Small Business Spotlight: Bike the Burgh Tours
About the Business
Learn about Pittsburgh's history, architecture and public art by bike! Bike the Burgh Tours offers seven different tours of the city for all fitness levels so everyone is invited to see the beautiful Steel City sights!
From the Owner
Image Courtesy of Bike the Burgh Tours
What is your name?
Valentina Scholar
Where is your business located?
1049 Penn Ave, Downtown Pittsburgh
What inspired you to start the business?
When I moved to Pittsburgh 5 years ago to be with my husband, I somehow had to start all over again. I decided that I did not want to work for someone else anymore, so I asked myself: What can I do and what do I want to do? I earned a Master's degree in art and architectural history, I like buildings and history, and I have always loved biking. So I thought: Why not combine both? I used the first winter to do a lot of research and to explore a lot and rolled out my bike the following spring. The first 2 years it was just me, the knowledge and stories in my head, and my bike. Now, I have a bike fleet, 6 team members, and a location on the side of the Convention Center. A dream has come true!
What about your business are you most proud of?
The high-quality customer + touring service: We strive for excellence in every aspect of our operation! We have really high-quality bikes, great quality helmets, very enthusiast guides who really love what they are doing, and work really hard to provide a 5 star customer service.
Image Courtesy of Bike the Burgh Tours
What do you enjoy most about running your business?
The fantastic people I meet every day who are our customers. I love to find out where they are from and enjoy listening to their stories. It truly never gets boring!
What challenges have you faced as a business owner?
Scaling up is the hardest for a small business.
What do you think makes your business unique?
The high service quality and love for every detail.
If you had to describe the business in 3 words, what would they be?
Personal - Fun - Outstanding
Image Courtesy of Bike the Burgh Tours
The Fun Stuff
What is your favorite spot to visit in your city?
Allegheny Cemetery - I love old cemeteries and scouting out the graves of formerly very important people.
What is your favorite food or restaurant to enjoy in your city?
Sienna Mercato in the Cultural District (great variety, also fun rooftop, and good value)
What is your favorite spot in the U.S to travel to and why?
New York City: This city has an energy which is hard to find anywhere else, it is also so colorful. Besides that, the love affair with my husband started there, and we still have a lot of good friends there. I enjoy visiting it every time.
Which of the five senses do you appreciate the most when you travel and why?
Definitely the visual sense. I always try to look up! That's where the surprises are!
Do you have a travel memory that is important to you?
Putting up our tent at the beach in Yarmouth, MA, and being kicked out by the police at 3AM :-)
What would the name of your biography be?
The America Behind the Alps
What is your favorite 90s jam?
Radiohead - Creep - lots of college memories :-)