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Staff

Tom Peperone, owner of Wheel Base, started in the bicycle business in 1972 at Alpha Bicycle Shop in Rockville. There he mastered the skills necessary to build, repair and sell top quality bikes. In 1982 he became Service Manager at Metropolis Bicycle Shop in Capitol Hill. His work at Metropolis taught him how to be more efficient, to think ahead, and multi-task. Metropolis co-worker Ken Jacobson convinced Tom that it was time to open their own shop, and in 1985 Tom and Ken opened Wheel Base in downtown Frederick. When Ken and his family moved west in 1994 Tom became the sole owner. Tom loves working with families and senior customers as well as avid cyclists. He is certified in Di2 Shimano, Serotta Fit Cycle, Fit Kit, and DT Wheel Building. He and his wife Emily have cycled in California, France, Italy, Spain, New Mexico, and Utah. 


Michael Brennen Service Manager, has worked in the bicycle industry for more than 20 years, 11 of those years at Wheel Base. Michael is a master mechanic who says he’s learned from many different people over the years and appreciates learning new tricks, from colleagues and customers alike. His rides a TREK Domane 5.9 road bike, and a steel Raleigh 29er. Michael switches bikes every year so to keep up with the new technology.

Matt Buckner, Sales and Service since 2007. Matt’s passion for cycling started in college. While earning his bachelor's degree in business at Marshall University, Matt discovered the true benefits of owning/riding a bicycle: parking is easier and you can sleep in later. Matt has now been a dedicated mountain bike rider for over a decade, always discovering and conquering new technical trails. He has biked all over the east coast but swears the most beautiful and exciting trails are in his home state of West Virginia. 




Mark Whitmore Sales, Service & Instructor since 2003. Mark started road riding in 1982 and the number of bikes he owns demonstrates his passion for cycling. Mark has a Gary Fisher Ferrous 29er hardtail, an Ellsworth Evolve FS 29er, Trek Madone 6.5 , Raleigh Rush Hour SS/Fixed, Santa Cruz Bullit, Raleigh RXO Cross, a Sterling, a Schwinn 3-speed fast back, a 5-speed cruiser and a unicycle. Mark started mountain biking in 1990. His best finishes in a mountain bike race were second at Whitetail and another second at Nightrain, the 12-hour race in North Carolina. Mark leads Wheel Base’s bike repair clinics each winter and rides support for The Great Bicycle Tour of the C&O Canal, a fundraiser for San Mar Children’s Homes, every summer.


Jimmy is the store pet and the coolest bike shop cat on the planet. When he isn't napping in the nearest cardboard box or out behind the shop getting some sun, he's likely to be greeting customers on the counter next to the cash register. Jimmy's a handsome feline, and his distinguishing physical feature is his tail--or the lack of one. 

Emily Hardy is the shop accountant and window display designer.   She is a CPA with her own accounting practice and is also a portrait artist with a growing portfolio of commissions.  Her love of cycling grew from the Trek Travel trips she and husband Tom (owner of Wheel Base) have taken in Italy, France, Spain, and Western US.  Emily leads the “C” group ride every other Sunday between May and December. 

Max Trdina, Sales and Service since 2013.  Max, the youngest employee at Wheel Base, has only been riding for a short time. Despite this, he has quickly come up to speed with the other shop employees both on the road and in the shop. He rides a rigid Surly Karate Monkey he built up from XT parts. When not focusing on bicycles, he's studying at Frederick Community College or playing guitar or bass.