The Backstory: Philosophy TAKE A SLOW RIDE The admoniton scrawled on Ezz Hassan's sewing machine is, of course, a bit of familial ribbing. The goal of The Spindle, the Atlanta bike apparel shop cum community gathering spot that Hassan owns with his brother Sharif (see page 26), is to give everyone and anyone a space where they can learn more about themselves and what they're capable of on a bike-without judgement or fear of failure. That philosophy carries over whether they are sewing their wares or interacting with new customers in the shop or leading group rides. The Hassans don't care if you fuck it up. "We have a big community here, and one of he coolest advantages we have is that we're really inclusive-you don't have to be cliquey and ride with a club or ride a certain way," Ezz explains. The brothers insist that having a larger group makes it easier for self-conscious riders to blend in. "This isn't a ride to get there the fastest," Ezz says. "We make sure we're going as fast as the slowest person." O.R. 64 OUTDOOR RETAILER / Summer 2019 Photograph by Andrew Kornylak