Galloway Creek Outfitters makes outdoor fun easy

In addition to canoe and kayak rentals, the company, founded in 2004 by owner Larry Thompson, also sells and rents bicycles.

“We are right across the street from the Galloway Creek Greenway and we help introduce people to the sport,” said Thompson, noting guided moonlight tours are available during the summer months.

Thompson brings his 10 years of experience outfitting canoes and kayaks on the lower Colorado River in Arizona to Springfield. During his time in Arizona, he was a strong advocate of building greenway trails. He decided to move to Springfield because of the strong community commitment to the greenway trails here. Thompson’s progression from working toward building trails, to riding on them, to now owning a business that sells and rents bicycles for trail use was natural.

The 21- to 24-speed bicycles he carries are made for comfort with shocks and comfortable seats. The sales prices of the bikes range from $300 to $500, and the bikes are equipped to help maximize riders’ enjoyment of the trails.

The basic rental fee is $10 for two hours, which includes the helmet, and $4 per additional hour. The 24-hour rental fee is $30, with $20 for each additional day. and the weekly rate is $100.

Thompson said he’s working to tap into the group and business markets.

“We can offer businesses discount rentals if employers pre-buy coupons for their employees,” he said. “We’re looking to outfit groups on the Frisco Highline (Trail) and businesses wanting to stimulate their employees on a wellness program.”

But individuals who want to take a bike ride or show friends and family the beauty of the Ozarks can take advantage of Galloway Creek Outfitters as well.

“It’s really convenient to rent bicycles when we have guests and want to take them on the Galloway trails,” said Brian Shipman, video and radio instructor at Drury University and owner of On-Air Media. “They are the only ones that provide bike rentals on the trails – without them we couldn’t take friends and family bike riding.”

Healthy fun

Thompson is a member of the Hearts n’ Parks Coalition, and last year, he teamed with the city of Springfield to develop the Bike for Life promotion. The goal was to provide information about the benefits of keeping fit. Coupons were designed for employers to give to employees for free bike rentals.

“We put together the benefits (of bike riding) and the signs and symptoms of stroke and heart attack from money we received from a cardio grant,” said Mary Ellison, health educator for the city of Springfield.

This year Galloway Creek Outfitters is working with the city again and will have bicycles available during Bike, Bus and Walk to Work Week, May 15–19.