Name: Edward Jones - Cycles ED
Location: Ashland, VA
1. What is your shops name?
Cycles ED - of course.
2. How long have you been in business?
I began that in '97 when I left Ashland Cycles as the manager there. If
you mean how long have I been involved with the cycling industry, that
would be since around '65, so that's 40 years.
3. What inspired you to get into the Mountain Biking business?
Sudden impact with a automobile - Robious Rd. '85. Four fractured vertebra,
broken collar bone, broken wrist, multiple lacerations from taking out
the windshield, and concussion. They were pre helmet days for me. Rather
lucky to be alive they said, and I'll not argue with that. I didn't get
back on a bike for about five years, when I did it was Mtn., haven't gone
back on the road but for a few times since.
4. Do you sponsor a team or race?
Yes, but very loosely at this point. When Dan Comber was running the local
race series I had quite a few riders on the team. It's really dwindled
down now. In a way I feel as if I have more than just those who wear my
jersey. I do a lot of work for other team's riders.
5. What other activities do you offer to help grow the sport?
Festivals, rides, races.
I try to be involved as much as I can in many different ways. Helping
with local race promoters and sponsoring their races, being involved with
various volunteer groups, Putting on the 18 hour event with Cobblestone
Bikes for the past two years has been great. The "CED's Race That
Never Was" - Trying to bring everyone together for group rides, food
and information is another example. I've been a co-sponsor of the Lodi
12 hr for the last two years.
Beside the local Mtn. scene, with Rd bikes I provide mechanical support
for Richmond's chapter of the National MS Tour for ten years now, as well
as support of the Bike VA Tour, Staunton Fall Festival Tour, Great Peanut
Tour, Heart of VA Ride, and the Tour De Chesapeake when it was operating.
I have somewhat of a unique and fortunate position on the local bike scene
in that I'm not a bike retailer. This is a very intentional part of my
business. Being so allows me to be more involved with, and work with some
of the local "Bike Shops" because I'm not a direct competitor.
At least thats how I see it. I'll work the best I can with any shop who
wants to truly promote cycling. On the flip side because I'm not a "dealer"
I have no loyalties to any particular brands or product.
Cycles ED is not about sales, and never has been, it's strictly about
top quality service! I feel I can be an advocate for John or Jane Doe
if their not getting good service and good product from the other shops.
If I see that their not getting it, I'll let them know, and show them
why. It's what I expect, period.
Oh, and did I mention custom frame building. Steel, fillet brazed, sweet
frames. And oh yeah, My own custom hubs. Travel around the country a little
and you may see them in places like NC, CO, VT, ID, PA. There's currently
a women Pro racer on the NORBA circuit riding a set of my wheels.
6. What has been your best experience being a shop owner?
Being "My' shop owner. Making my own decisions. I refuse to alloy
others to decide what I sell, and/or what to say to get a sale, or a quick
fix when I know something's not correct.
7. What are some other activities outside of Mountain Biking?
Canoeing, camping, music, travel. Pursuing personal peace, it's the only
way to offer any back to the world, and it's children.
8. Do you participate in MTB yourself?
Absolutely! This past year has been super busy and I've not been out anywhere
near as much as in the past, but hopefully I can change that. For all
the frustration with Dan and his races, I think we all lost a lot when
he dropped out of the race promotion scene. I was very active with him
in that.
9. Any famous last words to live by?
Sure, lots. But one that keeps coming back to me is this - "Once
you accept reality, the rest is easy" At times, it's what helps keep
me sane.
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