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New company offers kayaks, bikes, tours and taxis Mary Paramore
Sheets, who grew up on the water in Cecil and Harford counties, is a former partner at New German Performance in Perryman, a specialized auto parts, sales, fabrication and installation facility. While there, he studied the Havre de Grace and surrounding markets, identified consumer and community needs and planned a diversified business. Chesapeake Cycle & Sport is, and will be, much more than a bicycle rental and repair shop. To carve a niche in a market where another bike rental and repair company already operates, Sheets decided to add new bike sales to his rental and repair business. Sheets secured a Trek brand territory. Trek is a reliable, well-known brand of recreational and professional bicycles with prices that range from $150 to $10,000. “Trek is our main brand, along with Gary Fisher, which Trek owns,” Sheets said. “I wouldn’t have opened this store if I couldn’t get the Trek territory.” Sheets then dedicated the corner storefront to women. He said, “I’m one of only two cycle shops in Maryland with a women-specific store.” He carries women’s bikes, sport-specific clothing and offers a roomy fitting area where women can try on clothes with friends. “Cycling clothes aren’t always the most flattering,” Sheets said. “Women want privacy to try them on without having to come into the showroom to let a friend see how the clothes fit.” The store also sells men’s and children’s bikes, parts and gear, and offers a repair service. Sheets stressed that, with bicycles, you get what you pay for. “You can buy a cheap bike every few years. They are disposable. Or, you can spend $300-$400 to have one that will last ten years or more,” he said. To differentiate his business, Sheets decided to take advantage of the city’s waterfront by offering kayak rentals, too. Chesapeake Cycle & Sport is the only kayak rental company in Havre de Grace and one of only two kayak rental operations in Harford County. Sheets has 25 kayaks in stock and rents one and two-man boats on an hourly or weekly basis. Although the City has designated Jean Roberts Park as its official kayak launch site, Sheets prefers to launch at Tydings Park. He said, "The western side of the upper bay is extremely shallow with a depth not over two feet. It's a great place for beginner kayakers." Finally, Sheets decided to offer services to target the unique needs of visitors to Havre de Grace. Being “local,” Sheets knows the best sites to see by boat or on bike. His company offers two-hour guided and self-guided eco-nature tours, and has already booked several guided tours for wedding parties. He is also targeting corporate clients. With more than 2,500 sq. ft. of space available above the store and more above a second building on site, Sheets plans to offer space for special events and even overnight lodging.
“We want to be a staple in the community, a strong business within the community and to support the community,” he said. The business is open seven days a week, and, although Sheets has four part-time employees, he prides himself on the fact he is almost always behind the counter to assist customers. “With all the hours, I know every product on the shelf and almost every customer,” Sheets said. “There is consistency with the same person and that counts for a lot.” Chesapeake Cycle & Sport opened at 101 N. Washington Street in January in a historic, water view space that, in years past, served as a mercantile, drug store, soda fountain and Western Union telegraph office. He purchased the corner store and a building behind it from the Greene family, which he says has owned the property for more than 200 years. Under Sheets’ stewardship, the store retains its historic ambiance with the original hardwood flooring, a tin ceiling and suspended forced-air heating units. Corrugated metal counter fronts, pinpoint lighting fixtures and flat screen TVs bring the business’ décor into the 21st century.
Photo caption: Ed Sheets, owner of Chesapeake Cycle & Sport, shows off one of the bicycle-powered rickshaws he will use to tote tourists around town.
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Ed Sheets may be young, eager and energetic, but don’t conclude that the founder and operator of Chesapeake Cycle & Sport in Havre de Grace is inexperienced. He planned this new endeavor strategically and has the business savvy to bring that plan to fruition.