The BackCountry

05/27/2026

10 super stoked locals that are riding in this weekends wet dirt on new bikes purchased at our shop! We recognize you have a LOT of options when you buy new bikes and outdoor gear! There are too many brands and choices as well. The one thing we can guarantee is that our staff is there to support you forever, not just at the time of purchase. We have 10 on staff every day to work out every repair and warranty issue that arises. We pay for shipping and build labor - and do it right. We tune your bike for FREE for a year when purchased here. And we look forward to riding with you on one of our Friday night shop rides!

05/26/2026

Best riding of the season on tap, rain coming in and most trails are snow free. Come in and grab what you need so you are ready for next weekend! We have a lot of bikes on sale. What would you buy if the price is right? I’ll make it right!

05/22/2026

Demo touring gear for sale today and tomorrow only! Going to storage on Sunday.

05/15/2026

My first trip to ski Lassen was around 1993 with Ted and Jeff, my first Tahoe friends. They passed around mushrooms in the parking lot. Being the responsible one, I delayed until we started walking. The conditions where like today, where I walked for 45 minutes, skinned for an hour, and booted for an hour to the summit.

Being 23 and total beginners with zero intel, we brought a tent. We had no clue how far and high we could go in a day. We had just skied Tallac, but didn’t compare the stats. I think we just really wanted to sleep on a mountain.

Ted was 6’6”. The three of us did not fit in my 2 man tent. And I don’t know what wind forcast we could have retrieved, there was no internet. The park service was closed. Was weather forecasting in the mountains even a thing in rural areas for the public 30 years ago? On Shasta yesterday I was following the wind forcast at my exact location with my phone, hour by hour while climbing it! So back on Lassen with Ted and Jeff’s excellent adventure A wind storm pinned the tent fabric on top of us and we sat in there holding it off of our heads all night. Door open, feet outside. Maybe even wearing T1s.

In the morning the wind was gone and we suited up to skin the steep north face above us. We didn’t have boot crampons and the snow was bulletproof. With no low angle or or sun exposed slopes in sight, we packed it up and just went home. I guess we could have waited around for 4 hours and booted up. Damn! No telemarking that day. But I was hooked.

05/15/2026

05/15/2026

To think I almost didn’t go today😳. It was amazing. I’ve skied this side of the mountain with so many people over the years. I have an epic story about going with Brooks “send it” McMullen you can read on the Mike’s Ski Tour page for Shasta. He’s dealing with a long recovery right now from a tough recent injury. Bring him a meal and a joke asap.

Don’t go on a holiday weekend. Don’t go if the winds are out of your favor. Hire a guide if you can afford it. Make an appointment to meet me at the shop and I’ll help you understand and plan Mt. Shasta fun.

05/14/2026

Do what makes you happy. Is that too self centered? I like making other people happy too. But this morning it’s all about me.

05/11/2026

Back by popular demand! See you Wednesday!

05/10/2026

Happy Mother’s Day!

05/09/2026

Tonight we donated to an ADDITIONAL $2500 in raffle prizes straight from our shop inventory for a total of 5 grand! 2 Scott DJ bikes, 2 Thule hitch racks, 2 EVO tailgate pads, 2 Dakine backpacks and a box of bottles.
The south shore trail building kickoff party was a hit with amazing people, food, and inspiring conversation.