The Pedego Podcast

Today we wrap up SEASON 2 of the Pedego Podcast with this look back to Episode 1 and where the journey began.  With the founder of Pedego Electric Bikes Don Dicostanzo on what he saw (that so many missed).  And how his own need for "a little boost back up the hill" led him to start one of the biggest climbs of his career, creating one of the biggest and most beloved eBike Brands in the country today. The only one with its own passionate and dedicated dealer network now numbering over 200 stores (and climbing).  As we continue to chronicle the entrepreneurs driving the eBike Revolution. And the love stories of those riding along. Wanna hear more?  Just let us know at www.pedego.com.  And maybe we'll share your story on Season 3 in 2023!  

Yes, the iconic actor, William Shatner, star of STAR TREK (and so many other series like Boston Legal) is still riding at 90 (courtesy of his Pedego Electric Bike).  Hear again this highlight of our PEDEGO PODCAST SERIES (as we wind down to the last two episodes of this season).  And hear how, why and where he's riding these days.

As we wind down this season of the Pedego Podcast, let's revisit one of our most inspirational guests. BEARING BIKES in inner city Atlanta who teaches kids how to build their own bikes (and in the process build up some confidence and skills that help them build a better life). On this week's Pedego Podcast.

As we begin to wrap up SEASON 2 of the Pedego Podcast, we'll revisit some of our favorite episodes including this one with eBike enthusiast Richard Davis, who after two years of daily riding on his Pedego, realized he'd ridden enough miles to have traveled half way around the world.  So being the good engineer, Richard began tracking his daily mileage and extrapolating where that would put him each day if he were actually riding around the world (instead of around his own city in Florida).  Turning his daily exercise into an exercise of imagination (and drive) that made him even more determined to reach an amazing 25,000 mile odometer reading (the basic circumference of the Earth). Hear again Richard's amazing ride "around the world" (at least in his imaginative mind) and how he rode over 25,000 miles on his equally amazing Pedego Electric Bike.  Adding another 1,000 miles shows since this show originally aired earlier this fall. As we continue to chronicle the electrifying "EBike Revolution" and those leading the charge here on the Pedego Podcast. Brought to you by Pedego Electric Bikes.

To hear retirees Margaret and Kevin Shea tell the story, two things have totally transformed their lives: City Life and EBikes.  The first change happened when this former software engineer and his wife decided to follow their two adult sons into the actual City of Atlanta (from the suburbs where they'd spent 30 years of their lives).  Discovering an exciting new world of close knit neighborhoods and neighborhood shops (like the new Ebike store that opened just down the block). Determined to "try it all", they took one for a spin. And that's when things really took off.  "Fun was our only reason for buying one," admits Kevin, "but it soon turned out to be the best investment we ever made."  "It added some spice to our lives (and our 40 year marriage)," smiles Margaret. "Taking us places we never knew existed". Like the 22 mile Beltline around Atlanta which they discovered right at their doorstep. A multi-use trail on a former railway corridor which goes around the core of Atlanta, this Beltline project was designed to reconnect neighborhoods and communities with restaurants, coffee shops, and places of interest (like the nearby Atlanta Zoo and parks). All at a slower "people pace". A perfect pathway for their new eBikes that took them in so many new directions, connecting them with their community (and kids) more. And bringing them better health and sleep as well as they rode more frequently(and further) on their new electric bikes. Several recurring themes we hear often on this show. For as Margaret herself if prone to proclaim to anyone and everyone she meets, "to say that owning a Pedego is life changing is not an understatement. We lost weight, improved our sleep (and our marriage).  Made new friends and found a new direction in life.  Who would have thought that two simple electric bikes could add so much to our lives?" Just two aging, ever evolving baby boomers, experiencing the ride of their life. On this week's Pedego Podcast.

Today we travel to the Big Island of Oahu in Hawaii to catch up with one of Pedego's earliest dealers, Pedego Kailua.  Charting their journey from early adopter thru the potholes in paradise caused by the Covid crisis (when Hawaii shut down and shut off all their tourism lifeblood).  And how this longtime dealer simply shifted gears from mainly renting his eBikes to mostly selling them to islanders suddenly working from home.  With some unexpected twists and turns along the way, on this week's PEDEGO PODCAST. Tracking the eBike Revolution and the entrepreneurs  (like Mark Librie and his store Manager Chandelle Garcia) driving it along.

John Minto, the mayor of Santee, California, joins us to talk about his own passion for eBikes (as he pedals his Pedego Electric Bike all over town for fun and better health).  And how it's actually helped him be a better mayor by getting out in the community more and meeting more people at a more personal pace.  Explaining how cities (like his) are embracing and adapting to this new eBike Revolution with greater access, encouragement and safety training.  All on this week's PEDEGO PODCAST. With continuing tales of the entrepreneurs driving this movement. And the love stories of those just riding along. Powered by Pedego Electric Bikes.

