After a long, cold winter, the motorcycles are starting to roar across the Valley again. Now if you are anything like me, you had to dig around all the winter accumulation of stuff in the garage just to get to your bike. What do you do to get rid of some of those old parts hanging around from your last bike or extra stuff you thought you’d use but never did? In lieu of eBay or a flea market, how about a swap meet?
That’s just where to go, and this past weekend Dragon’s Lair did just that. They sponsored a swap meet at their new shop on Route 315 in Plains Twp. According to Donna Freeman, they too had a lot of extra parts, both new and used, that they wanted to get out there. She says that the swap meet “is a way to get things [bikers] can’t usually find. So it’s like an open house, swap meet and social gathering.” She added that “it is a great way to make new friends and promote our store.”
Just what do they do there at Dragon’s Lair? Donna says that they have “sales, service, inspection and parts, anything you need.” She adds that “they do any bike, quads and ATVs as well.” They also sell bikes on consignment.
Dragon’s Lair opened in October of 2008, so they are really the new kids on the block. And in this economy, that was a tough time to get started in a new business. Ed Izzo, the owner of Dragon’s Lair, says that “we pride ourselves on being personable.” He hopes everything works out. He continues by adding that this swap meet was their first big event. They had a pretty good turnout and had food and a band on hand.
This meet saw 11 vendors and goods from the Dragon’s Lair stock as well. They are planning to have a few runs start out of their parking lot in the future. The next run will be on May 17 and is a benefit ride for Jane Dana-Barberio which is sponsored by the Plains Pub and the Regulators Bike Club. Included in the vendors was the bike club Wheels of Freedom, whom Ed works with regularly. He says that “they do a lot of work for the military.” He has also been making ties with other clubs, including the Wyoming Valley Motorcycle Club. Ed tells me that “Dave Hooper was his first cash customer.” Dave is the road captain for the Wyoming Valley Motorcycle Club.
Ed also adds that “we just want to get our name out there. Our prices are good, and we are an alternative to Harley.” To help the new kid get things rocking, the band Booze Donkey donated its playing time for the afternoon. And to pay it forward, Ed relates that Dragon’s Lair donates a lot of stuff, too. “We’re here and hope everyone gives us a chance.” Furthermore, he says “we treat ’em right. Our honest and straightforwardness is key.” He feels that “if you treat people fairly, it’ll come back around.”
Ed introduced me to his mechanic, Walt Schirra, who has been working as a mechanic for 35 years. He must have started when he was 3! It is an environment of customer care and a service-oriented staff that makes everyone feel welcome at the Lair.
Dragon’s Lair is nestled on a small incline between Giant Floor and Wall and Hobarth companies, across from the Mohegan Sun entrance to the stables. If you’ve reached Sunshine Market, you’ve gone too far. They are open six days a week from 10 a.m.-6 p.m., Monday through Friday, and from 10 a.m.-2 p.m. on Saturdays.
So as you bring your bike out for a ride now that the weather is finally turning to spring and summer, plan to stop in and introduce yourself to Ed or Donna or Walt and find out what’s waiting for you in the Dragon’s Lair.
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