Bike Boom: Parks Show Surge in Riders, Stores Report Record-Setting Sales
The Three Rivers Park District estimates as many as 400-600 people a day taking advantage of mountain biking trails at its parks. Erik’s Bike, Board and Ski in Maple Grove, meanwhile, says sales have been skyrocketing.
Mountain Biking Activity Soars
Mountain biking trails at Elm Creek Park have become a hot spot.
“During the day it’s hard to estimate,” said Luke Skinner of the Three Rivers Park District, “but we could be seeing between 400 to 600 riders in a day.”
On a recent Wednesday, in the middle of a work day, the Elm Creek parking lot was practically full. On weekends the lot is jammed.
Elm Creek has 14 miles of single track trails. It’s an easy escape for people tired of being cooped up.
“I think people are just looking for experiences,” Skinner said. “They want to get outside whether it’s hiking or biking or just getting out in the woods. Mountain biking is one of those opportunities.”
Bike Stores Report Record Sales
Bike shops, meanwhile, say it’s been a crazy spring.
“As soon as we get ’em in they’re gone,” said Nick Washatka, from Erik’s Bike, Board and Ski in Maple Grove. “We’ve been having record-setting numbers. Bikes have been absolutely flying off the shelves. It’s hard to keep it in stock.”
Erik’s gets two bike deliveries a week, but even that is not enough to keep up with demand. They are seeing demand in comfort bikes to hybrids.
“As an example of the bike shop industry right now, this is where we would keep a lot of our bread and butter bikes,” Washatka said. “From comfort bikes, to hybrid bikes, we’ve got empty shelves.”
Besides pandemic boredom, getting more exercise could be a reason for the spike in sales.
“Because we have to stay home I’m not getting a lot of exercise,” said Luticia Schutrop of New Hope. “The doctor wants me to get a lot of exercise. I love riding bikes. I haven’t rode one in years so we came out here to look for some bikes.”
