BUSINESS: Mid America Cycle

With the retreating summer heat, riding enthusiasts are hauling out their motorcycles and ATVs to enjoy the cooler fall weather. Woody and Nikki Smith own and operate Mid America Cycle along with their son, Steve Smith who is a certified Arctic Cat ATV Technician and has helped with the family business since he was 14 years old. In operation since 1980, Mid America Cycle moved to its current location off I-35 and Waterloo Road from Guthrie in 2011 in order to expand their showroom and service space.

“We’re not the big million-dollar business but we’re trying to keep it to where we are family-oriented and we treat you like we’d like to be treated,” Nikki said. “That is how we’ve always tried to run our business.”

The Smiths have hired Nate Hill, a certified Suzuki, Triumph Motorcycle Technician and a certified Arctic Cat ATV Technician. “Nate has fit right into our family. He can work on anything,” said Nikki.

The majority of their service customers include those getting ready for hunting season and farmers ready to gather their fall harvests. Owning an ATV helps them get around on rougher terrain rather than using their trucks. Others just anticipate the cooler weather and want to get out and have some fun. Customers can leave their motorcycles or ATVs for servicing and just kick back, enjoy a pop and watch some TV in Mid America Cycle’s trophy-lined waiting area.

Woody, Steve and Nate are avid riders. Woody raced motorcross in his younger years and Steve and Woody both raced cars at the State Fair Speedway in OKC for 28 years. Nikki shared, “Those are our championship trophies lining the walls. Nate raced motorcycles in the OCCRA series so all three guys have had their blood mixed with racing fever.”

“Motorcycles have always been my hobby,” Woody added. “Owning a motorcycle business has always been my dream.” Woody takes trips as far away as Canada and plans other trips with local riding groups.

Nikki and Woody handle sales and general business duties. A large showroom displays the newest ATVs and a selection of used motorcycles, all lined up waiting for prospective buyers. The back wall and sides have a variety of accessories including an array of riding helmets.

No matter the sport, safety depends on the appropriate size of ATV for each rider’s age, and training is critical in preventing accidents. Every ATV displays a federally appropriate age designation. Nikki recommends attending a training course with either Arctic Cat or one through the DMV. Having certification also helps lower insurance premiums.

All ATVs are currently marked down for hunting season. All the used motorcycles for sale are listed on www.midamericacycleandatvs.com. For more information, call Nikki at 282-0086.