If you own a bike and live in the historic district then chances are you have already been to, if not already taken your bike in or recently purchased bike accessories/a bike from Sanford’s new bike shop, Pedal Driven. It seemed as though everywhere I went or every time I hopped onto social media I was hearing or seeing something about Pedal Driven, but I was feeling so out of the loop. What was this magical place everyone was talking about and why had I not been yet? I couldn’t take it any longer, I just had to see what all the fuss was about, so I contacted store owner Matt and before I knew it, I was in the loop…

Pedal Driven | 210 N Park Ave. Sanford, Florida, FL 32771 | (407) 416-7200

www.facebook.com/Pedaldrivenco

 

© Benevolence Photography

So what is all the fuss about?

Sanford has a BIKE SHOP!! And store owner, Matt, is so down to earth that even if you don’t think you need a bike, once you step foot into his store I’m pretty sure you’ll find yourself chatting it up with Matt and leaving with a new shiny bike that’s going to be your new ride around town.

© Benevolence Photography

What exactly brought Matt to Sanford and why a bike shop? Matt is originally from Orlando and grew up in the Orlando scene until high school ended. He then moved to St. Augustine and lived minutes from the beach in his 1920s home (yes, please) the perfect home for a man who loves to surf on his free time. After high school Matt decided to go into an apprenticeship program for ring power (no shame in Googling this, I didn’t know what that was either) where he learned to service heavy diesel equipment. But while working on the large caterpillar equipment Matt just couldn’t seem to let go of his first job, which happened to be at a bike shop. Aside from his full time job he would pick up extra hours on the weekends, continuing to learn more about bikes and how to repair them. And over the years as his full time jobs came and went it was his part time job at the bike shop that never wavered. He eventually succumbed to his love of working at the bike shop and began working there full time.

Fast forward to this year , Matt and his wife Roxie often visit Sanford to see Roxie’s parents. One beautiful sunny day as Roxie and Matt strolled the streets of our beloved Sanford, Matt realized there was not a single Bike shop in downtown. Who was to make sure no Sanfordite went bikeless? Superhero music please, Matt to the rescue. Matt and his wife discussed the idea of moving to Sanford to open up a bike shop and wouldn’t you know it, Pedal Driven was born. Matt and Roxie officially left their beach life to live the Sanford life, if that’s not an awesome tidbit to share with people about Sanford then I don’t know what is.

© Benevolence Photography

© Benevolence Photography

Matt has already teamed up with a few of our locals and has created some pretty awesome events and ways to pull people from the community together.

Upcoming Events in Sanford not just for for Bike Enthusiasts

For starters, Sanford Beer Riders. This is a group anyone can join to get out and not only meet some new faces but also pedal your way to some of Sanford’s pubs and breweries. Click here to join Sanford Beer Riders Facebook group and stay informed on all the upcoming rides.

Next up is Bike Polo, played just like the horseback team sport – but there is no horse, only your bike. Want to give Bike polo a try or have questions, then join the Sanford Bike Polo League Facebook Group here, games will take place every last Tuesday of the month.

And last but not least, you may have already seen this one floating around, Dash and Darts. A scavenger hunt on… you guessed it, your bike! The very first Dash and Darts will take place on August 18th; read more about it here. And if you can’t make this Dash and Darts, don’t fret, this will also be a continuos event that will take place every 3rd Friday of the month.

© Benevolence Photography

So, what if all of these events sound super amazing, but you don’t own a bike and you’re just not sure if you’re ready to commit to purchasing one yet. Great news! Besides selling new bikes, Pedal Driven also sells used bikes as well as rents bikes, everyone wins!! Matt also offers credit towards a new bike when you bring in your gently used old bike for trade and is one heck of a bike repair man, so if all your bike needs is a little TLC or a basic tune-up be sure to take it in and let Matt fix it right up.

Pedal Driven currently offers Jamis and Kona bikes. Jamis has a full line of cruisers, hybrids, mountain and road bikes and is a family owned business based out of New Jersey. Kona has a line of mountain and road bikes and is based out of Washington. Both brands are approved by Matt and offer great options for men and women.

Before leaving I asked Matt if he had any future plans, he quickly pointed to the right of his desk and said he plans on putting a small seating area with couches for the perfect Pedal Driven hang out spot. And then lead me to the back of the store where there was a whole other room and although it’s currently being used for storage, it would be Matt’s wife Roxie’s dream to open her own yoga studio.

But first things first, get Pedal driven established with the community and make sure no man, woman or child is without a bike. Just kidding of course, but wouldn’t that be cool if we all rode bikes to get from this place to the next? Ah, a girl can dream. Well as always, we want to see Pedal Driven succeed and feel welcome, so be sure to stop in and welcome Matt to the neighborhood.

© Benevolence Photography – Matt gets crafty too, checkout his handmade wallet made out of an old bike tube.

© Benevolence Photography

© Benevolence Photography

© Benevolence Photography

© Benevolence Photography