Good Bike Co. Celebrates 10 Years

Good Bike Co. Celebrates Ten Year Anniversary

It feels like just yesterday that we stepped across the street from Prineville's iconic Crook County Courthouse into this 1950s service station – a site that once also housed a florist, a salon, and a coffee drive-thru.

With a dream of creating a hub for cyclists in Central Oregon, we drew on diy grit to transform the station into an adventure cyclist resource and gathering space for all to enjoy. 

This location on OR Highway 26, happens to be perfectly nestled at the crossroads of the Oregon Outback and the TransAmerica Bicycle Trail – the perfect gateway to vast Ochoco National Forest and the rugged rimrocks of the Crooked River Canyon.

Ten years later, we’re still proud to call it home.

Through a pandemic and growing pains, YOU are the one constant.

From those just getting into cycling through the e-bike revolution, your passion, support, and love of cycling have made this dream possible. And for that, we’re deeply grateful.

You’ve come in for your new bike day and to fix a flat. You’ve stopped by to gear up for a gravel ride and stumbled upon our oasis during a cross-country trip. 

You’ve shared a cold beer on a hot day and a cold one by the fire. You’ve trusted us for local intel and relied on us to keep your bike in top shape. 

You’ve joined COTA meetings, helped build trails, attended bike workshops, and shared your own adventure stories. 

You’ve embarked upon the Ochoco Overlander, the great gravel adventure into Central Oregon, and made new friends.

Whether with us from the start or new to the community, we look forward to celebrating this Tenth Anniversary milestone with you.

Here’s to many more years of adventure!

James and Good Bike Co.

Photo © Outside Magazine, 2017. https://www.outsideonline.com/adventure-travel/destinations/north-america/living-cloud/

Happy Holidays and Thank You

May your New Year be full of bike adventures!

We wish you and your friends and family all the warmth and love during this holiday season. A huge THANKS to our strong bike community for another year of adventure. We wouldn't be here if it weren't for you. We appreciate all of you and your stories. 

Good Bike Co. is adjusting holiday hours so that our team can enjoy a much needed break to be with loved ones.

• CLOSING EARLY Friday, 12/16 at 4PM.

• CLOSED Saturday, 12/17

• CLOSED Saturday, 12/24 thru New Years Day

• RE-OPEN Tuesday, 1/3 at 10AM

Don't worry, there's still plenty of discounts yet for the bike lover in your life. Stop in or call during shop hours for any last minute holiday gifts. Support local area small businesses and celebrate the season.

May your New Year be full of bike adventures!


Until – see you on the trail,
James & Good Bike Co. Team

p.s. If you've wanted to snowshoe but lack the gear, take a pair of ours out to see what you think.

Salsa Ochoco Overlander 2022

Salsa Ochoco Overlander 2022

Bikepacking a smorgasboard of gravel, paved, and forest roads, catered meals, beer, views for days (4 days to be exact), live music, yoga, great coffee, and even better company.

That my friends, is The Salsa Ochoco Overlander in a nutshell

With wildfires blazing in Oregon and unsafe air qualities, the days leading up to the 5th Annual Bikepacking event were filled with nervous anticipation about whether the ride would happen. Fortunately, the air cleared up and 50 riders gathered at Good Bike Co. early Friday morning for steaming hot breakfast burritos, coffee from Back Porch Coffee Roasters and tasty espresso drinks served up by Autobahn Coffee before the grand departure. There was a particular buzz in the air consisting of 7:00 am bike-nerdery and the excitement of reuniting with friends made at Overlanders-passed.

A 200 mile loop from the bike shop in Prineville

This year’s route meandered up the Crooked River Scenic Bikeway and into the Ochoco National Forest on Day 1. Riders enjoyed a 63 mile journey on mixed terrain with +5,250 ft/-3,000 ft of elevation through gorgeous ranch lands, open plains, deep green trees, a midday aid station, and finally on to camp at Antelope Reservoir where riders were warmly welcomed by event staff and pointed toward ice-cold refreshments. After pitching tents and getting settled in, riders relaxed around camp and swapped stories from the day while munching on snacks and tipping back Boneyard Beer and Elixir (Non-Alcoholic CBD beverage), bubbly water or hot tea. The sunset glowed warm over camp as the last few riders trickled in and Alia Fern from Bhakti Earth Yoga serenaded the group with her acoustic guitar and sweet voice. A hot dinner feast of enchiladas, abundant salad, and delicious dessert topped off the day. Folks sat around the fire, enjoyed the bright Milky Way overhead, and eventually retreated to rest up for the next day’s adventure.

