It seems like Mother Nature is mocking us a little - showing us just how much snow can fall in Fairbanks - but not at exactly the right time. But snow or no snow, it is spring and it is bike season. We are pleased to see a steady stream of cyclists enjoying the Goldstream Loop either as transport or as recreation. Either way they are saving money on fuel and keeping their hearts and bodies healthy.
Our shipment of Sidi shoes just came in tonight. We are very excited to have the Italian shoes now in the store. We have road and mountain bike shoes in stock. We have the special Sidi fitting system as well! Nothing fits champions like Sidi!



Packing up your bike shouldn't require training. The new Thule Round Trip travel case provides room for all your gear and the confidence that it will stay put. RFM adapter required when used on Aero bar.
During break-up the roads are covered in gravel and small pieces of glass. To avoid a punctured tire you can clear your tire of embedded pieces with your gloved hand. As your wheels are moving reach down in front of your handlebars and gently lay your gloved hand over your tire and let your glove dislodge the pieces of gravel etc. On the rear tire use the same technique with your your hand on the tire between the rear triangle and seat tube. Be careful here not to allow your hand to go close to the chain or crank.
Remember to try this with a gloved hand only.
Our entire range of cycling clothes and shoes are on sale, from 20% to 50% off. That means all of our cycle shorts, bibs, shirts, skorts, jackets and cycling shoes. We have Pearl Izumi and Nike shoes mountain bike shoes and Nike road shoes.
Check out our great wind-proof, water-proof and breatheable jackets. They fold up into a
Just a couple of weeks ago I was talking to one of the state’s top cycling competitors, Matt Novakovich, and he told me that he was going to try to spend more time training in Fairbanks as the road riding here is the best in the state. I was a little surprised to hear that, but I guess when you are used to a good thing you forget the rest.
We are lucky here in Fairbanks, not only for the great road and trail riding but we are blessed with energetic people who lead group rides throughout the interior. The rides are geared towards a broad demographic including non-competitive mountain bike rides, low pressure road rides for women and faster rides for both men and women, and even the mountain biking club for the kids. There is something for everyone. Fairbanks Cycle Club hosts the rides and a $30 season fee is required to ride with the club, or you can pay $5 per ride. For more information on ride locations and descriptions please visit the Cycle Club Website.
Leisure ladies – Thursday evenings
The women’s group used to be one group of ladies riding together but with the goals and levels of the riders being different the group split up. The Leisure Ladies is a group of low-pressure road and mountain bike riding ladies who meet every Thursday at 6pm in the parking lot across from the Patty Center. The rides start out with a supportive atmosphere where everyone makes sure that everyone else is ready and safe to ride. The rides are easy to moderate and riders often pausing to re-group. This is a great group of women from all backgrounds, all ages and all abilities. Everyone is welcome to join and at the end of the rides there are delectable treats homemade by the riders.
Women on Wheels – Wednesday evenings
When the original women’s group split up this became the ride for faster ladies. The rides are moderate to a faster pace. The riders are supportive and knowledgeable about bike repair and maintenance, and many of them are serious about riding. The ladies meet at the parking lot across from the Patty Center on Wednesday nights at 6pm. The group is friendly and helpful and is always welcoming new riders.
Saturday Morning Group Rides – Goldstream Sports
Joel Buth, owner of Goldstream Sports, leads a group road ride around the Goldstream Loop on Saturday mornings. The rides are medium to fast paced with groups breaking off who are faster or slower. The rides are for cyclists of all abilities and levels and new riders are also welcomed and encouraged to join. The rides leave from Goldstream Sports at 8am - rain, snow or shine. Rides generally last between 1 and 2 hours. On days of icy or treacherous conditions, indoors rides on trainers are held using a training video.
