After nearly 40 years in bicycle retail, Bike Gallery owner Jay Graves has retired and handed over the reins of his Portland chain to Mike Olson, owner of Trek Bicycle Superstore of San Diego, California.
Graves is the second-generation owner of Bike Gallery, having started at the shop in 1974 at age 15 under his father, Bob Graves. The six-store chain, employing 85 to 100 staffers, is Portland's only Trek dealer.
"The Bike Gallery's new owner is the No. 1 Trek retailer in the country and he will partner with Kelly Aicher, my longtime trusted store manager, who will run the Portland operation," Graves stated in a mass email to friends, family and colleagues.
All stores will continue operating under the Bike Gallery name, according to a press release. Olson and his wife, Colleen, currently operate four Trek Bicycle Superstore locations in San Diego and one in Albuquerque, New Mexico.
"When I heard Jay was ready to retire, I knew this would be a perfect fit. Bike Gallery and the Portland bike community are cycling legends," Olson said in a release. "I'm looking forward to building Bike Gallery's reputation and evolving the brand to an even higher level. This partnership will empower Bike Gallery to compete with Internet companies, while still offering the high-touch local service the stores are known for."
An early supporter of Portland's Bicycle Transportation Alliance and a founding board member of Cycle Oregon and Community Cycling Center, Graves said cycling advocacy will figure prominently in his post-retirement plans.
"As to next steps. I will continue my advocacy work," he wrote in his email. "I am particularly excited about my work as an Oregon State Parks commissioner.
"My other main goal is to not make any major changes in my life for a year, so please call me for coffee or lunch. Thanks for your support over the years."
