March 15, 1940 · April 25, 2026
Alirio "Al" Lizarazo
Founder · The Bike Gallery · Est. 1974 · Charlotte, NC
"The man, the shop, the legend."
The Bike Gallery · Charlotte, NCFor over fifty years, Al opened his doors to every rider in Charlotte —
the beginner buying their first bike, the racer chasing their next PR,
and everyone in between. He built more than a shop.
He built a community.
A Life Well Ridden
Charlotte, NC
the community
life fully lived
Al Lizarazo arrived in Charlotte with a passion for cycling and a dream to share it. In 1974, he opened The Bike Gallery — a shop that would become a cornerstone of the Queen City's cycling culture for more than five decades.
Whether you came in for a tune-up or a new ride, Al greeted you with warmth, expertise, and an infectious love of the sport. He mentored mechanics, cheered on local racers, and kept generations of cyclists rolling through Charlotte's streets and trails.
He is survived by his sons Roland and Andres Lizarazo, who carry forward the family legacy he built with his own hands — one bicycle at a time.
In memoriam — a champion of the ride
Roland Lizarazo · Andres Lizarazo · The Bike Gallery Family
Memorial Ride Details
On Saturday, May 16th, friends, family, and members of the cycling community are invited to gather for a Memorial Ride honoring Al Lizarazo and his lasting impact on cycling in Charlotte. Al opened the Bike Gallery in 1974 and spent decades building not only a successful bicycle shop, but also a strong and welcoming cycling community.
The ride will begin and end at the Bike Gallery Bicycle Shop, with two route options available: a 63-mile ride departing at 8:30am and a 32-mile ride departing at 9:00am. Following the ride, participants are invited to return to the shop for pizza, beverages, and an opportunity to share stories and celebrate Al’s remarkable legacy.
Parking
Please park across the street from the shop in the Rusan's / Taco Mama lot off McDonald Ave.
63-Mile Route
The 63-mile ride begins at 8:30am. The route includes 3064ft of climbing and offers 4 different gathering points along the way.
- Mile 18 - Rest Rooms at the Mt. Holly Municipal Building
- Mile 30 - Pete's Grill and Convience Store
- Mile 36 - Gathering spot after the Spencer Mtn. climb.
- Mile 53 - Gathering spot after the Mt. Olive climb.
32-Mile Route
The 32-mile ride begins at 9:00am. The route includes 1540ft of climbing and offers 2 different gathering points along the way.
- Mile 15 - Store stop (if needed)
- Mile 22 - Gathering spot after the Mt. Olive climb.