Bike Sales = Trail Pressure ?

[dirtbikesonny]

I have been amazed at the increase in sales at the bike shops I've been in lately. There are noticeably fewer bikes, parts etc at shops. I have not seen anything like this in the last 30 years that I can remember. Rode Capital the first weekend in May and it was crazy packed. Have friends who can't find used bikes because they sell immediately at inflated prices. While it is exciting to get new blood in the sport I worry this large influx may devastate  our public trail systems. Large numbers, novice riders and at a time when the state is low on funds seems like a perfect storm. I can't help but think of the impact that the closure of Rieter Pit had on Walker Valley. Walker was forever changed and in my opinion not for the better. Even as a lifelong enthusiast I could see how the condition of the trail systems at Walker would fuel those who's goal it is to stop us from  enjoying our sport. Just wondering what others  observations / opinions are on this topic and what ideas they might have to address the potential issues?  Stay safe and stock up on pre-mix!

[shrubitup]

So the theory goes.... more ORV funds means more ORV trail maintenance and likelihood of new ORV trails opening. However, I'm not naive enough to believe these will occur.

[AppDawg]

I would say it’s a symptom of the current situation, people want to get outside and are finding alternative ways to do that. Same as RVs and hiking trails. RV sales are through the roof and the hiking trails are packed. I believe it will all level out over time when new riders realize it’s not as easy as it looks. On the positive side, should be some exceptional deals on used bikes over the next couple of years?

[wschnitz]

2 hours ago, shrubitup said:

So the theory goes.... more ORV funds means more ORV trail maintenance and likelihood of new ORV trails opening. However, I'm not naive enough to believe these will occur.

Considering the way half the counties treat any ideas formulated by the DNR this is a pipe dream.

Bikers have wanted a new dirt bike place in whatcom for decades since Galbraith got taken over, the county doesn't care.

[8675309]

6 hours ago, shrubitup said:

So the theory goes.... more ORV funds means more ORV trail maintenance and likelihood of new ORV trails opening. However, I'm not naive enough to believe these will occur.

In Oregon yes

Washistan? Not so much.

[HHey]

I wonder how much of the increase in trail usage is due to new riders vs existing riders riding more often. I would bet it’s more the latter. That said, I’m confident an increase in riders will be better for the sport long term. 

[firffighter]

21 minutes ago, 8675309 said:

In Oregon yes

Washistan? Not so much.

Oregon has actually been very progressive in their growth of OHV'S across the state. OHV funds have been used to grow riding opportunities and pay for dedicated staff to facilitate OHV safety, trail maintenance/building and managing the OHV'S. Growth in sales has literally lead to growth in riding opportunities here and more rider's interacting with the OHV specialists, the greater the possibilities for trails being built.  I volunteer with 2 different USFS OHV specialists that are eager to build and maintain the OHV'S.  It's an amazing thing that most probably do not realize exists. Oregon has added several new OHV'S in the past few years and I personally know of 2 OHV projects that the USFS is building dedicated dirt bike only singletrack. 

I would imagine the difference in management is most likely the number one reason things are so different than WA, with OHV'S managed individually by State, County, or Federal, dependent on which jurisdiction the land falls within.  

Oregon also has 8 OHV'S within 90 minutes to 2 hrs from downtown Portland.  This alleviates a lot of pressure from the largest population center. 

That seems to be the a huge issue with WA, is no areas to access close to the Tacoma-Seattle corridor. Would that be a fair assessment? 

I'm just thinking out loud, but with SDR as a model, has anyone approached PSER to see if they would open their private access up on a selective pay-to-ride opportunity? They have extensive trails there with only 2 events a year, so it seems like there would be potential for them to do a membership system to allow access throughout the year. 

Other private timber areas in the region that may have similar potential for private membership? 

 

[EmpireofDerp]

You'll see it back to normal as soon as these jagoffs can go back to watching sportsball at the bar. 

[Singletrack_rider]

36 minutes ago, Doctor Impostor said:

You'll see it back to normal as soon as these jagoffs can go back to watching sportsball at the bar. 

Yep it will pass. Once there's sports to watch, movies to see, restaurants to eat at things will be less crazy.  Once the rain comes back that will also put a damper on things.

 

[8675309]

I have been hitting the bike trails twice a week for some cardio, took a month to find a mountain bike that wasn't $5,000 plus.

[dirtbikesonny]

20 minutes ago, 8675309 said:

I have been hitting the bike trails twice a week for some cardio, took a month to find a mountain bike that wasn't $5,000 plus.

Where did you end up finding a bike? I've been looking and having the same problem. If I am going to spend a few grand on a 2 wheeler you can bet it will have a motor!

