Four decades.

Three generations.

And as many thousands of miles ridden as memories made culminate this Sunday when metro Atlanta’s cycling community gathers to celebrate Free-Flite Bicycles and the Thornton family’s 40 years in business as Cobb County’s longest-operating bicycle retailer and one of the most influential in the nation.

And now one of the oldest locally-owned bike shops in Georgia history.

The party’s free, open to the public, and it starts at 7 p.m.

“This will be an ultimate family reunion for us,” said Free-Flite Bicycles president Dan Thornton, who opened the original shop, Free Flite Skateboards that catered exclusively to teen skateboard enthusiasts, with his late father Jeff in 1977 in Smyrna’s then-Belmont Hills Shopping Center at the corner of Windy Hill and Atlanta roads.

A year later the Thorntons would incorporate, pack up their pegboards for north Cobb County, and relocate to a larger space along north Marietta’s Canton Road corridor where their flagship stores have since remained in various brick-and-mortar iterations.

“We’re looking very forward to seeing countless customers, past and present employees, our former sponsored BMX, mountain, and road bike team riders, and everyone who’s become extended family to us over the years from sharing and advocating in the sport, lifestyle, and common love of cycling and bikes,” Thornton added.

Today, Free-Flite Bicycles operates three full-service, Trek Bicycle anchored shops––north Marietta at 2949 Canton Hwy; East Cobb at 4177 Roswell Road; and Sandy Springs at 6014 Sandy Springs Circle––with third-generation general manager Daniel Thornton, a 2005 Lassiter High School graduate, leading the company’s day-to-day operations.

Former Tour de France multi-stage champion Jens Voigt @thejensie will join guests for autographs and photos.

Door prizes, free pizza and snacks, and complimentary Terrapin Beer Co. for those age 21 and older with valid ID will be available while supplies last.