Posted by Patty
Thu, 02 Jul 2009 22:36:00 GMT
Just a quick note to you that we will be closed on the fourth of July for the Independence Day holiday.
We had previously announced we would be open in our email newsletter; this was an error, and while heads will not be rolling for misleading you on this important bit of news, knobby tires will be rolling instead, so we hope you’ll forgive us.
We will be in on Sunday July 5th, from 12noon to 5pm.
Here’s a little color that came in and created a few fireworks back in receiving today. SRAM X0 rear derailer, in a patriotic red color. Also available in pink, green, gold, and orange, with matching cranks, shifters, cassette, and more
Posted in Service | 4 comments
Posted by Patty
Sun, 21 Jun 2009 21:29:00 GMT
We are seeking a mechanic for our high-end service department. This is a full time position in the best mountain bike focused shop in the Bay Area.
The ideal candidate is someone who:
- has extremely high standards for precision mechanical work
- turns a wrench with a nuanced hand
- values time and skill
- stays on track despite distractions
- is intelligent and wants to learn
- has excellent interpersonal skills
- is passionate about mountain biking and trails
We are looking for someone who either has experience working as a bicycle mechanic or who would like to transfer their skills from another industry and work in a bike shop. Ideally you would be confident in your ability to take apart, troubleshoot, and reassemble bicycle components such as forks, shocks, suspension linkages, hydraulic brake systems, and drivetrains. You would also be experienced in facing frames, assembly, and all other typical duties of a bicycle mechanic. Although we prefer someone with experience working on mountain bikes, we are willing to train the right person. Most important is that you have really good problem solving skills, you have a good touch with a wrench, you can handle working in a demanding environment, and you can work with customers from all walks of life with respect and a high level of customer service. Sales experience is also helpful.
To apply please send your resume to Charles by email to
info@passiontrailbikes.com. Include a cover letter explaining why you are qualified and want to work at our shop. Applications should be received by Wednesday 6/24/09.
Compensation: depends on qualifications; competitive salary for the bicycle industry, vacation & sick leave, medical insurance, employee purchase discounts
no comments
Posted by Charles
Thu, 04 Jun 2009 18:58:00 GMT
Tom emerged from the truck Monday morning with this inspiring text on his shirt, over the picture of a dead, inverted, rat. He pointed out to us that it was always good advice, and good for everyone. He and I, along with Daryl and Fabio, had woven our way through the minivan fender bender madness on Page Mill Road that morning to met at the Park n Ride before we carpooled down to the Demo, and we all admired or commented on the shirt before hitting the road in pursuit of Santa Cruz Mountain goodness.
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Posted in Passion | 5 comments
Posted by Charles
Thu, 07 May 2009 19:57:00 GMT
A friend suggested to me yesterday that I spend a few minutes each day reflecting on the things I am grateful for. She wasn’t talking about work for sure, but this morning I am thinking about little else.
Today I am grateful for our customers, our friends, who are stepping up to lend a hand around the shop, and particularly during our Wednesday Night Wrides.
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Posted in Passion | no comments
Posted by Patty
Fri, 27 Mar 2009 20:45:00 GMT
In the last month we have finally navigated all the bureaucratic paperwork, designs, reports, CEQA statements, City Council approvals etc. and have started construction on the new Lake Loop Trail in Waterdog Park. This is actually a trail realignment project; there is currently a trail that goes around the lake (shown in red), however it was built below the high water mark and it has become impassible in spots, even for hiking. It was never intended to be a multi-use trail and while it wasn’t illegal for bikes it wasn’t rideable either.
The new trail (shown in white) is intended to be an EASY trail, suitable for family outings – beginner riders, kids, strollers, etc. It will be wider than most of the singletrack that already exists in Waterdog, built to a 4’ to 5’ width and at a mild grade of less than 10% with no sustained climbs – it will be mostly flat. There will be three bridges over streams that feed the lake and a bridge over the spillway that will bypass the pavers. Volunteers will build both the trail, AND the bridges, as well as some really cool retaining walls.
My hope is to get this project completed by the end of September. I would really like to get the trail tread cut in before the end of May, and to build the bridges in the summer. So I’m looking to recruit some extra volunteers for the next two months to make some progress on the bench cutting.
If you can make any of the dates I have posted on our community calendar please let me know. Email me at patty@passiontrailbikes.com
The work projects are four hours long, and start at the times listed (subject to change):
Saturday 3/28 8:30am
Saturday 4/4 9:00am
Thursday 4/9 8:30am
Sunday 4/12 8:30am
Wednesday 4/22 5:30pm (Earth day)
Sunday 5/3 8:00am
Sunday 5/10 8:30am
Monday 5/18 2:00pm
Saturday 5/23 9:30am (Memorial day weekend)
Saturday 6/6 9:00am
Alex, Valerie and Krishna cutting in new trail tread at Waterdog Lake
Posted in Trails | 1 comment
Posted by PeterD
Sun, 15 Mar 2009 03:15:00 GMT
Just a quick update. Demo Days was awesome – about 100 demo bikes available for rides 3 times each day. Weather was excellent, and Waterdog was mostly dry (though had a few muddy spots). Lots of happy riders. We have uploaded a bunch of photos from the demo days to Flickr.
