Building Skills with Wheelie Big Purpose

About Coach Dana

Hey there! I’m Dana Stefanidis, owner of Wheelie Good Bike Shop here in Lincoln, Nebraska. Wheelie Good is your local, on-the-go, mobile, full bike sales and service team. We want bike repairs and routine maintenance to feel simple and convenient. That's why we come to you wherever you are. We get it, you're busy. We want you to focus on the good stuff - riding! No matter where you are on your cycling journey—just starting out, getting back in the routine, or a complete bicycle addict—we’re here to help you to wheelie love to ride.

Cycling has always been more than just a hobby—it’s where I found my freedom. As a kid, nothing beat hopping on my bike (especially when I needed a mental break) and flying down the street. It helped me reset, and honestly, just be happier.

Even now, cycling still gives me that same spark. It isn’t just about getting from one place to another. It’s about being outside, moving, breathing in fresh air, and feeling good about yourself—no matter how old you are or how fast you go.

That’s why I started Wheelie Good Ride Academy. I want to pass along that sense of joy and independence. My goal is to help kids and families see that riding a bike can change the way you feel about yourself and the world. I hope every new rider feels that excitement and confidence.

What really changed things for me were the conversations I had with teachers soon after the pandemic ended. They talked about their students—about the stress, the loss of routine, and how it just threw everything off. Kids weren’t themselves; they struggled to connect; unable to feel comfortable in a classroom.

Hearing all of this, I realized how much simple movement matters. Riding a bike isn’t just exercise—it’s a way out of that fog. It gives kids a reason to get outside, and experience small wins. It provides a chance to be with others or be quietly on their own. This is how a bike can contribute to their wellbeing.

My Wheelie Good desire is for the Ride Academy to instill more than just a skill. I see it as a way for kids to rebuild confidence, find friends, and feel normal. It’s a small step, but getting kids moving actually helps them get back to themselves—inside and out.