Jeff Archer’s widow, longtime store manager say First Flight Bicycles will continue

Store manager Wesley Davidson doesn’t plan on letting First Flight Bicycle shop fall through the cracks.

Even after the death of former owner Jeff Archer, Davidson said he will continue serving the community.

“Statesville is my home, and I am not going anywhere,” Davidson said.

Whether that means Davidson ends up buying the shop from Archer’s wife, Julie, or continuing to work as store manager, “there will always be a bike shop to serve people.”

Julie Archer handles the accounting and finance end of the business.

“Jeff worked 24/7 on making First Flight what it is … we want to honor him and his reputation by continuing to be open for the cycling community,” she said.

Archer, 52, was killed on July 20 as he walked across Williamson Road in Mooresville. He was headed to a classic car show when he was struck by a vehicle driven by 30-year-old Claydon Laural Turner, according to the Mooresville Police Department. Turner was charged with DWI and felony death by motor vehicle. His next court date is scheduled for Oct. 3.

The morning after Archer’s death, Davidson drove to Big Leaf Slopes Mountain Bike Park in Statesville—a project he launched with Archer and other volunteers—and began cleaning the trails.

For him it was therapeutic, especially after losing a mentor and a father figure.

Davidson has worked at First Flight Bicycles for almost 20 years, and first began when he was in high school.

Over the past few weeks, Davidson has found ways to compensate for the loss of Archer.

The South Center Street store is now closed on Wednesdays, because Davidson is the lone store employee. And he often goes to work early to complete repairs to make sure he continues the quick turnaround that has always been a hallmark of the shop.

Both Davidson and Julie Archer said that keeping First Flight Bicycles open is more than just about selling bikes and making money.

The shop is a place where friendships form and prosper, Julie Archer said.

Jeff Archer organized a regular Thursday night mountain bike ride that started at his home in Troutman and went to Lake Norman State Park. There the group rode Itusi Trail, another he helped create.  

A group still makes the ride every Thursday, Davidson said.

 “Jeff would be happy his friends are still riding and enjoying cycling – for themselves and his memory,” Julie Archer said.

She encouraged others to do the same.

“Go ride a bike and enjoy the wind in your face,” she said. “Make Jeff smile.”