Venture Ecusta: Connecting Community and Adventure Along the Ecusta Trail

Along the Ecusta Trail in Lennox Station, Venture Ecusta invites visitors and locals alike to rediscover the simple joy of riding a bicycle. For co-owner Derek Stipe, that joy is what inspired the business from the start. As a lifelong cyclist, he says there’s nothing quite like the feeling of speed and the wind in your hair — something he hopes every rider experiences when they visit.

A Passion Turned Into Purpose

Derek and his team opened Venture Ecustaas cyclists themselves, eager to share a sport they love with their community. The Ecusta Trail, he explains, is the perfect place to start. With its wide, beginner-friendly path, it’s ideal for learning, building fitness, or connecting longer routes for more experienced riders. Along the way, cyclists can take in scenic stretches of forest and beautiful views of Mount Pisgah as the trail nears Horse Shoe.

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Exploring the Trail at Your Own Pace

Venture Ecusta makes it easy for anyone to enjoy the trail, offering half-day and full-day rentals to match any schedule. “If you only have a few hours to explore, a half-day rental is perfect,” Derek says. “And if you want to head toward Pisgah, about six miles down the Ecusta Trail brings you to Horse Shoe, where you can stop for lunch or grab a coffee at Cognative Café before riding back.”

Accessibility is at the heart of the shop’s mission. The fleet includes kids’ bikes, child carriers, e-bikes, and standard models, ensuring there’s something for every rider — no matter their age, fitness level, or comfort on two wheels. For those new to trail riding, Derek encourages following simple trail etiquette, such as calling out “on your left” when passing and yielding to pedestrians, to help keep the experience safe and enjoyable for everyone.

Stops Along the Way

Part of what makes the Ecusta Trail so special is the connection it creates between the outdoors and local businesses. Derek and his team even provide a map highlighting some of their favorite nearby stops, which they hand out to each customer before they set off. “Some of our favorite local stops are included on a map that we like to hand out to every customer,” he explains. “Some of those include Hustle Wing, Cognative Café, and then heading downtown for more great spots.”

Once in downtown Hendersonville, Derek recommends taking a break at local favorites like Tipsy Taco, Independent Bean, or Underground Baking. “There are plenty of great places to enjoy — both on the trail and downtown,” he adds, noting that the ride is as much about community and connection as it is about the cycling itself.

The Spirit of Cycling in Hendersonville

For Derek, cycling is more than just a pastime — it’s an integral part of life in Western North Carolina. “This region is known for its mountain biking and road cycling,” he says, “and we love that Venture Ecusta adds another way for people to experience that — whether they’re seasoned riders or just getting back on a bike for the first time since childhood.”

That spirit of connection — to nature, to community, and to the freeing joy of movement — is what defines Venture Ecusta. Whether you’re visiting Hendersonville for the weekend or exploring your own backyard, Venture Ecusta offers an easy, welcoming way to experience one of the area’s most beautiful trails.

Hit the trail

The Ecusta Trail is more than just a path — it’s a new way to experience the energy, flavor, and creativity of Hendersonville. Whether you’re riding, walking, or stopping in for a local pint or pastry, the trail invites you to slow down, explore, and support the community along the way.

Don’t forget to sign up for the Trailhead Passport! This free program lets you check in at participating businesses along the Ecusta Trail, earn points, and redeem them for prizes at the Hendersonville Welcome Center. It’s a fun way to explore more, support local, and score some great trail-themed rewards.

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