After over a decade of serving Pittsburgh’s extreme sports community, The Wheel Mill indoor bike park announced it will be permanently closing its doors on March 18, 2024.
Financial Hardships Lead to Closure
The owner of The Wheel Mill, Harry Geyer, made the announcement this past Saturday on the company’s Facebook page, citing financial struggles stemming from the COVID-19 pandemic and a string of warm winters in recent years that have made it impossible to continue operating.
“Challenging (warm) weather and a challenging economy over the last few years has made continuing forward impossible,” Geyer wrote. “I hope that you will be able to ride and celebrate with us for our final month.”
The Wheel Mill opened in 2013 as Pittsburgh’s first and only indoor bike park, providing a year-round place for mountain biking and BMX. However, mild winters and pandemic closures have significantly impacted business.
Discounts and Events Before Closure
In the lead-up to its March 18 closure, The Wheel Mill will be offering progressive discounts on new bikes, rental bikes, and parts each week, starting at 25% off retail the first week and increasing to 65% off retail the final week. Some ramps will also be available for purchase via best offer.
The park’s annual Ride Like a Girl Weekend event will still take place as scheduled in March, albeit without bike rentals available. However, the Wheel Mill’s WoodFest competition and Next Generation Jam events have been cancelled.
No new birthday parties or private lessons will be booked for the last two weeks before closure. Members will not be billed past February 17, after which day passes must be purchased to ride even if a membership is still valid beyond the closure date.
All bikes must be removed from storage by March 17, according to the company’s website.
An “Experience We Will Carry For Life”
In his social media announcement, Geyer called owning The Wheel Mill “my greatest honor” and the experience one that he and his team “will carry with us for the rest of our lives.”
The park quickly became both a community hub and tourist destination over its 11 years in operation, offering recreational opportunities for pros, amateurs, and newcomers to biking alike.
The closure of the indoor bike mark marks the end of an era for Pittsburgh’s extreme sports scene. Geyer encouraged riders to “celebrate with us for our final month.” Further details will be posted on The Wheel Mill’s website and social channels over the coming weeks as its chapter draws to a close.
