In the summer of 1985, Paul Olszewski returned to the Bay Area with a new vision after leaving his career as a social worker. He was ready to embrace his passion for cycling and founded Valencia Cyclery, a bike shop that would soon become a staple in the Mission District of San Francisco.
Olszewski had a deep connection to bicycles, having relied on them during his college years at Kent State University and while completing his master’s program at San Francisco State University. When his former boss, Lloyd Stephenson from Broadmoor Bicycles, offered him $25,000 to start a new venture, Olszewski seized the opportunity. The agreement was simple: as long as he could repay Stephenson double the investment, the bike shop would be his.
Choosing a location was crucial, and the timing couldn’t have been better. Mountain biking was sweeping across the country, transitioning from a niche hobby in Marin County to a widespread phenomenon. Furthermore, an influx of immigrants from Central and South America moving to the Mission District had created a demand for affordable transportation solutions. Olszewski identified a perfect opportunity in this dynamic neighborhood, where demand was high, competition was low, and rent was affordable.
Having lived in Guatemala during his Peace Corps service, Olszewski possessed the language skills and cultural insights necessary to connect with his new clientele. He found a storefront at 1065 Valencia Street, opened Valencia Cyclery, and within a year and a half, he had successfully paid his debt to Stephenson.
In 1988, Olszewski expanded his business by purchasing a neighboring building at 1077 Valencia, transforming its storefront into a showroom for new bikes and accessories. This expansion marked a significant milestone in his journey, but there was more to come. During a lunch break, he attended Carnaval, a local celebration of culture, where he met his wife, Zenia, a Brazilian dancer.
Olszewski’s passion for cycling began in his youth in Euclid, Ohio, and led him to become part of a racing team that took him to national championships and competitions such as La Vuelta Ciclista de Guatemala. His adventurous spirit saw him partially bike through Mexico to reach Seattle and then ride up California’s Highway 1, finally arriving in San Francisco in February 1980.
Over the years, Valencia Cyclery has weathered the shifting tides of the bicycle industry—from the boom of mountain bikes in the ’80s, to hybrids in the ’90s, to the recent surge in popularity of electric bikes. In 1994, Olszewski made a major investment by purchasing his original shop location at 1065 Valencia Street, further solidifying his commitment to the business and community.
As Valencia Cyclery approaches its 40th anniversary on June 1, it remains in the same location and under the same ownership, an impressive feat in a rapidly changing retail landscape. At its height from 2005 to 2015, Olszewski employed around 22 staff members. However, the shift towards online shopping has impacted bike shops nationwide, leading to a reduction in staff to 11 employees today.
Fortunately, Olszewski remains resilient. The rental income from other units he owns in the buildings has helped cushion Valencia Cyclery from the economic pressures faced by many brick-and-mortar stores. To commemorate the shop’s 40 years, Olszewski has organized an 11-day sale from May 30 to June 9.
“Every part, accessory, clothing item, and bicycle will have some kind of discount,” Olszewski noted, emphasizing that this sale is among the best he’s ever held.
At the age of 72, Olszewski continues to embody the spirit of cycling, riding from Brisbane to work five days a week. For him, riding a bike is still synonymous with freedom, proving that his love for bicycles has not waned over the decades. Valencia Cyclery’s milestone is not only a celebration of four decades in business but also a testament to Olszewski’s enduring passion for cycling and community.
image source from：https://missionlocal.org/2025/05/40-bike-laps-around-the-sun-valencia-cyclery-turns-40/