Posted in Shop, Bikes | Tags 2009, days, Demo, passion | no comments
Posted by Patty
Mon, 02 Mar 2009 05:05:00 GMT
Just a quick note to let you know that if you are interested in test riding one of our demo bikes this weekend, we have updated the list of bikes and the days and times they are reserved. If you would like to do a test ride, please check the list and follow the instructions at the bottom of that page for making a reservation. We’d love to see you!
Posted in Shop, Bikes, Passion | 5 comments
Posted by Patty
Sun, 22 Feb 2009 23:24:00 GMT
Whoop! Not only is daylight saving time right around the corner, and the grass is green with wonderful spring rains, but… cow bell please…
We did it! We survived our first three years in business and are still here despite all the dire news about the economy. Well, there might have been a tiny little nose wheelie back there in October, but we kept our eyes on where we want to go, and put the rubber side smack back DOWN. Nothing like a shot of adrenalin to make you a little sharper! Our spirit is strong, our customers inspiring, our future bright. Help us celebrate! Come join the party as we release the brakes to roll out for the start of year number four for Passion Trail bikes!
Come join our 3rd anniversary party on Saturday and Sunday March 7 & 8.
Expect a festive atmosphere with delicious refreshments, fresh new cycling fashions, a sale on select items, and nearly 100 new bikes available for FREE extended test rides!
We will have Specialized here with their Test Ride trailer and Designs for Women crew. We will have demo bikes from Giant, Maverick, Ibis and Santa Cruz.
Most amazing will be the huge selection of fabulous Specialized road bikes to test ride. Yes it’s true we started out focusing on mountain bikes, but we also ride pavement and are psyched to be able to offer awesome road bikes from that bastion of innovation in Morgan Hill. Here’s your chance to test ride a crazy fast 2009 Tarmac SL2, or a dynamite Roubaix or Ruby or Tri-Cross.
Test ride a SRAM equipped S-Works Ruby!
See below for a list of bikes we will have for demo rides, and info on how to reserve your spot.
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Posted in Shop, Bikes, Passion | 12 comments
Posted by Patty
Thu, 15 Jan 2009 06:25:00 GMT
Three couches, a sink, 20 bags of trash
Here’s a note from Damon at Pacifica Free Ride, stolen from the Ride Monkey Forum:
“Thanks to everyone that showed up at Carlmont today. We had over a dozen people show up to help. Specifically, thanks to Andres, Krishna, Bobby, Dirtbag Matt, Adam, Daniel, Gideon, Passion Trails Patty, and geez there were others, and thank you all.
“We pulled out three couches, a sink, a piece of car, and five super-stuffed large trash bags. Pictures to follow.
“Also, thanks to Charles and Patty from Passion Trails for letting us use their dumpster. Patty was out there at 10am and stayed until late, so double reps to her.
“Thanks to the SF DirtLab crew and San Jose Greg for letting us use your trucks. You guys rock!
“We installed a garbage can at the tree by the Math Line. There’s extra bags at the bottom of the can. If you want to earn some karma, you can drop full bags off at the Passion Trails dumpster.
“Please respect the garbage can! Use it for trash, and we’ll make sure it gets emptied on a regular basis.
“After the clean up, we had a good ride session. It was awesome to see so many people of different ages and skill levels stepping it up.
“Remember, Carlmont is one of a kind! There is no place in the Bay Area that has pro-level riding like Carlmont. If Carlmont gets closed, we are screwed. Keeping it clean of trash is one easy way to keep it open.
“Thanks again to everyone that showed up. See you on the trails.”
Damon
Wrecked TREK 3500 hybrid bike, found at the bottom of “Rocky”
Posted in Trails | 3 comments
Posted by Patty
Sat, 27 Dec 2008 12:19:00 GMT
Here are some tips on choosing a place to ride in winter
Where to go when it’s ACTIVELY RAINING:
We recommend pavement or gravel surfaces, or very sandy or rocky trails.
Option 1: Paved MUPs
Paved off-road multi-use paths are great if you don’t want to share space with cars when their wipers are wiping and visibility is poor. They also tend to be relatively pedestrian-free at these times, which makes biking much more pleasant and conflict-free.
The San Francisco Bay Trail is great, especially from San Mateo to Redwood shores, and from Palo Alto Baylands to Shoreline Park in Mountain View. The Bay Trail is incomplete, so check their website for what sections are finished in your area. Unpaved sections of the Bay Trail tend to be greasy gooey mud, so be aware. Other paved MUPs include…
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Posted in Trails | 1 comment
