The Islander: Homer Garcia Pedaling to Success on South Padre Island
by R. Daniel Cavazos |
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Homer Garcia is a former oilfield worker who brought a ''whimsy way'' of enjoying beach life to SPI. |
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Working oilfields from Colorado to New Mexico and in South Texas brought Homer Garcia good money.
It also took him away from his Edinburg home too often. Garcia was working as a radiographer, doing X-rays of wells, checking for cracks and holes in pipes. When his wife, Victoria, was expecting their first child, Garcia knew it was time to come home and find a way to make a living in the Rio Grande Valley. Combining his savings with a love for South Padre Island, Garcia launched the SPI Cycle Pub, “a whimsical and eco-friendly way to enjoy the outdoors.”
That’s a description on the SPI Cycle Pub website and it suits Garcia fine when describing a shared peddling experience of up to 15 customers making their way up-and-down Padre Boulevard. The Pub’s 15-seater bicycle is “pretty much a moving bar,” he said. Passengers can enjoy cold beverages, peddling if they wish, and leave the driving and steering to an operator at the front of the rig. There’s a battery underneath to help the operator if a little added push is needed.
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The Island life passes them by on the leisurely 1.5-hour ride, with two stops included, as family members and friends enjoy the shared experience and wave to onlookers.
“It’s a great way to enjoy the strip,” Garcia said of peddling down Padre Boulevard under the cover of the cycle’s top. “You’re face-to-face with your family and friends, enjoying the Island.”
Importing an Idea to SPI Garcia had the resources to start a business, but he was new to beginning a venture from scratch.
The Small Business Development Center of the University of Texas Rio Grande Valley was there to help him develop a business plan and estimate revenue projections for his startup. It was a long-held wish to have a business of his own, but what and where? Garcia gravitated toward the Island. He and his wife moved into a second residence nearby at Port Isabel. |
| The Cycle Pub can seat up to 15 passengers and is described by its owner as ''pretty much a moving bar.''
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From there, Garcia imported the Cycle Pub idea from Austin, where he had seen groups peddling together enjoying life around lakes at the state capital. He envisioned doing the same at South Padre. “I saw it as a great opportunity for the Island,” he said. “I thought it would fit perfectly here.”
He launched the SPI Cycle Pub in March 2021. The 15-seater bike can roll with a six-adult minimum and passengers bring their own drinks, including alcoholic beverages, with Cycle Pub providing an ice chest for customers bringing ice. The cost for adults is $30 and $15 for passengers 20-years-old and younger. There is cross-promotion with some local businesses. A ride on Cycle Pub can include discounts at Island Daquiris, a favorite stop on the over one-hour pedal cruise on Padre Boulevard’s bike lane. Business was steady and showing improvement when Garcia hit his first slow period in the off-season. |
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A hearty group of passengers enjoy life on the Cycle Pub and a ride down Padre Boulevard. |
| “We hit a bump in November (2021),” he said. “We all know that Island business is seasonal. I learned the hard way.”
On a recent Saturday afternoon, Garcia reflected on his early business successes at the Cycle Pub office just off the 3400 block of Padre Boulevard. The Small Business Development Center recognized Cycle Pub as “a spinning success,” in April, with the SPI Chamber of Commerce adding their congratulations. |
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“That’s the kind of feedback we want,” Garcia said. “It keeps me motivated.”
The feedback includes kudos from customers.
“Was a ton of fun!” said Lisa Gilbert on the Visit South Padre Island’s Facebook page.
“We all need to get on this party ride,” said Jennifer Rodriguez on the Cycle Pub’s Facebook page.
For Garcia, it’s all good, getting out of the oil fields, running his own business and spending time with his wife and young daughter, Emberly. “I love the Island,” he said. “It has been a blessing to be here.”
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Cycle Pub logo on the side of the elongated Pub Bike. |
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