The smell of grease, oil and work pervades the air in the Shoals Bicycle Shop at 326 E. Tennessee St. in downtown Florence. With one wall of new, old and refurbished bicycles and another lined with parts and a workshop, the newly opened shop is slowly making a name for itself one bike at a time.

The owner, Jim Darnell, is a big man with a big vision. He wants the citizens of the Shoals area to live healthier lifestyles, and he believes a good start lies in the spinning spokes of a bicycle wheel. He is also a 15-year registered nurse who graduated from Calhoun Community College.

“One of the main reasons I got into this business is because the state of health in the country is so bad,” said Darnell. “I want to get people peddling and get their heart rates up.”

According to shop owners, the shop is a welcomed addition to the Florence community because there are no other shops in the area that are primarily bicycle shops. There is also no competition on price.

“We have some high end stuff, but I want to accommodate to what people can afford,” said Darnell. “I don’t want people spending a lot of money on it.”

David Borden, the manager and mechanic in the shop, discussed the benefits of biking. He is an avid bicyclist who, according to Darnell, biked 30 miles to compete in a triathlon.

“There’s a wholesomeness to it,” said Borden, looking out the window. “What it brings to you is a lot of freedom. You don’t have cumbersome tangibles like keys and fuel, and you’re not trapped in a box. You can’t go off into the field in a car. In a bike, you can.”

What Darnell hopes to accomplish is a renovation in people’s mindsets, and this works well with Borden’s description of what biking is.

“We want to get people back into that mindset,” said Darnell. “It’s a mindset of activity our country has lost.”

One big problem between Darnell and his goal could be the city of Florence itself.

“Florence is not bike friendly,” said Darnell. “The bike lanes in Florence are conspicuous in their absence.”

Despite the unaccommodating situation in the Shoals area, Darnell remains optimistic and focused on his vision.

“We’re encouraged by the response,” said Darnell. “We’ve had a lot of good feedback. Health and fitness is the main goal, and if I focus on that, then this will be a success.”