9:00am | It’s safe to say none of us were around 100 years ago to see the grand opening of Jones Bicycles. It’s also safe to say almost no other Long Beach business at that time is still open for business today. F.S. (Frank Samuel) Jones opened the bike shop in 1910 at 10th and Long Beach Boulevard (then called American Avenue). The store has survived the Great Depression, the 1933 Long Beach earthquake, two World Wars, the Los Angeles Riots, a total loss fire, and five major economic recessions. John and Lisa Genshock are now the fourth generation of owners, eager to share the amazing history of the store as it celebrates its centennial as one of the oldest established bicycle stores in the United States.
The monumental milestone comes at the perfect time in Long Beach’s history with the City’s declaration to become the ‘most bike friendly city in the country.’ The city hired mobility coordinator Charles Gandy to make this desire a reality and has taken major steps to do so. The city’s investment in promoting cycling as a means for commuting and insuring cyclists safety has created shared bike lanes and the installation of dozens of bike racks through out the city. In the near future Long Beach will also build protected bike lanes on 3rd Street and Broadway, convert parking spaces to bike corals, as well as create the nation’s first bike boulevard. Local bike businesses, such as Jones Bicycles, have seen a recent increase in purchases by people using their bikes as their main mode of transportation.
Lisa and John Genshock, owners of Jones Bicycles have long embraced cycling as a way of life. The two were avid cyclists before working as employees at the bike store. The couple purchased the store from Robert Olson (creator of the Univega brand of bicycles) in 1994. They have realized their own vision of Jones filling the 2nd Street location with a tremendous inventory of not only bikes but also skateboards and snowboards. In addition John has created a fun and amusing atmosphere with such unique curiosities as a drone missile, a crane game from the old Long Beach Pike, and a custom painted vintage Porsche. He also knows how to purchase wisely and offer the very best deals to his customers. The best example is Jones Bicycles’ “Buy One Get One Free” sale which customers eagerly await each year.
The community is filled with devoted Jones’ customers who repeatedly buy their bikes and gear at the Belmont Shore store. In honor of their centennial and as a way of thanking the community that supports them, Jones Bicycles is throwing an anniversary party on Saturday, July 17th. The event will kick off at 9:30am with a ‘family fun bike ride’ around Belmont Shore. The ride will start at the store location, 5332 E. 2nd St. and will head south on Bayshore Ave., proceed up Long Beach Blvd., return to 2nd St. via Roycroft Ave., and end back at the store. A bike valet service on the 5330 block of E. 2nd St. will allow cyclists to conveniently park for the event. The event will include live music, performances by professional trick bike riders and skateboarders, free treats and refreshments, fun and silly contests, drawings to win the Jones Anniversary bike designed by Nirve and other prizes, and more! It will be a fun and free event for people of all ages. Event hours are 10:00am-2:00pm and the location includes Santa Ana Ave. south of 2nd St.
So come on out and support our city!
JONES BICYCLES ANNIVERSARY CELEBRATION
Saturday, July 17th
10:00am – 2:00pm
5332 E. 2nd St. & Santa Ana Ave. (south of 2nd St.)
The event will kick off from Jones at 9:30am with a family fun bike ride around Belmont Shore. Bike valet will be available to those who ride their bikes to the event. All other activities go from 10:00am – 2:00pm and include:
- Welcome & presentation of proclamation from the City to Jones Bicycles by Councilman Gary DeLong
- Live music by The Skinny Little Twits
- BMX stunt shows & fixie rider performances
- Free BBQ hot dogs provided by Long Beach Firefighters Union Local 372
- Free drinks provided by Hansen’s Soda & Monster Energy Drink
- Free popcorn & cotton candy
- Giant Bicycle demos
- Complimentary bike valet provided by We Love Long Beach
- Booths on Santa Ana Ave.
- Crazy contests for adults & kids
- Opportunity drawings with funds going to the Long Beach Unified School District
- ***Please find the attached schedule of events for details
EVENT PARTICIPANTS:
We Love Long Beach
KROQ
The Skinny Little Twits
Long Beach Firefighters Union Local 372Monster Energy Drink
Hansen’s Soda
Giant Bicycles
BMX Bike Show
Diamondback BMX
Backward Circle Bikes
Nirve Bicycles
H.U.B. and Pedal Movement
Beach Babe Bicycle Classic
Long Beach Clothing