With years of experience behind him and a future with a purpose ahead of him, Brian Starr will open Vashon Bikes with a ribbon untying ceremony and barbecue on Saturday from noon to 3 p.m.

Starr, the son of Don and Ann Starr, owners of Burton Auto, spent most of his free time growing up helping his dad in the repair shop.

“That’s where I got my affinity for mechanical things,” he said. “And I really developed a love of all two-wheelers. Mainly motorcycles when I was younger, but that shifted to mountain bikes as I grew up and thought a lot more about the environment.”

Starr said that he saw a need for a diverse bicycle repair and maintenance shop where everything could be done on the island.

“One of the biggest mistakes people make with their bikes is that they don’t maintain them,” he noted. “Keeping bikes tuned-up properly makes a huge difference.”

Starr, who still works part time at Burton Auto, has set up shop in a 21-foot-long box truck behind the Burton Coffee Stand, and will offer repair and maintenance services for “any bike that comes in,” as well as a storefront for accessories and spare parts cyclists might need on-the-go. Customers will be able to order Redline BMX, Diamondback or Torker bikes through the new shop as well.

An avid mountain biker and selfdescribed “dirt guy,” Starr also hopes to focus on getting more kids outside. To that end, the shop will have push-bikes available for young children (must be steady walkers with an inseam of 12 inches or more) and service and product discounts for anyone under the age of 18.

“I hope to bring what I’ve learned from my family’s business to make it an enjoyable experience for people,” Starr said.

Vashon Bikes’ winter hours of operation will be 1 to 6 p.m. Tuesdays through Thursdays and 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Saturdays. Customers may also call any time to arrange service. For more information, see vashonbikes.com.