Danielle and Kate Nolan are headed from the trails of Brown County State Park to the streets of Nashville with their newest business venture, Brown County Bikes.

Their shop, on the ground level of the Brown County Barn Burner on Jefferson Street, will be a “long-time dream” come true, Kate said.

When the couple moved here from Indianapolis in 2018, Brown County already had a bike shop. When that shop closed the same year, the Nolans saw a need.

“Now is the time. It just worked out,” Kate said.

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Danielle and Kate own DNK Presents, an outdoor adventure company that hosts events all over the country, whether it’s mountain biking or hiking. DNK Presents was named Brown County Business of the Year in 2019. So far, it’s been based out of their home.

Kate is a professional mountain bike instructor and a professional guide. Danielle is also is a mountain bike coach, a wilderness guide and a yoga instructor.

Now, their spot in town more easily allows them to offer bike rentals, service, sales, coaching tours and more to the three million visitors who come to Brown County every year and head to the state park’s 28 miles of biking trails.

The last two weekends of October, they had a soft opening at the shop. Their grand opening and ribbon cutting took place this past weekend.

Biking enthusiasts and beginners can find everything they need at Brown County Bikes in order to get into the activity. They carry Norco and Transition bikes, apparel, and even coffee from local business Side Track Coffee.

“We couldn’t be more excited to open Brown County Bikes,” Danielle said. “This is a town we loved so much, we moved here two years ago to raise our family and grow our business.”

They had talked about opening a shop in the spring, but the pandemic and shutdowns put that on hold. “Then (the Barn Burner) was available and it worked out,” Kate said.

Brown County Barn Burner owner Kara Hammes said that having the bike shop is an exciting development.

“We’re excited to have them there,” she said. “It’s a business that Brown County really needs. They already have a business built.”

The space the bike shop is in was originally going to be a sort of children’s play space, but Hammes said that even though that wasn’t able to happen, Brown County Bikes is “a viable alternative.”

“We’ve always wanted to have a physical location. DNK operated remotely, other than in parks and on trails,” Kate said.

The space is clean and open, a canvas for the the industrial bikes and equipment. Combined with the locally sourced poplar trees used for counters and benches in the shop, “when you walk in here, it’s a different feel,” Kate said.

The Nolans’ employees add to the atmosphere as well. “They’re passionate about riding,” Kate said. “Customers can be confident.”

Now is the time for mountain biking, Kate said. A bike shortage serves as proof that it’s one of the fastest growing sports not only in America, but the world. “People are excited and want to learn,” she said.

“Cycling is good for you physically and mentally. It’s a lifetime family thing, that all ages can do.”

The Nolans want Brown County to know that they’re invested in the community and in the economy.

“We’d love for people to get out and try it. We’re excited to be here,” Kate said.

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Location: 185 S. Van Buren St.

Hours: Tuesdays through Sundays, 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.

Website: browncountybikes.com

Facebook and Instagram: @browncountybikes

Phone: 812-720-4041

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