[8675309]

https://www.vancouvercyclery.com/

Treated me right and picked up the sales tax, I visited five shops on the same day, Bob's sporting goods in Longview also had some specialized that were contenders. I got a hardtail for $1,700, too cheap to go full suspension but will for sure next time. Cardio is amazing after twice a week for six weeks. Funny I am mountain biking trails I dirt biked as a kid

[Cycle_Path]

Same is happing with vehicle sales actually.I just traded in my truck and according to salesmen the stealerships are in a little panic at the moment. Because of bat stu flu the manufacturing was/is shut down so they are at only 60% inventory with little hope of more coming in now that there are two bit dictators shutting the states back down

[trailmeisterjoe]

1 hour ago, firffighter said:

 

Oregon also has 8 OHV'S within 90 minutes to 2 hrs from downtown Portland.  This alleviates a lot of pressure from the largest population center. 

That seems to be the a huge issue with WA, is no areas to access close to the Tacoma-Seattle corridor. Would that be a fair assessment? 

 

 

Seattle/Tacoma has at least 12 areas within 90 min to 2 hours away and even more 3+ hours, but with a much larger population than Portland, they get a ton of use.

Joe

[Wonderspoon]

16 minutes ago, trailmeisterjoe said:

Seattle/Tacoma has at least 12 areas within 90 min to 2 hours away and even more 3+ hours, but with a much larger population than Portland, they get a ton of use.

Joe

12?  That surprises me.  GM, CF, Walker, Reiter, SDR is all I can think of.  I guess without traffic?

[shrubitup]

6 minutes ago, Wonderspoon said:

12?  That surprises me.  GM, CF, Walker, Reiter, SDR is all I can think of.  I guess without traffic?

Tahuya. You forgot tahuya. How could you forget tahuya? It’s like as big as six different riding areas. Tahuya baby! 
 

[firffighter]

17 minutes ago, trailmeisterjoe said:

Seattle/Tacoma has at least 12 areas within 90 min to 2 hours away and even more 3+ hours, but with a much larger population than Portland, they get a ton of use.

Joe

Yes, Seattle area is huge and much more sprawling compared to Portland with a large population density within that Tacoma/Seattle region.  

Are you guys seeing growth in numbers out on the trails? Are you seeing younger people or new riders out riding where there was typically just the same dedicated dirt bike folks? 

I have noticed some more young families out at some of our local spots and the local shops have had record sales, so I'm assuming they're all out trying out their new sport. 

One thing I have noticed over the years is that when things are booming and new riders are introduced to the sport, they normally congregate in the same typical areas and stay close to staging areas. Few venture out to the more remote or more difficult trails and over the past decades our group has enjoyed riding mostly alone with very little interaction with larger riding groups. 

One advantage you guys seem to have in WA, is the mountain riding.  You have multiple higher elevation riding opportunities that we just don't have here in Oregon due to our topography.  

I guess the drawback there is its it's very seasonal and weather dependent.  

How big of an area is Mattawa? How long a drive from Seattle metro? 

 

[Wonderspoon]

Just now, shrubitup said:

Tahuya. You forgot tahuya. How could you forget tahuya? It’s like as big as six different riding areas. Tahuya baby! 
 

I thought I put it in!  I grew up on Lake Tahuya, you’d think I’d put it in first.

[trailmeisterjoe]

1 minute ago, firffighter said:

Yes, Seattle area is huge and much more sprawling compared to Portland with a large population density within that Tacoma/Seattle region.  

Are you guys seeing growth in numbers out on the trails? Are you seeing younger people or new riders out riding where there was typically just the same dedicated dirt bike folks? 

I have noticed some more young families out at some of our local spots and the local shops have had record sales, so I'm assuming they're all out trying out their new sport. 

One thing I have noticed over the years is that when things are booming and new riders are introduced to the sport, they normally congregate in the same typical areas and stay close to staging areas. Few venture out to the more remote or more difficult trails and over the past decades our group has enjoyed riding mostly alone with very little interaction with larger riding groups. 

One advantage you guys seem to have in WA, is the mountain riding.  You have multiple higher elevation riding opportunities that we just don't have here in Oregon due to our topography.  

I guess the drawback there is its it's very seasonal and weather dependent.  

How big of an area is Mattawa? How long a drive from Seattle metro? 

 

Yes, lot's of new families and riders ( heck.....maybe the fastest growing group are the ladies!).  Saw six different tent campers in a spot yesterday that has only seen a few rigs park ( all golf ball size river rock on ground and zero dirt or trees and total size maybe 100ft x 50 ft). Area is also maybe 100 ft from a 50mph highway right smack on an intersection. Crazy. I asked them why camp right there and they said every single other real spot was taken. As far as mountain riding season.....yes it all ends in late fall but we have 4-5 all year lowland woods areas too so always ride every week. As far as Mattawa, it is not really that big, but fun and challenging ( or easy if you want). Weather there is usually much sunnier, but too hot from Mayish to September. It is about 2.5-3 hours from Seattle. 

 

Joe

[trailmeisterjoe]

20 minutes ago, Wonderspoon said:

12?  That surprises me.  GM, CF, Walker, Reiter, SDR is all I can think of.  I guess without traffic?

Taneum, Teanaway, Devils, Table, Mad, Naches, Evans,  GP from Tacoma........( Tom already has Tahuya covered  )

Joe

Edited July 6, 2020 by trailmeisterjoe