Uncategorized

Pedal Forward Bikes & Adventure does what it preaches! – By Jorge Negrete.


“Greenwashing” is when a company wants to appear “green.” They put a green leaf on their packaging, or they say that their product is “eco-friendly” or “natural” (plastic is also natural). However, these companies do not back up their claims of being green with any data or environmental studies. 

When I was the Environmental Manager at Tenaya Lodge, I was cautious to “do what I preach.” As a co-owner of Pedal Forward Bikes & Adventure, I have that same commitment.

Since day one, I have been very concerned with operating our business responsibly and with whom we will do business. I have been happy to find bike companies doing their part with solid sustainability goals and practices.

Companies like PNW refuse to use any plastic in their packaging, and Portland Design Works partners with ecological non-profits by sending part of their profits to support these organizations.

Also, at Pedal Forward Bikes & Adventure, we use solvents and cleaners that are 100% biodegradable, like Simple Green, plant-based chain lubes from Mountain Flow. We are considering reducing our water consumption with an Eco-parts washer with biodegradable solvents and a bike wash cleaner from Muc-off. 

  1. We buy locally and invest locally: Every time we have to make t-shirts, signs, get coffee, or anything for the shop, we first search to work with small local businesses like us, as we stated in our commitment.

2. We purchase bamboo toilet paper and paper towels with oils, but we also reuse and wash our shop rags.

3. We invest in our community: we are working with the board from the Ahwahnee hills park to grant access for bikes, especially for kids and people that start riding. We are active participants in trail maintenance with Yosemite South Gate Trails Co-Op. 

4. To bring kids and families together for a fun day of riding, we organized the Mountain Area Bike Rodeo, working together with the Mountain Christian Center.

5. We are in constant conversation with landowners to build new mountain bike trails in the area.

6. We Refuse and Reuse as we said to our customers, “we fix first and replace it if it is not fixable,” we offer used parts that are in good condition, we receive used bikes in any conditions to reuse the components or fix old bikes. We donate it to somebody in need of one.

7. We reuse bike boxes to ship customers bikes and the foams and bubble wrap that come with them.

8. We also recycle!!! Yes, we do, and we collect the data! Below is a review of our results:

Pedal Forward Waste Metrics 2020-2021

Our total waste of trash and recyclables was 2,330.7 Lbs. This equals 100% of our waste. From this waste, the total trash that goes into a landfill is 151.9 Lbs; This is only 6.5% of our waste. 

Our total diversion (total of all recyclables) is 2,178.8 lbs. This gives us a diversion percentage of 93.5%.

At 93% diversion Pedal Forward Bikes & Adventure is attaining “Zero Waste” standards, as more than 90% of our waste is diverted.

What do we need to do to keep improving our sustainability goals?

We need to focus on working with companies that have the same sustainability goals as us. For example, during the Sea Otter festival, I just had a conversation with the Director of Fox Racing North America about their products’ excessive packaging. We need to start these conversations to show our manufacturers that we care.

For Pedal Forward Bikes & Adventure, there is still room for improvement, and we are going to continue to buy smart and put our money where it matters to make a difference.

Like I said at the beginning of this blog, we are not greenwashing. The only greenwashing we do here is when we use Simply Green degreaser to clean parts.

Uncategorized

Supporting Members of Our Community Local Artist, Orion Cicoletti

As local business owners, we care deeply about our community and are committed to supporting those that live in the area. We continually look for ways to collaborate with those that align with our brand. When I learned that my son’s friend Orion Cicoletti designs stickers, I immediately knew I wanted to commission him to create a sticker for all of our mountain bike trails in our area. We are currently selling the stickers he designed for Goat Mountain, 007, Blind Squirrel, and two other unique designs, and he has completed designs for Octopussy and Willow Creek.

Read on to learn more about this talented young man, and be sure to stop by our shop and check out his work in person.

Orion Cicoletti is a local graphic designer, videographer, and outdoor enthusiast. He was raised in North Fork, California, and graduated from Yosemite High School in 2020. He is now attending Cal Poly San Luis Obisbo studying forestry/natural resources while minoring in graphic design. Orion spent much of his childhood exploring and recreating in the beautiful mountains surrounding him. He is an avid snowboarder, mountain biker, and climber with an extreme passion for backpacking and hiking. Orion’s sticker business was created through his love for the land surrounding him, and his art and design passion. “I started my sticker business as a way to generate a small amount of cash to pay for gas. As my business grew, I realized that sharing my Yosemite artwork inspires people to enjoy our magnificent mountains deepening their appreciation for nature.” Orion has also successfully partnered with many local businesses to create custom promotional videos, T-shirts, and sticker designs like the stickers for sale at Pedal Forward Bikes & Adventure. He hopes to one day utilize his artistic gift and passion for art, design, and environmental studies to give back to the mountains he cherished while growing up in this community.

Uncategorized

Our Mission

Our mission is to share our passion for cycling and the High Sierras with a concierge approach to helping our customers maximize their cycling experience. We want to inspire our customers to pursue more adventures in life and to always “pedal forward.” We strive to build a strong relationship with every customer and seek to understand them to provide the best service and products to enrich their lives. We don’t want only to be just the best local bike shop; we want to be the best bike shop in California! Follow our blog as we share our love for mountain living and all the adventures life has to offer.