Today is the special story of Ryan Gustman, a gifted young photographer who traded in his car and shifted to riding an eBike full time instead.. Not in spite of his autism but precisely because of it. Taking him off the road and into the forgotten backroads of his beloved Winston-Salem area of North Carolina. Where he makes a living photographing old, abandoned buildings caught in that "liminal", shifting space between what they once were and are quickly becoming. Once alive but now forgotten. With some being "born again into something new (like a revived retail or restaurant location).  It's all part of what he's capturing and exploring on his Pedego City Commuter. As he moves beyond the boundaries of his own autism to becoming part of an even bigger narrative. "My eBike has given me the freedom to explore," explains Ryan, "at a slower, more human pace my autistic brain can better absorb and handle".  Both calming him and energizing him at the same time. Allowing him to grow and change and explore the world all around him. "In ways I could never have imagined". smiles Ryan. An imaginative tale of calm and change in this week's PEDEGO PODCAST. As we continue to chronicle the eBike Revolution (and the love stories of those riding along).

Having worked for the famed outdoor adventure/personal development company OUTWARD BOUND for over a dozen years, Laurel Zimmerman had clearly adopted their whole credo "to stretch your comfort zone" and "accomplish things you never thought you could" thru challenging outdoor adventures. But she could never have imagined how far that approach would take her in life, growing from instructor to course director, to admissions, to finally managing the national admissions office for the entire country, based out of an office in Asheville, NC. Or that it would eventually entice her to leave the company she so loved to challenge herself even further by opening an electric bike store in her adopted home of Greenville, South Carolina. But that's exactly the leap she made in the middle of COVID, going from passionate ebiker to ebike entrepreneur.  Bringing her life partner, Ashby Knox along for the ride. "When I originally went to him with what seemed like a wild idea, I was really just looking for someone to bounce it off a bit" says Laurel. "But when I laid it all out to him, he jumped at the idea as well."  Having already changed his life and jumped from a career in construction to a polar opposite in nursing, Ashby was no stranger to change.  For him, it just seemed like another way to help people (without the burnout and stress he'd been experiencing in health care). So they found a place in an old cotton warehouse in the quaintest part of historic Greenville (right near the Rails to Trails Swamp Rabbit Trail) and set out blazing new trails for themselves and their customers. It's a romantic story about a couple of life partners who also work as real life partners in this real life adventure. Helping people achieve more than they can ever imagine. Right in the heart of Dixie. On this week's Pedego Podcast. Powered by Pedego Electric Bikes.

Hear the conclusion of Richard Davis' years long, 24,000 mile ride.  Which started when Richard realized he'd turned over the odometer on his 2018 Pedego Electric Bike for the second time.  Meaning he'd already ridden about 12,000 miles (or roughly half way around the world).  So being an engineer, he started tracking his mileage on a daily basis and turning that data into a spread sheet that plotted out exactly where he'd be if he really WERE riding all the way around the world.  Plotting his path "back home". Learning about the exotic points on the map  and places he crossed in his mind. And turning his daily exercise into an around the world adventure.  A “fantasy ride” across the planet. All from the comfort of his home in Panama City, Florida. Truly a flight of fancy. An armchair traveler's dream. And an amazing story filled with lots of imagination, drive and determination, on this week's PEDEGO PODCAST.

Meet two early pioneers of the EBike Revolution, Sherry and Steve Pike, former sales execs for McKesson (one of the largest Medical Supply Companies in the world).  Who after 25 years rising up the corporate ladder had hit a wall and burned out of their corporate careers. Which began their search for something new. A small business to buy that they could call their own.  "So we went to a business broker," says Steve, "who presented us with everything from pizza shops to tire recycling stores, none of which lit the passion or fire we were hoping to find."  "So I told Steve to go back to his passion," adds Sherry, "which for both of us had always been biking. And start searching there".  And lo and behold, they found Pedego Electric Bikes (long before most people).  Opening their Glendale/Peoria store in the outskirts of Phoenix in 2017.  And becoming (in the process) one of the first eBike stores in the area. Cut to the chase, and they're now onto their second store in Goodyear, AZ as they continue to "go west" and travel even further on their adventure. Blazing a trail that so many other entrepreneurs and escapees from corporate America have since followed from Wall Street to Main Street and the frontiers of this new eBike Revolution.  On this week's PEDEGO PODCAST.

