February 18, 2009 (Maple Ridge, B.C.) – Registration is now open for Race The Ridge 2009 presented by Local Ride Bike Shop. This road stage race to be held April 25-26 in Maple Ridge, B.C. is a true test and showcases three challenging stages – a road race, individual time trial and criterium. The event will feature several exciting changes for 2009, with the road race running in reverse direction from 2008, a new 6.5 km time trial starting in downtown Maple Ridge and ending with a hilltop finish, and a newly renovated Town Core for the popular Criterium.

Due to popular demand, the event will be time based, and organizers are offering an early registration special of $90 if racers register before March 15. Just like last year, the categories are capped, so sign up early to ensure your spot on the start line. Registration is pre-registration only, with the deadline set for 6:00 pm on Thursday, April 23. To register online, go to www.karelo.com. For more information visit Our Races and follow the links to Race the Ridge

The crew at Local Ride are in love. We’re head over heels (and sometimes we show this literally in the form of an “endo” over the handlebars) for riding bikes. From road, cyclocross and track, to mountain biking, commuting, racing, spinning to the store or around the block, we adore it all! In order to keep our giddy cycling excursions harmonious, we treat our “better halves” (a.k.a. bikes) like gold, with regular tune-ups and little gifts of new parts and accessories, sometimes for no other reason than because we love them. In turn, our bikes repay us with unforgettable memories and unwavering loyalty.

Treat you and your Valentine’s bicycle to a “spa day” this week and find out how your next cycling experience together could be better than ever. Check out our Weekly Specials for details.

Weekly Specials

Pamper you and your sweetheart’s bikes with our Valentine’s Week Bicycle Spa for two special. When you bring two bikes in for tune-ups, you’ll receive the second bike’s service for half price (applies only to cost of labour). In addition to all the perks of our regular tune-ups (Level I, II, or III), the bikes will be treated to bonus “exfoliation” scrubs and “Bike Lust” polishing massages. Visit our Services page here for details on our different tune ups.

Featured Product

This week we’re featuring Gore products. Gore is about much more than the well-loved Gore-Tex waterproof/breathable fabric they’ve become famous for. Gore makes a whole line of quality cycling gear, you and your honey will swoon over, from comfy shorts and jerseys to quality outerwear.

Spin Sessions – Wednesdays!

You must call ahead and reserve a spot a minimum of 24 hours ahead as space is limited and we give priority to team members! We cannot guarantee you a spot if you come in without a reservation.

Not sure you want to venture outside? Tired of solitary trainer workouts in your drafty garage? Don’t despair, Local Ride Spin Sessions are back! Join us here at the shop on Wednesday evenings for an intense indoor trainer workout designed by a professional cycling coach.

When: Wednesdays
Time: 6:15 pm (we start spinning at 6:15, show up early to get set up)
Cost: $10 drop-in fee
Bring: Your bike, trainer, wheel block, shoes, 2 towels (one for under your bike), water, desire to suffer

Local Ride Racing Sponsorship Opportunity

The Local Ride Racing Team (LRR), fresh off a successful 2008 racing season, are seeking sponsors as they plan their leap to the next level of competitive cycling in 2009. Since the team’s debut in 2006, the squad’s racers have achieved a high profile in the community and on the race circuit. The roster has expanded to include an elite women’s road team headed by Laura Brown, current National Team Pursuit Champion and Canadian record holder on the track. These inspiring women will be competitive at BC Cups and leading cycling events throughout North America. Supporting these local teams is a great marketing opportunity for businesses in the community, as the enthusiastic and dedicated team members will be sure to showcase your business at the province’s premier cycling events, including the Tour de Gastown, which attracted nearly 40,000 spectators in 2008. To request a sponsorship package or for more information, please contact Barry Lyster at Local Ride Bike Shop. Click here to visit the Local Ride Racing team web page.

On the mountain bike side of things, Local Ride is proud to support 3 of the fastest women on knobby tires; Sandra, Jean Ann and Bianca. These ladies will be ripping it up all around North America and Europe, competing at the highest level in the sport. If you have an interest in sponsoring an elite women’s mountain bike team click here for a full sponsorship proposal.

Those groundhogs sure are smart. Or maybe they like riding bikes! On February 2, Groundhog Day, North American groundhogs forecasted an early spring for ’09 and look at it now – sunny and mild. It’s perfect weather for getting back on the bike and getting familiar with your favourite local cycling routes. I’m sure those brainy groundhogs would also recommend you get your bike tuned up and running smoothly for the upcoming cycling season – at Local Ride Bike Shop, no less! We also have all the gear you’ll need to keep your bike rides happy and comfortable.

Weekly Specials
This week we’re blowing out all remaining in-stock Giant helmets at 50% off. We have several models in stock in kid’s, women’s and unisex styles.

Featured Product
MET Helmets have arrived! These Italian designed and produced helmets (that’s right, “Made in Italy”) are svelte, fast, and hot – just like Ferraris and Ivan Basso. We have all sorts of models and colours, from kid’s to MTB and road. MET helmets are the official brain buckets of the Local Ride Racing Team.

Spin Sessions – Wednesdays!
You must call ahead and reserve a spot a minimum of 24 hours ahead as space is limited and we give priority to team members! We cannot guarantee you a spot if you come in without a reservation.

Not sure you want to venture outside? Tired of solitary trainer workouts in your drafty garage? Don’t despair, Local Ride Spin Sessions are back! Join us here at the shop on Wednesday evenings for an intense indoor trainer workout designed by a professional cycling coach.

When: Wednesdays
Time: 6:15 pm
Cost: $10 drop-in fee
Bring: Your bike, trainer, wheel block, shoes, 2 towels (one for under your bike), water, desire to suffer

Local Ride Racing Sponsorship Opportunity
The Local Ride Racing Team (LRR), fresh off a successful 2008 racing season, are seeking sponsors as they plan their leap to the next level of competitive cycling in 2009. Since the team’s debut in 2006, the squad’s racers have achieved a high profile in the community and on the race circuit. The roster has expanded to include an elite women’s road team headed by Laura Brown, current National Team Pursuit Champion and Canadian record holder on the track. These inspiring women will be competitive at BC Cups and leading cycling events throughout North America. Supporting these local teams is a great marketing opportunity for businesses in the community, as the enthusiastic and dedicated team members will be sure to showcase your business at the province’s premier cycling events, including the Tour de Gastown, which attracted nearly 40,000 spectators in 2008. To request a sponsorship package or for more information, please contact Barry Lyster at Local Ride Bike Shop.