“Life’s better with your knees in the breeze.”
The colorful leaves scurry behind your tires when you take a ride through the North Country in fall.
“That’s the great thing about where we live; we’re surrounded by great places to ride,” said Roger Goldsmith, owner of Saratoga Motorcycle Center.
It’s a beautiful ride to Sacandaga Lake, said Goldsmith. Another nice trip is around Saratoga Lake, going through Stillwater, Schuylerville, and into Washington County.
“It doesn’t matter if you’re going for an hour or for the whole day, it’s all right here for you. My friend commented once after he just moved up here, ‘I can’t believe it, I just pull out of my garage and it’s beautiful countryside everywhere I go’,” he said.
CRAFTING A BUSINESS
Roger Goldsmith is a motorcycle enthusiast who grew up riding. Although his favorites are the Japanese bikes from the 1980’s, he’s experienced Harley Davidsons, Ducati’s and more.
“I tend to keep more than I should. I love them all,” he said.
Goldsmith was the original owner of the Crafter’s Gallery on Broadway. After 24 years, he sold it in 2017 to pursue his hobby. Now, he’s turned that hobby into a business, the Saratoga Motorcycle Center.
It hasn’t come without a few bumps in the road, however.
After receiving a building permit on January 10th this year, the anticipated April shop opening was pushed back when the town shutdown construction for six weeks to prevent possible COVID transmission. The 8000 sq. ft. building was finally completed this fall. It includes a 3,000 sq. ft. retail shop and service center as well as a 2,000 sq. ft. RB1-zoned retail space still available for lease.
GETTING TRACTION
Already getting good traction and seeing a steady flow of customers, Saratoga Motorcycle Center is a retail shop selling motorcycle and ATV parts and accessories. They also provide installation and other services.
Now is a good time to get a general check of fluids, brakes and to pick up stabilizer before storing your bike for the season, advised Goldsmith. If you have a project in mind, like adding extended handlebars or installing saddlebags, the fall is a much better time to do it than in the spring when you’re raring to get out on the road.
On September 23rd, the official ribbon cutting for Saratoga Motorcycle Center was held with the Saratoga Chamber of Commerce and others in attendance. Certificates of Recognition from Senator Daphne Jordan and Assemblywoman Carrie Woerner were handed out.
GRAND OPENING CELEBRATION
On Saturday, October 3, from 9 a.m. until 4 p.m. stop into the Saratoga Motorcycle Center, 4284 NY Route 50, Saratoga Springs for their Grand Opening Celebration.
Enter to win giveaways from Parts Unlimited, Drag Specialties, Western Powersports, Hard Drive, and Power Racing. Sweet Caroline’s Pies will be offering pie and pastry samples and sales.
From 12 to 3 p.m., grilled hot dogs, snacks and desserts will be served. Live music will be performed by Jeff Brisbin.
This event is FREE and COVID compliant. Please wear masks and maintain social distancing.
For more information, find Saratoga Motorcycle Center on Facebook or call 518-886-8319.