The smell of espresso floated through the air

Chad from Autobahn threw down drip coffee and lattes for those who fancy the froth. Hot breakfast was abundant, with leftovers from dinner and scrambled eggs, bagels, fruit, and plenty of smiling faces. Some riders took advantage of the morning Yoga and stretch session while others shared bike adventure stories and packed up camp. The route continued on with Day 2 taking riders about 50 miles with +3,400 ft/-4,000 ft of elevation through vast prairies and rich desert colors on varied gravel roads – some of which could be described as “soupy” washboard – then onto buttery-fresh black top to finish out the day. Riders pulled into Deep Creek Campground for the second evening of great food, gorgeous forest landscape, camaraderie, beer, live music and laughter around the campfire.

Choose Your Own Adventure

Riders awoke from their tents and were once again welcomed to the day with hot coffee and a hearty breakfast from the happy faces of volunteers and event staff. Alia led morning Yoga, tents were packed away and bikes loaded up with gear for Day 3 featuring a “Choose Your Own Adventure” option. Continuing along, this section of the route offered a choice between a shorter 26 mile ride and longer 49 mile and +4,170 elevation version, both sending riders up and over Mount Pisgah, topping out at near 7,000 ft with an optional out-and-back to the lookout tower. The lookout offers up superb views, well worth the challenging terrain to get there. A bit foggy mid-way up the mountain, riders basked in the glory at the top of Mt. Pisgah. A few even took a pull off some Ochoco Overlander 2022 Strong Whiskey – a special surprise of individual bottles was hidden on each rider’s bike the night before. A rowdy descent ensued with rocky roads making big, silly smiles on the faces of those with mountain biking roots. The route peeled off onto a dirt-surface forest road, complete with berms and roots, a treat for those that like get a little wild on their loaded bikes. Turning back onto smooth pavement, the final stretch to camp at Walton Lake was a gorgeous and relaxed way to finish the day. Most riders got to camp with plenty of time to wander around the lake, get some fishing in, snack and drink and take in all the tales from the day from fellow riders. Chicken Parmesan over penne pasta with colorful salad, breadsticks, and vegetarian/vegan options for those with food restrictions was served before folks gathered around the fire, listening to another set of live tunes from Alia. The stars shone bright and a crisp Fall feeling was in the air as riders exchanged gear preferences and stories about life and bike rides.

Day 4

We headed out from Walton Lake and took riders 48 miles skirting the Mill Creek Wilderness through the Ochoco National Forest back into Prineville and finishing at Good Bike Co. with about +2,725 ft/-5,000 ft of elevation. More amazing scenery and gravel riding was consumed, including an aid station at a most jaw-droppingly gorgeous viewpoint. As riders made their way back into Prineville, many caught up with others and rode the traditional Ochoco Overlander Peloton into town, rolling into Good Bike Co. with ear-to-ear grins and dirty bikes. A fiesta commenced at the bike shop, with a full-on taco bar from the great folks at The Sandwich Factory, more beverages from Boneyard Beer and Elixir, and most importantly – riders shared what a great time they had, remembered funny moments, talked about how good a shower and their own beds would feel later, and celebrated the accomplishment of riding 200 miles and 15,500 ft of elevation gain over 4 days.

Old friends, new friends, and personal growth

The 2022 Ochoco Overlander was a whole lot more than a gorgeous adventure bike ride with good food. It was an opportunity for old and new friends to come together, challenge themselves and even experience a bit of personal growth. With many riders returning for a second, third or even fourth go at the Overlander, friendships are forged that extend well beyond the weekend. It’s a way for old riding buddies to meet up for an adventure, it’s a conduit for making riding pals or simply challenging yourself with the comfort that there will be hot food and smiling faces waiting for you at the end of each day. The Salsa Ochoco Overlander is a must-do event for those looking to ride an amazing route in a remote area with a little support, a lot of great food, some live music, delicious coffee, and the best kind of company.

