Shop Hours: 10-7 M-Sat, 10-5 Sun Barnett-Trained Mechanic(s):
None United Bicycle Institute-Trained Mechanic(s):
None Shop Info: In 1991, two brothers, Marty and Gary Breen, shared a dream and gave birth to a new type of running store. A place where the customer feels at home and can get the best equipment from the most knowledgeable staff around. With their vision and $500 in a checking account they opened the doors to Forward Motion Sports in Danville, California. Danville, which is nestled at the foot of Mt. Diablo, is at the center of some of the best running and fitness training grounds in all of the state, the country for that matter, which made for the ideal location to let the fledgling store spread it's wings and take flight.
Gary, who was in search of the ever elusive sub-ten hour Ironman finish did his best to keep his finger on the pulse of the multisport world while Marty used his sparkling personality and technical expertise to build one of the most loyal and well educated customer bases in all the world of retail. Today, they have seen their dream grow to become one of the most respected running and fitness stores in all of the country with people coming not just for the best shoes and equipment, but for advice, service, and staff. Marty has since taken full control of the operation and continues to supply Gary with the newest and best equipment. These new tools have enabled Gary to finally conquer his sub-ten hour Ironman goal (9:59:15; Canadian Ironman, 2000) and set his sights on even bigger challenges.
In order to separate themselves from the other stores in the area, Forward Motion Sports has fostered an environment for serious athletes, weekend warriors, and beginners alike with a love of fitness as their common bond. One of the ways FMS did this was to start a group running club with some local runners. "We started it as a way for about seven people to have a nice run" recalls Marty. Since then, without missing a single Wednesday night, it has grown to see literally thousands of individuals and average numbers between 100-150 participants each week! "I think part of it's success can be attributed to it's consistency...we've been out there rain or shine, Christmas and New Year's eve, without fail every Wednesday night at 6:30 p.m." says Marty. The run has seen elite athletes from around the globe (professional triathlete Wendy Igraham is a regular) and recreational runners from as far away as the heart of San Francisco who make the trip out each week to run with this unique group. The group is open to all runners free of charge and is a good mix of young and old out for some healthy activity and a social meeting place.
After the run, they all line up and log their miles, originally in three-ring binders, now on-line at the Internet kiosk located in the center of the store. A custom program tracks the miles run each Wednesday night and at 100, 500, 1000, and 2500 miles you are inducted into the respective mileage clubs receiving an award befitting the achievement. The presentations are made to the sound of enthusiastic applause at the beginning of each run along with a few announcements and reminders about safety and running etiquette. Everyone mingles before and after the run, talking, laughing, and otherwise enjoying a great place to make friends and find a training partner. The store stays open long after hours to make sure everyone gets what they need.
FMS RacersThe commitment to the customer does not end with the run however. Post race hospitality booths and grass roots events such as the "Get Dirty " trail runs and off-road triathlons all are geared to give back to the community and provide a service not often found in the world of retail. The growth of the running club, the events, and the use of the Forward Motion logo as a marketing tool has both boosted business and put Forward Motion in the top ranks of running stores. Their own Forward Motion team apparel and store logo, whether it be on a temporary tattoo, hat, or racing jersey are a familiar site at road races and triathlons throughout California and beyond. Forward Motion has a big visual presence because of their commitment to the customer Directions: Located in the hills of the East Bay in Northern California. We are conveniently located in downtown Danville, just off of Highway 680. Please follow the directions below from your area.
Address: 432 Hartz Avenue, Danville, CA
Phone: 925.820.9966
Hours: 10–7 Monday - Saturday & 10–5 Sunday
From San Francisco:
Take Bay Bridge east and follow the signs to Highway 24/Walnut Creek. After crossing the bridge, get in the right lane; Take Highway 24 eastbound towards Walnut Creek; You will pass through the Caldecot Tunnel; Continue on Hwy 24 for approximately 9 miles to Hwy 680 South; 680 south to Diablo Road exit; Exit Diablo Road west (right), and follow to Hartz Avenue; Left at the light on Hartz Avenue. We are located on the left at 432 Hartz Avenue.
From Vallejo/Sacramento:
Take Hwy 680 south to Danville.Exit Diablo Road west (right), and follow to Hartz Avenue; Left at the light on Hartz Avenue. We are located on the left at 432 Hartz Avenue.
From Hayward/Fremont:
Take Hwy 880 North to Hwy 238; Hwy 238 east to Hwy 580; Hwy 580 to Hwy 680 north; Hwy 680 north to Diablo Road; Exit Diablo Road west (left), and follow to Hartz Avenue; Left at the light on Hartz Avenue. We are located on the left at 432 Hartz Avenue.
From San Jose:
Hwy 680 north to Diablo Road; Exit Diablo Road west (left), and follow to Hartz Avenue; Left at the light on Hartz Avenue. We are located on the left at 432 Hartz Avenue.
From Tracy/Stockton:
Highway 580 west to Hwy 680; Hwy 680 north to Diablo Road; Exit Diablo Road west (left), and follow to Hartz Avenue; Left at the light on Hartz Avenue. We are located on the left at 432 Hartz Avenue.
If you have any questions, or need further instructions, please give us a call...we'd be happy to help you. You can reach us at 925.820.9966.
Map location is based off of a geocode of the addressed entered using Google's Google Maps API. If your address does not geocode properly, you can either update the address (we will attempt to re-geocode after any updates to your entry) or you can use Google's geocoding tool found here: http://gmaps-samples.googlecode.com/svn/trunk/geocoder/singlegeocode.html to obtain a lat/long for your location and enter that. To use the utility, type in an address that is close to your location and then drag-and-drop the marker to obtain the desired lat/long. If you choose to enter a lat/long, you must check the box on the edit page that says, "override geocode with entered lat/long."