Biking, blending and vending

Their business description says it all: "We use bicycle-powered blenders to share vegan smoothies and bike love at markets, fairs and parties near you."

Sweet Pedals, which features repurposed bikes that power an attached Oster Blender when pedaled, is the business started by bike-loving couple Ryan and Linnea deRoche. The deRoches are native Grand Rapidians who returned home with their two children after living in Philadelphia for several years.

Linnea deRoche explains the concept for Sweet Pedals by saying, "First, we are a family that bikes a lot and we're always looking for healthier options to eat." The business concept "started last year when a bunch of our electrical appliances broke. As we were sifting through the mess and trying to figure how to fix the blender, we came up with the idea."

deRoche points out that although the idea is not totally original as there are other bike-powered smoothie makers, many of these other operations feature an expensive-custom made bike. The deRoches' invention is something that Ryan creates from blenders bought on Craigslist and bikes repurposed from Boston Square Community Bikes.

Currently, you can find Sweet Pedals at the Fulton Street Artisans Market and online. They have two bikes set up for making smoothies and are working on a third -- a child-size bike that children can use to make smoothies. Their goal is to have Sweet Pedals bikes at all types of festivals and events in the area.

As a side business for the couple, they also envision this venture as a way to raise money for a cross-country bicycle tour they planning in 2012 which will include a series of volunteer opportunities with community bike projects like Boston Square Community Bikes along the way.

Source: Linnea deRoche, Sweet Pedals
Writer: John Rumery, Innovation and Jobs Editor