Country Pirate Rentals is expanding to a permanent facility for family fun & memories

Owner Chris Miles started Country Pirate Co. in 2022.

Country Pirate Rentals provides outdoor fun for families looking to enjoy Bedford County’s natural scenery on the Juniata River. Now, they are opening a brand new brick-and-mortar storefront.

“We are taking a huge risk by opening the facility, but with the exposure that is in progress to help grow Pennsylvania’s outdoor recreation industry, how could we not take this chance?” said entrepreneur Chris Miles.

Miles says that Country Pirate Rentals (CPco) offers low-cost float tubes, kayaks, canoes and paddle boards for customers to discover the Juniata River at its waterfront location without having to purchase their own equipment. With the grand opening of their shop, called Pirate Cove, on July 1 and with just over a year under their belt, more river adventures will be available for locals and visitors at the facility.

New opportunities

The new facility will open up an array of opportunities for CPco, according to Miles, including an assortment of new services such as camping, axe throwing, and more.

Miles is actively working to expand the services offered by CPco by teaming up with another local entrepreneur to offer moped and bike rentals.

“We will constantly be expanding our services,” said Miles.

We are taking a huge risk by opening the facility, but with the exposure that is in progress to help grow Pennsylvania’s outdoor recreation industry, how could we not take this chance?

“We are hoping to have our shuttle bus ready to operate in August. We will also be looking into having the option to offer primitive camping along the Juniata with an all-new one-of-a-kind camping experience… inflatable and anchored tents that allow customers to literally camp on the river. We are also going to be adding exciting features to our amenities including axe throwing, more retail goods for sale, our own CPco branded apparel, decals and river gear, with a goal of expanding to offer live music and entertainment.”

Additionally, Miles plans to host and promote a brand new annual Paddle Fest event for the community which will feature additional fun services.

“We hope that with the brick-and-mortar building, we will add a much-needed economic value to our county. We also hope that in the near future, we can offer employment opportunities for high school-aged young adults!”

In 2023, the company is expanding to a brick-and-mortar store and offering more services like camping, axe throwing, and more.

The perfect location

“The market demand for outdoor recreation activities, especially family activities, is massive! We are entering this at absolutely the right time. Cambria County has Stoney Creek and we have the beautiful Juniata River — we as Bedford Countians are blessed,” said Miles.

CPco started as a mobile rental service and is now transitioning to a permanent location. A permanent location in Bedford County has the potential to greatly improve Bedford’s tourism industry. The permanent location will have direct access to the Juniata River and Route 30 making it a breeze for visitors to enjoy family fun.

The facility is just the beginning, according to Miles. “We are planning for constant expansion! Expansion with services, amenities, building renovations, shuttle services… so much is in store for the foreseeable future!”

The generosity of our amazing community is overwhelming. Without everyone’s support, CPco would never have gotten off the ground.

In his experience creating the new storefront, Miles has learned many things about the day-to-day of owning and operating a business. According to Miles, it has been a wonderful learning experience.

“Having the ability to offer family-friendly adventures and aiding our exploding local tourism industry, it’s just been a truly blessed learning experience.

Miles credits Startup Alleghenies with helping him rapidly grow his dream.

How Startup Alleghenies helped

Bedford County’s Startup Alleghenies coach Jen Marsh helped transform Miles’ dream of transforming CPco into a permanent location a reality.

“Startup Alleghenies assisted us in obtaining funding for our fleet purchases and our equipment purchases and have been a valuable asset in our public exposure. They always help guide us with whatever they can,” said Miles.

Marsh said, “Bedford County is rich in natural outdoor recreation assets because of our rural mountainous landscape. We are a hotspot for outdoor enthusiasts and Chris Miles and Country Pirate Rentals are in the business of creating adventurous experiences for locals and visitors with their rental business. It is a pleasure to work with Chris and Country Pirate Rentals. He is and has always been relentless in his pursuit to build his outdoor recreation business. The new brick-and-mortar location will positively impact the outdoor recreation scene that Bedford County is all about. I applaud Chris for his dogged approach to making his dream come true.”

We are planning for constant expansion! Expansion with services, amenities, building renovations, shuttle services… so much is in store for the foreseeable future!

“I can not say enough great things about Startup Alleghenies,” said Miles. “They have been our foundation when we were in the conceptual planning of CPco and they have helped us grow by leaps and bounds! They are a very valuable asset to local entrepreneurs. They have given us so much guidance and exposure… I’m not sure how we could ever repay them! Truly an amazing organization.”

Miles said that the commercial entities in Bedford have also been an incredible asset in ensuring the success of CPco.

“The generosity of our amazing community is overwhelming,” said Miles. “I’d also like to throw out a huge thank you to our building/property owner, Jason Ober! Without his belief in CPco and the value he sees in what we are providing to our community, this amazing opportunity wouldn’t have come to fruition.”

“Places like The Shawnee Market, which gave us our first opportunity to set up our mobile rental unit back in 2022. River Mountain Retreats, in allowing us to be their outdoor water recreation supplier for their guests. Friendship Village Campground, for having us advertised for their campers and allowing us to set up in their campground this past summer. For Fat Jimmy’s Outfitters, for giving us the opportunity to purchase his rental fleet of vessels to help us get our equipment procured. The Bedford Visitors Bureau for sending tourists our way. And finally, for my family, who without them, none of this would have happened. Their unwavering support has allowed me to chase and achieve this dream! My folks along with my fiancée have made so many unselfish sacrifices to support CPco. Without everyone’s support, CPco would never have gotten off the ground,” Miles said.

Startup Alleghenies helps startup and emerging small businesses succeed by providing free coaching to entrepreneurs in Bedford, Blair, Cambria, Fulton, Huntingdon and Somerset counties. To access personal, one-on-one support from a coach in your county, including guidance, resources, tools and networking opportunities, sign up at startupalleghenies.com.