December Newsletter
Take 4, December 10th, 2024
Slow News.
Hi Neighbors,
Another month is upon us; the last of the year! And what a year it has been. For me, personally, I found myself cemented into life at Scenic Routes in a way I never could’ve imagined last December. For the shop, we saw ourselves expand, diversify, and cemented into our community in ways no one could’ve imagined a few years ago. Thank you all for making us a part of your lives (as your bike mechanics, as your sticker dealers, as your Wednesday fish pick up site, as your ride leaders, and as your friends). We wouldn’t be anything as a bike shop or community center without you, and that isn’t even an exaggeration.
For Christmas, all we want is for you to come to our party on Thursday, December 12th at 6:00pm, and to ask your weird aunt in Arkansas for a gift card to the shop. And if you really want to give us a gift, buy yourself a gift card and throw it in the recycling bin. Or use it in 2027.
If you’re looking for other goodies to fill your stockings and wrap with care, here is an incomplete list of our offerings for you to consider:
In the under $10 range
Squeezy Bean Bart Brakes - give the gift of keeping your bike from rolling around with these handmade brake straps. In fun colors too!
Stickers - take a look at our politically charged, emotionally minded sticker collection. Haven’t you always dreamed of a little pink sticker that reads “please don’t make me talk to your boyfriend” ???
Patch Kits, Chain Lube, Tire Levers, etc. - basic maintenance items for anyone who owns a bike!
In the under $20 range
Visto Safety Triangles - give the gift of reflective visibility to keep your buddies safe, with an added bonus that they are handmade in the bay!
Crank Brothers Multi Tool - A necessity for any bike commuter! Pretty self explanatory.
Calling in Sick Magazine - The hottest publication of the indie bike world, a perfect addition to anyone’s coffee table.
In the under $50 range
“Slow is Forever” Dad Hats - literally the hottest accessory of the year. Keep those heads covered and spread the slow lifestyle.
Newbaum’s Cushioned Bar Tape - tired of looking at your friend’s grimy, fraying bar tape? Grab them a couple rolls of the coziest bar tape around! Available in a seemingly endless variety of colors.
Bivo Stainless Steel Water Bottle - I never knew a water bottle could change your life until I owned one of these. Save your loved one from the scourge of micro plastics and give them the gift of steel!
In the under $100 range
“Slow is Forever” Crewneck - Soft, cozy, and embroidered in the City, your Scenic Routes fan will cherish this addition to their wardrobe!
A front Rack and Wald Basket - Being given the gift of no longer having to wear a backpack? Priceless! Send them our way to have it installed.
A set of Panaracer Gravel King Tires - What an instant bicycle improvement! The tan sidewalls add a special little somethin’ to anyone’s bike, and a new set of tires can be such a treat, just make sure you actually know the correct size!!! Don’t be buying tires willy-nilly.
Tunitas Stowaway Bag - Everyone needs a place to store their treasures!! Keep your phone and snacks in close reach with these beautiful, San Francisco made bags.
In the well over $100 range (you generous dog)
Cleverhood Rain Cape - Dry arms, dry legs, and a dry backpack?? The Cleverhood Rain Capes are rain gear FOR cyclists. A wild improvement for any winter commuter.
A year of Scenic Routes Membership - Check out our different tiers below. The gift that keeps on giving, all year long!
Quercus Bike - Trying to turn a friend into a cyclist? We’ve got bikes for sale! Bring them by for a test ride, and you might just find the perfect bike!!
(Let me put a caveat here that these prices are approximate and things may be more or less, I’m not at the shop while I’m putting this list together. My memory is imperfect.)
Obviously, and I hope this goes without saying, you don’t have to buy anything from us for us to love you and want you to be a part of our community and spend time at our shop, but if you’re going to buy crap (and have stuff bought for you) anyway you might as well do it in your neighborhood. We spend an ample amount of time and energy deciding what to stock on our shelves, and we think you’ll find our stuff really neat. We have locks and t-shirts and bags and gizmos and gadgets and goodies. We have lights and tires and doodads. We have bikes and baskets and bits and bobs.
Cheers to all of you. I hope you all have ample time to ride your bikes this holiday season as the Christmas lights twinkle in your eyes. Thank you for an exceptional year. We’ll see you in January with dreams and goals for the year to come!
- Ayla
P.s. We love our members but we can’t remember you all by name! Remember to tell us you’re a member when you pop by the shop!!
