Get Outside KY

Get Outside KY (commonly shortened to GOKY) is a small, locally owned outdoor recreation and ecotourism business based in Berea, Kentucky, in the United States. It operates as a year-round bicycle shop that also rents canoes, kayaks and stand-up paddleboards (SUPs) during the summer season, and offers e-bike rentals throughout the year. The company describes itself as a one-stop source for outdoor adventure, bicycling and recreation in Madison County, Kentucky, and positions itself as part of Kentucky's scenic recreation and tourism landscape since 2018. The business traces its origins to 2018, when, according to its own account, an individual who had grown up outdoors and worked at a local convenience store near Owsley Fork discovered the nearby Owsley Fork reservoir and its free public access as part of Kentucky's natural heritage. That discovery led to the founding of Get Outside KY, initially focused on giving the local community the chance to experience Owsley Fork by kayak. Growth was gradual over the first two years. The COVID-19 pandemic, which closed many nonessential businesses, proved a turning point: because GOKY's activities are entirely outdoors and could comply with new operational guidelines, the business stayed open and, by its own account, grew to roughly ten times the combined total of its previous years. GOKY's offering centers on equipment rental rather than manufacturing or retail sales. Customers can rent bicycles and e-bikes year-round and canoes, kayaks and SUPs in the summer, with advance online booking encouraged to secure specific times and equipment. The company emphasizes convenience (renting directly from its locations instead of hauling bulky personal gear), customer service and safety, and support for local business and Kentucky tourism. It markets itself heavily to visitors, claiming the number-one position with Berea tourists for recreational activities and things to do in the local region, on land or on water. As a community-embedded operator, Get Outside KY maintains an active local presence, solicits customer reviews and social-media sharing, and offers updates about upcoming events and activities. It reports dozens of five-star reviews on Google and Facebook and thousands of satisfied customers. The company remains a private, independent local business rather than part of a larger chain or corporate group, and it continues to describe its mission as providing premiere outdoor resources for the Berea and Madison County area.

Get Outside KY, commonly known as GOKY, is a locally owned outdoor recreation and ecotourism business based in Berea, Kentucky. According to the company's own account, its story begins in 2018, when an individual who had spent much of their childhood outdoors and had worked for years at the Big Hill convenience store discovered Owsley Fork. Despite living and working in close proximity to it, this person had been unaware of the reservoir's existence and of the fact that it was freely accessible as part of Kentucky's natural heritage and recreation resources. That discovery sparked a range of ideas and discussions within the local community. Drawing on a background in outdoor recreation leadership, the founder established the organization known as Get Outside KY. Its initial purpose was to give the local community the opportunity to experience Owsley Fork by kayak. The business grew gradually during its first two years of operation, building a reputation as a reputable leader in Berea and Kentucky tourism. The COVID-19 pandemic marked a major turning point. While many nonessential businesses were forced to close and new operational guidelines were introduced, Get Outside KY's activities were entirely outdoors and could comply with those guidelines, so the business remained open. According to the company, it achieved remarkable growth of roughly ten times the combined total of its previous years during this period. The surge in outdoor recreation drove increased demand for equipment, outdoor lifestyle items and physical activity, while supply chain disruptions caused equipment backorders. The pandemic also underscored the importance of an active lifestyle for many customers. Since then, GOKY has continued to develop as a year-round bicycle shop that rents canoes, kayaks and stand-up paddleboards during the summer season, with e-bike rentals available year-round. It describes itself as part of Kentucky's scenic recreation and tourism landscape since 2018 and as a one-stop source for outdoor adventure, bicycling and recreation in Madison County. The company reports dozens of five-star reviews on Google and Facebook and thousands of satisfied customers, and it remains an independent, private local business rather than part of a larger chain or corporate group.

• 2020

  During the COVID-19 pandemic, GOKY remains open as an entirely outdoor business and reports growth of roughly ten times its previous combined years.

• 2018

  Get Outside KY is founded in Berea, Kentucky, after the founder discovers Owsley Fork and its free public access.

• 2018

  The business begins offering kayak experiences at Owsley Fork and grows gradually over its first two years.

• GOKY expands into a year-round bicycle shop with e-bike rentals and summer canoe, kayak and SUP rentals.

A local, community-focused outdoor recreation and ecotourism operator positioning itself as the leading source for bicycling, paddling and outdoor adventure in Berea and Madison County, Kentucky.

• Bicycle rentals

  Year-round bicycle rentals for exploring Berea and Madison County.

• E-bike rentals

  Electric bicycle rentals available year-round.

• Canoe rentals

  Seasonal canoe rentals during the summer.

• Kayak rentals

  Seasonal kayak rentals, the activity that started the business at Owsley Fork.

• Stand-up paddleboard (SUP) rentals

  Seasonal SUP rentals during the summer.

1. 1Get Outside Kentuckygetoutsideky.com
2. 2Get Outside Kentucky - About Get Outside (GOKY)getoutsideky.com
3. 3Get Outside KY - Wikidatawikidata.org