Wayfarer Bicycle was started by Richard Fitzgerald of Essex, CT in 1972. A road rider since the 1940s, Richard was riding expensive custom bicycles twenty years before the bike boom. Wayfarer Bicycle was one of the first pro shops in Connecticut, initially selling frames and kits, and later bicycles by Raleigh, Peugeot, and Motobecane. In 1979, Richard decided to sell the business - it was offered to one of his employees and neighbor, Bob Harrington.

Bob and his wife Lesley purchased the Wayfarer in 1980. In 1981, they hired their first employee, a native of California, Eric Larkin. In 1981, Eric took delivery of the first east coast Tom Ritchey mountain bike, serial #50 for $1800. Bob soon ordered his Ritchey. 

In 1983, Wayfarer Bicycle ran the first mountain bike race on the East Coast. It was called "The Tour de Bluff" and took place at Bluff Point State Park in Groton, CT. Seventy-five riders participated with Bicycling Magazine, The Boston Globe, and The New York Times covering this historical event. The race series continued till 1989 when it grew to be 300 strong and was determined by the state to be too large an event for the park. In the Eighties and Nineties, Wayfarer Bicycle organized a local benefit race, "The Meadow Muffin." Wayfarer Bicycle also sponsored a junior racing team for ten years to help upcoming young riders. Some very good riders, such as Tom Danielson, came out of the program and have gone on to race for Rockshox, Jamis, Giant, Discovery/Trek and Garmin.

In 2016, Bob and Lesley sold the Wayfarer to longtime manager and head mechanic, Pat Lamond. With over a decade in the bike industry, Pat is excited to continue serving the cycling community, and promote and grow the activity for all generations.

When he is not at the shop, Pat can be spotted riding in the woods or on the road. As for Bob, he can often be seen at the shop with Pat and Andy, enjoying lunch and coffee.