Canton Motorcycle Shop Continues to Evolve

It's been years since Mitch Wylie has hosted an open house at his Route 44 motorcycle shop but this weekend's event signals more than an excuse to have a little fun. 

In fact Wylie and his employees have been busy renovating the Route 44 business now known as Strictly Street and Dirt and are going to showcase the changes on Saturday, Nov. 2.  

Changes to the business include expanded product lines throughout the store, significantly with more street riding selections for men and a full line of gear for women who ride motorcycles, whether it be on the street, off-road or both. 
 
Amanda Sherman,  a young rider living in Avon, is helping on a part-time basis. 

She said the selection is based on a lot of feedback from touring women and others. The selection includes functional, top-rated, safe gear for all seasons in a variety of styles, she said. 

"What we're trying to do is become the people's choice of bike shops," she said. 

Sherman said the open house will be a great way to showcase the selection and get further feedback. 

Customers will also see expanded lines throughout the store and Wylie has made better use of the upstairs floor at the business to fit it all. 

Wylie started Strictly Dirt in July of 1991 and moved to the current location on Route 44 in 1997. 

Over the years, the shop slowly melded from "strictly dirt" to one that serviced street bikes, dual-sports and quads.

Now the clothing and apparel lines are even more in line with a wide range of rider types. 

For a time Wylie informally used Street & Dirt to describe the ever-expanded offerings but when Lindsay Deschamps, a daughter's friend, suggested Strictly Street and Dirt, he decided to go with it. 

On Saturday, Nov. 2 from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. the shop will host an Open House at its 309 Albany Turnpike (Route 44) store. 

The day will also feature giveaways, a friend's cooking Wylie describes as  "beyond barbecue" and an appearance by Grand National Flat Track Champion Kenny Coolbeth. 

"It will be a hell of a good show, I'm hoping," Wylie said. 

Find out more at http://strictlydirt.com/ or https://www.facebook.com/strictlydirt