Some of our staff traded their bikes for skis this week.
I think I’m dreaming…this is definitely not Portland. I think Bozeman, MT or perhaps the somewhere in the Sierras? A couple of my favorite places, yes, but I have no idea how I got here. Perhaps it’s all those years of wishing for a white Christmas, and now Mother Nature has finally delivered — in spades. Today, Monday December 22, has been the worst day yet; or the best day, if you are a snow-lover like me. The drifts are deep, the fresh snow soft, and the crusty ice layer in between is makes walking a crazy dance. I just won’t risk testing my skills on the slippery streets so I was a happy snow-dancing pedestrian today. But, I’ve not ridden for about a week and I’m going crazy with pedaling withdrawal. Mental note: must get a new mountain bike just in case it snows like this again. I’m sure I could navigate the snowyways with some knobby tires and it might even come in handy on a trail or two during the summer. Leaving home, I realized that in today’s snow I would be pushing a bike — knobby or not — anyway so I don’t feel as bad having to walk, but I still have my eye on a new 29er.
As I made my way up Sandy Blvd, I spotted a guy on a mountain bike carefully descending the slope by the Hollywood store. From a distance I could see that he was doing well, he looked relaxed and in control of his bike. I was jealous. As he got closer I realized it was Mike O’Leary, the Office Manager at the Bicycle Transportation Alliance. What a relief. I feel so much better knowing that the weather doesn’t foil the BTA: I guess they are kind of like the post office, delivering bike advocacy instead of letters, all year round, no matter the elements. How wonderful to hear, “Morning Barb,” as Mike passed on by. Mike’s an avid cyclocross racer and I made a second mental note — cyclocross: great preparation for cycling in the snow… next year, next year — maybe with that new mountain bike.
A few of our intrepid staff are also on duty. Joan, the manager of our Downtown store came in from Vancouver determined to provide bike gear for last minute shoppers and Chris, our Beaverton Store Manager opened his doors too for any customers in dire need of winter bike supplies (think knobbie tires, lights, warm clothing and trainers) or last minute Christmas gifts (you never can go wrong with bike gifts). The folks at in our shipping and receiving department were out shoveling the sidewalks. Jay — top dog here at the Bike Gallery said, “That’s just the neighborly thing to do.” Another mental note: add snow shoveling to Jay’s job description and find a shovel accessory for my new mountain bike. You never know when it might come in handy.
But, alas, the conditions are just too extreme today for most of the staff and travel too challenging. We do miss seeing our customers, so I’m sure more will be able to make it tomorrow, and more Bike Gallery locations will be open for holiday shoppers — Santa has work to do! If only we could have this snowy clime BUT not the travel troubles it causes. Ah, but that’s a dream for another year…
Hoping all of your dreams for the New Year come true — Happy Holidays to all.