Laughing Dog Bicycles is located on Main Street in Amherst, its one five bicycle service and retail stores in the local area. The store is actually located in the rear of the Amherst Peter Pan building, however the friendly sign hangs facing the street. In order to enter the store one has to go down a narrow alley, which has been greatly aged by time. The pavement is filled with irregularities and the tall walls on both sides are cracked and their paint is faded. The alley leads to a small parking lot, which has a secluded yet friendly atmosphere of local businesses. As you enter the parking lot on the left, as you reach the rear of the building, a great number of both used and new bicycles are lined up on display. The bicycles are chained together to prevent theft. The bicycles outside range from small kids bicycles to mid-grade touring modes. The store has an old front, with old faded white wood siding. The siding is cracked and so is the old entranceway. The door is propped open and a low grade wooden ramp leads up to doorstep to ease the movement of bikes. Once inside, the rustic outside gives way to a clean and well-upheld interior. Immediately one notices a great multitude of bicycles, some standing on the ground, others suspended on display racks. The bikes on display are generally higher class than the bikes outside. This can be seen in both their elegant design and their steep price tags. Immediately in front of the doorway, about four feet away, are older bikes lined up for service. These bikes are tagged with receipts, and it can clearly be seen that the bikes have had some use out them. Just to the right of the bikes awaiting service is the store’s main counter. The counter is a glass display case with two shelves. On the shelves lie bicycle components, derailers, brakes, cassettes, and other accessories. On the counter lie assorted brochures, old receipts, random components, and an assorted array of bicycle magazine...
