People of Havasu: Grant Whitus Discovers Joy 25 Years After Columbine’s Shadow

In Lake Havasu City, bicycles hold varied meanings; they symbolize hobbies, fitness, and childhood nostalgia for many residents. Recently, Havasu Bike & Fitness saw a flurry of activity as its owner, Gary Whitus, 59, processed customer requests while a mechanic worked on repairs.

Bicycling has been a passion for Whitus since his teenage years, during which he participated in BMX competitions throughout Colorado. After relocating to Havasu six years ago, he found fulfillment in sharing this love with the community, stating that his journey, fraught with challenges, ultimately brought him happiness.

Whitus previously served as a Jefferson County SWAT officer, where he faced harrowing experiences, including the infamous 1999 Columbine High School massacre. His role as a first responder during that tragic event deeply impacted him, shaping his subsequent work as a security consultant and tactical trainer for active shooter scenarios.

In addition to Columbine, he was also involved in the 2006 Platte Canyon High School hostage crisis, where an armed individual held students captive, resulting in a tragic outcome. Whitus has shared his experiences in various media outlets, including Fox and A&E, and authored a book titled “Bullet Riddled: The First SWAT Officer Inside Columbine,” published in 2020.

Seeking a fresh start after retirement, Whitus relocated to Havasu. Yet, the urge to return to work persisted. Soon after his arrival in 2018, he formed a friendship with Craig Rainey, the previous owner of Havasu Bike & Fitness, who would sell the business to Whitus in 2022.

“From the outset, we connected through our shared passion for mountain biking,” Whitus recalled. He’s cherished biking in various forms since childhood, expressing his love for both the sport and Lake Havasu.

The COVID-19 pandemic triggered a surge in bicycle sales, though this trend has since moderated. Currently, electronic bikes represent approximately 80% of sales at Havasu Bike & Fitness, prompting Whitus to employ a dedicated E-bike technician to assist returning customers. Despite a 40% decline in the overall bicycle industry, his store continues to thrive.

“I couldn’t be happier,” Whitus stated. “Havasu offers biking, motorcycling, boating—everything I could possibly desire.”