Wally: Marlboro's Bike Guy

Somewhere between the big department stores and the crowded malls, people just crave a little personal customer service. And with Spring on its way, bikes are on the mind.

Along with many of Marlboro's small businesses, brings you just that. Owner Wally Tunison, has been bringing custom bicycles and bicycle maintenance to Marlboro residents for almost 18 years.

Tunison was formally a building maintenance technician at Rivierview Medical Center. 30 years ago, a friend came to him saying The Peddler bike shop in Long Branch was looking for a general manager, and Tunison took the opportunity. He said he had always loved cycling, and the business let him use all of his skills.

Tunison is somewhat of a jack-of-all trades. He know how to assemble, fix and maintain bikes and has skills that seem like he would be a good handyman for anyone.

In 1993, Tunison and a friend decided to break out on their own. After scouring the greater Monmouth County area, they decided that Marlboro and the surrounding towns were not being properly serviced for their cycling needs. They opened doors in 1994.

And he said it is all about doing what you love, and Tunison absolutely loves everything bike-related.

So, for almost 18 years, Tunison has been Marlboro's resident bike guy, and said you won't find the personal service his shop offers at any large retailer. However, he is seeing more and more people turn to big-box stores rather than seek the personal service of shops like The Bicycle Hub.

"We have an in-depth knowledge of bikes and their inner workings," he said. "We are the 'Bike Guys'."

Tunison has two Barnett Bicycle Institute graduates in his shop, who have taken college-level courses in Colorado for cycling repair.

"Our customers are being drawn to the pricing in the big-box stores and the internet, and that is seducing them into thinking they can get a good deal," he said. "Often, we are the first place that those bikes come to within weeks after purchasing, because the mass merchants and online bikes are rarely, if ever, assembled correctly and properly spec'd."

A September article by Daily Finance said larger retailers are looking to tailor business to emulate the look and feel of small business, recognizing the the pros of being the little guy.

But Tunison believes larger retailers and big brand names do not mean quality products.

He said people don't often realize what it means to have a bike that is properly assembled and well-taken care of. Tunison often sees families with children who get frustrated when learning to ride because their bike just isn't put together correctly, or adults who give up cycling because they spent a lot of money on a bike that doesn't ride well.

"It leaves a bad taste in their mouths," Tunison said, adding that buying bicycles from larger department stores means the bikes may not be assembled correctly, and will cost just as much to fix as it was to buy.

But The Bicycle Hub always has a sale, and Tunison said there is always something affordable for the family, the new cyclist or the advanced cyclist.

"We always have something on sale, we understand budgets are extremely tight," he said. "We also know folks still want to ride bikes. We create a balance between the pocketbook and quality."

And Tunison isn't simply concerned with the quality of your bike, he is also concerned with the quality of your riding experience.

Tunison is partially responsible for establishing the Henry Hudson Trail biking and walking path throughout Monmouth County, is the co-founder of Jersey Offroad Bike Association, a lifetime member of the International Mountainbike Association and a cycling advocate for the state. Tunison has been been to Washington D.C. to lobby for pedestrian rights throughout the country.

"That's who we are, it's what we do," he said. "We live, breathe and eat bicycles, because we like bicycles."

Behind The Bicycle Hub is the Henry Hudson Trail, and Tunison considers his shop "the home of the Henry Hudson Trail."

The shop has parking for the trail on the property, and is a trail head for the Marlboro portion.

"We want to establish a culture of cycling in the greater Monmouth County area," Tunison said.

Tunison works on securing safe pedestrian paths and promoting the use of bicycles and walking over automobiles, helping to reduce the carbon footprint.

Now, the Henry Hudson Trail is home to the morning stroll, afternoon bike-ride and weekend hike. On a beautiful day, the trail is busy, and is even the site of the annual .

"It all started out as an idea," he said.

Now, Tunison is working with, Monmouth County Heritage Trail, public support group for the completion of the Henry Hudson Trail. Right now, the trail runs 12 miles long, beginning at the Matawan Train Station and running through Freehold Borough.

According to the Bicycle Hub website, the return of an active NJ Transit railroad side could put the trail in jeopardy.

"The trail is administered by the Monmouth County Park System and is leased for the next 18 years for the use as a trail. However at NJ Transits' request it could revert back to a railroad and Monmouth County would lose over 2.2 million dollars in trail construction."

But Tunison's passion, and the passion of the several organizations he works with, could save the pedestrian path and secure the safety of pedestrians in the future.

The beauty of the trail, especially in the section behind the store, is something Tunison said people don't really believe until they see it.

"People come back a little tweaked, a little better for it," he said.

A message from Monmouth Heritage Trail Inc.:

If you would like to help secure the legacy of the Monmouth Heritage Trail, we would be happy to accept your gift of $25.00. You will be entitled to a one-year membership. Additionally, newsletters are sent periodically to keep you updated on this worthwhile project. If you would like to receive the newsletter, please send a self-addressed, stamped envelope with your contribution.

Make checks or money orders payable to: Monmouth Heritage Trail, Inc.

Monmouth Heritage Trail Inc.
P.O. Box 170
Wickatunk, N.J. 07765