(April 24, 2015) Sunset Cycles owner, Manny Perez, decided to quit his job as a government contractor making six figures, cash in some of his 401K, sell his custom motorcycle and open up his dream shop on Rt. 611 in West Ocean City behind the Decatur Business Center last Saturday.
“One of the things I noticed about Ocean City is there is nowhere to buy motorcycle or riding gear or a place nearby who services motorcycles,” Perez said.
The new business offers a variety of services for motorcycles including tune ups, oil changes, light kits, breaks, batteries, fluids, tires, belt and chain replacements, required manufacture services, bolt-ons and towing services.
Perez charges $65 an hour for his services, “we’re here to service the community and hope people come out and take advantage,” he said.
In addition, Sunset Cycles provides winter storage for motorcycles, as well as tune up kits and fluids for people who want to service their motorcycle on their own.
“Folks who are retired down here have nowhere to keep their motorcycles and we offer a place to store them for wintertime,” Perez said.
Their retail store sells gear, clothing, gadgets, accessories, hats, jewelry, wallets, leather items and other important motorcycle gear.
Motorcycles come second nature to Perez, who spent 11 years of active duty in the Army before he became a government contractor and joined the Maryland Army National Guard.
Eight years ago, Perez became certified to teach motorcycle rider safety, which is another service Sunset Cycles will be offering in West Ocean City.
The motorcycle rider training classes will be private, one-on-one sessions designed with convenience in mind.
“How long it takes is dependent on their ability and how fast they learn, but the difference is they are receiving one-on-one training and learn everything,” Perez said.
For motorcycle lovers who are planning an upcoming wedding, Perez and another Sunset Cycles employee, Krissi Moran, are wedding officiants. In addition, Perez speaks fluent Spanish.
“We plan on catering to the motorcycle community in the area by hopefully officiating their weddings on the beach,” he added.
Sunset Cycles will have ladies’ nights, to teach women about motorcycles and try to get rid of the stigma that it’s only for men. In addition, men’s nights will teach the dos and don’ts of motorcycle riding.
A goal of Sunset Cycles is to give back to the community and hold fundraisers for local non-profit organizations.
Perez is already a member of the Hogs & Heroes Foundation which supports public safety and military personnel.
“We’re going to help drum up money for non-profits and help the EMTs, firefighters and police who save lives every day,” he added.
Perez was introduced to Ocean City by his best friend in 2009 and within a year, he bought a condo in the area.
“I love the roads around here, there are so many beautiful back roads and cornfields where you can just ride and it’s gorgeous,” Perez said.
Sunset Cycles is located at 9748 Stephen Decatur Highway (Rt. 611) behind the Decatur Business Center. They will be open Tuesday to Sunday from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. and on Sundays from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m.
To learn more about their services and products visit www.sunsetcycles.net or call 410-390-5105.
