A business owner who contributed to the growth of Portland’s bike community is retiring. Bike Gallery founder Jay Graves is selling his business to a California colleague and one of his own long-time employees.

The first Bike Gallery store opened by Jay’s father in 1974. Photo courtesy Bike Gallery

Graves says he set a goal for himself a long time ago to hand off his business by age 55, and spend more time on other pursuits.

Now, he says he’s looking forward to pursuing work as an Oregon State Parks Commissioner, helping guide the creation of new bike trails.

“Trails like the Banks-Vernonia Trail, the OC&E Trail in Klamath Falls. In the state parks’ level of importance, hiking is first, and cycling is number two.”

Jay Graves with his kids at the Providence Bridge Pedal. – Photo courtesy Bike Gallery

Graves says he also wants to work on a long-term plan to open up an old rail corridor between Banks and Tillamook.

He says he’ll still advise Bike Gallery stores for the foreseeable future.

The succession plan calls for a San Diego retailer, Mike Olson, to take over. He and Graves have known each other for years.

This story originally appeared on Oregon Public Broadcasting.