Bike rental business pops up next to monument

Dominique Valenzuela is co-owner, with her fiáncé Kevin Hernandez, of Wild Rides, also known as Idy Wild Rides. They have a small office downtown just north of Harmony Monument where they rent electric bicycles and have been doing a lot of that in the few weeks they have been operating.

TC: “When did you open?”

DV: “Two weeks ago, during Labor Day weekend.”

TC: “Did you find lots of takers?”

DV: “Oh, yes. During our first day we rented out the whole lot in 30 minutes. We opened at 10 and by 10:30 everything was rented.”

TC: “You have an ideal location.”

DV: “Yes, it’s Shane Stewart’s land. Kevin built the building.”

TC: “You are both local?”

DV: “Kevin has been here for about 10 years, I’ve been here for four; we’re both long term.”

Dominique first worked in Idyllwild at Cafe Aroma and the Idyllwild Brewpub, and Kevin got started at La Casita.

DV: “He has his own general construction company now, KH Solutions.”

TC: “Where did the idea of Wild Rides come from?”

DV: “It started in both of our hearts. We took a trip to Catalina Island and rented out some e-bikes there, and just fell in love with the idea. We wanted to get our own e-bikes. We also wanted to start a business; we put two and two together.”

They decided on the name of the business, which bikes they wanted to buy and what their logo would look like.

DV: “We got all local people to help. Our graphic design and logo come from Nick Ryan. Inside we have some jewelry for sale, homemade by Kari Ann. Daniel (DJA) did our chalk board. Nick also gave us some games that he designed for us to sell.”

Dominique said the process of turning the idea into a business took about six months, from the idea, to the plans and permits, construction and buying the bikes.

TC: “Why these particular bikes?”

DV: “They are Tripper bikes, made in Venice, California. We wanted something California based, not from China. They are more reliable and easier to get service for.”

Describing the experience for riders on the e-bikes, Dominique said, “The pedal assist is amazing. It goes from 0 (like a regular bike) up to 5, where it feels like you are pedaling on air. The bikes also have a throttle. That is for using the full power of the bike, you don’t have to pedal at all.”

This makes the whole valley accessible to those who might not want to walk up to Fern Valley Corners and the “Top of the Town,” for example. And a group can keep together, even if not all are capable of pushing those pedals (at altitude, up and down hills) for an hour. “On Sunday we had a group of seven people. We give group discounts, and local discounts, too. I have a lot of people saying they are going to come up again now that the weather is cooler.”

Dominique’s many friendships with local business owners have helped things take off. “I’ve always been a very ‘people’ person. Guests at Idyllwild Inn, the Idyllwild Bunkhouse and AirBnB all receive coupons from Wild Rides. “Over the years I’ve gotten to know these people and love them as they love me. They’ve asked what they can do to help. That’s the Idyllwild way.”

As for the future, they have plans. “We’re also going to be doing bike tours, once we get that into our insurance.”

Like any two-wheeled activity, helmets are mandatory. “We do require that everyone wear a helmet while they ride the bikes. Some people do bring their own helmets, but we have them for every size of head.”

Rentals are by the hour, by two hours or all day (10 a.m. to 7 p.m.). Reservations are suggested at idywildrides.com or (951) 337-1207.