About Us

cartecay-bikes-dondi.jpg

Dondi Fontenot - Owner

Dondi grew up racing BMX in southern Louisiana, and his professional background is in design. Dondi’s love of biking eventually fused with his day job, leading him to work in the outdoor industry, including a stint with RockShox/SRAM in Colorado.

If you're seeking a bit of fun, look no further than our Backyard Bike Park behind the shop – an ongoing passion project curated by Dondi himself. This outdoor area by the Ellijay River reflects his dedication to honing biking skills. Dondi is certified with the Professional Mountain Bike Instructors Association (PMBIA) and offers 1:1 or small group classes.

Dondi spearheads our customer service, making sure that every visitor gets a warm welcome and unparalleled assistance, making the bike shop a haven for both seasoned cyclists and newcomers alike. Dondi was also instrumental in the addition of our brew room, dreaming of a spot where bikes and beers would come together under one roof.

cartecay-bikes-ben.jpg

Ben Schlosser - Owner

Ben is our Californian homegrown bike enthusiast and skilled mechanic. He is a graduate of the Barnett's Bicycle Institute in Colorado Springs, holding certifications in bicycle mechanics with a focus on suspension service, wheel building, and truing.

Beyond his expertise in keeping your two wheels in top-notch condition, Ben is adding a unique twist to our bike shop – he's not just an expert at fixing bikes, but he's also our maestro in the art of small batch beer brewing. Taking charge of our brew room, Ben is blending bikes with the craftsmanship of brewing.

Be it precision tuning for your bike or carefully researching beer recipes and ordering top-quality ingredients for the next batch in our dedicated brew room, you can count on Ben. He’ll be adding the brewing magic to your next shop visit!

Check out our current brews.

cartecay-bikes-tj-mechanic.jpg

TJ McArthur - Mechanic

TJ does it all – he seamlessly navigates the worlds of mountain biking, paddling, rock climbing, and has even been a touring musician. Prepare to be amazed if he unveils his incredible singing voice during a random karaoke night.

However, TJ's talents aren't confined to the stage; he's an integral part of the shop, specializing in bike maintenance and repair. With an in-depth understanding of the intricacies of bicycles, TJ ensures that your ride is not just functional but performing at its peak. Whether it's a routine check-up, fixing a pesky issue, or a complete overhaul, TJ's expertise and meticulous approach guarantee that your bike is in capable hands.

Beyond the shop, TJ is a familiar face on the local trails, putting bikes through their paces and staying on top of the latest trends in biking technology. His firsthand experience on the trails allows him to provide recommendations to fellow riders. Worried about the feasibility of a modification? Concerned about cost? Not sure which trail to ride? TJ is your go-to guru for all things biking.

 
 

We’re a Proud Sponsor of the Georgia Cycling Association & Gilmer Cartecay Youth Mountain Bike Team

We are proud to sponsor, support and coach our local youth mountain bike team with the Georgia Cycling Association. To learn more about the team and how to become a supporter, check them out here…

 
 
cartecay-bikes-NICA-team-1.jpg
cartecay-bikes-ben-NICA-team.jpg
cartecay-bikes-NICA-team-2.jpg

New to Ellijay or Visiting?

Check out the 2024 Ellijay Visitor’s Guide to learn about local accommodations, orchards, wineries, shopping, restaurants and much more. We are happy to answer your questions and tell you about our favorite local spots!