Sometimes you need to get your motor runnin’ before heading out on that highway, and this is where Gear Shifters comes in clutch.
The part coffee shop, part bike shop, part gathering space for bikers to mingle with one another opened its door in April of this year. Gear Shifters is the brainchild of John and Melanie Morgan and their business partner Scott Blaney, who was involved in opening Ren Coffeehouse at the St. Philip’s Plaza.
“There’s a social aspect before and after the rides,” said John. “You meet up, you have the coffee, hang out, ride, and maybe after the ride you come back for a coffee or soda. It’s a great opportunity to swap information with other bikers.”
The coffee, which is an Italian roast, is made and served out of a former Baskin-Robbins trailer located right next to the bike shop. With its bright red paint, a refurbished interior, and a nifty Gear Shifters logo on the side, you’d never know the espresso truck was a former ice cream truck.
“Our friends who are bikers and coffee shop owners in New Mexico came in and set everything up for us — they set us up for success because we didn’t have a lot of experience with coffee shops,” said John. “One of our partners, Scott, started Ren Coffeehouse so we do have a little bit of background.”
The parking lot is big enough to fit several motorcycles, allowing bikers to congregate and network with a warm cup of Joe. When chatting with John, he made it clear that the coffee shop isn’t only for bikers — he said I could park my bicycle in the shop while hanging out.
“We have a lot of neighborhood people come in and they just keep coming back because they like the coffee,” said John. “There are different areas to hang out. We’re actually turning one spot of the building into an indoor seating — we’ll probably call the ‘Summer Lounge.’ It’s nice and air-conditioned in there. Outside, we have tables and umbrellas to keep you cool.”
Aside from coffee, Gear Shifters sells used bikes and has a consignment showroom. Plus, there’s even a tattoo shop on site if you’re in the market for some fresh ink.
“We’re renting the room out in Freedom Tattoo to Ludo,” John explained. “We turned it into a tattoo studio and he’s actually doing really well there. He came from Old Town Tattoo and he said he’s had more work here than he did when he was at Old Town.”
On the second Friday of every month, you can catch a monthly “Bike Night” where numerous bikes fill the lot and share stories.
So, whether you’re a biker, interested in learning more about the “motorcycle world,” or simply in need of a warm coffee and conversation, Gear Shifters is ready to take you for a ride. Just don’t get too amped and pop a wheelie on your way out.
Gear Shifters is located at 1045 N. Catalina Ave. and is open from 8 a.m. – noon on Wednesday – Friday and 7 a.m. – noon on Saturday – Sunday. For more information, visit gearshiftersaz.com and follow Gear Shifters on Facebook and Instagram.
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Article written by:
Matt Sterner
More about MattAt a very young age, Matt Sterner was gifted with the artistic ability to masterfully roll a burrito to the highest of standards, but the wrapped medley of delicious innards wasn’t his first love. Matt’s first true love was a combination of reading, writing, and creating. He grew up reading comics, the ingredients list of his shampoo and conditioner bottles, choose-your-own-adventure books, and the Scrabble dictionary — something he found useful when challenging his grandmother to a game.
He attended college at New Mexico State University and graduated with a degree in Digital Filmmaking. One of his favorite classes was screenwriting because he became responsible for the story’s birth before it came to life on-screen. After school, Matt took on numerous positions at a local television station in Tucson. From dealing out stories about heartbreak to producing “fluffier” content for a lifestyle broadcast, he learned what it takes to adapt to the many emotions the world of media can stir. Since 2017, Matt has dabbled in the culinary world of Tucson as well as San Diego, California from time to time.
If you’re in the mood for strange stories, head over to his pride and joy, wonkytimes.com. And in case you’re curious — yes, after all of this time, he still manages to roll a killer burrito.
