WOOSTER — Doug Haidet spent more than a third of his life repairing and refurbishing bicycles, and now he’s back at it after an extended hiatus — only this time, he’s doing it for free.
Haidet, who began working in his father’s shop (Haidet’s) as a sophomore at Wooster High School in 1972, has joined People to People Ministries as a volunteer in charge of repairing used bicycles for both children and adults.
The mission, said Haidet, is to provide roadworthy bikes for children whose parents may not be able to afford one, as well as adults who may need a bike as a means of transportation to their place of employment.
Haidet has long been aware of the bike ministry at People to People because those who ran it used to come into his father’s shop in search of spare parts. "We would give them the parts at cost, sometimes below cost," remembers Haidet. "I think there were even times when we just gave them what they needed at no charge. We always looked forward to having them come in (to the shop)."
Haidet’s father, Paul, opened the business in 1960 after purchasing the bicycle and lawnmower divisions from Duke Mowrer at 300 Tire in 1960. In the early years, the business operated out of the family’s expanded garage on Sherwood Drive. In 1967, the operation moved to Cleveland Road where Wayne Health Services and Supplies is now located. In 1986, Haidet’s father decided to expand the business with a new building further north on Cleveland Road (current location of the Home Builders Association). A few years later, Haidet’s mother, Shirley, opened a gift shop at the same location.
As the 1990s progressed, and the big box stores moved in, Doug could see that the future of mom and pop operations like theirs was bleak. He also knew that his father was planning to retire, so after 35 years in business, the family decided to close the business.
At that point, Doug, just 39 years old, had to find a new job, so he headed to Akron for an opportunity at what was then Ferro and is now Shinagawa, manufacturers of mold-powder fluxes associated with the steel industry. He remains with the company to this day, but in the back of his mind, he always knew he would get back to repairing bicycles.
"I thought I would volunteer sometime after retirement, but the Lord had other plans," he said. "Rather than wait, I decided to call People-to-People, and found that they had an immediate need, so I jumped right in."
That was early December, and Haidet has been volunteering each week ever since. "I’m so thankful to have this opportunity," he said. "It’s a blessing to be able to meet the needs of children from less-fortunate families. I know the joy that bicycles can bring. They bring independence for kids, much-needed transportation for adults and an excellent way to stay fit."
Joe Szeker, director of operations at People to People, is equally grateful. "It’s been a real blessing and a very timely filling of an important need for us," he said. "Doug has been a godsend. We were praying (for a solution), and our prayers were answered."
Now Haidet is back in his element, surrounded by about 30 used bikes and countless random parts and accessories in the basement of People to People Ministries at the corner of Beall Avenue and Bowman Street, where he spends about eight hours a week.
And the experience never gets old. "I really enjoy the challenge of working on something and trying to figure it out," said Haidet. "I was pretty proficient at one time, and it’s gradually coming back to me now."
Like riding a bike, some might say.
Each time Haidet mounts a bike on his repair stand, safety is the top priority. "I go through a basic safety checklist to make sure that the bolts are tight and the tires are inflated," he said. "I also work on the brakes, gears, bearings, wheel alignment, handlebar stems and things like that."
In the end, it’s about new life, not only for the bike, but also for the one who will ride it.