Jolly changing hands

I ran into Jeff Jolly just before Christmas and he passed along some life changing news. Jeff has owned the Jolly Cyclist bicycle shop in Hermitage for 17 years, but he has sold the shop and is going into the real estate business. He was very enthusiastic about this change, so don't feel disappointed.

At first when he said he'd sold the shop I was concerned it was closing completely. Fortunately, Jeff is selling to Nashville bike shop mogul Kerry Roberts. I breathed a sigh of relief since the last thing our community needs is the closing of a bike shop. Click on the Jolly Cyclist to read a message from Jeff.

Kerry owns both Allanti in Brentwood and the Bike Pedlar on West End. The shop will remain named Jolly Cyclist, which I think is good since it's a catchy name to begin with. This makes two bike shops within the last couple of years that Kerry has either resurrected or bought. Thanks to Kerry our cycling culture continues to improve, and for that we all should tell him thank you for growing.

I've known Jeff since 1998 and have ridden with him many times from his shop towards Mt. Juliet, Lebanon & Gladeville. I have always been impressed with him and how he took care of customers in the store. Plus, I admire him and his wife Elaine for traveling to Russia many times to adopt four young kids. He first adopted two young brothers, and found it to be so rewarding he decided to adopt two young girls a few years later!

Those young kids couldn't have found a better family to grow up in. I wish Jeff, Elaine and his kids the best of luck in the future.