Once in a while, I work up a ledger of the pros and cons of life in Miles City. The pros usually outnumber the cons so I stay. Chief among the reasons to stay is the quality open space surrounding the city and the low-cost ways of enjoying it and one of my favorite ways of doing that is on a bicycle, both on and off pavement.

Any regular cyclist will soon learn the value of a properly fit, well-built and regularly maintained bicycle. Fortunately for us, Miles City has a renowned local Giant retailer in Pedal Power Sports at 502 Main St., owned & operated by Miles Milligan.

While I don't currently own a Giant, Miles has always made time for me when it was time for a tune-up and delivered high quality work at a great value. I've regularly watched him mentor young bike enthusiasts at the bike stand, some of whom have developed a serious passion for the sport. Finally, we couldn't ask for a better community ambassador for two-wheeled tourists crossing the country and needing technical or personal assistance along their way.

Miles City has many locally-owned businesses that make staying here an easier decision. I thought it was time to recognize Miles. Granted, the shop's not always open but he's usually just a quick phone call away. I'll even put up with his occasional redneck talk of revolution for that kind of service.

I agree. I've appreciated Pedal Power since they opened - and Miles was every bit the reason for that appreciation.

I remember, back in the late 80's, early 90's, I could only afford a Huffy. I loved riding so a mountain bike was a huge deal to me no matter the brand, even if the quality was a bit wanting. I decked that thing out with cycle computer, side bags, seat bags, pump, tools, lights, you name it - I preferred to ride it to college in most weather. I only drove the car if I had too many books to carry or the weather was really bad.

Miles and Guy Block kept that thing running for year no matter what I did to it.

It came with a price, though... I had to roll that thing in with the walk-of-shame through the door while he told me to take those Shimano shifters off that hunk of junk and put them on a Giant! ha ha!

Now I have a Giant and I think of Miles whenever I ride it. He'd be happy. If I ever travel back to MC and can bring the bike I'll be sure to bring it in for the master to tune it up - sort of 'bless' the thing, you know?

Miles and Beth Ann have been close friends of my family all of my life...my father's house is right next door to theirs and always has been, so Miles' late parents, Roy and Clara, were my "surrogate grandparents". I visited with them often. Needless to say I have grown-up on Miles' "wasp talk" about revolutions and such and I've learned to just take these speeches with a grain of salt.

That said, Miles does take pride in quality workmanship with whatever he's doing. He's taught me a lot of life lessons about that including during my younger days when I worked for him doing odd jobs to help pay for my college education...this was not long before he opened the bike shop. Anyway, it's no surprise that Joe and Dan are among those singing praises about him. He is a good man, indeed.

Can he work on Schwinn's? I have an old lady Schwinn that needs help but I understand their tires etc. are not compatible with the rest of the world.

Can he work on Schwinn's? I have an old lady Schwinn that needs help but I understand their tires etc. are not compatible with the rest of the world.

I think he can work on most bicycles.

What can I say about Miles, other than PRAISE for his help and friendship. He has been helping me with bicycle issues since I moved here in 1988, keeping my older Holdsworth running, and in later years when I started building my on bicycles.

He not only has helped me with my bicycles, but also helped me when I was constructing sample chambers at Fort Keogh. His talents and supply of gadgets are endless.

As others have said, he is a very talented individual and very sharing of his talents.

I value his Friendship!!

I just do not understand what you folks are referring to when you speak of 'rants'.

Marshall Haferkamp

[This message has been edited by MRH (8/3/2014)]

Dan, loved your story! I too initially rode a Huffy.
One day, Miles looked at my poor old bike and said, "Are you STILL riding that tractor?" It was time for an upgrade to Giant!

Amorette: take your bike in, I've had Miles fix all kinds of shifters, brakes and replace tires. He can probably find a substitute if yours has parts no longer available.

If you've truly never heard a 'rant' **and I suspect ~ since you claim to be a friend ~ you're just teasing us ** Next time you're visiting, bring up something... oh I don't know.. like maybe the government

Yup. I bought a Giant a few years back and another last year. Great bikes and Miles does a great job. Just this spring they went over my 1970s Peugeot U-O10 road bike. They breathed new life in that bike. The shop isn't open many hours, so check the sign on the door. We're very lucky to have it here in town!