Ben Essman, owner of Oakdale Bike Shop, has been a pivotal figure in the Oakdale community, continuing a legacy of nearly 50 years of bike service. Born and raised in Fresno, California, Ben's journey has taken him all over the United States and Canada, where he lived his dream as an avid mountain bike enthusiast and served as an event general coordinator for a bike company. Seeking to be closer to home, Ben moved to Oakdale, California, and purchased the Oakdale Bike Shop in 2020, bringing his extensive experience in the bike industry from the late 90s to his new venture.

Ben and his wife now own a horse ranch north of Oakdale, where they sell hay and live their lives to the fullest, embracing their respective passions—Ben as a mountain biker and his wife as an equestrian jumper. The Oakdale Bike Shop has been a staple in its current location since 1976, and Ben is the third owner. When the previous owners retired, Ben was determined to continue serving Oakdale's biking needs. "I wanted to supply the needs of Oakdale with anything bike-related. I am the next generation of ownership and didn’t want to see this place close," Ben expressed. Committed to the shop until his own retirement, Ben enjoys catering to clients from Oakdale and the surrounding areas.

The shop offers a wide range of services for all types of bikes, including repairs, custom builds, and general sales. They cater to all ages and levels of experience, making it a one-stop-shop for bike enthusiasts. One of the standout features of Oakdale Bike Shop is its weekly group rides. Every Saturday at 8:00 am, cyclists of all levels are welcome to meet at the shop for a 3.5-hour ride, followed by food and drinks provided by Ben. This tradition has been a part of the shop for several years, fostering a strong sense of community among local riders.

Another unique aspect of the Oakdale Bike Shop is its dedication to community support and charity. The shop played a significant role in the Spoketober Fest, hosted by the Oakdale Rotary, raising about $99,500 last year, which was donated to local nonprofits. Additionally, Ben donates $30,000 annually and around 25-30 bikes to local fundraising dinners, further cementing his connection to the community.

During the pandemic, bike shops, including Ben's, saw a surge in demand as people sought outdoor activities. The repair side of his shop has kept business steady since then. Ben's goal is to continue growing and to reassure his customers that Oakdale Bike Shop is here to stay.

Ben's advice to local businesses and residents is simple but profound: "Greet every single person who walks into those doors. People care more about being greeted and conversing than going straight to, 'Let me sell you something.' Just treat everyone like normal people rather than a customer."

Ben cherishes having a business in Oakdale because of the town's camaraderie and the supportive community. "We went from Fresno County with about a million people to about 30,000 people here. But I am happy to be a part of this amazing community," he stated. Ben's dedication to his craft and his community continues to make Oakdale Bike Shop a beloved local institution.