Season’s Change

It’s that time of year again…the days are getting shorter, leaves are falling and there’s a chill in the Bellingham air. What’s that mean? It means winter is just around the corner, and we’ve got the gear you need for any cold weather adventure.

For the hardcore cyclists,  we’re stocking up on baselayers, shoe covers, rainwear and lighting systems. Stay warm, dry and visible when the dark and rainy days arrive. We’ve got great apparel from Gore, Specialized and Ibex, while Light & Motion and Serfas will keep you illuminated on the lighting front.

For the two plankers we’ve got new skis in stock from Armada (including the much-anticipated Bubba), Atomic and Dynafit. The latest Salomon skis should be landing any day now.

2012/13 snowboards from Arbor and Neversummer have arrived, including the new Arbor Abacus splitboard with Karakoram attachment hardware.  We also have outerwear from Trew, Mountain Equipment and the Burton AK line.

Dividend checks came out this week, so you hopefully have a little extra funding to help you get prepared for winter. We’ve also extended our hours – we’re here until 8pm Monday – Friday, 6 on Saturday and 5 on Sundays. See you soon!

Bellingham Bike-In 2012

Don’t forget, Friday, August 17th is the Bellingham Bike-In. Spectate or participate in the show and shine, then stick around to watch the Talking Heads’ Stop Making Sense on the outdoor screen. All the action takes place at 1318 Bay ST, Bellingham WA. We’ll have a booth set up with some goodies – come on down and hang out. Bikes, beer, and outdoor movies – summer time doesn’t get much better than this. Visit the Bike-In website for more information. See you there!

Bellingham’s Best Swimming and Biking Spots

Finishing a long, hot ride with a swim is a classic Bellingham summer ritual. There’s no better way to wash off the sweat and dust than a plunge into one of the many swimming holes around town. Here are a few of our top ride/swim combinations. Feel free to add your favorites in the comments section below.

Lake Padden

Galbraith / Lake Padden – Finishing a Galbraith mountain bike ride with a swim in Lake Padden is a sure sign that summer has arrived. Located only 1.5 miles from the Galbraith Lane parking lot, Lake Padden has picnic spots, hiking and biking trails, and sometimes, if you’re lucky, an ice cream man who drives a white mini van.

Fragrance Lake

Fragrance Lake – The perfect place to stop mid-ride and go for a swim. Suggested mountain bike route: ride up Cleator Road, down Double Black, swim, down Two Dollar Trail.

Lake Whatcom

Lake Whatcom – There are a number of great road rides within close proximity to Lake Whatcom. North Shore Drive to Y Road is popular, or for a longer ride you can head out to Deming Road, which parallels 542, go through Acme on Route 9, then turn right onto Park Road to start working your way around the lake towards town. Don’t forget to stop at Bloedel Donovan park for a swim before you’re done.

Clayton Beach– Pack a picnic, then ride on the gravel Interurban Trail from town (it’s about 9 miles) to Larrabee State Park. Lock up your bike, then hike down to the beach to wade or swim in the bay. If the tide is right, you might even spot brightly colored starfish.

Electra Townie: Product Profile

Has it been a while since you rode a bike? Are you looking for a comfortable, easy-to-ride bike, one that’s perfect for running errands and getting around town? How about a bike where you can reach the ground with your feet, even when the seat is at the correct height? The Electra Townie accomplishes all of this and more.

The Electra Townie falls into the “comfort bike” category. This type of bike has an upright riding position, designed to take the pressure off of the back and shoulders. For many riders this position feels much more natural than the hunched over position found on road bikes. Townies have 26” wheels, and come with tires designed for riding on pavement, but with enough traction to handle the occasional trip off road (like Bellingham’s Interurban Trail).

Townies use what Electra calls “Flat Foot Technology.” By adjusting the frame geometry of the bicycle, Electra was able to achieve a pedaling position where the rider can have proper leg extension and still easily reach the ground. Flat Foot Technology places the pedals in front of the rider rather than underneath, a position similar to the way a recumbent bicycle is set up.

While creating this extremely functional bike, Electra didn’t forget about fashion. The swoopy frame design has a retro feel to it, yet has modern brakes and shifters. The Townie is available in multiple colors, and there are numerous accessories, including fenders, racks, baskets and bells which you can use to customize your bicycle.

Stop by Fairhaven Bike and Ski to take a Townie for a test ride – it’s guaranteed to put a smile on your face.

Specialized Demo Day

On June 7th Specialized will be rolling into Bellingham with a van full of their 2012 mountain bike lineup. Stumpjumper EVOs, Safires, Cambers, Epics and more will be available for test rides. This is a great opportunity to try out a new bike. Curious about 29ers? Want to ride a carbon fiber frame? This is your chance to see what all the hype is about.

Come to the Galbraith Lane parking lot beginning at 3pm to take a fancy new ride for a spin. See you there!