Ryan McFarland

LIFELONG PASSION OF ENTREPRENEURSHIP

1968 • CATEGORY

INVENTOR • HOMETOWN

RAPID CITY, SD • NOMINATED BY

DONA NESSELHUF Ryan McFarland is an entrepreneur with a passion for mountain biking and motor sports. Born in Valparaiso, Indiana to Joe and Sandra McFarland, he spent his early years with a grandfather who was a race car owner and a father who owned a motorcycle dealership. In 1979, the family moved to South Dakota and bought a motel in Custer, giving him his first taste of small business. This early exposure to cars, motorcycles, and racing influenced Ryan to ride dirt bikes and mountain bikes, as well as race go-karts and stock cars. He drove his first motorcycle at age 5 and owned his first car at age 12. In High School, he designed an all-terrain wheelchair that climbed stairs and won 1st place at the International Science Fair in Puerto Rico. His mechanical inclination, early exposure to entrepreneurship, and his competitive spirit led him to invent the U.S. Patented Thudbuster suspension seat-post for bicycles and a U.S. Patented suspension system for wheelchairs.

After selling the Thudbuster company, Ryan spent time renovating houses and eventually formed his own mortgage company. During that time Ryan met the love of his life and he and Kristi married in 2001. They have been blessed with two sons, Bode (18) and Jesse (15), both of whom share his love of riding and the outdoors.

Ryan’s innovations really kicked into high gear when Bode was two years old. Ryan was eager to have his son join him in adventure sports and the great outdoors. Ryan modified a pedal bike by removing components and making frame modifications until the bike was light, functional, and properly sized for his son, and the Strider Bike was born.

Ryan realized that it wasn't just his son

who could benefit from his little garage creation; kids around the world could experience the same success, adventure, and freedom. Now with over 3 million bikes sold, Strider Sports International spans across the globe with distribution in over 75 countries. Even with the astounding success of Strider Bikes, Ryan stays true to his South Dakota roots and knows that this expanding global business will always be headquartered in the beautiful Black Hills - fueling the South Dakota economy and supporting nearly 50 employees and their families.

In 2014, the South Dakota Small Business Association recognized the impact Strider Sports International was having on our state and the leadership and passion Ryan had for his staff, and they named Ryan the South Dakota Small Business-Person of the Year.

Ryan has always been an advocate for individuals with disabilities. He has not only provided employment opportunities but also developed bikes designed specifically for the special needs community.

In 2016 Governor Dennis Daugaard recognized Ryan and the Strider staff with the Distinguished Service Award for their contributions to the rehabilitation and employment of South Dakotans with disabilities.

Ryan wants everyone, regardless of their ability, to experience the freedom and mobility that biking provides. In 2013 he committed to annually giving 1% of gross revenue from every Strider Bike sold to charity. To date, Strider donations have surpassed $1M in cash and products. He continually supports Rapid City organizations and is well known as a community leader.

In 2017, Ryan founded a nonprofit to continue the effort to get more kids on bikes and help communities on a national scale. The All Kids Bike campaign is a nationwide movement of the Strider Education Foundation, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization with a mission to teach every child in America how to ride a bike in kindergarten PE class. Currently, the All Kids Bike Program is in over 330 schools in 41 states, teaching nearly 300,000 students to ride. This program is expected to double by the end of 2022! His passion for riding and giving children throughout the nation the opportunity for a healthy future has inspired donors and community leaders from all walks of life to support the All Kids Bike mission.

When Ryan isn’t changing the world by getting more kids on bikes, he enjoys touring different regions on his adventure motorcycle and brainstorming more ways to make an impact on the lives of everyone he meets.