cycling/triathlon and a cycling bag store are moving in, both close to the emerging Gilman Crossings development which will include a soccer shop and a running store. Gilman Crossings developer Matt Holmes of Retail West says it’s all part of a plan to create a community of sports enthusiasts in the area, which is also close to the Tom Bates soccer fields, Harrison Park, Berkeley Skate Park, and bay trails.
BEYOND AERO A new store focusing on cycling and triathlon is getting ready to open at 1411 San Pablo Ave. (one block south of Gilman) in a newly renovated space. Beyond Aero will cater to cyclists and triathletes of all levels and abilities, and is scheduled to be ready mid-May. Expect to see bikes on offer from brands like Cervélo (pictured above), Boardman, and Guru (pictured left), as well as apparel, parts, and accessories. Beyond Aero will also offer a full-service bicycle repair center, and a fit center. Owner Andres Douzoglou told Berkeleyside he is very excited to be opening the store. “We’re new residents to the area (two years) and have loved every second of our time spent here and have no intentions of moving. The Bay Area has the country’s healthiest, most diverse, and inclusive cycling and triathlon communities and we’re thrilled to be in the center of it.” Douzoglou added that he is hoping to foster a retail environment in which people can find what they need while “incorporating the community feel we all enjoy while out on the road or at the races.” For more information about Beyond Aero, visit Beyond Aero online.
INSIDE LINE Inside Line, which makes handmade bags in California for cyclists, hikers, photographers — and anyone else who wants a durable, functional, but also stylish bags — opened its retail store this week in the former Wilderness Exchange space at 1407 San Pablo Ave. (just south of Gilman). Inside Line says their products are designed “with strength and simplicity in mind, and the style and elegance found in cycling itself.” And they offer a lifetime warranty on all materials and craftsmanship. Connect with them on Facebook for updates.
KAZE Reader Neil Berkman tips us off that a ramen and Japanese noodle shop is preparing to open at 1956 Shattuck Ave. (between Berkeley Way and University Avenue), next door to one of Berkeley’s three Body Time locations. We’ll bring you more when we have it.
RISING SUN ENERGY CENTER Rising Sun Energy Center recently relocated to 2998 San Pablo Ave. at Ashby. Development manager Abbey Leonard said the move has allowed the green workforce development and retrofit services non-profit to centralize its operations, which were previously spread across three separate facilities. Now, she said, they have “a beautiful and well-equipped classroom (with room for a computer lab), a warehouse, and a construction workshop, all right along side our office spaces.” The organization has just started its first on-site Green Energy Training Services (GETS) program cohort — training adults with barriers to employment for entry-level work in the green construction and energy efficiency industry. For details, visit Rising Sun online. The organization is also gearing up for its first major fundraising event, Bright Night, which is coming up May 1.
Shop Talk is our regular column in which we post updates on Berkeley businesses. If you’re a Berkeley business with news, or a Berkeleysider who has spotted a change in your neighborhood or on your travels, shoot us an email with the details. Read previous Shop Talk columns, and check out Bites for the latest East Bay restaurant news.
