THe RIDEWITUS LA story

  Opening RIDEWITUS LA on Slauson  was a dream come true. I graduated from Oakwood University in 2008 with a bachelor’s degree in accounting and business management. Entrepreneurship was always my goal. In 2019, two years prior to opening a bike shop at 4601 West Slauson, I attempted to open a car wash at the exact same location. I was scammed by two people illegally leasing the space. The day I was supposed to obtain keys at the property, I was met by Sheriffs and other people saying that the people I was dealing with were scammers and the space wasn’t theirs to lease. Total disappointment.

One month later, the land was listed For Sale by XXX Owner (managed by XXX Leasing) for nearly $2 million. It sat for two years with no offers so it was re -advertised as - For Lease. Within 72 hours - I saw it, called, applied, and was approved to lease the space for my bike shop. I got the keys to the space March 31, 2021 – exactly one year after the death of our friend Nipsey Hussle. 

Prior to the grand opening events, I invested over $40,000 into 4601 W. Slauson Ave. It was a total dump! Everything was in terrible condition. My crew and I remodeled the building, added a double patio, painted everything, cleaned out a beehive full of live bees, made it safe, and the list goes on. I wanted to give the community something to believe in on that corner and that’s just what I did. When all construction was completed, and signs and banners were up, I was proud to see what we transformed that space into, and so was my community. 

In April 2021 (less than one month after leasing)) RWU LA had its grand opening ride and  1 year anniversary party. What an amazing weekend. The 24th  was the inaugural  bike ride and ride-after party. On the 25th there was a full fledge day party/celebration. It was a magnificent day full of peace, joy, and harmony in OUR community. So many people came from near and far. They shared that they were elated to see the improvements made to that corner after so many years of it being abandoned. 

Towards the end of the event, a woman and her daughter pulled up outside the event and began to speak rudely to a bystander who happen to be the mother of my publicist. My publicist briefed me on the situation and suggested I address it. I do so and was met with same rude energy from said woman. She claimed to be from the neighborhood council and proceeded to say she has control of this area, and no businesses would last there unless she said so. I had already been welcomed with open arms by 90% of the surrounding neighbors. They were ecstatic to finally have an organization there to bring some life back to that corner. Her energy was strange and the only person to come at me in such a way. I told her all my documents were legal and in order and any further issues should be addressed to ownership or through official communications.  She disappeared. Pin this incident.

For 20 months – RWU LA truly brought life back to a dying Slauson Ave. From bike rides to community events – we turned it up! Concerts, vendor villages, graduation parties, college going away parties, funeral repasts, car shows, you name it – I’ve hosted it. I’m a LA – Crenshaw District Native – outside of what Nipsey did with The Marathon Clothing store, I had never seen this section pop with  positivity like this. 4601 W. Slauson has been a car dealership, a dentist, a few car washes, a tax office, a homeless encampment, a smoke shop, and more. When I made it a bike shop and event space – I saw beautiful things happen. My community supported me 100%. They encouraged me to keep going when things get hard and reminded me that the community needs RIDEWITUS LA. It was so powerful, and I will never forget the fire ignited in me. Though challenging, expensive, and sometimes uncertain – I managed to KEEP GOING. There have been several trials and tribulations along the way, but I’ve never given up. The shop on Slauson has been my 2nd baby, OUR baby for almost two years. We’ve literally watched it glow up before our eyes. 

Un pin that pinned incident. 

On October 5, 2022, I received a phone call from a woman stating she does children’s events and wanted to rent the event space for the entire month of November and December for said events. October 6, we met, negotiated, signed an event space agreement set to begin November 1st, she paid fees, and was given a key to the property. She understood she was not to occupy the space until November 1. We parted ways. 

Two days later while discussing arrangements for December’s event space payment, she tells me she is the rightful owner of the land and she wouldn’t be paying me any more money for HER land. She said she just used me to gain possession of “her” land. She also said there is a pending lawsuit with the “crooks” I have been leasing from and the land was stolen from her years ago. Ummm, excuse me!?

I reached out to the leasing company I have been dealing with. I asked who this woman is and why is she making these claims. They advised she was indeed one of the previous owners of the land but not anymore. I was told she has tried to sue them and appeal decisions at least 5 times, all of which she has lost over the past 10 years. (This is all public information.) They told me she is a troublemaker and advised me to cancel any contracts with her and to not allow her access under any circumstance. 

