Two Oakhurst residents are changing gears with the new Pedal Forward Bikes + Adventure shop now open on Highway 41. Pedal Forward Bikes + Adventure opened its doors last week, and mountain biking enthusiasts and road cyclists are rejoicing.
Pedal Forward Bikes + Adventure is not your average bike shop. Founders Michael Broderick and Jorge Negret draw upon their hospitality backgrounds to reimagine what a bike shop can be – a resource for adventures and a welcome center for beginners and experts, alike.
“When I learned I’d been furloughed, I knew it was time for me to pivot. The hotel industry is devastated by COVID and I didn’t want to move from this beautiful area.” recounts Mike Broderick, owner of Pedal Forward Bikes + Adventures. “There wasn’t a bike shop in Oakhurst, and I knew that bike shops in Fresno and across the country could not keep up with the demand for bikes and repairs. What Jorge and I have endeavored to do is to turn our love for mountain biking into a new business. It is exciting to use my expertise from the hospitality industry to do something truly unique. That’s how the name of the shop came together. We had to keep going. We had to Pedal Forward.”
In 2020, bike makers report soaring sales for bikes and gear. The industry has been growing for several years, and during the pandemic with gyms shutdown and concerns for social distancing, the cycling community has seen unprecedented upward momentum.
“People are finding that they have more flexible schedules, and taking up a new hobby can bring a lot of happiness,” explained Jorge Negrete, owner of Pedal Forward Bikes + Adventures. “In my own family, we spend as much time on the trail as possible; it’s something that we can do together while spending time in nature. The best part is the Sierra National Forest has incredible trail riding. I am excited to share my passion for this region with everyone who visits our shop.”
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As you walk through the doors of Pedal Forward Bike + Adventures, you won’t see rows of bikes in differing states of repair. The repairs and servicing take place in the workshop, freeing up the front of the shop for three distinct spaces;
The Adventure Zone has two huge detailed maps of the region and trails displayed on the wall, showing all of the exciting biking and hiking trails in Yosemite’s South Gate area. Newcomers to the region can seek advice and recommendations, like finding easy beginner rides along scenic Jackson Road or high thrills on the famous Double-o-Seven route.
The Chill Zone features a large screen TV playing exciting mountain biking and cycling videos as well seating to relax. This space is perfect for people waiting for a quick repair or for riders that want to hang out and talk about bikes and their latest adventure with like-minded cyclist.
The Shopping Zone offers professional and personal customer service, bikes, bike parts, apparel and other gear such as helmets, gloves, and pads.
Guided rides, demo bikes and rental bikes are currently not available but are planned for next summer.
After a year of pandemic concerns, forest fires and park and forest closures, the southern Yosemite region is poised for recovery. Visitors can support the recovery by taking action, riding, recreating, and doing their best to pedal forward.
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