The first time I met Dondi, his passion for cycling, the outdoors, and art was immediately apparent. Equally noticeable was his generosity. I was new to the area and he quickly offered to let me work a few hours a week at Cartecay Bike Shop. While at the shop, he was professional, organized, motivated and always striving to share the joys of cycling with customers.

In addition to his time at the bike shop, Dondi also helped my wife and I plan, flag and dig a trail project on the Berry College campus. We relied heavily on his knowledge and experience as a trail builder to reroute over a mile of legacy trail.

I can't say enough good about Dondi. He's just a great guy.

- Bert Harrison, Colleague


We actually met Dondi on the Bear Creek Trail while biking! He was super friendly and gave us directions to make sure we had a good ride. We had to stop into the bike store while we were in town and it’s awesome. They have a five acre biking trail behind the shop that’s free to test ride their bikes! It’s a great set up, and we are so excited for them to start serving beer too. The owner was friendly enough to show us the whole set up of their beer making process and was very down to earth. We can’t wait to come back to Ellijay and see this spot grow!

- Cecilia W., Customer


I have known Dondi for nearly fifteen years as a business owner, coach, board member, husband, father, and friend. As co-owner of Cartecay Bike Shop & Brewery, he demonstrated a rare combination of vision, creativity, and hands-on execution - transforming a riverfront property into a thriving outdoor community destination and developing the now-iconic Backyard Bike Park, which became a valued training facility for local youth mountain bike teams. Whether building trails, leading community initiatives, coaching young riders, or contributing to outdoor recreation organizations across North Georgia, Dondi consistently brings thoughtful leadership, hard work, adaptability, and a genuine commitment to helping his community grow.

- Larry Alonso, Captain (ret), United States Public Health Service, Founder & Head Coach – Gilmer Cartecay Youth Mountain Bike Team, Georgia Cycling League


We were riding an ITT of the TNGA when my rear hub came undone! Called the shop on a prayer, Dondi troubleshooted issues over the phone and Ben drove out to meet us for an infield repair. It was too far gone for that, so he took us back to the shop and swapped rear wheels while we had burritos for lunch. AMAZING guys with an undeniable love for what they do and the riders/community they support. Easily the best, above-and-beyond bike shop I’ve ever gone to. THANKS for saving our ride!!

- Shawn L., Customer


Cartecay Bike Shop knows how to run a business and take care of people. Even though they were busy, they took time to answer questions about an issue with my bike and did a check on it while I waited. I've now scheduled lessons with Dondi now that I'm comfortable with how they do business.

- Matt P., Customer


This is an outstanding small brewery. Very active bicycle shop providing great sales and service, yet also brews and serves superior small batch craft beer. The owners and staff are super friendly, absolutely professional. I look hard for great breweries all over the Southeast US. This is one of the best that I have ever found!

- John R., Customer


Stop by if you’re in the area...great shop, knowledgeable trail advocates. I’m always learning from Dondi and Ben, whether it’s about bike mechanics or local trail history. Dave keeps me on my toes about maintenance. Fun gang to know and best group rides you’ll ever take part in!

- Jennifer Braddock, Customer


Dondi is the man. Very knowledgeable and very courteous to my wife and I who are first time mountain bikers. He answered every question we had and spent a lot of time making sure we were getting the right equipment that fit us and our budget.

- Marcus S., Customer


After driving 1.5 hours to Bear Creek Trail only to realize my slammed Audi wasn’t making it 15 feet up the gravel road, we stopped by Cartecay Bike Shop for help. Dondi was turning wrenches when we walked in, but immediately took the time to give us trail advice, parking directions, and a map of the local Pinhoti trails. My wife also ended up grabbing a pair of Five Ten shoes she absolutely loves, and we couldn’t leave without a few Cartecay stickers for the bike rack! The shop is rad, Dondi was awesome, and we’ll definitely be back!

- Chris & Emma W., Customers


I can't say enough good things about this shop. Staff is welcoming, helpful and knowledgeable. Had an issue with a new Giant MTB I bought elsewhere and they resolved it extremely fast. Been to multiple shops in the NW metro Atlanta area and will only be taking my bikes here for service and if I need any new gear.

- Walter B., Customer