Martin’s 30+ years working on bicycles have all been dedicated to the customers of Sunshine Bicycle Center.  He’s been owner since 2000, and was co-owner for 16 years prior.

He started working on & off at Sunshine Bicycle Center as a high school student in 1979, under the shop’s original owner, Ed Christianson.  Ed decided to sell the business in 1984 to Martin and a co-worker, Ron Blinn, ushering in a new era at Sunshine. In 2000, Martin bought his partner out to become sole owner and whip-cracker at Sunshine.

Martin’s hand-on wrenching next to the staff makes him not only unique in the bike business locally, but keeps him in touch with the latest innovations, technology and solutions.

Got a nickname?

Hey Marty (usually to answer employee questions).

Where were you raised?

Right here in Fairfax.

What was your first bike?

Schwinn stingray with two speed kick back!

Ever slept with your bike?

Well, spending some weeks at the store 11 hours a day 5 days a week, I have no energy left to sleep with bikes!

What keeps you loving it after 30+ years at Sunshine?

I wear all the hats but still love repairing bikes that come in non-stop and send them out running like new.

Got a current favorite bike you can’t get enough miles on?

My Moots road bike with SRAM Red, and my ’09 Turner Sultan 29er with SRAM XX — but let’s not forget the 1971 Ron Cooper converted to a town bike with mustache bars!

What’s your dream bike?

A 29′er geared mountain bike with 5″ travel front and rear that rides as sweet as my Turner Sultan — but is only 20 lbs.  We may almost be there, some of the new Gary Fisher’s are under 23 lbs!

What are some of your favorite rides in Marin?

Some of the 6:30am Sunday rides to the top of Mt Tam when it is crystal clear and the sun coming up.

Favorite rides away?

I’m not that well traveled but so far its Downieville.

Memorable bike wrecks?

When I was 16 and had my first quality road bike (Raleigh professional). I was going all out down Fairfax-Bolinas Road and a deer jumped into me and we both went down hard, amazingly only road rash to me and my rear triangle pushed out slightly on my bike (the deer was gone before I dragged myself up).

Favorite Non-bike getaways?

Spending time with the family camping at Doran Beach on the Sonoma coast when we get time.

Wouldn’t be caught dead doing…?

Karaoke!

Road or Mountain?

Still find the rush of mountain biking to be my favorite (but spend more time on the road bike since I live in Petaluma now).

Fixed, single speed or gears?

Gears; hey I’m 48!

Best Recent Innovations?

Near perfect suspension designs on mountain bikes; stiff, strong, light, compliant carbon road frames.

Fuel?

Caffeine (need the false urgency).

Illustrious Race Career?

As a junior on road bikes for two years, did OK in road races, sucked at Crits, got first as a junior MT Tam hill climb one year, raced the Rock Hopper MTB race the first year they had it but flatted out.

Weakness for?

Maple scones!