Hear the amazing story of two high school sweethearts, Patrick and Wendy Reilly who not only seemed destined to be together, but somehow destined to be in business together as well. Though you wouldn't have thought so if you watched the first 30 years of their life unfold as they got married in 1992 and started raising a family. As Wendy began work as a Behavioral Therapist and got her Masters in Special Ed. While her husband Patrick started down a long path as an engineer for Comcast. But all that changed in 2017 during a family trip to Bar Harbor, Maine. When Patrick (who'd developed a bad back from too many injuries on his job) stumbled into a Pedego EBike store and discovered that (for the first time) he could join Wendy on her long hikes with their boys. Enthralled with the fun they had that day, they went back home and began imagining "what if WE opened a store back in New Jersey"?  Going so far as to actually contact Pedego and explore the idea. But careers and kids kept getting in the way.  Then COVID came and changed everything. Stuck at home in 2020, they drove to the Pedego store in Spring Lake, NJ and bought two bikes to celebrate their 28th wedding anniversary  And then destiny stepped in and altered the course of their lives (or maybe corrected the course to where they were always meant to be).  Because shortly after buying the bikes, Patrick had a question and decided to call the local store, but instead dialed the Pedego corporate HQ in CA by mistake.  Even more miraculously, they remembered him and said "hey, if you're still interested in opening a store, we're looking for someone in Haddenfield" (where they lived)". And thus began this new leg of their journey together that finds them not with just one store but two (with a second location in  Princeton, NJ as well).  Where they are working with that famed University to possibly purchase a whole pack of Pedegos for faculty and staff to pedal around campus. With all three of their sons now working with them as well. Whatever you call this strange twist of fate, it sure seems like something that was somehow meant to be. As the family that first rode together is now blazing a new trail together. As accidental Electric Bike Entrepreneurs driving the EBike Revolution. On this week's PEDEGO PODCAST. 

Hear how two friends who'd worked together in the home improvement industry (Scott Seneff and Travis Bryant) started imagining ways to improve their own lives by opening their own business. With lots of ideas bantered back and forth over a cigar and some whiskey. Until the happenstance sight of a Pedego Electric Bike store in Florida (while one of them was on vacation there) quickly set the gears in motion for this dynamic duo to open a similar store in their hometown of Columbus, Ohio this past April.  A fast start for this fast moving pair that quickly placed them as one of the the top ten Pedego dealers in the country (all before they'd even hired their first employee!) Two more entrepreneurs who saw an opening and quickly shifted gears to pursue it. Suddenly finding themselves "off to the races" and riding at the front of the pack in today's quickly evolving eBike Revolution. On this week's PEDEGO PODCAST.

So how does a lifelong data scientist and former Dean with a Doctorate in Educational Equity decide to join the EBike Revolution?  By taking a cruise and discovering in port (quite by accident) how much fun riding one can be.  "My husband was always a hard core biker," explains Dr. Tina Moses, "but because of a disability with my leg, I could never ride along." That is until her husband booked an ebike adventure at the end of their cruise and she discovered (for the first time in her life) that she COULD ride a bike.  And all the fun she'd been missing. That started a quest to learn more about the whole EBike Revolution. And the more she learned, the more she decided this was the course for her. Not just for fun, but for a new "second act career".  So she left academia and opened a Pedego Electric Bike store back in Colorado. And not just one but two, with stores in both Golden and Boulder, CO.  The data was clear, the fun was obvious and it all added up to a new career path for this career academic. Shifting gears and going a different direction. On this week's edition of the Pedego Podcast.

Hear how a couple of active baby boomers have adapted to their age and found a way to keep pedaling and pushing themselves forward. As they continue to pursue "second act careers" in real estate and "developing influential leaders" (like themselves). And pursuing new paths that still lay before them. So hear the story of how 60 something Brenda Hudson, (after stumbling into a Pedego Electric Bike store in Delaware across from where she was having lunch), finally found a way to keep up with her hard core, bike riding husband, Michael. Who suddenly (after her purchase) found himself in the uncomfortable position of trailing her! Which led him to take the leap and join the eBike Revolution as well. For health and happiness (and to keep up with his wife!) Opening new trails and paths for this ever evolving power couple.  On this week's ever growing, PEDEGO PODCAST.

When Paul Rieger originally bought his Pedego Electric Bike, it was all about commuting to work.  But when his company shuttered their office and shifted to remote working, he never envisioned this would lead him to "remote riding" as well.   As Paul says with a smirk, "once my company closed down the office and I started working out of my upstairs home office. I found that the Boomerang didn't handle stairs so well. So I stopped using it for commuting and began exploring the 50+ miles of dedicated, paved bike trails that crisscrossed my hometown of Folsom, CA." Including the 32 mile Jedediah Smith Bike Trail (named after that famed mountain man and discoverer) that runs along the American River down to Sacramento's Discovery Park.  A trail which he now regularly patrols 6-8 hours/week as an official member of the American River Bike Patrol. So by working from home, Paul Rieger found the time to slow down and discover a whole new world around him.  A world this "boy on his bike" began exploring like the pioneers of old, who first travelled these trails in search of gold and a place they could call home.  Bringing that journey full circle, as a new breed of ebike enthusiasts and adventurers ride the trail again from their home offices in search of newfound riches, on this week's PEDEGO PODCAST.

