STATESVILLE, N.C. (BRAIN) — First Flight Bicycles has begun to sell off its remaining inventory ahead of a closure later this month. The store was founded by Jeff Archer, who died after being hit by a car last July while he was walking across a street in Mooresville.
Archer's wife, Julie, announced the closure on the store's Facebook page this week. The store has been operated by manager Wes Davidson since Archer's death.
"Since Jeff's death in July, Wes has graciously helped keep the store open and prospering. Unfortunately, this is not a long-term solution. Jeff and I (Julie) knew this day might someday come," Julie Archer wrote on the Facebook page.
"First Flight Bikes has been Jeff's dream come true and I thank all of you that have been part of it. He loved the people and place and thought of it as home. He was one of those rare folks who had the opportunity to do what he loved, so he never really worked a day in his life. Thanks to everyone who supported Wes and us, lately. Honor Jeff by going outside and doing something you love. For those of you that ride - may the wind be at your back and the sun shine on your face and the beer always be cold!"
Archer, who also managed the MOMBAT mountain bike history museum and website, was inducted into the Mountain Bike Hall of Fame after his death. The shop's Facebook page said the MOMBAT bike collection is not being sold. "I want to protect and preserve the history Jeff spent his lifetime collecting. I will make sure and post information when I have it," Julie Archer wrote on the page.
The driver of the car that struck Archer was sentenced in March to at least three and a half years in prison after pleading guilty to multiple charges.
