Finding a new entertainment option on South Padre Island that can gain traction isn’t easily pulled off. 

A former oilfield worker with an infinity for Island life decided to give it a try. Homer Garcia reached into his bag of ideas and came up with a 15-seat bicycle rig where peddling is shared and fun is had.

“It’s pretty much a moving bar,” Garcia said of what’s experienced at his SPI Cycle Pub. 

Think of it this way. Passengers bring their own drinks, including alcoholic beverages, with the Cycle Pub providing an ice chest. The driving and steering of the elongated cycle are provided by an operator. Customers can join and peddle or just sit and enjoy life slowly passing by during the over one-hour shared bike ride. Most do some peddling, Garcia said, with the rig including a battery backup to deal with any unexpected obstacles or slight elevation climbs. 

The main goal, which appears to be easily achieved, is to have fun where family and friends can be face to face as they make their way at a leisurely pace up and down Padre Boulevard.

“It’s a great way to enjoy the strip,” said Garcia, an Edinburg native who now lives mostly in Port Isabel. “I thought it would fit perfectly here.”

Oilfields To Beach Life

The funds to launch the SPI Cycle Pub came from working in oil fields.

Garcia worked as a radiographer, doing X-rays of wells in oil fields across Texas, Colorado and New Mexico. The intent was to find any cracks or defects in pipes and framework of the well. The money was good but the hours were long, and there were many days and weeks spent away from home. 

When his wife, Victoria, was expecting their first child, Garcia knew he had to make a change and find a way to make a living in the Rio Grande Valley. He contacted the Small Business Development Center of the University of Texas Rio Grande Valley. The staff there helped Garcia devise a business plan with revenue projections and insights on marketing and promoting a new enterprise. 

By then, Garcia had the notion of the Cycle Pub. He had seen this entertainment mode of pedal power in Austin, where he witnessed groups making their way around the lakes at the state capitol. He imagined the same could be done at South Padre Island. 

“I saw it as bringing something new to the Island,” Garcia said.

His business website describes the Cycle Pub as “a whimsy and eco-friendly way to enjoy the outdoors.” It is that with cold beverages included if a customer should so desire, not to mention stops at some local businesses like the Island Daiquiri for a tasty respite.

“That’s the beauty of it,” Garcia said. “With a golf cart, you can’t enjoy a group experience, but with what we do, you’re with family and friends, enjoying the Island.”

Joining Party Ride

The Small Business Center describes Cycle Pub as “a spinning success,” citing it in April as a local business success story.

The local chamber added their congratulations and gratitude for Garcia’s investment on the Island. It’s a nice accolade for a business he began in March 2021. Garcia has already gone through his first SPI off-season, saying he “learned the hard way” about business slowdowns. Recent months, he said, have been good ones. Island visitors are still discovering Cycle Pub. Those who have are offering positive reviews.

“Was a ton of fun!” said Lisa Gilbert on the Visit South Padre Island Facebook page.

“We all need to get on this party ride,” said Jennifer Rodriguez on the Cycle Pub’s Facebook page.

“That’s the kind of feedback we want,” Garcia said. “It keeps me motivated.”

The SPI Cycle Pub is located at 3401 Padre Boulevard, Suite E. Riders can make reservations on the Cycle Pub website, spi-cyclepub.com, or by calling (956) 802-9253. The cost for adults is $30 and $15 for passengers ages 20 and younger.