We're not the only ones covering this story!  Meet Dave Hogan a former journalist and current blogger who writes about e-bikes in his blog THIS EBIKE LIFE. Authoring a book on the subject as well entitled E-BIKES: Putting the FUN Back Into Cycling (and Life) at Any Age (which includes profiles on Pedego Co-founder and CEO Don DiCostanzo and on two devoted Pedego customers, Dr. Miryam Liberman and Laura Maydahl who we've both had the privilege of interviewing). Like many Baby Boomers, Dave grew up riding a bike as a child. His bike was his freedom. He rode it to school, parks, and pretty much anywhere he wanted to go. When he got married 46 years ago, he and his wife Kathy gave each other matching bicycles as wedding gifts.  Now he's migrated to a Pedego Electric bike.  And with that move, found a whole new interest and angle to write about. Sharing the same stories we're all hearing from the trail of people getting back on a bike (often after years away from riding). Chronicling the same EBike Revolution we talk about here on the Pedego Podcast.  

As much as we all aspire to be of service to others, there are some for whom those words seem to be more than just a lofty goal.  Such a person is Tom Mulligan, who after 10 years of having fun in Radio and TV, felt compelled to transition into a career in social work where he could more directly help others in need.  In which he found a niche helping refugees in his adopted hometown of Grand Rapids, Michigan resettle into a new community. Helping people who'd left their war stricken world for a chance at something better.  And that's when the seed was born in Tom's mind for his own piece of the American Dream. To own his own business, but one that still allowed him some way to connect with people and serve the community. And that's where this unlikely journey took a twist and down a path he'd never seen towards opening an electric bike store.  A product that served a need and provided a personal path towards health and happiness. And still gave him a sense of doing something positive for the community. Join us for an amazing journey of "service to others" on this week's Pedego Podcast. With a good guy running a good business in the Heartland of America.

If you really believe in the idea of "sustainable living", then it's not enough to just "talk the talk". You've got to "walk the walk" as well. Or in our guest's case "change your daily ride" from a gas guzzling, soccer mom's van into an earth friendly eBike.  For all her commutes (even with kids!)  That's the story of Deborah LaSalle from Boise, Idaho who co-founded Warm Springs Consulting, a "sustainability consulting firm" whose mission is to help organizations (including big mining companies) "be more efficient and trade-out carbon emitting technologies for those that maintain profitability in a way that's better for the planet". So how could this "eco-friendly soccer mom" drive a gas guzzling mini van?  For Deb, the quest was clear. And her solution was the Pedego Stretch, a cargo carrying model that allowed her to take all her kids and all their gear wherever needed.  Deb lives six miles from her office and for all that travel back and forth to work plus her kids' school and sports activities, she's switched to an eBike.  Even using it for occasional travel downtown and to the airport as well. Estimating that she's been able to switch over at least 50% of her normal travel to something that just feels better (and more fun!) for everyone involved. Ride along as she tells us all about it.  On the week's PEDEGO PODCAST. And how (at the end of the day) she truly believes she hasn't sacrificed anything. But found far more than she expected on this electric bike path that feels a bit more genuine and a whole lot better for her, her family and the world they live in.  

Join us for a rerun of one of our most inspirational episodes about the Bearing Bike Works in Atlanta and their work helping Inner City kids build their own bikes.  And through that, develop their own skills and determination to succeed.

When yoga instructor Donna Mogilski was diagnosed with Stage IV cancer, she knew immediately what to do.  She grabbed her Pedego Electric Bike and decided to ride right thru it.  Doubling the amount of miles she rode every day (except for the day of and day after chemo). Pushing her body with some serious daily exercise while calming her anxiety and putting herself in a positive state of mind.  Chanting all along the way "remove all obstacles in my way".  "It's what saved my life," says Donna. "My ebike saved my life. It was the catalyst for my recovery".  Hear the amazing story of one woman on two wheels who rode right thru her cancer, using a holistic approach of mind, body and spirit that's allowed her to beat this deadly disease and be declared officially cancer free (one year later). Thanks to her taking a positive path.  Driven by her "never say die" determination and spirit.  With a big boost from her Pedego Electric Bike. That's what we celebrate on today's PEDEGO PODCAST.

