Virginia Beach water-cycling club offers bar cruises powered by pedalers
Joe Maloney and Kalven Klovas share a love of water.
The Navy pals — Maloney is a senior chief and Klovas is a retired chief — had worked in explosive ordnance disposal and deployed to Iraq together in 2011. Two years ago over some beers, the two decided to create a business focused around the water with a fun experience in mind.
In July 2021, they launched Chesapeake Bay Pedal Club as Virginia Beach’s premier cycleboat pub.
“After years of being beer-loving connoisseurs, we always thought the pedal pubs in Nashville were an awesome idea that combined the outdoors, beer and fun with family and friends,” Maloney said. “We thought how cool it would be to have one on the water.”
After some research, Maloney found a company that custom-builds human-powered pontoon boats with a paddle wheel. The boat features 10 cycle stations facing a bar with built-in coolers, a seating area and a bathroom.
The concept is simple. Everybody pedals together and it turns the paddle wheel at the rear of the boat that propels it forward. “We do have an engine so people don’t have to pedal if they want to just relax and enjoy the ride,” Maloney said.
The 37-foot boat can reach speeds of 3-4 knots when everybody is pedaling, but usually averages 2 knots, Maloney said.
Pickup and drop-off is at the Owl Creek Boat Ramp adjacent to the Virginia Aquarium. The boat cruises the perimeters of Lake Rudee and Lake Wesley out to the tip of the rock jetty.
Two-hour public cruises for 16 passengers ($38 per person) and private cruises for 20 people ($525 total) are available Saturday and Sunday. From corporate outings to team building, bachelorette to birthday parties and date nights to family outings, Maloney said the crowds always enjoy a good time.
They also offer sunset cruises ($550 private and $43 public) 7-9 p.m. Thursday through Sunday. All cruises, public or private, are bring your own beer, wine and snacks.
Michele Ambrogi, of Shadowlawn, has been on six cruises.
“I went for the first time with a group of friends around the Fourth of July last year and had a blast,” Ambrogi said.
In August, she booked a 1970s-themed birthday party with 15 friends. When her father came in from out of town, they went on a sunset cruise together.
“It’s like spin class, but way more fun,” she said. “It’s one of those things you can’t wait to do again and I’m already planning my next one.”
Sandra J. Pennecke, 757-652-5836, sandra.pennecke@insidebiz.com
