Possibly known best as the bike shop
with “free air” for bike tires near The Strand, we are Hermosa Cyclery
in Hermosa Beach. Our story is long and proud.
The beloved Harold Schumaker (Schu) founded Hermosa Cyclery in
1974. He owned and operated his landmark bicycle and skate store
for 28 years. His store was his life and his crew like his family. Known by many as a man with a big heart, he helped many with everything he had.
Upon his passing in January 2002, all were surprised to learn Schu had willed his store to the four of us, Steve Collins, Larry Burke, Ken Liebowitz and Mark McNeill. What makes this so extraordinary is that we came to know him as employees at his store in the late 70s and 80s. We each worked for him for about 5 to 10 years and remained close with him in the years after. We are proud of all he has done and excited to continue in his footsteps, here at Hermosa Cyclery.
Hermosa Beach mayor, at the time, Kathy Dunbabin, remembered Schu
in council chambers in 2002 saying: “nearly every child in Hermosa Beach
worked at his shop, Hermosa Cyclery, at some point.” This included her son. Hermosa Cyclery’s soul comes largely from
all the good people that have worked here over the last three
decades and those who continue to make us proud today. “We
grew up working at the store, in the heart of one of the coolest
areas in the South Bay. It was a dream-come-true job for me at
16 years old,” said Steve Collins.
Our story is complete only when sharing that the owner of
our building is possibly as proud of Hermosa Cyclery and
our crew
as we are. Jeanette's history with the store is a bit longer than ours
and equally filled with affection. By way of considerable generosity,
she is instrumental in our being here and is happy to see
our bike shop serve the community into the future.
Jeanette and Schu have made
many in our community happy, filling
our lives with good times and memories. We hope to continue to share their goodwill with the community
for many years to come.
The sun is always shining on Hermosa
Cyclery, here in beautiful Hermosa Beach.
Sincerely,
Steve, Larry, Ken and Mark
(L-R) Steve, Mark, Ken and Larry - 2003
Hermosa Cyclery - Summer - Class of 2009
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