Gaertner keeps wheels turning

Vertical Earth looks to ride out stay-home order

COEUR d’ALENE — On the day Gov. Brad Little issued his stay-home order for Idaho, Mike Gaertner, as usual, was working at his bike shop, Vertical Earth.

Business had been doing OK. The arrival of spring and sunny weather meant more people were walking, running and cycling.

“A lot of people are pulling their bikes out, getting them ready,” he said Wednesday. “We’re having more families outside, more people getting outside, recreating and off the couch. So that’s been really awesome.”

And that meant they were not just riding bikes and repairing bikes, but buying bikes, too — electric and pedal-powered.

“There’s definitely still some people around who are not scared to spend their money,” Gaertner said.

It had been busy enough, with so many coming through their doors at 1323 E. Sherman Ave., that Vertical Earth was considering restricting the number of customers in response to the coronavirus outbreak and call for social distancing.

But there was no need for that after Little’s directive that Idaho residents deemed non-essential should stay home.

Gartner, who has operated Vertical Earth 18 years, six years at his current location, was one of the only businesses still open Wednesday on East Sherman.

While he’ll lock the doors of his shop during the stay-home order, he plans to continuing working from home and at the shop. He’ll keep in contact with customers through his website and phone and said if customers knock on Vertical Earth’s door, he’ll likely be there.

His store carries all things bicycling including a variety of off-road, tri-bikes and racing bikes. Vertical Earth also offers repairs, tuneups, and pickup and delivery.

Gaertner, a veteran cyclist and Ironman, is happy to help customers pick out the right wheels.

He said while the current environment is definitely challenging, he’s managed to ride out difficult circumstances before. He mentioned the recession in 2008, right when he moved his shop to the Riverstone development.

“That was a tough one. We’re still recovering from that,” he said.

The current government-ordered shutdown of many businesses could be worse, but it’s still playing out.

“The long-term impact is yet to be seen,” Gaertner said.

With businesses and gyms closed, and travel restricted, people are looking for ways to get out and exercise, so the coming months could see folks turning to Vertical Earth.

Little’s directive gives clearance to facilities and services that are “essential to the safety and well-being of the residents.”

Cycling — exercise as well as providing a mode of transportation to and from work — is part of that equation.

“Bikes are perfect,” Gaertner said.

He’s hopeful the coronavirus outbreak will be under control soon — the bike business will roll on — and people will stay active.

“More people on bikes, more people outside, is good for us,” he said. “We live in the perfect place.”

Vertical Earth can be reached at verticalearth.com and 667-5503.