On the Wheels of Adventure

What all started as a renter-owner relationship has developed into an entrepreneurial adventure. DeadWheels Bike Rentals is the newest bicycle renter on the Mickelson Trail with an opening scheduled for May 21 in Deadwood at the trail’s entrance on St. Charles Street. DeadWheels Bike Rentals is a comprehensive, one-stop full service bike rental company with a vision to provide opportunities for fun on the Mickelson Trail for the entire family and individuals of all ages.

Stacey Phillips, Piedmont, was looking for a renter for a home she owned. Through friends, she met Jobie Wagner who moved into the home. Soon the two began a friendship that allowed them to stretch their imagination. Stacey loves to spend time outdoors with her daughters and also wanted to start another business.  Stacey, a mother of four girls, and a thriving business owner already, saw a need. “I went and researched what was available for bicycle rentals [and] only found one business with a very limited amount of bikes to rent. Also, I knew of a woman who worked for the Deadwood Chamber and in conversation she mentioned the number of calls she would receive families interested in renting bicycles for the Mickelson Trail.”

Fortunately, she had met Jobie whose interest in entrepreneurship began a few years ago when he enrolled in an entrepreneurship course in the Creighton MBA program. Jobie, a Marine veteran, says he returned to the Black Hills because he has a true appreciation for the area. “My love for the Black Hills comes from my mother and my Native American brothers and sisters. As a child growing up on the Rosebud Reservation, we hold the Black Hills as sacred and spiritual; awe inspiring for its beauty and glorious history. The Black Hills is not merely a vacation destination; it is a way of life.”

The DeadWheels Bike Rental owners hope to give families an adventure.  Quality family time is important and bicycling the trails has an added benefit of exercise and personal fitness. People can experience many educational opportunities on the trail through the historical markers and nature found on the trail.

DeadWheels Bike Rental has bicycles and helmets for rent for children, adults and individuals with disabilities. Along with the rental, riders will receive a day pass to be on the trail. When the ride is over, DeadWheels will pick you up and transport you back to the starting point.

Stacey and Jobie are co-owners in this enterprise. They divide their time and labor to ensuring that this business is a success for the riders and the community of Deadwood. Whether riders come from the Black Hills area or another state, they will not have to worry about loading their bicycles. All they have to do is show up in comfortable clothes and enjoy the ride!