When visitors show up in New Braunfels, they find a picturesque American town with deep German roots. It almost makes a person want to glide on a bicycle, admiring the sights and sounds of the city.
That’s what Pedego New Braunfels owner Kristen Pokky hopes will bring visitors through her doors near Landa Park. The shop, located at 231 Landa St., is marked by a row of bicycles tucked beneath a small awning. But these bicycles have a secret.
They are electric.
Pokky said she hopes to bring her love of bikes to New Braunfels.
“I have always been a bike commuter. When I lived in Austin, I commuted on my bike whenever I could,” she said.
Pokky said after becoming ill she discovered electric bicycles could give her a freedom she felt had been lost.
“I became very ill with a muscle disease and could not walk or hike anymore,” she said. “I moved home to Texas where my friends and family were. It was here I discovered electric bicycles. A friend of mine named Matt let me ride his and it changed my life. Not only did I feel I had no limitations, (but) I could park at the river easily and get in my daily swim at the Comal. I was gaining strength every day. E-biking healed me.”
But it was the charm of New Braunfels that brought her to open the shop after living in Taos, New Mexico and enjoying hiking in the wilderness for so long.
“I realized that what was missing from this charming town with a European feel was bicycles,” Pokky said. “And bicycle lanes, trails and bike racks. That’s when I started to look into opening a store here. I am not a business person. I am a nurse, but I knew in my heart it would be a good fit for this town.
“There are so many fun things to do here, whether you are visiting or live here. A bike is the best way to get around.”
Pokky said she ended up with Pedego bikes because she recognized it as No. 1 in electric bicycles in the United States.
“Pedego has a variety of bikes for any of all of your needs, from folding bikes, to mountain bikes, commuters, cruisers and low step-through for people with physical challenges,” she said.
“We strive to delight our customers and help them to choose the right bike for them.”
Pokky dreams of electric bikes zipping around New Braunfels and Gruene as residents and tourists enjoy the town. To help bring that dream to reality, she’s started a number of programs to get people off their feet and onto the electric bikes, which can be rented or purchased at the store on Landa.
“Pedego New Braunfels is offering a ‘Lunch n’ Ride’ every Wednesday. We will serve you lunch outside at our picnic table and afterwards you can take out the rental bikes and ride around Landa Park. It takes about an hour.”
She said the tours can include up to four people but need to be scheduled in advance by calling 830-312-6704.
The shop also offers an antiques tour, guided history tour, food tour and river tour on the bikes, some with extra perks included. And Pokky says there is more to come.
Pedego will host an official grand opening April 10 from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. with surprises for visitors