If you have tried purchasing a bike during the past year, you are very familiar with the long wait times, lack of parts and overall decrease in supply.
Between a push to cut down on greenhouse gases, efforts to increase active transportation routes and a global pandemic (which has encouraged everyone to spend more time outdoors), the bike industry cannot keep up with the intense demand.
As if answering bike enthusiasts’ prayers, Kendrick’s Outdoor Adventures launched in fall 2020 and opened for business at The Forks in January 2021. Open year-round and offering fat bikes, e-bikes, e-scooters and snowshoe rentals, it is the perfect solution to all your outdoor riding woes.
Lana Bakun and Kevin Sherby, owners of Kendrick's Outdoor Adventures, answer some of our questions below, including how the company got started, how do rentals work and most importantly, who is Kendrick?
Tell us the inspiration behind Kendrick’s Outdoor Adventures?
It all started with a desire to spend more time outside in the winter. In fall 2020 we started to shop for a couple of fat bikes, which quickly turned into 40+ fat bikes.
With the pandemic and decrease in bike stock combined with more people spending time outside and investing in outdoor equipment, it wasn’t easy to find a fat bike. When the opportunity presented itself to buy a large number of fat bikes, we jumped at the chance.
Kendrick’s Outdoor Adventures came to life and we’ve now expanded beyond fat bikes, offering rentals all year round.
Our main goal is to facilitate adventures for our guests so they can get moving, get fresh air and get outside.
What rentals do you offer and how does it work?
Currently, we offer e-scooters, e-bikes, fat bikes, kids fat bikes (for ages 6 and up) and in the winter, snowshoes. Who knows what is next?
We operate out of The Forks in Winnipeg and later this season you’ll find us at Pineridge Hollow, connecting to Birds Hill Park. We chose these locations because they are bike-friendly areas that don’t require you to transport your bike elsewhere - rent, adventure, return. Following your adventure, you have the option to enjoy snacks and treats from our neighbours at The Forks Market and Pineridge Hollow.
Although we accept walk-ups during opening hours, we encourage renters to book online in advance to secure their rental time.
While we have tight restrictions right now, Kendrick’s Outdoor Adventures is excited to welcome groups back to ride. We are able to offer large group rentals for bikes, scooters and snowshoes and our equipment fits users of many sizes.
What makes this a great activity given the current health restrictions?
All our rental options offer the opportunity for socially distanced activities.
With the recent loosening of restrictions we can ride with our friends again, but there is also something special about riding an e-scooter or e-bike on your own. The exhilarating momentum, the sun shining on your skin, a gentle breeze - it’s a perfect activity to do solo.
The big question: Who is Kendrick?
Kendrick is the face and boss behind the brand - he’s my 3/4 French Bulldog, 1/4 Boston Terrier. He has a personality like no other and is a mix of muscle, energy, kisses and stubbornness. Kendrick loves to roll around in new grass and take snow dives in the winter.
Although he doesn’t do much work, he loves to greet his adventurers and openly accepts all pats. He’s been my best friend over the past 6+ years and brings smiles and laughs to everyone he meets.
We know you do more than rentals. Can you tell us what you have been working on for the summer?
Kendrick will be hosting Kendrick’s Pup Crawl in support of Manitoba Underdogs. It’s a pup crawl to support pups!
We’ve partnered with many of the pup-friendly patios in Winnipeg and encourage you to visit as many as you can with your pup. Our patio partners have exclusive offers for participants and we have some amazing prizes including the ultimate pup staycation package. A limited number of Pup Crawl packages will be available featuring items from local pup-friendly brands and businesses.
The Pup Crawl is scheduled for July 17-31, 2021. We will continue to monitor restrictions and will adjust dates if needed. Pup Crawl packages will go on sale starting June 15th at kendricksoutdooradventures.com. Run, don't heel!