Register for the Upcoming Ochoco Overlander

Stay in the know. Get your name on the Overlander Waitlist.

Check out The Path Less Pedaled Video from Russ and Laura highlighting the bikes of the 2022 Ochoco Overlander. Follow along with Good Bike Co. on social media and keep an eye on the 2023 Ochoco Overlander page for details and registration.

The bikes of the Ochoco Overlander

A special thank you

To the volunteers, event staff, and riders - this is a unique event that takes a huge amount of logistics, planning, and careful execution and we truly appreciate everyone that came together to make the 2022 ride a success.

Big thanks to our sponsors:

Salsa Cycles, Boneyard Beer, Backporch Coffee Roasters, Swift Industries, Autobahn Coffee, The Path Less Pedaled, Katie Sox Photography

Prepare for Bikepacking the Ochoco Overlander

Tips for a Multi-Day Bikepacking Adventure

So, you’ve committed to riding over 200 miles of gravel through some of Central Oregon’s most beautiful and rugged terrain. Step One accomplished. Don’t worry, it’s only 15,000 feet of climbing.

It may be hot. It may be cold. It may be cold and rainy. It’s all part of the fun. You’ll get there and have an amazing adventure along the way.

Training for Your Adventure

Other than having fun, Step Two is perhaps the most important step of the entire ride. And it happens well before day one when you show up at Good Bike Co.

Chances are that if you’ve registered for the Ochoco Overlander that you’re well aware of the adventuresome physical challenge it may entail. This isn’t a race. The only person you’re competing with is yourself and your own stamina. Some days we may ride near 80 miles and climb over 5000’ of elevation. If you’re not prepared, you’re going to be miserable – not fun.

One sure way to make the ride more enjoyable is to train well in advance of day one (see tip 6 below). Don’t wait. Start today.

Dial it in, Put in the Time, Prepare Mentally

Though we don’t have a specific training sequence we endorse for the Ochoco Overlander, bikepacking.com is a valuable resource and has produced a helpful video with Logan Watts discussing training tips for bikepacking. If you need a training practice, we highly recommend you take 15 minutes to check it out, summarized in the following 11 tips:

1. Get a bike fit.

2. Dial in your kit early.

3. Match your terrain.

4. Hire a coach.

5. Pick up proper training tools.

6. Put in the time.

7. Build a community.

8. Start route research early.

9. Stretching and non-cycling activities.

10. Watch your diet.

11. Prepare mentally.

Get Your Gear Together

If step two is about physical preparation then assessing and preparing your gear is Step Three. Proper bikepacking gear can make or break a trip.

Your days bikepacking will mostly be spent in the saddle. Though Good Bike Co. will provide some sag support, for the most part you are responsible for your gear. We don’t provide any gear or equipment.

Bikepacking Equipment Checklist

You don’t need the latest and greatest equipment for a successful bikepacking adventure. Small and lightweight is helpful. You mostly just need to know your gear and know what works for you. Be prepared for whatever might come your way.

We’ve put together a simple bikepacking gear checklist that has worked for us over the years. Look it over. Compare the equipment you currently have to that which you may need for your bikepacking trip. If you need a solid bikepacking tent, Six Moons Designs Lunar Solo reviewed by Ryan Wilson, is a tidy, light-weight solution.

Remember, you’ll be carrying your gear on your bike while riding on gravel through potentially cold and rainy conditions, then crashing out at night in a tent. Be prepared and enjoy the ride.

Good Bike Co. carries a variety of bikepacking and gravel riding gear. Contact us if you can’t find what you’re looking for.

Look towards the Horizon

And there will be many beautiful horizons. We’ve witnessed some amazing sunsets over the Painted Hills of John Day National Fossil Beds National Monument and taken in the vistas and high desert air of the Ochoco National Forest. The Ochoco Overlander provides lots to look forward to.

