It’s that time of year when many of us are scrambling to finish our holiday shopping or picking up those little treats to fill the stockings of friends and family. If you have outdoor fanatics in your circle, Arkansas Outside’s supporters have the goods to get your holiday shopping done with style.
Head on over to Fayettechill Basecamp if you’re in NWA, grab some Pendelton Woolen Mills socks to keep someone’s tootsies warm. They’re expecting the arrival of their Journeyman waterproof pack next week. If you want one, get it fast. If you need to order online, the Fayettechill store has no shortage of t-shirts, beanies, trucker hats, die-cut stickers and even sunglasses straps to please even the pickiest reindeer.
Go!Running has extended holiday hours: Mon-Sat 10-6, Sun 1-5 Stop in for a chat about the newest trends in hydration and nutrition. Go!Girl Stacey Shaver shared her love of the Huma Chia Energy Gel Cafe Mocha flavor. If you have a runner in your circle, you can bet they have an assortment of gels in their stash and will be happy to get more. Go! also has a great selection of BUFF multifunctional head-wear right now. Buffs make a great stocking stuffer for anyone who needs to keep head, ears, or neck warm, but also wants to be ready to soak up the sweat when it gets warmer. Keep your loved ones safe with blinky lights and reflectors, keep them warm with gloves and beanies, and keep them fed and hydrated with a new amphipod customize your run set up, all available at Go!Running. Also sign up for the running shoes for a year contest while you’re there.
For the cycling fanatic in your crew, Spokes has warm socks, shoe covers, arm warmers, gloves, and baselayers to keep your cyclist warm this winter. Someone once said, “If you want to see your competition, ride the the River Trail in the depths of a cold winter day and see who else is out there.”. Keep your loved ones in the competition. Also check out their Procrastination Days sale with 20-50% off everything. Spokes is also open on Sundays through the holiday season.
Arkansas Cycling and Fitness has plenty of stuff to keep your cyclist warm too, and pick up a new water bottle while you’re at it. We can never have enough of them. They also have some great deals on used bikes right now. If you’re feeling generous, give the gift of a new or used bike from Spokes, Arkansas Cycling and Fitness or The Community Cyclist. The Community Cyclist is the go-to store if the recipient of your gift loves Cyclocross. I also count on them to continue to carry 26″ tubes in the store for people like me who still ride 26″ wheels with tubes.
All the shops have service departments too. If you have an ultra busy cyclist in Central Arkansas let them know about Motive Bike Service. Besides top of the line service, Ryan at Motive will pick your bike up and deliver it when it’s ready. He’s kind of like Santa Claus.
If you just happen to be at the grocery store or even the Dollar Tree, pick up a few pair of cheap knit gloves. Everyone loves to have those around to wear at the start of a run, but they don’t want to worry about losing them. Hot Hands are great for pre-post race/training warmth. If your runner/cyclist/hiker/paddler carries nutrition like Clif, Luna, or Kind bars, your local grocery store often carries a good selection. Another good grocery or discount store find is a magnetic keyholder. Who wants to carry keys on a run, ride, or paddle when they could just hide them at the car?
All the stores have gift cards. Or gift your loved one with a pre or post race night of comfort at a lodge, cabin or room at an Arkansas State Park, or resorts that cater to racers like Mountain Harbor Resort or Echo Canyon Resort and Marina. Whatever you decide to stuff their stocking with, you can be sure the service professionals at these stores can help you. Merry Christmas!
