About Steve Sonne

Stephen Sonne was born February 23th, 1954 in Utica, NY. At the age of 9, Steve's father Dick bought him a 3-speed Raleigh from Andre's Cycle Shop. This rare purchase at the time for someone Steve's age was due to Dick's personal love of cycling and his desire to share that passion with his son. Steve instantly followed in his father's footsteps, quickly developing a passion for the sport, which he maintains to this day.

At the age of 13, Steve acquired his second bike, a Rudge 10-speed, which he used that summer to take his first long distance road ride into Canada to visit a friend. On his 16th birthday, Steve's father gave him his first racing bike and Steve rode it everywhere. He started participating in races throughout the Utica area, consistently placing in the top five.

While attending Utica College, Steve befriended another avid cyclist. Together they made a cross country ride from Seattle to the Northeast. Steve has also extensively toured New England many times, putting thousands of miles on two wheels. Since the age of 17, Steve worked at the bicycle store his father had started in 1962. In 1980, he married Laurel Myers and they had two children, Devin and Richard Sonne. In 1984, over 20 years later, he and Laurel purchased the bicycle shop from his parents. They still own and operate the business to this day.

In the early 80's, Steve organized and promoted numerous road and mountain bike races in the Utica area. He also directed and developed a BMX track that held weekly races for the youth of the Central New York. During this time period Steve was pivotal in the formation of the Mohawk Valley Cycling Club, an organization that still thrives. Steve also worked with community leaders and planners, aiding in the formation of bike lanes throughout Oneida County.

In the early 90's after a break-in at his store, Steve wanted to repay the New Hartford Police Department for all their help during the difficult period. He donated bikes to the department, starting the first police bike patrol in Central New York. Subsequently, his shop donated bicycles to all surrounding villages and city police departments, including Utica. He also held clinics for officers in order to educate them on bicycle maintenance. Since then, Steve has been requested to teach clinics on bicycle maintenance by both Mohawk Valley Community College and New Hartford BOCES. He also gives free clinics at his shop every year.

Through his store, Steve has supported and promoted many championship and award winning cycling athletes. His highly decorated history as a sponsor includes a mountain bike team in the late 90's whose riders claimed multiple individual titles, a road team which competes today throughout the Northeast, a BMX team that has won a Regional title and three State titles, and a budding Cyclocross team.

Over the years Steve has given generously through his store to many charities, cycling and community events throughout New York State. He has always appreciated the community in which he lives and has given back to it time and again. Steve has always promoted cycling as the #1 sport for both children and adults. His dream is to bring cycling to the mainstream of American athletics. Today Steve is an avid road and mountain cyclist, riding daily because as he claims, "It just makes me feel good."

Following his father's tradition, he views cycling as a tool for creating a stronger and better person. Cycling is an activity that families and friends can enjoy together, which is not only healthy for people, but the environment as well.

 

Steve Sonne's International Cycling Hall of Fame Induction