By Heather Skinner
ESPERANCE-Meet Steven Hickey of S&H Bicycle Store, Megan Depres of Biscuitwood Farm, and blacksmith Bryan Salisbury.
Hickey worked in bicycle shops since teenage years, attends annual seminars, was a national champion and pro rider from the age of 17, and owns S&H Bicycle Store at 3595 Highway 20, Sloansville.
“We’re open to anybody, any budget, any level. We can help anybody from a kid on a Strider right up to a pro rider,” explained Hickey.
What started upstairs in Hickey’s home 15 years ago, has evolved into a 2nd location in Little Falls where he offers bicycle rentals, and a shop behind his house where he offers repairs, flat tire changing classes, parts swap meets, obstacle courses, accessories, and 15 bicycle brands he can completely customize for adults and children to address things like carpal tunnel, mobility issues, and color preferences down to the bolts.
Hickey said, “The first thing I always ask people when you come in looking for a bike is what type of riding are you going to be doing the most of?” Explaining, “I always say a bike fit is like the right pair of shoes… Getting the right fit for safety and comfort is very important.”
Sometimes shoes are a literal factor, and the first thing Hickey investigates for fixing knee and ankle discomfort while riding. From there, different pedals may be the solution.
Hickey highlighted the freedom and health benefits of bike riding and noted locations like the Erie Canalway that spans from Buffalo to Albany and the Catskill Scenic Trail.
Hickey said, “A lot of people have come back with kids or grandkids, so I’ve watched kids grow up that are taller than me now.”
Everyone who buys a kid’s bicycle at S&H Bicycle Store can bring them back (in well-maintained condition) to exchange for an amount towards the bicycle your child’s grown into.
Hickey also expressed, “You know what I’m really liking, it's off topic from bikes, but I like seeing these little farm stands now. People with the honey and the maple syrup and the specialty stuff.”
One such Esperance stand, Biscuitwood Farm, is run by Megan Depres. Inspired to offer fresh and interesting food, Depres grows and harvests crops, and expresses, “I want my life to be filled with abundance and beauty and I want to share that with others.”
Their stand’s been in operation at 2639 State Route 162 since 2021. Depres has been farming for over 15 years and moved to the area in 2018 from NJ shore where they had a 50-member Community Supported Agriculture market garden and sold to several restaurants and farmers markets.
Depres shared, “We have been able to meet quite a few neighbors that we may not have met otherwise because of the farm stand. It's been nice.”
While their farm stand’s currently closed for the season, Depres said you’re still able to order through their website for baked goods, storage crops, eggs, and jams. Their stock changes throughout the season and they grow products you can’t find in grocery stores like basketry willow and tomatillos. Their baked goods are also unique, like Paczki, which Depres described as, “Polish brioche-style donuts… They are traditionally filled with plum or rose jam, but we fill them with our own homemade seasonal jams.”
They have pay-what-you-can and free-food pantry options, which Depres shared, “Has been at the heart of our farm stand.” The payment model allows customers experiencing economic hardship to pay as close to the suggested prices as they can. Depres added, “To me, even if they can only pay a portion of the suggested price, it is an attempt to make good on an exchange and is much appreciated.” Their website notes, “You can support the free pantry by making a monetary donation to our paypal at info@farmermegs.com.”
When their farm stand is open, Depres said it runs from a place of trust and good faith, “And fortunately, most people have not disappointed.” But, before their stand hours reopen in Spring, they’ll be working on solutions to a rise in theft from their stand.
Biscuitwood Farm will be hosting a seedling pre-sale and willow cutting sale in late December or early January, along with occasional classes or holiday markets. They’ll start harvesting crops in June and offer seedling sales in Spring.
October 19th, they hosted a Pierogi Party class and Depres said, “I'd like to offer more classes on subjects like garden planning, canning, pickling and preserving, cooking classes and the like. I am still gauging interest and would love to find another venue to teach at while our farm kitchen is constructed.” Also, “We are bringing back our CSA for 2026.”
Bryan Salisbury showcased his blacksmithing skills as a 2021 Forged in Fire finalist (season 8, episode 21 “Deadly Duo.”) He does a lot of work for the community, offers pre-made and custom orders, and takes on students interested in learning blacksmithing basics and how to make functional knives, sheaths, forks, and gifts.
His wife, Andrea, has been quoted saying, “He is such a good teacher & so good at confidence building.”
Salisbury updated, “The Forgeries Blacksmith Shop has been very busy. We just finished up at the annual Schoharie Antique Show where Bryan demonstrated traditional blacksmithing techniques and entertained the spectators. Weekly lessons have also continued with new students, as well as the regulars. In between lessons and custom orders, Bryan has been busy getting ready for the upcoming Schoharie Holiday Craft Bazaar being held at the Depot Lane Creamery Building in Schoharie (Fri 11/21, 10-6; Sat 11/22, 10-5; Sun 11/23, 10-4). Christmas is around the corner and there’s a lot to do!”
Follow these businesses online for hours and updates; S&H Bicycle Store - make sure you’re following their new Facebook page, created after their previous page got hacked. Biscuitwood Farm’s on Facebook, Instagram @biscuitwoodfarmny, & website biscuitwoodfarm.square.site. Bryan Salisbury’s website www.forgeriesblacksmithing.com, call (518) 898-8174, and he’s also a self-published author;THE BLACKSMITH & sequel, THE BLACKSMITH: VENGEANCE TRAIL, are available on Amazon and at Schoharie Mercantile.
Biscuitwood Farm. Photos by Megan Depres. Photo of Megan and her son, Graham, taken by her husband, Neil.
Photos supplied by Bryan Salisbury featuring his work, event booth, and two students; Chandler Fosmire (left/holding fork) completed Salisbury’s basic blacksmithing course and received an aluminum challenge coin.(Middle/holding knife) Jim Lynch completed Salisbury’s basic knife-making course, including a sheath,and received a brass challenge coin.
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