The best way to make your bikepacking adventure the most enjoyable it can be is to start preparing for it now.

The point of this ride is to challenge yourself amidst beautiful scenery and in the company of friends – some old, and hopefully some new. Ultimately, have fun and make memories.

Where to Find Winter Trails in Central Oregon

Where to Find Winter Trails in Central Oregon

Central Oregon is for the adventurous. When the temp drops below freezing and there’s snow on the ground you can guarantee that we’d rather be out playing in it then pent up inside. And we feel lucky here in Central Oregon to be surrounded by so many extraordinary wilderness areas that provide almost limitless opportunities for an outdoor adventure.

Two of our favorite and easily accessible ways to experience the beauty of Winter in Central Oregon is by bombing the trails on a fat tire bike and exploring the wilderness by snowshoe. If you’ve not made your way into the blanket of white yet this year, what are you waiting for? There is a trail for all experience levels. Find your trail from the list below. Winter won’t last forever.

Fat Tire Bike Trails in Prineville and Ochoco National Forest

66 Trails

Walton Sno-Park

Snowshoe Trails in Prineville and Ochoco National Forest

Bandit Springs Sno-Park

Walton Sno-Park

Fat Tire Bike Trails in Bend Area

Wanoga Sno-Park: Outer Loop

Wanoga Sno-Park: 3 PSI

Ben’s » MTB » Kent’s Trail

Horse Butte Loop Trail

Maston Trail

Deschutes River Trail

Tumalo Creek Trail

Snowshoe Trails Bend Area

Wanoga Sno-Park

Skyliners Sno-Park / Tumalo Falls Loop

Virginia Meissner Sno-Park

Swampy Sno-Park

Trail Conditions & Etiquette

Find the latest trail conditions at Central Oregon Fatbikes FaceBook Group or at BendTrails.org. Central Oregon Trail Alliance (COTA) is a great resource for trail etiquette and what to know before you go.

Sno-Park Permits Required

If you’re headed to any of the groomed Sno-Parks, a Sno-Park Permit is Required November 15 through April 30. Purchase online through Oregon DMV or if in Prineville pick up at Bi-Mart or Prineville DMV.

Find Your Wintertime Passion

If you’re curious or new to snowshoeing we rent both adult and junior size snowshoes. Try it out.

Rent Snowshoes

The ABC’s of Visibility in Cycling

The ABC’s of Visibility in Cycling

A. Always on – Daytime Running Lights

Question: Who needs to use a light on their bike? The answer is simple, anyone who wants to be seen by motor vehicles while riding.  Studies have shown that adding a daytime running light improves visibility of cyclists to drivers up to 240%.   Whether the cyclist is an avid adult rider or your child on the way to or from school, daytime running lights could be the difference that prevents a collision.  

Adding a daytime running light improves visibility of cyclists to drivers up to 240%

B. Biomotion

We are wired to recognize other humans before any other object. Human movement distinguishes riders from their surroundings. That is the idea behind biomotion. If you high light your feet and knees, your moving parts with fluorescent or reflective material, you will stand out to drivers. Riders who effectively use biomotion will increase the likelihood of being seen by up to 83%.  

C. Contrast 

Often riders think their fluorescent clothing will be seen at night or their reflective pieces will be seen during the day, but this is far from true. Fluorescent colors need UV light to activate and motor vehicle lights do not emit UV rays.  A cyclist who wants to increase their contrast should use fluorescent colors during the day and reflective at night. It is recommended to always use a light while riding, day or night. '

Improving your visibility while riding is as simple as ABC. Stop by Good Bike Co. to shop a great selection of lights for your bike and to answer any of your questions. 

Good Bike Co. Celebrates 7 Years

Celebrating 7 Years

Saturday, November 27, 2021

Good Bike Co.

284 NE 3rd St Prineville, OR 97754

11a-7p Saturday, November 27

We made SEVEN YEARS and are in seventh heaven as we continue to support Central Oregon and its cycling community. We wouldn't be here if it wasn't for you. To honor the occasion, we're celebrating amidst a blowout day of events happening on SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 27th in downtown Prineville.