It's hard to eat just one potato chip. And for some entrepreneurs, it's equally hard to run just one Pedego Electric Bike store.  Once the first one is up and running, there's a drive for more. That's certainly the case with this week's guest, Zach Selby, who opened his first shop almost on a whim.  Having taken over the family business of machining aircraft parts and moved it to Utah, he still longed for something a bit more fun and people oriented. So he found a small retail location and rented it without even being sure what he'd do there. Until eBikes appeared on his radar.  "I got to the machine shop at 4am and found I couldn't wait to get to the bike shop" explains Zach. "So I just kept going and growing both." Recently opening his 5th Pedego store in Utah.  "They're just so darn fun," smiles Zach. Particularly the way he does them, with a full blown bar attached to his latest store in South Jordan called The Recharge Pub and Grub.  Who says you can't have your cake and eat it too?

This week we talk with a young supermom who wasn't feeling so super after suffering some severe health issues and injuries.  But she was determined to be all she could be to her kids, so she bought a Pedego Stretch that was big enough for her two kids (7 and 5) to hop on back. And off they went to be (in her words) an "explorer extraordinaire" (at least in the eyes of her kids).  Hear her heartwarming stories of riding again and sharing adventures with her kids like taking on the Gardens of the Gods in Colorado.  Like the supermom she's determined to be (in spite of her injuries and illnesses). On this week's Pedego Podcast.

Ever wonder what it would be like to travel around the world?  Well this week's guest, Richard Davis from Florida did just that when the engineer in him started calculating how far he'd actually ridden since buying his Pedego Electric Bike. Suddenly realizing that he'd racked up enough miles to have gone half way around the world.  Which led him to start keeping a daily log and figuring out where exactly that would put him on his imaginary journey back home.  A goal requiring precise engineering and perseverance that has inspired him to get up each day and ride a little more until he's finally pedaled enough miles to have travelled completely around the world (a little over 4000 km total).  An amazing feat he estimates he'll reach at his current pace by the end of this year (if his calculator is correct!)

Hear this heartening tale of Rich Bastian, the Pedego dealer from Cape May, NJ who bought his first bike and took it to his dad for his opinion. A once big bike rider, Rich's father had been diagnosed with terminal cancer and (needless to say) hadn't ridden a bike in some time. But up comes his son with a new Pedego wondering what his father thinks about his idea of selling these new products..  To which his dad says, "Let me try it and I'll tell you". "Ten minutes later, he's still not back," recalls Rich. "Making me immediately worry something bad had happened".  But up rides his dad with a big grin on his face. "Go for it!"  And so he did, opening several stores in the process. All dedicated to his dad, who rode that original eBike everyday throughout the last summer of his life. On this repeat episode of the PEDEGO PODCAST. All about the entrepreneurs driving this EBike Revolution. And the love stories of all those riding along...

What's the old adage?  Give a kid a fish, and he'll eat for a day. But teach him to fish and he'll eat for a lifetime.  Well the same thing holds true for riding bikes. Listen to this fascinating tale of two people in Georgia who built a non-profit (Bearing Bike Works) all geared around the simple idea of teaching "at risk" kids how to build and maintain their own bikes.  Earning a free bike for learning a new skill. And teaching them some valuable "life skills" along the way like persistence, patience and perseverance. And a new found belief in themselves. Taking a risk on "at risk kids". And setting them on a new path. That's the story on this week's PEDEGO PODCAST.

Meet some more of the entrepreneurs driving the eBike Revolution. Jim and Loretta Buck, who started off on the straight and narrow path with successful careers in corporate America (with Dunn and Bradstreet and Esprit de Corps Accessories respectively).  Only to veer off in a new direction (having been bit by the entrepreneurial but) by starting their own unique Umigo Indoor Kart Racing and Event Center in Northern California.  Which led them (thru lots of twists and turns) into opening two Pedego Electric Bikes stores as well in Livermore and San Ramon.  Getting back on a bike (after years away) and riding it all the way to the front of the pack.  In this latest edition of the Pedego Podcast.

Meet Philip Prinzi, a Vietnam Vet and 32 year veteran of ExxonMobil Chemical, who's still going strong at 73 as a volunteer photographer, videographer, and drone pilot for Lee County Parks and Recreation and Emergency Management Departments in his adopted home of Fort Meyers, Florida. Becoming a big civic booster in the process and ongoing documenter of the community.  Courtesy of his Pedego Electric Bike and the action camera he's attached (plus the trailer he tows behind for all his  equipment).    Bringing his bike and gear to a variety of events (like an upcoming Pedego Pallooza).  And racking up 10,000  miles in the process on his newest eBike (a Pedego Interceptor). To go with the 2 million air miles he already accumulated as a long time executive in the plastics industry.  It's another ongoing adventure. With an added dose of service and pride.  On this week's PEDEGO PEDEGO podcast. To see some of Philip's work at the recent Pedego Palooza and eBike Ride in Ft. Meyers (held right after this interview) check out these collections of videos and photos: PALOOZA PART ONE: PREPARATIONS https://vimeo.com/698787808 PALOOZA PART TWO: THE RIDE https://vimeo.com/699269383 PALOOZA PART THREE: CELEBRATION https://vimeo.com/698822878 PALOOZA SLIDE SHOW (the whole event in photos) https://vimeo.com/699243470

