Today we’d like to introduce you to Kellie Hart.
Hi Kellie, thanks for sharing your story with us. To start, maybe you can tell our readers some of your backstory.
RIDEWITUS LA was born in 2020 — out of quarantine, a few friends, and a shared love for staying active. What started as a handful of riders quickly grew into 120+ people rolling through South Central, two and three times a week, just chasing good vibes and freedom on two wheels.
Founder Kellie Hart began selling the freshest bikes in town straight out of a U-Haul — and before long, RIDEWITUS LA became both a bike club and a bike store, serving the community with passion and purpose.
The club, led by six dedicated leaders — Crystal, “Diddy”, Kam, Kellie, Mike, and AJ — is all about safe rides, good times, and building unity through cycling. Our mission: to inspire health, movement, and connection in Black and Brown communities through unforgettable group rides.
The store carries high-quality bikes built for adventure, fitness, and fun — helping riders explore their passion for cycling with style and confidence.
At the end of the day, it’s all about FUN · FITNESS · FRIENDSHIP.
Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way. Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
Not at all — but every bump has made us stronger. Like many small businesses born during the pandemic, RIDEWITUS LA faced its share of challenges. When the world opened back up, ridership naturally dipped, and as a seasonal sport, cycling brought ups and downs in sales and service demand.
We also faced a major setback with our original location. Due to a complicated and unethical property ownership issue, we lost a beautifully renovated space that had become a cultural hub — hosting concerts, film shoots, repasts, and community events. It was a painful loss for both our team and the community.
But we refused to quit. We relocated just down Slauson Avenue, closer to Crenshaw, and rebuilt from the ground up. Today, we’re still standing — stronger than ever — as a full-service, Black-owned bike shop dedicated to serving Los Angeles with quality bikes, great service, and unstoppable spirit. The setback became our setup for an even greater comeback.
Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your work?
I’m extremely proud to be the mother of an amazing 7-year-old son — my greatest motivation and joy. I’m also proud to have built RIDEWITUS LA, a Black-owned bicycle store and cycling club that serves the Los Angeles community by promoting health, unity, and active living.
RIDEWITUS LA has always been about more than bikes — it’s about people. Many of our riders started as beginners who hadn’t touched a bike since childhood. Watching them grow into confident cyclists, professional racers, and even community activists has been one of my proudest accomplishments. The riders — both old and new — are truly the heartbeat of what we do.
I’m known for being fun, energetic, resilient, and giving. My journey hasn’t been perfect, but every challenge has taught me something valuable. I’m not proud of every chapter in my story, but I’m proud to be an overcomer — someone who keeps growing, keeps giving, and keeps leading with heart. It’s no coincidence my last name is Hart.
I’m also a proud graduate of Oakwood University, a distinguished HBCU in Huntsville, Alabama. My time there strengthened my faith and gave me the foundation — through my degree in Accounting and Business Management — to successfully run a business with purpose. I’m still learning, still evolving, and still giving my heart to the people and the community that made me who I am
Any advice for finding a mentor or networking in general?
My biggest advice is simple — never be afraid to fail. Every experience, whether it works out or not, is a learning opportunity. Trust yourself and be brave — that’s actually my son’s name, Brave, and I try to live by it every day.
Being an entrepreneur isn’t easy, but people are your greatest resource — both as teachers and as customers. Sometimes mentors don’t show up in the traditional sense; sometimes, they find you. I truly believe that your gift or talent will make room for you if it’s your calling.
When I stepped into the cycling industry, I had no background in it. I was just an adult with a childhood love for bikes, a degree in Accounting and Business Management, and years of retail and customer service experience. But through hosting group rides and building RIDEWITUS LA, I met so many amazing people who freely shared knowledge, support, and encouragement. I also learned a lot about myself and what I’m truly capable of.
Five years later, I’m still learning — but I’ve found that keeping an open mind and a heart to serve people will always lead you to the right connections. It’s been a blessing.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.ridewitus.com
- Instagram: RIDEWITUS_LA
- Facebook: RIDEWITUS LA
