LOUDONVILLE — As visitors arrive for the summer tourism season following America’s 250th Fourth of July celebration, a new outdoor adventure business is preparing to open in the heart of the Mohican area.
Bear Bait Bike & Board will soon welcome riders at The Hemlock Inn, offering premium electric bicycle rentals along one of the region’s most popular cycling corridors between downtown Loudonville and Mohican State Park.
The timing of the opening comes as black bears have once again captured local attention, with several recent sightings reported along Wally Road near Mohican. While wildlife officials remind residents that bear sightings are a natural part of Ohio’s growing black bear population, the coincidence wasn’t lost on the owners of a business named Bear Bait.
The name comes from the well-known saying among outdoor enthusiasts: “You don’t have to outrun the bear—you just have to outrun your friends.”
Fortunately, Bear Bait Bike & Board intends to give riders a little extra help.
Featuring a fleet of premium electric bicycles from MOD Bikes, the business offers visitors an easy and enjoyable way to explore Mohican’s rolling hills, covered bridges, scenic river valleys, restaurants, parks, and trails—whether they’re experienced cyclists or first-time riders.
Owner David Laatz brings a lifelong passion for board sports and outdoor adventure to the new business. Before relocating to Ohio, he spent years surfing and designing custom longboards on the California coast. While the scenery changed, his enthusiasm for exploring the outdoors never did.
“I traded saltwater for hardwood forests, but the feeling is exactly the same,” said Laatz. “Whether you’re catching a wave or riding a bike trail, it’s about freedom, exploring new places, and making memories with the people you’re with. Mohican has become my new playground, and I’m excited to help others experience it.”
Bear Bait Bike & Board plans to expand beyond rentals by offering bicycle accessories, replacement parts, and basic repair services as the business grows.
The location also offers visitors another perfect pairing. Bear Bait Bike & Board shares its home with The Hemlock Inn and the soon-to-open Evergreen Coffee Roastery café, giving riders the opportunity to grab an artisan coffee and pastry before setting off on a ride through Mohican’s nationally recognized outdoor recreation area.
“We’re thrilled to welcome Bear Bait Bike & Board to The Hemlock, the concept is awesome, builds and facilitates avenues for adventure and stoke” said Taylor Runge, owner of The Hemlock Inn and Evergreen Coffee Roasters. “Our guests come here looking for memorable experiences, and having premium bike rentals right outside their door makes exploring Mohican easier than ever. Pair that with a fresh cup of coffee before hitting the trail, and you’ve got a pretty epic and perfect way to spend the day.”
Matt Armstrong, Vice President of the Mohican Area Growth Foundation, said the business is another positive addition to the area’s growing recreation economy.
“As an avid cyclist, I’m excited about the opening of Bear Bait Bike & Board. This rental shop is exactly what the Mohican area needs—making it simple for more people to get out and enjoy our beautiful trails and bike paths. Welcome to Loudonville!”
With thousands of cyclists visiting the Mohican area each year and outdoor recreation continuing to drive local tourism, Bear Bait Bike & Board is positioned to become a new starting point for exploring one of Ohio’s most popular adventure destinations.
The company expects to begin welcoming riders as early as Friday alongside Evergreen Coffee Roasters, though the date is not yet finalized.