The Berkshire Avenue dealership was able to reopen this winter after heavy snowfall caused its roof to collapse.
Thibodeau family members gather at their Tibby's Harley-Davidson shop on Berkshire Aveenue in February to celebrate the store's 55th anniversary and its the 25th annual Chilli Day. They added the extra "l" to chili because of the cold outside. Jean Thibodeau, right, stirs her Chain Gang chili. With her at left is her son and store owner Jason Thibodeau.SPRINGFIELD - Tibby's Harley-Davidson, the Berkshire Avenue motorcycle shop that survived a roof collapse in a heavy snowstorm this winter, has announced that it will be closing its doors at the end of this month.
"It's the end of an era," the store says on its website. "We extend our deepest thanks to our loyal customers for the many years we have had. We welcome you to please visit within the next few weeks so that we may personally wish each other well."
Owner's Jason and Jean Thibodeau told Chicopee-based WWLP-TV, 22 News that the store opened in 1956 and sold its first bike in February, a 1956 Indian Fire Arrow that sold for $445 with $1.20 in sales tax.
"Three generations of the Thibodeau family have been employed at the dealership. Catherine Thibodeau told 22News Tibby's has eleven employees."
On Feb. 2, a 100-foot section of roof at Tibby’s collapsed at about 3 p.m.
"No one was injured and no motorcycles were damaged, said company spokeswoman Cathy Thibodeau, told Patrick Johnson, a staff reporter for MassLive.com and The Republican. The roof fell into the second floor but the second floor did not collapse on the first floor."
Thibodeau, who was on the first floor underneath the part that collapsed said she heard a loud noise followed by “a lot of dust and everything fell off the walls.”
She said she was grateful no one was hurt and thanked the fire department for arriving on scene so quickly.
Veteran riders at Tibby's, told cbs3springfield last month that people need to be more aware on the road and ride under control.
"It was new, it was exhilarating, but they need to slow down," rider Barry Smith said when commenting about the number of motorcycle accidents in Western Massachusetts.
But bikers also warn four-wheel drivers to be aware of where bikes are on the road how vulnerable the riders are, the station reported.
The store is offering 25 percent off in-stock purchases of aftermarket parts, and 25% off
in-stock licensed clothing and gifts, until its last day on June 30, according to its website.