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The Story Behind the Name

I still remember the first time I noticed that a bike shop had opened 3 blocks from my house.  I was 9 or 10 years old and we were on the way back from shopping somewhere.   I didn't get to stop in that time, we just drove by and I remember yelling to my mom that there was a bike shop where the small grocery store used to be. I'm not sure why that memory has always stuck with me - maybe because it was such a big part of my childhood.
It was actually a long time - a year or more I bet -  before I got the chance to stop in.   The first time I'd ever been to a real bike shop. This wasn't a huge store like many are today - it was small with maybe 25 bikes in stock, but it was magical.  So many shiny new bikes!  It may as well been an art gallery.  I still remember the brown speckled carpet.   I loved that place.
My brother and I became regulars at the store.  We were there several times a week, every week, for years.  The owner got to know us, whether he liked it or not.  This was the 'golden age' of BMX. .  We bought Oakley grips before Oakley made sunglasses and Haro number plates before Haro made bikes .  We probably kept him in business just buying brake levers and zip ties.  Whenever an awesome new part came out, we had to have it, and he'd get it for us.  His name was Richard Mattman and the shop was The Hive Bike Shop.  Richard had an eye for detail that made all his bikes 'custom'   He would write receipts upside down in order for the person on the other side of the counter to read what he was writing.  I didn't much like him back then, and I don't really remember why.  Through the years I have learned to respect Richard for what he's done for me and how he's impacted my life.
I worked in that shop for 10 years and 3 different owners.  I learned a lot, both good and bad.  I had a lot of good times and a lot of rough times.  The Hive Bike shop inspired my first true love (bicycles), my career, and much of my life.  So there it is...my inspiration.  I'm sure I'll have other tales from the shop so check back!


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