Hear about the adventures of Al Willis, a lifelong Tennessee native who loves blazing new trails, be it thru his lifelong love of big huge Harleys, his equal love for little Vespas and his newfound passion for Pedego Electric Bikes.  Making this well traveled adventurer a little bit like a modern day Daniel Boone (at least in my mind).  Actively leading packs of people through the wilderness and off the beaten path. Thru his leadership role in a local Harley Owners Group, his current service as Treasurer of the national Vespa Club of America and now his enthusiastic role in the Official Pedego Owners Facebook Group.  Serving as a trailblazer for others to follow. On this week's PEDEGO PODCAST.

For many years, Kat Woirol had a great job with General Electric in Human Relations. "It was a great ride," she admits. "But after 25 years I was definitely looking for a different path to follow"  All she knew was that in her next act, she wanted to work for herself.  And was determined to quit commuting thru Atlanta's notorious traffic jams.  She dreamed of riding a bike to work.  So why not own an electric bike shop, in Atlanta itself? And that's what led her to Pedego. "We found a spot inside the beltline," she smiles. "In the heart of the city".  Right next to one of the many "rails to trails" projects that are moving people off the highways and onto the forgotten byways.  Allowing her to slow down a bit and build a business that spoke to her heart. While still allowing her the freedom to ride home and be there when her 8 year old kid's school bus arrives.  Becoming a trailblazer (and an eBike entrepreneur) along the way. With everything she ever dreamed of (and more).  All of which she gleefully shares on this week's PEDEGO PODCAST.

Hear how Peggy Taylor from St. Louis found the proverbial pot o' gold at the end of her rainbow (in the shape of an eBike).  One year after her heart gave out and forced into a frightening heart transplant.  With two bad knees (and few prospects for every getting out in the world again). Until her Irish luck kicked in and led her to a Pedego electric bike store. Where (despite her fear) she found herself up and riding again.  And now can't stop pedaling. Racking up over 2500 miles in her first year since buying her eBike.  With a daily pace (weather permitting) of 30 miles/day.  A heartwarming tale about "Peg O' My Heart" on this special St. Patrick's Day edition of the Pedego Podcast. 

Meet the entrepreneur selling eBikes in the heart of Silicon Valley, Jeff Scanlan, who opened Pedego Menlo Park (right across from Stanford University). Who after years in the area in various business development roles for hospital supplies, technology supply chain management services and even local and national non-profit organizations like the Leukemia Society decided to try a different path.  But one with a similar mission: to make an impact in his community by "delivering critical services to large segments of our country's population, whose needs would otherwise go unmet."  One ride at a time (this time).

If you've ever wondered "what comes next?" hear the amazing journey of Vicki and Neal Peden, who went from a career in real radio (where she was the News Director for a big radio station in Dallas and he was the Chief Engineer). To hanging up their headphones and heading in a totally different direction as the founders of Cowtown Cycle Party, a 16-person BYOB party bike that's like a big bar on wheels.  A path that eventually led them to eBikes as well, as they opened a complimentary Pedego Electric Bike store for the many others who wanted to ride along on their many guided trips thru the famous Ft. Worth stockyards (and their daily cattle drives). And all the bars and BBQ joints for which Dallas and Ft. Worth are famous.  A truly wild ride down one of the many "roads less traveled" for these modern day cowboys and eBike Entrepreneurs.  For whom "fun" is an everyday part of their vocabulary (along with "yee haw" and "y'all come").

Meet Ted Duley, who after a 50 year career in the insurance industry found a new way to work (for fun this time fun) as organizer of the Sacramento Pedego Owners Group (and moderator of their Facebook page). Using the skills he'd acquired as a Sr. VP of Operations, he quickly recruited 71 new members to the group and organized 29 group rides for a total of 2,567 miles. As Ted says, "Having just retired I wasn't looking for work, but when I purchased my Pedego and discovered how much fun this could be, I just couldn't help myself from bringing others along for the ride".  Adding a new line to his long and successful resume, "willing to work for fun".

As Cyndi Lauper sang, some girls "just wanna have fun".  That's certainly the case with this week's Pedego fun rider Deborah Neff.  Who after finding herself stuck at home alone for too long during COVID, was determined to get out and get active again. So she Googled ebikes, found a hot pink Pedego that matched her style and personality, popped her 8 month old Chihuahua GiGi on the front and took off in search of fun and adventure. Hear how this South Florida woman and her sidekick became the "belle of the ball" at charity rides across the south.  And racked up over 2,000 miles along the way (with her trusty sidekick in tow). "All I have to do is say 'Gigi, do you want to go for a bike ride?' and she gets excited", says Deborah.  And so are we on this week's holiday adventure tale (or should we say "tail"). Here on the PEDEGO PODCAST.  

