Connection and Community on Tap at BackRoads
When you walk into Riverbend’s Back - Roads Brews + Shoes, you feel the comfortable, welcoming vibe immedi- ately; it’s like you belong—whether it’s your first visit or your hundredth. That was Aaron Hendrikx’s goal when he envisioned creating a specialty running store combined with a neighbourhood taproom in 2018. Today, BackRoads is Riverbend’s quintessential community hub and meeting place. “I wanted to create a place that com- bined running, connection, and a sense (226) 998-8703 Enhance Physical Health, Confidence and Self Esteem with Sifu Carlos Ferraz
Photo courtesy of Mason McDowell
showed up, and people were coming for more than shoes or a drink; they were coming to be part of something.” Part of what makes BackRoads special is the variety of commu- nity events they host, from taproom activities like bingo nights, live music, and trivia, to community runs and supporting local races. “With BackRoads bringing several elements together, like retail, taproom, cafe, run clubs, and community, it makes a lot of big and fun ideas possible.” Some of those ideas include free Thursday night social runs that are open and welcoming to everyone, paid training programs designed to help runners prepare for race season, and a new subscription service for runners who work with private coaches. BackRoads also raises money and awareness for several local charities, including the Ronald McDonald House, where they have raised over $70,000 in the last three years. “I love that small, local spaces can have a big impact. Every time someone tells us BackRoads helped them feel more con- nected, healthier, or more confident, it reinforces why I started it in the first place.” With a walking group, a book club, and a wide range of running and non-running events, BackRoads is a community hub where you can grab a new pair of shoes, enjoy a great drink, and feel like you belong. “BackRoads is truly a space for everyone—all paces, all faces. Whether you’re a runner, walker, reader, or just looking for a great place to hang out, there is a spot for you here,” adds Aaron. Located at 1295 Riverbend Road, BackRoads Brews + Shoes is open Sunday to Saturday. For more information, including hours, visit their website at www.backroadsrun.com.
190 Wortley Rd. Martial Arts and Wellness Programs in the Heart of Wortley Village Aaron Hendrikx Photo by Emily Cowan
of belonging,” explains Aaron. “Running shops can feel intimi - dating. BackRoads removes barriers to create a space where people feel comfortable, no matter where they are in their fit - ness journey.” On the retail side, BackRoads offers high-quality, thoughtfully curated running gear, including footwear, apparel, socks, and running accessories. Kung Fu & Tai Chi School EXPERIENCE MARTIAL ARTS AND WELLNESS BOOK A TRIAL CLASS AT https://kungfu-taichi.ca Dedicated classes for children • Day Camps Classes for teens, adults and seniors. The taproom at BackRoads features a rotating selection of On- tario craft beers, as well as gluten-free and non-alcoholic options, local ciders, canned cocktails, kombucha, coffee, wine, soda, and juice. They also sell bar snacks and encourage guests to bring their own food, reinforcing their community hangout vibe. When asked why combine running with craft beer, Aaron ex- plains that some of the best conversations happen after a run, and sharing a drink is often how people connect. “The taproom is about giving people a reason to stay, talk, build relationships, and ultimately have fun.” Running has shaped Aaron’s life. As an elite runner through high school and university, he dreamt of competing in the Olym- pics. While he still has running goals and gets out for runs when he can, more often he’s running after his busy two-year-old son or travelling with his fiancé. For Aaron, running now is about balance, mental health, and connection, values found in the BackRoads community. In the early days, Aaron says there was a definite curiosity about the unique combination of retail store and tap room. “Peo- ple soon started to understand. Run groups formed, regulars
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Riverbend Villager March 2026
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