While awaiting word from the Governor when at least some of the closed businesses may reopen, one Marshalltown business has been holding its own. Black Tire Bike Company is open and even with RAGBRAI postponed a year, there are a lot of folks looking at bicycles as a way to escape the house. Owner Matt Gerstandt says they have seen an increase in interest in children’s bikes, base models, and gravel bikes.

Gerstandt says while his shop may have escaped the one-two punch of tornado and coronavirus, he encourages everyone to support the businesses that are doing whatever they can to get through this pandemic.