If you happen to drive through North Kansas City on a Thursday evening, you’re likely to see a patchwork peloton of cyclists navigating the city streets. With smiles on their faces, it’s clear this isn’t a race — it’s just another “Thirstday Night Ride” hosted by Velo Garage and Tap House.

The story of Velo Garage starts in 2010 with an old van. While road-tripping across America in a 1974 Volkswagen Westfalia Camper, Kiley Sutter and his wife, Alissa, were inspired by the many bike shop/bar hybrids they found in other bicycle-friendly cities. Subsequently, in 2016, Sutter acquired and converted a 1969 VW “Westy” into a mobile beer garden and bike repair unit affectionately known as the VeloWagon and started cruising around Kansas City, fixing bikes and selling beers. Based on the success of the VeloWagon, Sutter opened Velo Garage and Tap House, Kansas City’s first bike shop and craft beer bar, in 2017.

Although Velo Garage is indeed a shop that sells new and used bikes and offers repair services, the place is much more. This aligns with Sutter’s vision from the start: He wanted a place where cyclists of all styles and skill levels would feel welcome.

“It’s easy to silo oneself in the bicycle scene,” Sutter says. “There are as many subgroups of cyclists as there are types of bicycles. We wanted to provide a space where folks who share a common interest can find one another, build friendships, and ultimately grow the local bicycle community.”

The VeloWagon. (Velo Garage)

The Thirstday Night Rides have become a well-attended staple in North Kansas City.

“Our group rides have always been focused on what is now named the ‘All Bodies on Bikes’ movement,” Sutter says. “We have several groups of riders each Thursday, from beginners all the way to race groups. No matter what group folks ride in, the common denominator is the same: All bikes and all riders are welcome. Lycra is always optional.”

In addition to the group rides, Velo Garage also hosts special themed activities, pop-up events, and DIY bike seminars.

And then there’s the beer! With 18 taps dedicated to craft beers, the adjacent Tap House stays busy long after the bike shop has closed for the day. In addition to the brews, patrons can choose from homemade pizzas such as the Single Speed (one topping), the Bikepacker (pepperoni, pancetta, and Italian sausage), and the Lycra (vegetarian). What’s more, on Friday nights from May to October, Velo Garage hosts some of the region’s hottest bands in its outdoor beer garden. (Incidentally, this is also where you can now find the VeloWagon.)

The beer garden. (Velo Garage)

Overall, folks come to Velo Garage for the bikes but stay for the beer, live music, community, and laughs. “We have loved having some really amazing local artists perform here,” says Sutter. “And, in our opinion, there’s nothing better than an outdoor show on a fall or spring night with fire pits roaring.”

Author: Kyle Wayne Stewart is a frequent contributor to Terrain.

Top image: Velo Garage co-owner Kiley Sutter. (Kyle Wayne Stewart)