“On the Rivet” Opening Press Release

Bicycling enthusiasts and kayakers in Dorchester County will have some new and exciting options with the opening of “On the Rivet Cycle and Sport”.  Co-owners Bob Beletsky and Gary Thompson explained that “on the rivet” is a cycling term referring to a rivet in the front of a bicycle seat. When you were really riding fast, you tended to get “Up On The Rivet”. On the Rivet Cycle and Sport is an authorized Bianchi “Reparto Corse” dealer, and carries a line that includes everything from easy riding cruisers to serious racing bikes that weigh a mere 13 pounds. 

Bianchi, founded in 1885, is one of the oldest bicycle companies in the world. As a Reparto Corse (translated race department) dealer, On The Rivet can offer their customers high performance frame sets, complete bicycles, and service from Bianchi’s Race Department. They also offer the complete line of line of Bianchi products.

For kayaking, they carry Malibu and NuCanoe, with models that are suitable for a relaxing paddle on the Blackwater River or an exciting, wild ride in a fishing kayak while being pulled by a 50 inch rockfish.  Gary explained that if you hook a large fish, the kayak is so light that you are towed by the fish.  “There was a recent story in the Asbury Park Press in New Jersey about a 13 year old who went for a great ride after hooking a 52.8lb ”Striped Bass.”  The kayaks can also be decked out for hunting.  A unique feature of the Malibu product is it’s hull design, which makes it very stable so that the hunter or fisherman can actually stand up in the boat. 

Mr. Thompson moved to Dorchester County with his family about 22 years ago, and has been part of the Dorchester business community for over 20 years as owner of Hurst Creek Computers. Hurst Creek Computers is still in operation in the rear of the building housing On The Rivet. Gary sold Easy Avenue Broadband Services last year. He said “I’m too young to retire, but I felt it was time to have some fun.”  With his love of water sports, kayaking is a progression from his old surfing days at the Jersey Shore.  “I got interested in the sport and the different kinds of kayaks and decided to go into it as a business.” 

Although Gary is also a biking enthusiast, his partner, Bob Beletsky is the bicycle man.  After 35 years in the leather products industry, Bob “semi-retired” to Dorchester. He established Chesapeake Leather Works, specializing in hand made exotic leather products for a limited clientele. Bob hand wraps bicycle frames in exotic leathers. Some of these bikes are displayed for sale at the shop. But his real passion is to restore and tinker with vintage and classic bikes. Bob said “My favorites are the ‘resto-mods.’ They are vintage bikes that are restored to look mostly original, but with modern upgrades to make them lighter, smoother running, and more pleasant to ride.” In the shop you can see and ride restored bicycles with names including, Colnago, Pinerello, and Paramount. There are a number of limited production, and one off models, including one that has 24 carat gold plated forks.

The store manager is Matt Beletsky, who recently moved to the area from San Diego where he was an active bicyclist and kayaker. Matt says he loves both sports “whether it’s biking on the back roads or fishing on the Choptank, I enjoy just staying active and being outdoors.” He goes on to say “both activities are fun to do and keep you in shape.” Since Matt rides and kayaks himself he has hands on knowledge of both sides of the business.

The shop is equipped with a “Body Scanning Laser Fit System, among the few in this area.  “We can custom fit the bikes to the individual’s measurements.  A proper fit is essential for a comfortable ride for the “cruiser” and the “edge” for the racer explained Matt.  Measurements are taken and fed into the computer and the bike is adjusted to the specifications.  “We have had experienced riders, who think their bike is set up correctly, find that their ‘fit’ can be significantly improved based on these scientific measurements.”

On the Rivet carries models for the recreational rider that include the “step-over” with the base of the frame only 6 inches from the ground.  They also have children’s bicycles, and a unique “tag along” that hooks up to the adult bike and allows a child to pedal along behind the adult rider.  They also carry a very complete line of accessories such as helmets, life jackets, a wide range of saddles for a more comfortable ride, gloves, paddles, and can even give a customer information on the best places to cycle or kayak.  With gasoline prices quickly reaching the $4 or more per gallon level, the bicycles and kayaks offer a very economical option for exercise and recreation.  “We expect to see more than a few customers considering the bike as fair-weather transportation to work” says Gary.

On the Rivet is located at 2833 Ocean Gateway. The location provides easy access to lower Dorchester County and some of the best cycling in the country. They have a website at www.ontherivet.com, but a visit to the shop allows people to see the bikes in person, and more importantly, talk with the knowledgeable staff.  Bob, Gary and Matt look forward to meeting biking and kayaking enthusiasts and sharing their own love and expertise with these sports.