Well-Loved Bike Shop in Freehold Closes

In a moving tribute, a Monmouth County resident salutes the owner of Freehold Bicycles, which closed this past Saturday.

Mark Farrell, a Freehold resident who grew up spending so many of his younger years at this bike shop with Jack, the owner, now pays a beautiful tribute to the man who helped shape his life.

Here's what Mark says:

"Freehold Bicycles Closes - 34 years of repairs and laughs with a great guy! Jack bought Freehold Bicycles in '82 when I was a high school sophomore and it was then that I met much more than an owner. Sure, Jack taught me tons about bikes during the countless hours spent lingering at his rt. 33 shop near my house though it wasn't till later in life that I realized what an indelible impression he made as a mentor, great listener and teacher. And he flipped when I started working in radio at a jazz station as he always listened to jazz. When I entered my 1st bike race in Freehold (Nestle Classic) and I delayed the start of my heat b/c I didn't have a helmet, it was Jack that gave me a brand new one because he's simply a great guy! Talking with Jack at the close of his last day of business, he said that he always just tried to do the right thing and I think he was just beginning to realize what an impression he made in the community as many Freehold Bicycles regulars/former mechanics came to celebrate Jack and his 34 years that benefited more than just the community. Thanks, Jack for the repairs, instruction, long rides and for being a great guy!"

Were you familiar with Jack and Freehold Bicycles?