Bright Angel Bicycles introduced bicycle rentals and tours to the South Rim of Grand Canyon National Park in May of 2010. The initial bicycle program was operated under a one-year contract issued by the National Park Service as a feasibility study to determine if the bicycles would be a sustainable offering for visitors. The original “Bike Shop” was a 28 sq. ft. kiosk built and staffed by owners Wes Neal and Kyle George. After a slow start, the business picked up steam and rented over 6,000 bicycles that first year. The NPS granted Bright Angel Bicycles a second year to refine the bicycle program and prepare for a bid on a 10-year contract that would begin in 2012. Against the odds, the small business formed by two river guides competed against much larger companies at the national level and was awarded the first bicycle rental and cafe concession contract to operate in Grand Canyon until 2022. In June of 2012, Bright Angel Bicycles moved out of the tiny kiosk and into the newly constructed 1,200 sq. ft. building located at the Grand Canyon Visitor Center. In addition to bicycles, the new building hosts a coffee shop and grab-and-go cafe. Bright Angel Bicycles and Café at Mather Point now employ over 40 individuals.