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Tom Burchill

When did you start working at Great Northern Bicycle Company?

February 26, 2022

What type of cyclist are you?

I enjoy road biking the most.  I like to go out and find new routes or variations on old ones.  

Why Bikes?  

A friend of mine got me going in 2007.  I was 40 and didn't even have a bike.  We biked a couple times a week and I really enjoyed it.  It is a great workout and very easy on the body (I am getting older).  

What was your first bicycle and what do you remember about it?

It was a Huffy that my grandparents bought for my birthday.  When I went to pick it out at the hardware store, all the bikes had wooden blocks in place of the seat.  I thought I had to ride on a wooden seat until my grandpa explained that they put the seat on when I picked it out.   

What is your favorite local bike ride? 

With a south wind I combine the Sabin and St Benedict's routes.  For a north wind I like the Burch.  These routes are on our website under the ride maps tab.  

What is the coolest place your bike has taken you? 

I would say mountain biking in the Duluth area.  Very scenic and peaceful.  

Tell us about a memorable bike ride you have had, and what made it memorable?

I went on a ride in Ibiza, Spain.  It was filled with fun trails and beautiful views of the Mediterranean coast.

What is on the horizon? Describe your next great cycling adventure.

I would like to go to the area of Tuscany, Italy and bike there for a few days.  

What is on your biking bucket list?

Doing a bike tour of New Zealand

Favorite shop tool and why?

The bottle of isopropyl alcohol.  It works great for removing grease and gummy residue from the bike frame.  The bike needs to look good in addition to working properly.  

If you could only own one bike, what would it be and why?

Specialized Tarmac SL7 Expert.  It is light, comfortable, and has electronic shifting.

What is your favorite kind of pizza?

I like almost any pizza but the Rhombus Guys Deluxe is great.

Words to live by?  

Try to see and understand other people's views even if you don't agree with them.  



Current bike stable:

  • Specialized Epic Comp carbon mountain bike

  • Trek Domane 4.0 road bike

  • Sirrus 2.0 

  • Tarmac SL7