Bundle Up to Save on Ski & Snowboard Equipment: 2014/15 Packages Save you Big $

You know how the cable company bundles their products?  We do it too, and we have for more than 30 years.  The difference is, our packages are easy to understand and save you real money!   Just buy at least two pieces of ski or snowboard equipment (Board + Binding, Ski + Pole, Ski + Boots, etc.) and get our lowest price on each.  Easy.

Of course we offer Shep’s sale price on individual items too, so you’ll save when you shop with us even if you only need one new piece of equipment this year.

We’ve put together some sample packages so you can see how the savings add up.  These represent our lowest possible prices.  The mountain is calling…. get in here so you can get out there!

Click to see sample package bundles and prepare to save!

Snowboard In Season Packages 2XC in Season Packages XC In Season Packages Jr Alpine In Season Packages Apine In Season Packages

 

Wausau’s Sporting Goods Store

Allen Shepherd and Stan Schaller opened their sporting goods store in downtown Wausau in 1949.   The store is still family owned and operated.  Here’s a little walk down memory lane.

 

What’s SUP?

SUPs – Getting Started

What It Is

Maybe you’ve been hearing about SUPs, (Stand Up Paddle Boards)… they’re gaining popularity quickly. There are a number of reasons for the widespread interest, one main one being versatility in the sport. Kids, parents, athletes and relaxed beach-goers alike find a good time atop a SUP.  

Whether your trip out paddling is a time for relaxing, full of adventure, or a great workout depends on where you go and what you’re setting out for. You control your experience (well, unless you’re on raging waters). You put into it what you want, and sometimes a smooth, relaxing venture is just what you need other times it’s all about trying something new, like Yoga on your SUP.  Where can you take your SUP out in Central Wisconsin?  Anywhere there’s water! (public access allowed of course.)  Try Lake Wausau on the Wisconsin River, the Rib River or even Manmade Lake at Sunnyvale Park in Wausau, or one of hundreds of lakes nearby.

What You Need

Get this: you need a SUP and a paddle!  Besides that, we suggest playing it safe and always wearing a PFD. We also know the benefits to wearing the right clothing, so we like to recommend swimwear (for days on the water when you’re participating in all sorts of water activities), wet suits when the air or water is cold, or fast drying, wicking performance wear to keep you cool and dry. Sun protection is a biggie too.

After gathering those things, all you need is to get going!

How You Do It

Carry the SUP under your arm or on top of your head and make your way to the water. Starting in shallow water makes stepping onto the board a breeze, but starting kneeling or by sitting then standing works too.

Look for the balance point, and plant your feet there. You don’t want the tail underwater, and you don’t want the nose up in the air. You’ll find a spot that allows your board to stay level. 

Your feet should be about shoulder width apart, centered on the board. Be conscious about keeping your knees soft and back straight and use your hips to keep you centered. Tipping your head or shoulders dramatically will throw you off balance! Ground yourself with your hips.

Hold your adjusted paddle on one side, with your right hand on top when the paddle is on your left side, and vice versa. Be sure the blade of the paddle is all the way under water, and twist with your core to push the paddle back. Keep your strokes small until you’re comfortable. Repeat. And repeat. Change sides after every few strokes to keep yourself heading straight ahead. (You just learned the side stroke.)

You can backpaddle to turn your board, by paddling from the tail of the board to the tip. Stepping back on the board or leaning to the inside of the board will help your board pivot more, making your turn easier and faster.

These are the basics. After you get a hold of these techniques, you’ll have a feel for the board and can manage more water conditions.

What Shep’s Offers 

We’ve done our part to have all that you need to get into the sport. We have two boards to choose from, adjustable paddles, life vests, apparel, and yes, even sun screen and sun glasses!

Conquest GURU Inflatable SUP, Backpack & Pump ($799)
California Board Company 10 SIX SUP, paddle & roof rack kit (Shep’s Price $599)

 

Recommended Bike Commuting Gear for Rookies

The Wausau area just got a little bike friendlier with the recent introduction of a community-wide system of 622 bicycle route signs. Finally!  Perhaps you’re thinking that a bike could replace some of the miles you log in a car each day.  So do you need any special gear to make commuting a genuine part of your routine?  There are a few pieces of equipment that are absolute necessities.  And a few more to up the convenience and comfort factor.