After turning 60 and asking "now what", Greg Lewis and his wife Kym decided to pack up their new house, buy a travel trailer and throw in a couple of Pedego eBikes to see where life might take them next.  A new "life on the road" in search of their next great adventure.  Using the travel trailer as their base camp and their eBikes as modern day horses to ride down the trails they discover (and over the the next ridge to whatever awaits them).  Chronicling all this in their new YouTube channel called "WeeRVee".    So if you're feeling stuck. Or just wanna get out of some rut and feel young and yell "weee" again, ride along as "weee" take to the road with Greg and Kym Lewis (and their wee dog Charli) to see where the wind takes them. On this week's PEDEGO PODCAST.  

We all remember the feeling of "taking flight" in our first bike and the magical powers it seemed to give us.  With the wind in our hair and steamers flying, we felt invincible, as we set off on our own personal quest to discover the world. Just like JOHNNY QUEST (a 60s cartoon filled with lots of danger and adventure).  Hear how one aging baby boomer (Jack Hemingway from Tucson) has re-found his youth and recaptured that feeling on his Pedego Electric Bike, choosing a smaller BMX style bike called the Element that allows him to nimbly go anywhere, anytime. Bringing out the kid in him again as he puts on his gear (every day, rain or shine) to become the "Nightrider", riding in that twilight zone between day and night.  Where all things are possible. On his own personal quest to see the world from a youthful point of view. On this week's PEDEGO podcast.

Meet one of Pedego's first eBike dealers as we rerun one of our early episodes with Tom Bock.  And hear how he went on to become a principle part of the Pedego Team!

After 30 years as a successful St. Louis Attorney, Bill Sauerwein, was looking for an encore career. Something that combined his passion for the outdoors with his desire to work with his wife Carla (a longtime Pediatric Nurse). But what could fit that bill?  How about opening a Pedego Electric Bicycle store?  "This quickly became the perfect solution for both of us," beams Bill.  "For it combined my experience of helping clients with Carla's many years in health care and helping others. All of which we continue to use every day."  What could be better? Working outdoors. Helping customers get fit, get active and get out on the trail again. Like the famous Grant's trail that runs right behind their store. "It sure feels like it was meant to be" adds Carla with a smile, as she lists all the happy coincidences that led towards this path, from getting on their first ebike to stumbling upon the perfect store. Missouri boasts one of the largest "rails to trails" projects  in America with miles and miles of scenic paths. Turning forgotten rail and pioneer trails into modern adventures... for this couple and all those they help ride along the way.  

Hear the story of another passionate eBiker who (with his wife) takes to the trails with his Pedego Electric Bike. And even put together an ebook about the hidden trails and trailheads they've found along the way As Larry Laidlaw talks about his passion for Pedegos. And how it's opened up a whole new world of adventure for he and his wife (as they build their trips around the trails they'll ride).  All from their home in Summerlin (outside of Las Vegas).

Hear how Tom Kennedy went from 25 years of service as a Senior District Sales Manager for Dole Food Company to opening up his first family business with his wife Grace (a freelance writer and former Dole employee herself) in a suburb of Charlotte (ie-Lake Norman, North Carolina). Peddling a new type of produce (Pedego Electric bikes) that produces even more fun and joy for everyone in their community.  And everyone in their family too (including the kids). One of whom produced his own short, stop/action video about their new life together as eBike Entrepreneurs. As seen thru his 11 year old eyes.

As we get ready to launch a New Year of stories about the entrepreneurs driving the eBike Revolution (and the love stories of those riding along), take a moment to hear how it all started by checking our our first episode again with Pedego Founder (and eBike Pioneer) Don DiCostanza.  On the ongoing Pedego Podcast.

One more repeat this week as we look back at one of the best "feel good" shows of this season. As we chat with "Dr.Feel Good" herself. As this physician talks about her amazing journey from not being able to walk or even ride in a car (after a serious car accident) to now riding everywhere on her Pedego Electric Bike.  And becoming an advocate for the power of Ebikes to transform your life. And get you going again. On one of our best shows from 2021.

