August has been an incredible month for cycling in Central Oregon, and the best riding of the year is just around the corner! While we had some hot days and a bit of smoke, the riding conditions have been fantastic overall. Now, as we head into September and October, the excitement builds as we anticipate the perfect cycling weather and unparalleled trail access that these months bring. With high elevation trails and roads being accessible, comfortable temperatures, and just the right amount of moisture on the trails, it's time to get in the saddle and experience the joy of cycling in Central Oregon.

This month, we have a variety of updates to share. From the news of Stagecoach Adventures receiving approval to operate, to the release of the new BMC URS gravel bike. We also have several group ride and volunteer opportunities lined up, providing the perfect chance to connect with fellow cycling enthusiasts and give back to our amazing community.

So, let's dive in and explore what's new in the Central Oregon cycling world!

In This Edition:

🔧 Shop Updates (Demo Bike Sale is Coming)

➕ New BMC URS (The Most Innovative Gravel Bike Yet)

🦌 STA Update (Volunteers Needed)

🏇 Stagecoach Adventures Shuttle Services (Coming Soon)

👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 SPRD Group Rides (Schedule + Signup)

👕 Limited Edition Jersey (Coming to a Theatre Near You)

📺 Must Watch: Carson Storch - This is Home

🔧 Shop Updates

Repair Queue

We're currently experiencing lower demand for basic tune-ups and repairs, with approximately a 24-48hr turnaround.

We recommend calling ahead to schedule an appointment for service. This approach helps us manage our workspace and allows us to better accommodate your needs. You can reach us at 541-719-1213 to set up a service appointment.

Additionally, here are a few key maintenance points to consider:

🍼 Tubeless Sealant: Sealant typically dries up every 6-9 months. Right now is an excellent time to refresh before fall riding season challenges your tires.

🧑‍🔧 Suspension Service: Mountain bike suspension generally needs service every 50 to 75 hours of riding. Expensive suspension components deserve proper care and will last much longer with adequate maintenance. As one of the few shops in Central Oregon offering in-house suspension services, we're here to help. If your squishers feel funky or you think it's time for a check-up, bring your bike in, and we'll happily diagnose it.

By staying on top of these maintenance tasks, you can confidently know your bike is always ready for your next adventure.

2024 Rentals: Soon on Sale!

Our 2024 rental fleet is available until Labor Day. These fantastic bikes are available for rent at blazinsaddleshub.com/rentals!

On September 3 at 10am we will open the shops doors and offer most of our rental bikes from this season for sale. This is the best time of the year to buy a bike with the latest technology at a discounted price. Call the shop to inquire about what will be available.

Labor Day Sale

In addition to our rental fleet going on sale, much of our inventory that lasted through summer will be on sale starting on Labor Day! Everything from bikes to clothes to protective equipment will be going for reduced prices. Don’t miss out!

McKenzie Pass Update

McKenzie Pass has been open for the last two months. Cyclists from far and wide are loving the smooth repaved roads and new amenities. There’s no time better than now to get out there! Typically the pass closes in early November.

POSTPONED: Women’s Night with Shop Ambassador Kim Ryan

On August 28th at 5:45p we were planing to host a meet and greet with our Liv/Giant ambassador Kim Ryan. However, variables out of our control are causing us to have to postpone this. Stay tuned for some awesome events in September and October in next month’s Roundup.

Bike Park 242 Jump Clinic

Last month, in partnership with SPRD we hosted a jump clinic at Bike Park 242. Several young shredders came out to increase their air miles!

➕ New BMC URS!

“URS takes BMC’s legacy of precision, performance and technology and tunes it to the spirit of exploration, adventure and boundary pushing via perfect compliance, control, functionality and integrated design. Four distinct options with their own unique personalities and characteristics, allowing riders to tune their own ride experiences.”

This bike is the ultimate rig for any Central Oregon gravel biking adventure. Whether you’re going for an evening spin or a several hundred mile backpacking excursion, this bike has you covered. Come into the shop to check ‘em out! See more here.

🦌 Sisters Trail Alliance Update

Greenridge Work with Appalachian Mountain Club

STA was excited to welcome the Appalachian Mountain Club (AMC) to Sisters! As part of their August Camp program, AMC members were teaming up with the Sisters Trails Alliance for trail work on the Green Ridge Trail. This effort is part of AMC's mission to protect and enjoy the outdoors, a commitment they've upheld since 1876.

August Camp is about fostering environmental awareness and building a community that loves the outdoors. We are grateful for their contribution to STA’s mission.

