Eurosports to mark 25th anniversary

Eurosports Bikes, Skis and Brews is marking its 25th anniversary in Sisters with a major celebration on Saturday, November 29, noon to 5 p.m.

The event includes prizes from Rossingnol, Specialized and more. There will be a Goodlife Beer tasting from 1 to 3 p.m. Community members are invited to watch the Sisters Christmas Parade from bleachers at Eurosports at 2 p.m. Owner Brad Boyd started Eurosports in 1989. A former member of the University of Oregon cycling team, Boyd moved to Central Oregon in 1986, worked at various jobs, including Mt. Bachelor, and started a family.

"I really was drawn to move to the mountain town of Sisters," he recalled. "It's an amazing combination: really nice people, only 25 minutes from Hoodoo Ski Area, wonderful road biking and mountain biking, hiking and back-country trails near town."

Over the years, Boyd has been instrumental in adding to some of these natural assets, including co-founding the Peterson Ridge Trail (PRT) more than 20 years ago.

"As a lifetime member of Sisters Trails Alliance, I've been pleased to see the work this organization has done to expand the PRT, attain several scenic bikeway designations in the Sisters area and work collaboratively with other trail-users," Boyd said.

Boyd realized he wanted to share the benefits of the Sisters area. He noticed people coming in to the store with trail questions, wondering where to hike, ski, bike or how to connect with others of similar interests. Early on, he decided to offer free group ski or bike rides three days a week.

Boyd says, "We include everyone, visitors and locals, to share what we know."

After 24 years of renting space in downtown Sisters, in spring 2014 Eurosports bought a corner property across the street. Since April, Boyd and staff have been busy remodeling and updating the 1935 building that features a wraparound porch and 10-inch-wide wood floors, moving in on May 4.

"Dozens of community members helped with painting and anything I asked," he said. "On moving day, 25 people showed up. With all their help, we were moved in just four hours. I am truly touched by the community support we've received. Nearly every day, people tell us how glad they are that we were able to buy this corner, restore the building and keep growing."

Part of that growth has been installing craft beer taps and offering wine and cider. Future plans include more food offerings. This past summer, Eurosports hosted a wedding in their backyard space. Some long-time customers who love bikes and beer felt that it provided the perfect setting for their ceremony.

"I want people to view this as a community space," he said. "We've hosted meetings, get-togethers and Tour de France parties. Because we have a backyard and a big courtyard, we put in picnic tables with shade umbrellas - and a fire pit for colder weather. One of my favorite days all year was having the quilt show attendees sit in the shade, cooling off under the water mister. We want everyone to keep enjoying the space, all are welcome: not just cyclists and skiers."

Future changes are in the works, including renting out the smaller building on the property, which was an antique store for the past 20 years.

"We decided to have a huge celebration: to thank everyone," Boyd said. "The old-fashioned Christmas Parade coincides with our anniversary. We'll put up bleachers in our courtyard so that people can sit and watch the parade and perhaps enjoy a beer or some cider. Our vendors have generously donated prizes. We hope families will come by and spin the wheel of fortune to see what they've won from Specialized, Rossignol, and others. Goodlife Brewing is having a beer tasting from 1 to 3. We're excited to celebrate and even more excited to be growing with the Sisters community in the years to come."

Eurosports is located at 223 E. Hood Ave., at the corner of Hood Avenue and Fir Street.