Long Time Bike Tech Owner and BCC Sponsor Retires

Dale Carlson, owner of the Bike Tech chain of stores in the South Sound is set to retire after 50 years in the bicycle industry. The two current Bike Tech locations in Olympia and Tacoma will become Trek Bicycle retail stores. Dale started out as a young teenager, working at the current Olympia location on 4th Ave E. which was then called "Bikes n Boats". The store sold Schwinn bicycles as well as canoes and kayaks. In 1978, Burien Cycles owner Mike Solberg bought the store, renamed it Capitol Schwinn, and hired Dale as manager. The boats were gradually phased out as the store focused on growing as a Schwinn dealer. In the mid 1980's Dale bought the store, and subsequently several other stores in the South Sound area. In 1991 the chain of stores was renamed as Bike Tech. Dale and his Olympia store were one of the earliest sponsors of the BCC, possibly even from the very beginning in 1988. Dale will be missed as one of the longest-running sponsors of the BCC, and as a local bike shop owner. Many thanks to Dale and Bike Tech for all the years of support for the BCC!  We hope he enjoys retirement and now has time to ride his bike!

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