Spoke-N-Sport

Trail maintenance tomorrow! (5/28)

Join FAST on Thursday, May 28, at 6 p.m. for a trail maintenance session at Leaders Park.

This week’s focus will be trimming and pruning back branches to help keep the sight clear, safe, and rideable for everyone.

The group will be meeting at the main trailhead.
No tools are required, but we recommend bringing water, gloves, and eye protection, and wearing long pants and closed-toe shoes.

Come ready to dig in for a good cause. Every bit of work helps keep our local singletrack in great shape.

We hope to see you out there.

---

Can't make this one? FAST is hosting recurring trail maintenance nights every other Thursday throughout the season to keep our local singletrack riding smooth, safe, and sustainable.
Check out the event schedule on Facebook or our website at:
https://www.fallsareasingletrack.org/events

🍩 SATURDAY IS CALLING 🍩

How many golf discs do you have that are not in your bag? Trade your unused plastic into Spoke-N-Sport for a discount on some new discs!

Draw him like one of your French girls, we're continuing our commute superstar series with Andy.

Most employees at Spoke-N-Sport bike to work every day. So when it's we get to do a little bragging and a fun Q&A.

How long have you been biking to work?
Andy: I have only used my car approximately 3 times in the last year. Before this year, I would commute to work a couple times a week and had done that for 10+ years.

What finally got you to try it?
A: I just realized that it’s actually very easy to commute. The Multi-Use trail we have in town makes getting around by bike super safe and very attainable.

What's your commute like?
A: My commute to work is 8.5 miles. My house is right on the Multi-Use trail in town so I just hop on that and I’m there in under 30 minutes.

What was your biggest hesitation before you started?
A: I thought it would be hard and inconvenient.

What do you do on days when the weather isn't perfect?
A: It takes a lot for me to submit to the metal box with wheels. But, if it’s really bad, I’ll give in.

How do you handle showing up to work — do you shower, change, freshen up? What's your routine?
A: I just show up and grind, baby. I try to take my time so I don’t get too nasty. If it’s supposed to rain or be super hot, I’ll bring a change of clothes.

What do you carry or what are your commute must haves?
A: I must have some sort of rack on my commuters. A good rack eliminates the need to carry any sort of backpack or anything on your body. Lights, fenders, multi tool, some sort of inflation, extra tube, plug kit (if tubeless), rain jacket, sun/clear glasses, HELMET, loud bell, running headphones, hydration.

What's your favorite part of the ride — a moment, a view, a feeling?
A: I ride next to the river on my commute so I really enjoy all of the wildlife. It’s definitely a great way to meditate a little before and after work.

How has biking to work changed your day or your mood?
A: I always feel better riding to work. It makes space and time to think about things you might not normally comprehend.

Has it saved you money or time in ways you didn't expect?
A: Saves a LOT of money. Especially when gasoline prices are so high.

What would you say to someone who thinks their commute is too far, too hilly, or too complicated?
A: Start slow and be safe. It will only get easier over time and with repetition. Or….. E-BIIIIIIKE!

If someone wanted to try it just one day, what would you tell them to do first?
A: Give yourself plenty of extra time and plan out your route. Maybe even ride the route on a day off to get yourself acquainted with what the commute entails.

What's the thing you wish you'd known before your first commute ride?
A: That it’s super easy and a really fun way to decompress either on your way to or on the way home from work.

Did you know the majority of Spoke-N-Sport employees bike to work EVERY day? We're highlighting some of our super-commuters to celebrate and in Sioux Falls.

Sales, service, MasterFit Certified Boot Fitter, and one of our bike fitters, today's Q&A is with our Ryan of all trades.

How long have you been biking to work, and what finally got you to try it?
Ryan: I started riding to work shortly after graduating college, which feels like last week, but in reality it was 2012. The culmination of crashing my car, moving to LA, and not having a ton of expendable income led me to the decision of buying a bus pass or a bicycle. As a life long athlete I felt the bicycle was the better option. The rest is history.

What's your commute like?
R: My commute here in Sioux Falls can range from a very pleasant 8 miles of the bike path to a 5 mile mad dash down Cliff Ave. Depending on weather, route, and which bike I'm riding, my commute can range from 25mins to 45mins.

What was your biggest hesitation before you started, and how did it actually turn out?
R: My biggest hesitation was the price of the bike. Even though my first bike was a very
affordable $300 fixed gear, at the time that was more than 3x the cost of the alternative bus pass. I would say that it turned out to be a major part of my life I wouldn't change for anything!

