my lbs isn't so local either... it's an hour away (or just over if traffic getting into town is bad)... the closest shop (20ish minutes.. SUX and doesn't carry any of the "big name" brands well.. doesn't carry much of anything )

the shop we go to has nice employees... a nice owner.... all are personable AND knowledgable... they all ride.....! makes it worth the drive..... (when we were in there friday evening.. the owner's wife was getting set up on a brand new carbon fiber mountain bike! i was jealous! lol! we hung out talking for an hour after the store closed and spent way too much money on stuff we didn't need.. but wanted! lol!)