We had the good fortune of connecting with Rich Flammer and we’ve shared our conversation below.
More information: https://www.esc.guide/hydrobikes
Hi Rich, how has your perspective on work-life balance evolved over time?
Hydrobikes SD LLC is my second business. I also have Hidden Resources, which is focused on providing composting consulting services. The two are quite a world apart, but as a consultant, I spend much of my time staring at a computer, as many of us do. While I do spend some time working outdoors on compost sites, that aspect of my work has decreased over the years, and I felt a bit off kilter spending the majority of my time in the office writing reports, preparing permits, etc. There is very little social interaction involved with that sort of work as well.
Starting the Hydrobike business represents an attempt to regain some work life balance, and it has successfully provided that. Now I divide time between the office and work on the dock out in the fresh salty air. I interact with and meet lots of wonderful people who enjoy riding the bikes on the bay, and I get to fully enjoy the water and outdoors. While lots of work, renting the Hydrobikes has greatly improved my work life balance, and even after a long day at the docks, I feel great… noticeably better in fact than sitting in front of a computer screen for an entire workday. My mood and health has improved, and despite the challenges of running a second business with lots of ups and downs, I think it was the right decision.
Alright, so for those in our community who might not be familiar with your business, can you tell us more?Water bikes are relatively new to San Diego. Currently we are the only company that offers them for rent. They are unique, fun, and suitable for all age and fitness levels. But a lot of work to maintain. Saltwater and salt air are rough on bicycles that sit in the water seven days a week/24 hours a day! This has been our challenge, but we’re working through it… doing extra maintenance, changing whatever parts we can to stainless steel, and using lots of environmentally friendly lubricants to coat parts and keep our happy customers pedaling on the water.
Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.There are so many great spots to visit along the coast. The trails at Torrey Pines offer great exercise and amazing views. Cabrillo National monument is always a must see, and Balboa Park as well. I like to take people to Ocean Beach so they can get a feel for Southern California communities before they were completely gentrified and rebuilt. A walk on the OB pier is always a great experience. For food there are so many options, but I like to bring people to the casual, folky Sportsmen’s Seafoods on Mission Bay or Bay Park Fish Company. Both have lots of fresh local fish and great beer selections. Basic Pizza downtown is another favorite, and if there’s a Padres game going on, I love Petco Park. The stadium itself is a true gem. For more simple activities, a bike ride along Mission Bay and up the boardwalk through Mission Beach to Pacific Beach is a great people-watching, fresh salt air experience. Good exercise too. And of course, there’s nothing quite like riding a bike right on the water! Visitors can do that at either of our two locations on Mission Bay or San Diego Bay.
Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
All of the great people who rent our hydrobikes of course! The water bike rental business could not have made it without the hard work and support of my business partners, Craig Seering and Ashleigh Conaway, owners of Aqua Adventures, a veteran-owned, dog-friendly kayak and paddle board rental company with a great retail store. A huge thanks to them.