STA Trail Issue Hotline

If you come across a fallen tree or major trail issue on an STA trail, you can help us all out by doing the following:

Take a photo of the issue
Save the coordinates or screenshot your mapping app
Email the information to trails@sisterstrails.org

Once reported, the issue will be addressed promptly by a trail maintenance team. Thank you for helping us keep our trails in top shape!

🏇 Stagecoach Adventures Shuttle Service

As you may have seen in the Nugget, The USFS of Sisters has issued permits for Stagecoach Adventures to operate an outdoor recreation shuttle and guide service. Stagecoach Adventures will use 15-passenger vans with a roof rack for bikes and other equipment. Shuttles will run through the entirety of the year.

“Stagecoach Adventures is a new year-round shuttle service based out of Sisters. As long standing Sisters locals, Owners Casey Meudt and Henry Horrocks mission is to preserve and protect the forest and our natural assets, while facilitating transportation and guide services for sustainable outdoor recreation in the Sisters area. With thoughtful planning between Stagecoach Adventures, the USFS and local stakeholders, we are excited to provide next level experiences for locals and visitors, with a goal of leaving the trails and forest a better place than before.

We are committed to: providing all customers with education on the importance of forest and trail use etiquette, performing regular trail maintenance, strategic planning with USFS and the City of Sisters on when and where we drop off and pick up. By doing so, we feel we can be a key player in preserving the amazing local outdoor recreation that we all love. Stagecoach Adventures aims to make a positive impact in the forest while also making an impact on the town economically and socially.”

We’re very excited to see how this new service will progress the cycling community in Sisters! Read the Nugget article here.

👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 SPRD Group Rides

Every year we partner with SPRD to offer free group rides to the Sisters Community. We’ve already had a few phenomenal ones and look forward to continuing them through the rest of the month.

Mountain Bike Group Rides are every Tuesday from 5:30-8p.

Gravel Bike Group Rides are every Thursday from 5:30-8p.

Rides always begin from the shop parking lot and are catered to the average ability of the group that shows up. They’re a great opportunity to learn skills, meet friends, and stay active! No registration is required, just show up ready to have a great time!

Additionally, in September and October we will be hosting bike maintenance clinics in partnership with SPRD.

Part one is on September 18 from 5:30-7:30p. Here you will learn how to fix a flat and other useful bike maintenance skills. No need to bring a bike, just yourself and some curiosity! Time will be set aside for Q&A at the end of class. It costs $20 if in district and $26 if out of district.

Part two is on October 9 from 5:30-7:30p. Great for those who attend the Basics to Bike Maintenance – Part 1 or for anyone who would like to learn more about basic adjustments to brakes, shifting, or tubeless tire maintenance. This class will go more in-depth than the first class. It costs $20 if in district and $26 if out of district.

You can register for these classes here.

👕 Limited Edition Jerseys Still Available!

For the last 14 years we’ve heard it time and time again: “Love your name, love the movie - did you name the shop after the movie?” While we promise that the shop name did not come from the movie’s, we’ve decided to play off of it anyway with this special edition jersey in honor of the Blazing Saddles movie’s 50th anniversary and the shop’s 14th:

We chose to partner with Cognative MTB to make these high quality jerseys. They’re lightweight and breathe incredibly well! We’re asking $76 each. Hurry in before they’re gone!

On a similar note, the film Blazing Saddles will be screening in Bend next month to honor its 50th anniversary. Our shop crew will be in attendance! Learn more and get your tickets here.

📺 Must Watch: Carson Storch - This is Home

Carson Storch is one of the most notable cyclists to come out of Central Oregon in recent times. Having podiumed at Redbull Rampage, the super bowl of mountain biking, Carson is a testament to how Central Oregon roots can take someone far in the competitive cycling world. In this month’s must watch, his Central Oregon origins are explored.

But Carson's impact extends far beyond his competitive achievements. Today, he is actively working to create a more supportive and inclusive environment in the cycling world. By hosting events across the globe, Carson is fostering a culture where riders of all backgrounds can come together, push their limits, and celebrate the joy of cycling. His efforts are not only inspiring the next generation of cyclists but also contributing to the evolution of the sport.

Alright that’s our August Roundup! We hope this edition got you excited to get out and ride. Fall riding is upon us and we cannot wait!

Got ideas for future newsletters or events? We'd love to hear from you! Drop Casey a line at casey@blazinsaddleshub.com.

Thanks for all the support.

Cheers,

The Blazin Saddles Crew

541-419-1213

August Roundup 💨