“One step closer to becoming a real bike shop,” is a common joke around the shop as of late. Despite the winter slow down in traffic, we’ve been keeping busy enhancing the shop so that your experience with us is the best it can be.

With you in mind, we are making some big improvements to the shopping experience as well as bringing back our missed online rental system. Look out for next month's newsletter for more information.

It’s tempting to think of the coming spring and summer as the light at the end of the Covid tunnel, but we’re still holding some skepticism as industry executives are forecasting there to still be some rough seas upon us. So, when we say to just buy the bike, we mean it, because we still can’t guarantee with certainty the next time you’re in you’ll be able to buy it.

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In this Roundup:

• Shop Updates (it’s a great month to save) 📰

• Coast to Coast for Kids in Africa 🌍

• Local Talks 📣

• STA Update 🌲

• February Update from COTA (New Trail Alert) 🆕

• This Month's Must Watch 📺

Shop Updates 📰 

🏷 February is a Great Month to Save!

Stop in today or tomorrow for Valentine's Day sales, and don’t forget about our President's Day (Feb 21) sale!

🔧 Repairs?

The current repair turnaround is 3-4 days. Compare that to our May through September turnaround of 2 weeks and you’ll understand why bringing in your bike for service right now is wise. Walk-ins are welcomed, appointments are appreciated.

Please note that certain parts are taking longer than usual to get because of increased demand and industry shortages.

🧭 Rentals?

Our little rental fleet of hardtails, full suspensions, and town bikes is still around. Stay tuned next month for more information regarding our 2022 fleet and online reservation system.

🚲 Riding?

It’s still a bit too wintery to head out on Petterson Ridge, but Horse Ridge, Maston, Cline Butte, Madras, and Radlands are all ripping.

🦺 What to Wear?

In Central Oregon, one can always use some cool weather riding gear. Swing by the shop to check out our plethora of guaranteed-to-keep-you-warm clothing articles!

Coast to Coast for Kids in Africa 🌍

We’re thrilled to promote a good cause whenever we see one and this coast-to-coast cycling race certainly meets our criteria. It will begin on June 12 and end on August 13, beginning in Astoria, Oregon, and ending in Portsmouth, New Hampshire. All funds raised will be used to drill wells in remote villages in Africa. The ride will be limited to 25 riders, so if you or anyone you know might be interested, sign up ASAP by making a deposit and emailing: bruce@heartsandhandsforhumanity.org. 

All About Whychus Creek: A Lecture Series 📣

The Upper Deschutes Watershed Council is coordinating a six-part informational speaker series about Whychus Creek and its watershed. Join us with our natural resource partners to learn about the history, hydrology, water quality, habitat conditions, native fish, water conservation, and stream restoration.

All presentations will be held at the Sisters Library with a virtual attendance option. The first lecture is planned for Feb. 15 from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. Pre-registration is required; lecture topics and dates can be found here. Contact Kolleen Miller at kmiller@restorethedeschutes.org with your questions.

Deschutes Land Trust Winter Nights Series 📣

From the future of snowpack to climate anxiety and American pikas, the Land Trust is offering free, virtual, monthly presentations on nature-related topics given by experts in their field.

Presentations include:
March 2: Is Climate Anxiety Bad for the Planet?
March 30: American Pikas and Climate Change
Nature Nights are free, but registration is required. Register here.

Sisters Trails Alliance Update🌲

Neither snow, nor ice, nor… apparently much of anything can keep our volunteers from maintaining your trails. A wintry Sunday in mid-January found STA sawyer, Jeff Sheetz, clearing downed trees on the Upper Whychus Creek Trail. Thanks, Jeff!

STA is hiring: we're seeking an experienced nonprofit leader, interested in sharing their talents in a part-time position for this well-respected and well-supported local nonprofit. The activities of STA are currently managed by a cadre of enthusiastic and capable board members and volunteers. The ideal Executive Director (ED) will provide organization, structure and leadership to our board and committees, lead our fundraising effort, manage our external communications and coordinate events and the day-to-day activities of STA. Our new ED will be the lead spokesperson for the Trails Alliance and work to deepen relationships with our members, donors, volunteers and partners.

Applications accepted through March 15, 2022. Click here for full position description and application information.Please pass this on to anyone you know who might be qualified and interested.

Join STA and donate

Central Oregon Trail Alliance Update 🆕 

From COTA Trail News - February:

Now is the time to ride in Madras! The dirt is good, oh so good right now. If you haven’t ridden the Madras East Hills, go check them out! The Madras Trails are open to e-bikes too!

NEW TRAIL ALERT: Trestles is ready to ride! With over 14 features on this trail, it is one of our most action packed trails!

Bonecrusher XCO Race in Madras April 23 -24:  This race showcases the Madras East Hills trails. This year’s 2-day event, features a Short Track race on Saturday and XCO on Sunday. This is a great race for both racers and spectators with lots of features, jumps, and great camping.

Want to get in on the action? Join COTA’s Meetup group. Our Meetup group is the portal to all our activities: work events, trainings, chapter meetings, and more!

This Month's Must Watch 📺 

In Between The Races with Canyon MTB Racing Team

“With the highs of elite sport come the lows; it’s all part of the process but it’s still a hard truth to handle. Fortunately for the Canyon MTB Team, the team spirit and founding mission doesn’t revolve around success in terms of results, but rather in terms of support and fulfillment - emotional support for each other and providing a team structure where athletes and staff can thrive and have the chance to fulfill their potential."

Well, you've reached the end of this months' roundup—we hope you wish this wasn't the case 😅. As always we are beyond grateful for you being here, and we hope to be announcing a group ride soon where we can all get together. Please don't hesitate to send us any feedback or suggestions for future editions—it's more than appreciated. Cheers!

See you in the shop,

The Crew at Blazin Saddles Cycle N Supply