Rest in Peace, Jeff Archer

Jeff Archer, owner of First Flight Bicycles in Statesville, North Carolina, died yesterday after being struck by a car while crossing a street in Mooresville, North Carolina. He was 52.

Archer, who was nominated for induction into the Mountain Bike Hall of Fame this year, founded MOMBAT–the Museum of Mountain Bike Art and Technology–in 2005, which boasts a collection of more than 400 vintage bikes and an untold number of parts and accessories. He also served as a judge in the North American Handmade Bicycle Show. In addition to First Flight and MOMBAT, Archer operated Mountain Goat Cycles, a revival of Jeff Lindsay's brand, which crafts mountain bikes that have a classic feel but are compatible with modern components.

First Flight's Thursday night ride went out last night in remembrance of Jeff. “With a heavy heart we say goodbye to Jeff, not only a proprietor, but also a driving force, an inspiration, and a shoulder to lean on for all of us here. Your family and friends at First Flight Bicycles will miss you,” reads the store's website.

Archer is survived by his wife Julie, and their two sons: Seth, 21, and Sam, 18.

You can see our story on Jeff's collection here.