What a ride!  Since starting this podcast six months ago,  we've heard some amazing stories about the ongoing eBike Revolution from the entrepreneurs driving this movement to the "love stories" of all those riding along. Join our producer Carly San Filippo as we look back at all people we've met along the way and the life changing stories they've shared with us about getting out and active again on an electric bike. From socialization and "group rides"(in this era of isolation and shutdowns and "go it alone") to weight loss and simply "feeling better".  To feeling like a kid again (as actor William Shatner said) and shouting "weee" when you jump on a bike and hit that throttle. It's all here. Plus the steady stream of "second act career stories" we've heard as well. On how high powered achievers from airline pilots and bank executives to former pro golfers and bond traders have made the move from "Wall Street to Main Street" to open their own Pedego Electric bike stores (and why).  As we look back at this last year's wild ride and  all we have yet to discover going forward.  Here on the Pedego Podcast.

Sometimes the hardest person to convince is yourself.  Learn how professional negotiator Perry Hubert convinced himself it was time for a change as he entered semi-retirement.  And started riding his way to health and happiness, logging in nearly 30,000 miles in just 30 months on his new Pedego Electric Bike. And losing 90 pounds along the way.  Riding from his base in Colorado thru all sorts of weather including heat, heavy rain and some "polar bear rides" (as he called them).  All that and more on this week's PEDEGO PODCAST and our ongoing "ebike adventures". 

This week we're happy to showcase another passionate Pedego owner.  An appeals attorney named Duane Daiker out of Tampa, Florida who found his ebike so appealing that he started his own podcast to chronicle his own journeys and experiences called ELECTRIC BIKE RADIO.  Taking us thru his own evolution from regular bike rider to ebike enthusiast, as he found a way to get his wife back on the road after she suffered a serious heart attack at 50.  Giving her the confidence and capability to ride again. And opening up a whole new world of adventure (for both of them) like their recent trip through the National Parks of Utah. Going farther than they once thought possible. And telling the world all about it. On ELECTRIC BIKE RADIO and this week's PEDEGO PODCAST.

No new show last week (due to Thanksgiving).  But feast on our first episode with Pedego Founder Don DiCostanzo on why he joined the eBike Revolution and how he built this fast growing, Orange County based Electric Bicycle company and it's unique network of nearly 200 dedicated dealers.  then join us for our next live show this Thursday, Dec. 2nd at noon Pacific Time on www.OCTalkRadio.biz as we talk with more of the entrepreneurs driving this revolution...and the love stories of those just riding along!

Our Pedego Podcast is off for Thanksgiving week. But we thought we'd celebrate anyway with a "blast from the past".  And what better to show our Thanks than to share our earlier episode with Star Trek's famed Captain Kirk (otherwise known as actor William Shatner). Who talked to us about his passion for eBikes (and the pack of them he got for his extended family of 14 to ride).  From riding rockets into space to riding his Pedego eBike everywhere else, this 90 year old explorer continues to push the boundaries of what aging looks like today (for all of us!).  

Who says you can't successfully run two businesses at once? Not today's guest, Jordan Clark.  A hard charging corporate executive who found himself out on the road (as always). But stranded in his hotel down by the beach with an afternoon to kill.  He spots a Pedego Electric Bike in his hotel lobby and on a whim decides to rent one and try riding a bit (not easy with his then 330 pound frame). And eureka!  He gets his own eBike epiphany and decides to buy a few for fun. Only to end up buying the whole store in Summerlin, NV and two more in Henderson and Lake Las Vegas. After dropping 80 pounds along the way from his new found passion for riding. All while continuing to run his own corporate meeting business from his base in Las Vegas.  Showing once again what can happen when people simply say "Hello Fun" and start pedaling along on a Pedego. And follow the path driving more and more entrepreneurs and enthusiasts to the eBike Revolution.  

Today we talk with former physician Erwin Bondareff who at 90 jumped on an eBike and kept going. Eventually convincing his son and daughter-in-law, David and Brenda Bondareff to ride along with him, after which they decided to leave their long careers in hospitality and find a new way to serve others by opening their own Pedego Electric Bike store in Bethesda, Maryland. Where dad serves as a living inspiration (and enthusiastic salesman), sharing his new found passion and purpose. And recruiting others to jump on a bike and join the eBike Revolution.

Many years ago, our guest suffered a debilitating car injury, severing his sciatica leading to long lasting pain and loss of function in his left leg. Since then, he's refused to give up, logging long bike rides for both physical and mental well being. And when that became too physically hard, he found a whole new way to pursue his passions of "birding and biking" when he walked into a Pedego Electric bike store in Wheaton, Illinois (50 miles from his home) and rode out with his new ebike.  Logging in over 5000 miles in his first six months as he follows his heart and goes where few bird watchers can manage on long trips thru long forgotten trails from Green Bay to the Mississippi.  Like Johnny Appleseed, sowing smiles along the way and seeing what most others miss. Listen as he recounts his routes and share in his indominable spirit and determination to always see what's over the next horizon. And go where the wild geese go. Here on the Pedego Podcast and EBike Revolution...