ADVENTURE BLOG
Climb On! Rock Climbing Basics
Rock climbing is a great way to get a fantastic workout, improve grip strength and flexibility, and develop your problem-solving skills. As added bonuses, it doesn’t require a ton of gear to get started and can be a great way to develop your relationships with your partner and friends. In this guide, we’ll look at beginner-friendly rock-climbing styles, the equipment you’ll need to jump-start your rock-climbing journey, and a few places to visit for your first excursions.
Trek Top Fuel 9.7: First-ride Impressions
Peak Sports' General Manager, Jim, recently added the Trek Top Fuel 9.7 to his stable, and after a handful of rides and some time dialing in the components, he compiled his first impressions. Read on for Jim's review of Trek's full-suspension mountain bike that fuses the flat-out speed of a cross country bike with the trail-munching appetite of a trail bike.
Cross-country Skiing: Gear Up & Go!
Cross-country skiing (also referred to as XC or Nordic skiing) is a fantastic way to combine scenic, wintry vistas with a heart-pounding workout. Or, if you’re after something more casual, it’s also a great way to venture into un-groomed powder for a day of outdoor exploration. And because it doesn’t rely on expensive lift passes, it can be a great way to extend your outdoor adventure time during the winter without depleting your wallet. In this guide, we’ll take a look at basic gear requirements to get you started cross-country skiing as well as some nearby destinations to explore on your first few outings.
Valentine's Day Adventures
Valentine’s Day is on the horizon, which means you could celebrate your time with your partner with a “surprise” of the old standards: chocolate, flowers, and wine. Instead, why not mix things up by taking your loved one on a mini-adventure? Here are three ideas to take Valentine’s Day outside and establish a new romantic tradition!
Snowshoeing Basics
With plenty of snow at higher elevations, resorts have opened their doors to skiers and snowboarders looking to make the most of the season. If you’re new to the area or simply new to snow sports, getting your hands on a set of skis or a snowboard might feel like an expensive and challenging leap you’re not quite ready to take. Fortunately, a lower-cost and less skill-intensive option exists in the form of snowshoeing.
Night Rider
After what feels like endless sunshine during the summer, the super-short winter days in the PNW make it more challenging to squeeze in rides during such limited windows of daylight. Gone are the days when you could clock out at 5 PM and still hop on your bike for a couple of hours of trail riding before dark. It’s the same story for early birds used to 5:30 AM sunrises and pre-work-day rides. Fortunately, OSU Research Forests’ generous hours (5 AM - 9 PM) offer ample riding time if you’re prepared with the right gear to tackle cold-weather rides in dark conditions.
7 Things You Need to Know About E-Bikes
E-bikes offer riders the ability to ride further, ride longer, and ride faster, but even with their advanced technology, they’re not as complex as you might imagine. However, we recognize that purchasing an e-bike is an investment, and we know you’re probably curious about how owning an e-bike might differ from the old 10-speed you’ve had in your garage for ages.
This list compiles seven of the most commonly asked questions we hear at the Peak Sports Bike Shop along with the answers you’ve been looking for!
All-Season Adventure in the Willamette Valley
Fall and Winter in the Willamette Valley mean short days full of rain, chilly temps, and thick morning fog. If you’re new to the area or just visiting, the seasonal weather may push you to hunker down on the couch instead of adventuring outside. But with a little prep and the right gear, you’ll quickly discover how rewarding cool-weather hikes and bike rides can be!
Adventure With Dogs 2022
Peak Sports General Manager Jim Blount and his pup, Charlie, have been adventuring together since 2019, and over the years, they’ve developed a special bond over their shared experiences speeding down singletrack trails, splashing through the rapids of frigid rivers, and bikepacking across Oregon’s coastal range. To start off our “Adventure With Dogs” week, we asked Jim to share his experiences with Charlie–what he’s learned, how his adventures with Charlie have grown over the years, and what he recommends for folks looking to involve their pups in their outdoor adventures.
Do You Ride With Phil?
You finally plunked down the cash for your dream bike, and you can’t wait to hit the street, path, or trail for your first ride. But before you set out, it’s vital to remember that like most sports, the key to a good ride is all in your preparation.
The good news is that an amazing ride doesn’t require a ton of extra gear. At Peak Sports Bike Shop, we like to remember what’s essential by always riding with PHIL.
If you ride with PHIL, you’ll have everything you need to ensure a fantastic time on your bike without getting stuck in a sticky situation. And trust us, we’ve all made the mistake of setting out on an epic ride unprepared, and no, we didn’t like being that person stuck borrowing a tube, water bottle, or pump from a friend that took the time to prepare.
Vehicle Racks And Storage Solutions
At Peak Sports, we not only carry the gear you need to make the most of your next adventure, but we also offer the equipment you need to transport it. As a Yakima dealer, we stock a wide assortment of roof and hitch rack solutions designed to help you transport your gear securely and with ease.
4 Mini-Adventures In and Around Corvallis, Oregon
Residents of Corvallis know what a hidden gem our small city is. With nearby access to mountains, rivers, and seemingly unlimited trails connecting the two, you’ll never be hard-pressed to find a way to get outside for an adventure. But the wealth of available options can be overwhelming. Whether you’re new to Corvallis or just new to adventuring outside, we’ll look at a few nearby mini-adventures you can tackle in and around Corvallis so you can discover a new favorite location or a new favorite activity. The first two adventures below are geared more toward newcomers, while the second two are aimed at more seasoned adventurers looking for a new challenge.
3 Mountain Biking Destinations Minutes From Corvallis Oregon
Though Corvallis offers dozens of miles of single track riding just minutes from town, if you’re interested in riding trails featuring jumps, wooden features, and thousands and thousands of feet of vertical descents, we’ve got just the places to check out. With each location featuring trails suitable for intermediate and advanced riders, you’re sure to find a new nearby favorite.
Benefits of Having Your Skis and Snowboard Professionally Serviced
Skis and snowboards aren’t cheap, and one of the keys to ensuring their longevity is consistent maintenance. Wear and tear on skis and snowboards is a natural part of the sport. Though fresh powder might feel like a pillowy dream beneath you, a multitude of debris like rocks, branches, and dirt are just waiting to rob your gear of its factory finish.
Why You Should Have Your Bike Serviced at a Professional Shop
Five Items You Didn’t Know You Needed for Your Next Winter Adventure
With fall upon us, the days are getting shorter and the weather is getting chillier, but that doesn’t mean your next adventure has to be put on pause until things warm up again. In fact, winter offers some of the most unique opportunities for outdoor experiences that can only happen when the temperature dips and the sky blankets the landscape with miles of fresh powder. But preparing for an adventure when things get frosty is not the same as prepping for a summer outing, and bringing the right clothing and gear can make the difference between a trip to remember and a nightmare you’d rather forget.
McKenzie River Packraft Adventure
Corvallis to Coast
I decided to take advantage of a nice weather window this past winter and ride the C2C route, along with a friend and my dog, Charlie. The C2C is a 60-mile hiking and biking route that connects Corvallis to Ona Beach on the Oregon coast. The bike route travels through remote areas of the coast range on mostly gravel roads, which makes it an excellent overnight bikepacking trip that you can begin right from town.