ABOUT

ABOUT US

Bayfront Beach and Bike was put together by two gents that had a passion for biking and silent watersports. Charlie Lakritz and Shaun Quinn brought years of experience in both categories. A disagreement in a parking lot started these two on a road that would lead to a great friendship and partnership.

Their first business venture together was Bayfront Pedicab. This was a white glove experience that provided both taxi services and tours via electric assist Pedicabs (Rickshaws). Out of this came an idea to provide a store that was both “Surf” and “Turf”. A bike and surf shop combination located in beautiful downtown Elk Rapids. This store was named Bayfront Beach and Bike. The business grew overnight given the focus on providing unmatched white glove sales and service to the amazing Chain of Lakes in Northern Michigan. Bayfront’s motto is to assist people with creating a “Lifestyle of Fun”.

Within three years, the duo decided to bring Bayfront Scooters into the Beach and Bike family of companies. Starting in its downtown Traverse City location and then moving it to the new Traverse City Civic Center location. This location provides bikes, skateboards, scooters and electric bike tours.

They pride themselves in providing competitive pricing while giving someone the personal experience they deserve. “We are not here for the hit and run, we are here to create lifetime customers by helping them create their own “Lifestyle of Fun”.

In 2024, Charlie Lakritz announced his retirement and a new managing partner, Chuck Thiel joined the team to assist in taking Bayfront to the next level. Chuck brings 30 years of sales and management experience to the table. Chuck and his wife, Monique moved to Northern Michigan to retire……..until they purchased Gazelle e-bikes from Bayfront. Chuck then elected to come out of retirement to assist people with attaining their lifestyle of fun. In January 2024, Chuck became the newest managing partner along with his wife Monique who took on the role of controller given her years of experience in corporate finance.

About Us

MEET OUR TEAM

Shaun

Managing Partner
Ambassador of Fun!
Shaun found his passion in life after 20 years of working in the corporate world. He worked as a river and bicycle guide and managed a large outfitter/touring operation in the Traverse City area. His strength is in overall company operations and manages the day-to-day operation of all stores. He takes pride in providing service that is unmatched in this area and the outdoor industry as a whole. He is pictured with his lovely wife Raven.
Chuck

Chuck

Managing Partner
Ambassador of Fun!
After a 30 year sales career in the Information Technology industry Chuck retired to the shores of Grand Traverse Bay with his wife Monique. After retiring and buying an eBike from Bayfront, Chuck fell head over heels for the "customer first business philosophy" and started working for Shaun and Charlie. When Charlie announced retirement, Chuck happily invested to be a part of Bayfront and share his passion for fun and serving the local community with quality service and knowledge of hands-on experience. He is pictured here with his beautiful wife Monique.

Monique

Controller
Ambassador of Fun!
Bio coming soon!

Charlie

Founder/Partner
Ambassador of Fun!
Charles (Charlie) has been in the bike business for over 30 years. He is very well known in the biking community and brings several great and long-term relationships with many manufacturers. He is Bosch certified and goes by the name “Fixx”. There is truly nothing that this guy cannot fix. He is pictured with his lovely wife Lady Jane

John

Sponsored Rider, Sales
Ambassador of Fun!
John rides for Bayfront as an ambassador and he knows his way around a scooter. John also works at the Civic Center location and is extremely knowledgeable in scooters, parts, accessories and anything else in the scooter/skateboard world

Brenna

Service, Elk Rapids
Ambassador of Fun!

Kaitlin

Service, Elk Rapids
Ambassador of Fun!

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