Like a tantalizing potluck, combining favorite dishes into one feast, Heritage Cycle combines the best of Middle Tennessee’s motorcycle community into one satisfying experience.

“I call it the ridge effect,” owner Shawn Rountree says. “It’s who we are up here–warm, down to earth.”

Meld that with a group that may look intimidating–inked-up arms and smoke-worn voices–but is “truly some of the most generous people you’ll ever meet,” according to Shawn.

He quickly shares a story about a 10-year-old Dickson boy who lost his battle with cancer. “Over 2,000 bikers showed up from all over the state to his funeral,” he says. “And all because the family posted about how he loved motorcycles.”

Add the ridge effect and the motorcycle community to a historic, rebuilt house, and you’ve got the makings of Heritage Cycle. Opened in September 2025, the shop is a place to gather, to get geared up, and to get fixed up.

Shawn tackles small repairs and hands out advice earned through riding his own iron horse.

“When my daughter grew up and started her own life, I needed a hobby,” Shawn says.

He started riding motorcycles and never looked back. “I love my motorcycle. I love to ride. I love the people that come in here.”

After owning a pest control company, he sold it in 2024 to dive full-on into this world of gears and metal, of open-air rides, and throttle-pumping drives. A little therapy on asphalt.

Yet when he wanted a meet-up place, or a place to work on his bike, he noticed there wasn’t one on this side of the ridge. He found a need and met it, working for a year and a half with the owner of the building, John Wilkinson, to restore an old house.

A history lover, Shawn reflects, “This is the heritage of this little town. We don’t need to tear this down.”

So he, with the help of his landlord John, rebuilt the building from the studs up.

Comfortable in the manufacturing, blue-collar world, Shawn knew he needed help with the office. That’s when June decided to quit her full-time  job and lend a hand.

“You don’t know what you don’t know until you are there,” she says.

When they realized what they didn’t know was balanced by what the other one did, Heritage Cycle was set.

John Wilkinson hired professionals to do the jobs that he and Shawn couldn’t. John, Shawn, and June relished digging into flooring, painting some of the rooms–pouring sweat equity into the building. And they were thankful for all those who stepped up to help out.

“When you open something like this, it’s really surprising to see the people who rally behind you,” says Shawn.

“I really did enjoy it,” June says, reflecting on the back-bending work that went into opening the brick-and-mortar business.

That joy practically seeps out of the shop.

Shawn’s voice may be smoothed out and husky. His stare may appear steely at first. Pretty sure that’s because he’s spent so much time staring into the sun. He would encourage you to do the same.

“You’ve got to love what you’re doing,” he says.

Stop and pay Heritage Cycle a visit, check your bike over, grab a bottle of water or coffee, and take a break at 211 TN-76 in White House. Follow Heritage Cycle on Facebook.

Cover Photo: Courtesy of Heritage Cycle; Article Photos by S. Ricciard

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