What do you do on days when the weather isn't perfect?
R: Please see Velominati “The Rules”, specifically Rules #5 and #9.
But in reality when riding in adverse weather conditions the gear can make or break the
experience. Rain is, in my opinion, the worst to ride in. everything gets wet and you just have to accept that. Unfortunately many waterproof clothing options can leave you just as wet...just from the inside out. When its cold out, layering properly is key.

How do you handle showing up to work — do you shower, change, freshen up? What's your routine?
R: I put deodorant on when I get to the shop?

What do you carry or what are your commute must haves?
R: This is very dependent on the weather and what bike I'm commuting on. For my , I keep an old laptop sleeve that holds gloves, windbreaker, deodorant, pump, buff, ect. The rack on the Timberjack typically carries my case for my glasses, lunchbox, and U-Lock.

If I'm commuting on my fixed gear I really only have my repair kit in my messenger bag and maybe an extra layer for the commute home.

What's your favorite part of the ride — a moment, a view, a feeling?
R: Riding to work is a great way to start your morning. I love not having to rely on caffeine to get my mornings going.

How has biking to work changed your day or your mood?
R: It's definitely a great way to elevate your mood or blow off steam after a tough day. They say that cycling is still cheaper than therapy.

Has it saved you money or time in ways you didn't expect?
R: No, but it has cost me more in food than I initially thought. Luckily food is way cheaper than gas.

What would you say to someone who thinks their commute is too far, too hilly, or too
complicated?
R: See Rule #6 (Velominati “The Rules”) - If directions from Rule #6 are unclear please see Rule #5 for clarification.

What's one piece of gear or advice that made the biggest difference for you?
R: Knowing your rights and responsibilities, being able to navigate traffic as well as multi-use paths safely creates an environment where everyone can have a good time.

If someone wanted to try it just one day, what would you tell them to do first?
R: Genuinely this is my response: you will figure out preferences as you experiment with
everything from clothing layers to what route you prefer.

What's the thing you wish you'd known before your first commute ride?
R: I wish I had known to trust Google Maps. Even though it may seem like google is taking you on the scenic route many times it is trying to help you to avoid having to climb a 8% grade for what felt like eternity.

These days Garmin, Wahoo, and Strava all have very good route creation tools that let you see the elevation you are going to face.

TONIGHT! (5/14)🚨

Join FAST for a trail maintenance night at Tuthill on Thursday, May 14, at 6 p.m., led by Brad and Jim. The crew will be working to address erosion issues, replace missing trail signage, and help keep the trails riding their best heading into the season.

The group will meet at the lower parking lot trailhead before heading out to project areas around the park.

No trail work experience needed — bring gloves, water, and closed-toe shoes. FAST will provide tools, direction, and everything else you need.

Trail maintenance nights are one of the biggest ways our local riding community helps protect and improve the trail system, and every extra set of hands makes a real impact.

Can’t make it? Stay tuned for future locations and details throughout the summer. The maintenance schedule is available on the events page of our website.

https://www.fallsareasingletrack.org/events

See everyone this Saturday! 🗓️

Prizes? We have prizes! FAB is raffling off over $2,000 of amazing cycling gear at the Sioux Falls Bicycle Expo this Saturday.

Our prize sponsors have really stepped up. We have eyewear from Tifosi Optics, complete clean and l**e kits from Muc-Off, lights and tools from Lezyne, several sets of gloves from Handup Co, bike saddles from ISM SEAT, several pairs of SockGuy socks and a cool set of sunglasses fromTriEye Eyewear!

Plus we are honored to have our local shops, Spoke-N-Sport, Sioux Falls Bicycle Company, and Erik's Bike - Board - Ski providing swag & prizes.

A huge thank you to Scheels for their financial support to make this year's Expo possible!

You'll get a free raffle ticket when you check in at the expo. Purchase additional tickets to increase your chances of winning.

See you Saturday!

HAPPY BIRRFFDAY to Sonny!!!! Many of you may not see the way he helps Spoke-N-Sport run on a day to day basis but he is instrumental to our family and we are blessed to have a passionate cyclist like Sonny on our team!

🎂

Who's going to see Sonny at the bike expo? 🙋

Thanks for always sharing your expertise and stories with the community.