Blue's Bike and Outdoor Company

Long Post Alert:

Blues Bike and Outdoor Company has been a huge part of my life, and saying goodbye isn’t easy. After a lot of thought, the shop will officially close on November 21st.

I want to say thank you to every customer, friend, and fellow rider who has supported me over the years. You kept the doors open, the lights on, and the spirit of this little shop alive. We shared good laughs, solved big problems, and built something truly special together.

I chased a dream with this shop — and I fulfilled it. Over the years, I’ve stood before City Council fighting for a mountain bike park, gone on countless tours, helped non-profits raise money for causes across Joplin and the surrounding area, and provided SAG support for numerous events. I even got the chance to keep bikes rolling for kiddos in the Bike Bus program — and seeing their smiles as their little legs pedaled has been one of the most rewarding parts of it all. I hope, in some small way, my efforts have helped make our community just a little better.

I’ve dealt with break-ins and difficult situations, including the realities of homelessness around the shop. But I’ve also formed unlikely alliances along the way — people who looked out for me as much as I looked out for them. Shoutout to you, Rico, for having my back more than once.

This journey had its challenges, but I’m grateful for every bit of it. And I want to be clear — I’m not closing because the industry is rough or because I want to focus more on my career at Joplin Fire. It’s about more than that. It’s about me.

I want to travel without worrying about the shop getting broken into. I want to stop rushing to finish repairs before a trip or hurrying back as soon as I return. I want more time with the people I care about. Not that I don’t care for my customers and friends — but family just hits different.

So now it’s time for me to focus on making memories, enjoying life, and stepping into whatever comes next.

Thank you for believing in Blues Bike and Outdoor Company — and in me.

— Mark Cox

And hey… if you’re in the market for a downtown building, I might know a guy. 😉

Upcoming ride: Market to Market Bike Ride

See below for details….