Chuck is one of the first people I met in Minneapolis.  I was in search of a good bike shop and Behind Bars – the shop Chuck owns with his wife Stephanie – had come highly recommended from several sources.  As soon as I walked into the shop, it was obvious that Behind Bars’ reputation was well-deserved.

Things to know about Charles: he has an excellent moustache. he messengered in Minneapolis for ten years before opening his shop a few years ago.  The shop has twice been voted Best Bike Shop in the Twin Cities, no easy feat, considering the quantity and caliber of the other shops.  Behind Bars is a frequent sponsor and stopping point for local alley cats, including the Stupor Bowl, of which Chuck is one of the founding fathers.  He speaks eloquently on the subject in the documentary Down by the Weep Hole: The Story of the Stupor Bowl, premiering at the Bicycle Film Festival in NY next month.

Chuck’s been involved with building up Freeman Transport’s bikes since the beginning, and continues to play an integral role in the project. Not to mention he introduced me to riding snow- and ice-covered mountain bike trails at night, and an urban MTB scene bordering on spectacular: man-made trail systems of rock gardens, teeter totters, jumps made from cars doors.  Almost all of it within riding distance of the Twin Cities.
Chuck and I ride every Wednesday evening now, all year around.  Although lately we’ve been slacking.