We are pet and family friendly. Bring your bikes, your friends, your family, your dog – everyone is welcome.

Join us for a fun day with RAFFLES, community, and so much holiday joy at our shop across from the iconic Crook County Courthouse. It’s Small Business Saturday and all bike parts and accessories are ON SALE.

Our patio will be open 11a-7p with a BONFIRE and tap CRAFT BEER. Enjoy front row seats to the LIGHTED CHRISTMAS PARADE in the company of community. Come for the Party, come for the Sale, or come for the Parade. Just come by to say hello.

2021 Ochoco Overlander Update

COVID 19 VACCINATION REQUIRED TO RIDE

The 2021 Ochoco Overlander is quickly approaching, and frankly we couldn’t be more excited to get into some of the most beautiful country Central Oregon has to offer.

Following public health recommendations, a Covid 19 vaccination will be required to participate in this year's ride. Proof of vaccination must be received by Good Bike Co. NO LATER THAN SEPTEMBER 1, 2021. All event staff and volunteers will be vaccinated. Thanks for your help in respecting our small Central Oregon communities.

Any rider who has not submitted proof of vaccination by September 1 will not be allowed to ride. Please email James, jgood@goodbikeco.com, if you have any questions or concerns.

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2021 Ochoco Overlander Route

Day 1

70 miles, 5,300ft

Enter the world class Ochoco National Forest as you embark on your FOUR day adventure; camp, swim, and fish along the John Day River

Day 2

25 miles, 2,000 ft

Take the morning easy, you deserve it!

Casually pedal through the breathtaking Painted Hills one of the Seven Wonders of Oregon. “When you travel to the Painted Hills, you can see millions of years of history revealed in the layers of mountains of earth, one color at a time. A journey to the hills is a journey through ancient and recent history”. (Travel Oregon)

Refuel in the small town of Mithcell, OR (pop: 124). Accommodations at Spoke’n Hostel. Be sure to check out Mitchell and enjoy a pint at Tiger Town Brewing Co.

Day 3

27 miles, 3,900 ft

Climb out of Mitchell and back into the Ochoco National Forest. Enjoy the summit of Mt. Pisgah and the vistas it and the Mill Creek Wilderness provides; Camp, swim, and fish at Walton Lake

Day 4

46 miles, 2,550 ft

As you cross over the Ochoco Divide on day Four you will traverse over the North edge of the Mill Creek Wilderness on a dirt two track road (read single track’ish). Roll down McKay Rd. back into Prineville where we will finish with a family-style dinner and bonfire on the outdoor patio at Good Bike Co.

BIG THANKS to our 2021 Ochoco Overlander Sponsors

Salsa Cycles, Burley, Backporch Coffee

Trans Am Bike Race thru Prineville

World Class Riders.

Race from Astoria Oregon to Yorktown Virginia.

4000 miles unsupported.

Witness and cheer them on.

Monday, June 7th, 6am
at Good Bike Co.

Pancakes and bacon provided.

The Trans Am Bike Race is a 100% self supported, more than 4000 mile cross country race. No sag cars. No neutral support. No one driving an RV for them to sleep in at night.

The TransAm Trail passes directly in front of Good Bike Co. and lead riders will be rolling through Prineville sometime within 48 hours of the start – we estimate this to be 6am Sunday morning. That's over 400 miles into the race.

We will have pancakes and bacon for the riders on Sunday. Stop down anytime and join us in cheering on all these amazingly crazy riders.

Lael Wilcox & Rue Kaladyte Visiting Good Bike Co.

Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference.

Talk with Lael Wilcox & Rue Kaladyte 

Monday, May 17th, 7:30p
at Good Bike Co.

We're happy to welcome Lael Wilcox and Rue Kaladyte at Good Bike Co. to talk about their adventures in bikepacking. They will be riding through Prineville on May 17th as they document their journey along the Oregon Outback Bikepacking Route.

Please join us in a casual environment outside, with local draft beer, and following COVID protocol.