Newton County is home to two big bicycle races a year, a bicycle club and one bicycle shop.

In about a month, that last number will increase by one when Mike Besaw opens up Square Bikes, located on the Covington Square.

Besaw went to Newton High School and grew up in Newton County where cycling became a passion of his. He decided to turn that passion into a business opportunity when he saw the need for certain types of bikes and a location on the historic Square open up.

“It’s really exciting to see a bike shop heading into our downtown square,” Newton County Director of Commercial Development Serra Hall said. “More and more people are getting outdoors and becoming more active. I think it adds to the quality of life aspect that we look for here so often.”

The new store will open in mid-March on Church Street, across from All State and PHG hair salon. Besaw said Square Bikes will feature Fuji, S.E. and Breezer brands along with mountain bikes and BMX style materials. The store will also carry pads for youth and will sell skateboards later on, according to Besaw.

Besaw worked in the film industry for 12 years, before deciding the long hours and answering to someone else wasn’t for him anymore. He then decided to follow up on a passion of his.

“I’ve been riding all my life and have 40 BMX collector bikes,” And I thought the town needs something.”

He feels that Newton County is ready for another bike store, and one conveniently located on the Square will provide something to a market that includes the Covington-Conyers Cycling Club.

“There is definitely a need for it here,” Besaw said. Everybody is having to travel to Atlanta now.”

Besaw said he will carry higher-end bikes to accommodate the avid hobbyist but also be in a reasonable price point.

“If you’re an avid bicyclist, you know what you’re looking for, we’ll have something,” Besaw said. “And if you’re an around town kind of guy wanting to get from point A to point B, it doesn’t matter what you’re looking for and hopefully that would be one of my clients later on down the road.”