Doug Rides – Tuesday evenings
These mountain bike rides are a great way to meet new riders, see new trails and ride with a group of non-competitive men and women in a fun and safe environment. The rides are rated for their difficulty and technical levels, with most difficult rides having a warning. The rides are rarely on the same trails more than once in a season, which is a great way to see the interior. Riders are eager to assist in any mechanical problems and riders re-group regularly along the rides, which can last up to 4 or 5 hours. Make sure to heed the advice of headlamps and bug spray. The rides are often full of laughs and great conversations as well as wonderful rides along some of the most beautiful and fun trails in Alaska. Refreshments are handed out after the rides to refuel before you head home. Rides start at 7pm in various locations. Check the FCC website for more information.
Junior Rides
This season the Juniors will meet Friday nights at 6.30 pm, this has changed to avoid a conflict with soccer. The club meets at Birch Hill for the first part of the summer, and then switches to the UAF West Ridge trails in July if the trails are dry. One race will be planned this year, to be held on a Friday night, and there will be some other fun events that are less competitive. Registration for the Juniors will be held at the Bike Swap this weekend from 10 am to 2 pm. Registration is also available on the first 2 friday evenings. Parents and past year coaches are encouraged to support the junior rides - no experience necessary!
For more information on any of the organized rides with the Fairbanks Cycle Club visit their website or call the hotline 459 8008.
Every Wednesday at 6pm we will be holding free, hour-long workshops on the basics of bicycle maintenance. Currently we've planned two regularly rotating workshops through the first part of the season. One will cover on-the-road emergency repairs, like replacing tires, and fixing various things that can happen on the road. The other will be basic drivetrain and brake maintenance and tuning. Both workshops will be as informative as they are enjoyable!
| 1 | Leisure Ladies Rides | 6pm Tour de University | |
| 3 | Bike Swap | 10am - 2pm Behind Beaver Sports | |
| 4 | Sunday Spring Ride | 12pm Ivory Jacks | |
| 6 | Doug Ride | 7pm Rosie Creek Ride | |
| 7 | Women on Wheels | 6pm Patty Center | |
| 8 | Leisure Ladies Rides | 6pm Patty Center | |
| 8 | Marcia Burnside Memorial TT | 6pm Cripple Creek Pullout | |
| 9 | Women's Bike Clinic | Raven Cross Country | |
| 10 | Group Road Ride | 8am Goldstream Sports | |
| 13 | Doug Ride | 7pm Back Door Trail Ride | |
| 14 | Women on Wheels | 6pm Patty Center | |
| 15 | Leisure Ladies Rides | 6pm Patt Center | |
| 17 | Group Road Ride | 8am Goldstream Sports | |
| 18 | Coed Group Ride | 9am Patty Center | |
| 20 | Doug Ride | 7pm Syline Ridge Ride | |
| 21 | Women on Wheels | 6pm Patty Center | |
| 22 | Leisure Ladies Rides | 6pm Ester Weigh Station | |
| 23 | Youth Series Cycling Ride | 6.30 Birch Hill | |
| 24 | Group Road Ride | 8am Goldstream Sports | |
| 25 | Coed Group Ride | 9am Patty Center | |
| 27 | Doug Ride | 7pm Ester Mine Trail Ride | |
| 28 | Women on Wheels | 6pm Fox Roadhouse | |
| 29 | Leisure Ladies Rides | 6pm Patty Center | |
| 30 | MTB Stage Race - Hill Climb | ||
| 30 | Youth Series Cycling Ride | 6.30pm Birch Hill | |
| 31 | Group Road Ride | 8am Goldstream Sports | |
| 31 | MTB Stage Race - Cross Country | 9am Moose Mtn Clubhouse | |
| 31 | MTB Stage Race - Trials Course | 12pm Moose Mtn Clubhouse | |
| 31 | MTB Stage Race - Predicted Time Course | 1pm Moose Mtn Clubhouse | |
| 31 | MTB Stage Race - Goldstream X Country | 1.30pm Moose Mtn Clubhouse | |
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