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.
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.
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.