OWOSSO, MI – In a shocking turn of events that has left the local cycling community reeling, the House of Wheels, a beloved institution in the city of Owosso, has officially closed its doors after an impressive 52-year run. The unexpected closure has sent shockwaves through the town, as many residents were unaware that the shop’s owner, Rick Morris, had been seeking a successor for the past two years.
Morris, who has been a fixture in the Owosso cycling scene for decades, expressed his gratitude for the community’s support but admitted that the time had come for him to hang up his wrench. “It was my intention to find someone to carry on the torch,” Morris explained, “but after two years of searching, I realized that retirement couldn’t wait. I’m ready to hit the trails myself!”
While the closure of the House of Wheels is a significant loss for the community, there is a glimmer of hope on the horizon. The city of Owosso is set to receive a $4.4 million grant to construct a new bike trail, which will undoubtedly boost local cycling tourism and provide a much-needed boost to the area’s economy.
As the House of Wheels fades into memory, many residents are left wondering about the future of cycling in Owosso. Some have even speculated that Morris himself may be behind the city’s newfound enthusiasm for bike trails, suggesting that he may be planning a secret comeback as a local cycling guru. Only time will tell if these rumors hold any truth.
In the meantime, Owosso residents are encouraged to visit the newly opened Fred Meijer CIS trail, which offers stunning views and challenging terrain for cyclists of all levels. And while the House of Wheels may be gone, its legacy will live on in the hearts of those who were fortunate enough to experience its unique brand of customer service and passion for cycling.
We are getting our Fred Meijer CIS trail into town finally It’s a win win for Owosso to get this trail a better route into town and it was a grant !! Now if we could just get the trail redone to lonia!!….
“One signature for $4.4 million!” It has been a longstanding dream of city leaders and many community members to connect the Fred Meijer Clinton lonia Shiawassee (CIS) Trail to the city of Owosso. After years of hard work, the dream can finally come true thanks to a grant for $4.4 million from the State of Michigan. This grant was made possible by Senator Sam Singh’s office. Owosso City Council unanimously approved the grant agreement on February 20, 2024. Today, Owosso City Manager Nathan Henne had a big smile on his face and exclaimed “And just like that, one signature for $4.4 million” while he signed the grant documentation. This funding will allow the city of Owosso to create a multi-use path along M-21 from Priest Road to the city limits where pedestrians can follow the existing sidewalks and bicycles will use newly created bike lanes to connect to the James Miner River Trail. The James Miner trail will also see improvenments. The plan includes paving the Voight Loop and adding street lights, bollards, paved parking, and benches along the pathway on Jerome Street. Construction will take place in two phases, the first half in 2025 and the second half in 2026.
House Of Wheels, Inc. and City of Owosso Government
Facebook February 26, 2024
