In the early 1970s, Phil Owens established The Cycle Center on Main Street in Culpeper, VA, pioneering the area's very first Yamaha motorcycle dealership. He even ventured briefly into selling Moto Guzzi motorcycles. Amid a gas embargo and soaring fuel prices, motorcycle sales skyrocketed, prompting Phil to hire a talented team of young mechanics to keep pace with demand. Among them was Charlie Lacy, who not only contributed his skills but eventually became a pivotal part of the business, purchasing The Cycle Center in 1977.

Shortly after, Charlie acquired land and relocated the Yamaha dealership to its current home on Lovers Lane in 1978. Since then, the motorcycle industry has undergone remarkable transformation, with the emergence of ATVs, scooters, UTVs, high-performance bikes, and even electric motorcycles reshaping the landscape.

In 2015, Charlie decided to sell the Yamaha franchise, choosing instead to focus on the repair side of the business—a move that underscored his commitment to quality service. In 2022, Max Travis joined the team, apprenticing under Charlie and mastering the intricacies of specialty motorcycle repair. Max, who also owns Damashii Customs—a renowned local custom build shop known for its one-of-a-kind, rideable creations—brought fresh ideas and energy to the operation.

In 2025, Max Travis purchased The Cycle Center, beginning an exciting new chapter for this storied business while ensuring its legacy of innovation and excellence continues into the future.