03/01/2025
Six months after closing Pro Cyclery, I never thought this was a post I'd be making. The world lost a wonderful human being this week as our store manager, our friend, Clay Weeks was killed in an accident.
Mike hired Clay when he was only 19 years old and our inside joke was always about the fact that Lelani and I thought it was crazy that Mike thought it was a good idea to hire "a kid". It took us about 2 days to know that Clay was one of the best hires we ever made. He was not only a great worker, but great with customers, friends with everyone on staff, knowledgeable about bikes, and able to see where he was needed and jump in to help.
It was our great pleasure to watch Clay grow up in years and in abilities as an employee. When the time came for us to need a new manager, Clay was our choice. He once said that Lelani taught him not to be a boss, but to be a leader and that's what he was. He had the respect of every employee while also being a buddy, confidant and go-to friend. When we had to make the decision to close Pro Cyclery, Clay and all our employees stayed with us and helped us up to the last day. For that, we are forever grateful.
Mike and I want to always remember all the laughs we had with Clay - wrangling his puppy, Hudson, telling us about his riding adventures with Ryan, or the time he told someone on the phone he couldn't say the word he wanted to because "the elderly" were in hearing distance. Being elderly became my excuse for everything I needed him to do, fix, or listen to me complain about. We had several customers ask if I was his mom and he always answered, "she's my bike shop mom." One of my proudest titles!
Everyone who worked, rode or had adventures with Clay will miss him deeply. Our prayers are with his friends, family and loved ones.
Cheri and Mike Tillman
