FORT WORTH, Texas (BRAIN) — Mellow Johnny's Bike Shop is planning a grand opening Saturday for its new Fort Worth location, which is being operated as the bicycle component of The Trailhead Cycling and Fitness Center.
Mellow Johnny's was founded in 2008 in Austin, highlighting co-owner Lance Armstrong’s longtime sponsor, Trek Bicycle. The new location, however, is a Specialized Elite dealer, offering bicycle sales, service, rentals, training, rides and clinics.
“It was really the only opportunity we had in that region. There was a competitor nearby with Trek already, so regionally they did not want to participate,” Mellow Johnny’s partnerships manager Todd Church said of the affiliation with Specialized.
The Austin location continues as a Trek dealer, he added.
"We cannot ask for a better team to operate the bicycle component of The Trailhead Cycling and Fitness Center," said Cassco Development Co., which operates The Trailhead. "With their vast experience and brand distinction, Mellow Johnny's will help heighten and promote cycling at Clearfork, on the trails and within our city."
"The Trailhead vision is a perfect fit for Mellow Johnny's," said Will Black, the store's general manager. "The development is a vibrant gathering place for fitness and life, and that is exactly what Mellow Johnny's aspires to be." 
Future elements planned for the 13,000-square-foot facility include Pedal Hard, an indoor training center led by former professional cyclist Kevin Livingston, as well as Press Café, a full-service, trailside restaurant with a rooftop bar.
The Trailhead will continue offering its free outdoor fitness classes and activities on Saturdays throughout the fall.
"The location on the trail makes riding a bike a safe, easy, and fun choice," said Black. "Riders of all abilities can enjoy riding without worrying about auto traffic, in a non-intimidating setting. That's the key to getting more people on bikes, which is our mission."
The grand opening event on Saturday will begin at 7:30 a.m. with several group rides leaving from The Trailhead, along with a social run, plus a ribbon cutting, various local food and beverage options, and family-friendly activities.
In addition to Specialized, the Fort Worth location’s other bike brands will include Moots. The new store is at 4801 Edwards Ranch Road, on the riverfront along the Trinity Trails hike-and-bike system.
