A new small business brought neighbors together for a holiday tradition it hopes will grow for years to come.
Josh and Kara Klein of Homewood, owners of Still Bike Ride Shop at 6741 South St. in Tinley Park, hosted their first Holiday Ride on Dec. 12. About 15 bundled-up cyclists turned out for fresh air, festive lights and a sense of community during the dark winter season.
The Kleins, who opened Still Bike Ride Shop in March, said the idea came naturally.
“We loved the idea of bringing people together for something fun, free and a good excuse to get out of the house during these cold winter months,” they said.
The group rolled out at 5:30 p.m. into crisp but clear conditions that participants described as perfect riding weather. Riders ranged widely in age and experience, from a determined 6-year-old on his first group ride to a soon-to-be grandfather whose daughter was in labor but insisted he would not miss it. Holiday lights wrapped around bikes created a moving strand of color through neighborhood streets.
Community connection stood out as the most meaningful part of the evening, according to the Kleins.
“There is something special about watching people who might not know each other show up, ride together and leave as friends,” they said. “It is the kind of community feel we hoped for when we opened the shop. Bikes have this way of breaking the ice and making everything more fun.”
Warm pizza, cookies and conversation waited for riders back at Still Bike Ride Shop, giving everyone a chance to thaw out and share stories. The Kleins plan to make the Holiday Ride an annual tradition open to all, regardless of experience level.
As the couple wraps up their first year in Tinley Park, they say they feel grateful for the support they have received.
“We are feeling so blessed and excited to have been welcomed into the community with open arms,” they said. “We cannot wait for more group rides, more gatherings and more bikes in 2026.”
The Kleins hope next year’s ride, and the years that follow, continue bringing neighbors together one chilly winter pedal at a time.
