A Bike, a Bus and a Man on a Mission

For over 31 years, Mike Schwartz, 55, owner of Mike’s Bikes in Lexington Park, has been a hub for biking culture in Southern Maryland. Schwartz, his shop and his big green school bus are icons in the community. Along with his two German shepherds, Xena and Buster, Schwartz and his team are trying to keep everyone in Southern Maryland moving forward … on two wheels, that is.

Originally from Lutherville, Md., Schwartz came to Southern Maryland to attend St. Mary’s College. In 1979 he graduated with a degree in social/political sciences and then immediately set up his bike shop. He has been selling and repairing bikes ever since.

“I’ve known since I was 10 that I wanted to open a bike shop. I’ve been riding and fixing bikes since I was a little kid,” he explains. Schwartz’s preferred method of transport has always been riding a bike. “I didn’t drive until I was 31.”

Schwartz’s love of bikes transcends simply riding one as a means of transportation. “I’m just trying to get everyone on two wheels so we can make the world a better place. Bicycles can fight obesity and help the environment.” When asked what is rewarding about helping a customer buy a bike, he says, “[Riding] can de-stress you, help your fitness and help you save money. Riding a bike can literally change your life.”

The bicycling culture of Southern Maryland is alive and well. There are multiple road biking and mountain biking clubs in the area. BMX (Bicycle Motocross) is also present here thanks in large part to Schwartz. He grew interested in BMX racing when he began working as a vendor at races. About 15 years ago – at age 40 – he began racing himself. He explains, “I’m already here, so I thought I might as well!” Schwartz, who is currently the oldest BMX competitor in Maryland, was integral in starting Southern Maryland BMX, a club and track located in Mechanicsville.

Now Schwartz is sharing his passion for bikes with the next generation. He has his own BMX team with 20 riders ranging in age from 7 years old to 55, and he packs up the green bus to drive the team to competitions. Some of his riders have even reached the national level, and they compete at events up and down the East Coast. Deyonta Gross, 17, a senior at Great Mills High School, is one of Schwartz’s riders who has achieved national ranking. He also works part time in the shop. “Mike helped a lot of us get started,” says Deyonta. Schwartz provides transportation, sponsorship and even loaners to team members who wish to compete. He has made participation possible for many kids in the area.

Around the holidays, Schwartz’s green bus serves another purpose. It delivers holiday meals to families in need on behalf of Schwartz’s charity, Mike’s Food Fund. “Since Christmastime of 1983, I’ve been helping families. I started with 11 meals. This past year we helped more than 1,800 families.” Schwartz and his volunteers provide a complete holiday meal – turkey, potatoes and all the fixings – and a $20 donation is all it takes to feed one family. Support from individuals, as well as local businesses and the Rotary Club, have made Mike’s Food Fund a growing success year after year.

From helping people find the right bike to providing opportunities and support for kids and families in our community, Schwartz, his bikes and his bus are keeping us all moving forward.  ✦

Mike’s Bikes is located at 21310C Great Mills Rd., Lexington Park. Phone: 301-863-7887. Open Monday noon-6 p.m., Tuesday through Friday 10 a.m.-6 p.m., and Saturday 10 a.m.-4 p.m.. You can also find Mike’s Bikes on Facebook.
Southern Maryland BMX is located at 26600 Budds Creek Rd., Mechanicsville. You can learn more by visiting www.somdbmx.com or calling 301- 466-0508. Volunteer opportunities are available.

To make a donation to Mike’s Food Fund, send a check to: Mike’s Food Fund, 21310C Great Mills Rd., Lexington Park, Md. 20653. All donations are tax deductible. If you would like to volunteer your time, please call 301-863-7887.