The necessities

Bike – Obviously.  While there are some seriously cool commuter-specific bikes available it doesn’t really matter what kind of bike you have as long as you’re comfortable. You want to ride a titanium frame racer? Great! A dual-suspension downhill mountain bike? Good for you. A beach cruiser? Cool! As long as you are comfortable riding the bike, ride what you want. Just make sure the bike fits you well, is comfortable and in good working order.  If shopping for  a new bike makes sense, proceed with caution with regard to department store bikes. Some brands you will find at department stores use lower level components which are not easily exchanged or upgraded. Other brands, however, can be upgraded with new parts and easily customized to make your commute comfy and efficient.

The Diamondback Insight is a hybrid with a host of features that commuters really appreciate. Shep’s price is $ 449.99

Find a reputable bike shop (preferably locally owned and operated by someone who rides where you do) and speak to someone who can explain the benefits of different bicycles.

Helmet – This is a non-negotiable item. Consider this a very inexpensive insurance policy against head injuries. A helmet is not a magic wand that will keep you from sustaining any injuries, but it can protect you from potentially serious injury that will ruin your day, commute, and possibly much more. Shepherd & Schaller’s adult helmets start at only $35.  The investment is worth the price.

Lights –  Lights are a must in twilight hours, not to mention in the dark. Unless you are able to commute both directions in daylight, and the weather is never dark or stormy where you live, you need lights.  You should have a good bright white light for the front, and at least one red light in the back (preferably one that can be set to flash to be better noticed). Some commuters swear by two lights up front; one bright fixed beam and one flashing LED. The flashing lights are supposed to draw a driver’s attention to the fact that you exist. Some communities, including Wausau, WI, even require lights between dawn and dusk, or longer.

Basic Repair Tools – A patch kit, spare tube, tire irons and an air pump (make sure it’s appropriate for the valves on your particular tubes – Presta or Schroeder ). Having these things with you, and knowing how to use them, will allow you to get yourself going again quickly after a breakdown. Forget them, and you may find yourself hoofing it.

Something to carry your stuff – Backpack, messenger bag, rack and panniers, basket on the front or back of the bike, trailer. Really, it doesn’t matter. There are many, many options out there.

A rack with panniers is a great way to carry gear while keeping your weight balanced.

Many backpacks, panniers and messenger bags are made to be truly waterproof, which could be important as well as convenient.  Be aware that how you carry your gear may affect your balance and the overall ride. If you can test options out with your typical load it will help you decide how to best carry your things.

Lock – Unless you have a place that provides secure storage for your bike, you’ll want a good lock.  Cable locks and light chains come in different weights and will make a thief’s task difficult.  Invest in a heavy-duty (and heavy) U-lock such as those made by Kryptonite if your bike is especially attractive to thieves to further reduce risk.

Knowledge of traffic laws applicable to cycling – Most are the same as the rules that apply to motorists, but there are some differences. Know them and follow them. You can be given a ticket for breaking them.

Optional Items

Special clothing – You can ride in your work clothes. In fact, if it’s a short ride, it may be preferable. If you have a longer ride, bike specific clothing will add comfort and performance, and doesn’t always fit like a glove or glow in the dark (although reflective features are a really good idea, if only on your shoes.)  Padded bike shorts are often the first thing commuters add to their shopping bag.

Rain Gear – Something to keep you dry from the outside, and preferably something that vents well to keep you dry on the inside as well.  Most rain jackets and pants roll-up or stuff into a self-pocket for storage that doesn’t take up much room.  Again, reflective hits on rain gear make you visible to motorists.

Fenders – These are great to keep the road muck off your clothing in the rain. If you choose to commute in your street clothes these may move into the necessity category if you hope to avoid going into that business meeting or classroom with a stripe of mud up your back.

Water bottle or “hydration system” – A ride of just a few blocks probably won’t require this, but it’s always good to have something to satisfy your thirst as you ride. For longer commutes, it will become more of a necessity.

Bell – Or a horn.  It’s not only polite to let pedestrians and other riders know you’re coming up behind them, your bell can improve your safety.

With so many resources at your fingertips, bike commuting may be the easiest new habit you adopt.  If you have more commuting questions or concerns, commutebybike.com is your next stop.

Shepherd & Schaller’s professional bike shop specializes in customization and will install your bike new accessories for free. (those you buy from us) Plus, meet with Pete for fit adjustments and one-on-one advise to plan your commute in all the weather that Wisconsin offers.