October 17, against agreement, said woman enters property, parks an unauthorized car on the property, and leaves it. I demanded she move it, she refused. Car towed. October 19 woman becomes upset that locks are changed after the afore situation and  tells me I won’t be having anymore events at “her” space She ripped down a $800 banner for a (then) upcoming event. I had to come out of my pocket to replace the banner immediately. She threatened to return to disrupt the event. 

Prior to November 1st, I notified her that I would not be going forward with our agreement and offered a partial refund minus damages caused, vehicle storage fees, and breach of contract loss of deposit. She ignored. 

November 1, she demanded I meet her at the property to give her the new keys.  At 11:30 am she cut my locks off and replaced them with her own. I  had a locksmith cut hers off. She cut mine off, again. 

Law enforcement became involved. As a result of the situation being so hostile, and her having the agreement, I was told it is now a civil matter and I would have to go through courts and the eviction process to regain access. They allowed her, in her anger, to rip every one of my banners down. My family and I were threatened and disrespected by her and her brother right in front of the place I sacrificed everything for. Law enforcement did nothing. They were undertrained and ill advised. Rightfully hers or not, I know I didn’t deserve that.

The same people who scammed me in 2019 came back. That‘s it. That’s the story.

I had no idea who this woman was or her history when she contacted me. I should have done my research. I don’t know if the land is truly hers or what will happen going forward. I do know legal fees are astronomical and the process is time consuming. I do know I have a son to provide for, and a new store to open. I do know that God is in control, and I have a marathon to continue. 

Thank you for reading. Peace and blessings.

A Setback on Slauson, made for a Comeback on Crenshaw. A Comeback on Crenshaw turned into a quickie on Crenshaw. Now....we're back...on SLAUSON! Lol. No we didn't get the old space back, (those people are still squatting and it looks like a junk yard now.), but we have relocated to a new and improved space on Slauson -  this time east of Crenshaw. 

I was blessed to have had the original store on Slauson, the 2nd store on Crenshaw, and I’m extremely blessed and grateful for the new location on Slauson.  Maybe 3 times really is a charm. 

RIDEWITUS LA still promises to be the better than average neighborhood bike store (with regular hours Lol) that provides amazing bikes and exceptional service to our community. We will still host group rides to keep our community active and together, in a fun way. We will even go back to hosting quarterly bike trips (Its been too long!) . In addition to these promises, RWU LA will take on these new ventures:

SOUTH CENTRAL POWER UP  (APRIL 2024)

RIDEWITUS LA is proud to serve as a community partner and e-bike hub for South Central Power Up. S.C.P.U.  is South Central Los Angeles' first e-bike lending library and will support the community of South Central with up to 250 e-bikes to help riders get around more easily, reliably and affordably! An alternative to gas powered vehicles that emit harmful pollutants, e-bikes provide a cleaner, more sustainable transportation option for residents to enjoy. Our e-bike fleet will include commuter, cargo and adaptive bikes available for rental. Rentals are free for the first six months of this program. 

RWU BUILD-A-BIKE SUMMER PROGRAM (JULY 2024 - AUGUST 2024)

Beginning in July 2024, RWU LA will begin hosting week long bike building and bike mechanics classes. These small classes will be hosted on site and instructed  by a team of bicycle experts that have been in the industry for over 20 years. This class will be open to people aged 10 and up and will include parts and the bike you build. You’ll get hands on experience building your very own bike while learning how to perform routine maintenance, and important bike and traffic safety information. 

As we embark on the journey of re-opening RIDEWITUS LA Bike Store, we envision a vibrant hub for cyclists of all levels, from beginners to seasoned enthusiasts. Our goal is to cultivate a welcoming space where individuals can immerse themselves in the world of cycling, supported by knowledgeable staff and a curated selection of high-quality bikes and accessories. With a commitment to fostering community connections and promoting sustainable transportation solutions, we aim to inspire and empower every customer to embrace the joys of two-wheeled exploration.

Driven by our passion for cycling and a dedication to customer satisfaction, we strive to exceed expectations by providing personalized service, expert advice, and ongoing support to ensure that each rider finds their perfect fit. Through engaging events, educational workshops, and advocacy efforts, we aspire to not only enhance the biking experience but also contribute positively to the local community and environment. Together, let's pedal towards a healthier, happier, and more connected future—one ride..wit us at a time,

Peace & Love