Ernie’s Bicycle Shop began in 1978, when 22-year-old Ernie Lehman quit his factory job and purchased the inventory of a Bolivar bicycle shop. He moved everything to a storefront in Navarre, his hometown, and opened for business. Ernie’s wife Debbie worked full-time at Brewster Dairy, and supported the shop in its early years. As the business grew, Ernie’s moved to downtown Massillon and expanded to additional locations.

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In 2003, Ernie and Debbie purchased land at the corner of Lake Avenue and Route 21 in Massillon. Part of this land was donated to Stark Parks, to allow the creation of a trailhead for the Towpath Trail. The Lake Avenue Trailhead was built that year, and now houses Ernie’s Bicycle Shop, the Blue Heron Café, and Second Sole Running Store.

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Today Ernie’s has locations in Massillon, North Canton, and New Philadelphia, and remains an active advocate for area trails and greenways. We’re proud to be a local institution with a long history of supporting our community, and look forward to many more years.