Photos: Tandem Photography
The best part of running a bike shop isn't the sales. It's the people who walk through the door, the conversations that turn into friendships, and the rides that start with "just a quick loop" and end three hours later with mud in places you didn't know mud could reach and at least one unplanned hike-a-bike. That energy—the stoke, the community, the shared suffering on a steep climb—is what makes Essential Cycles what it is.
Protecting that energy means knowing when to step away.
From December 20 through January 4, we're closed. Fully closed. Not checking emails, not peeking at DMs, not "just popping in for a minute." We're with our families, on our bikes, or horizontal on the couch watching something we've already seen three times. And honestly? We think you should do the same.
This isn't a break from the shop. It's an investment in it. Every year, this time off reminds us why we started Essential Cycles in the first place—not just to sell bikes, but to build a place where riders actually want to hang out. A place that feels more like a clubhouse than a retail floor. That only works if we show up in January genuinely excited to be here, not running on fumes and stale coffee.
So what are we excited about for 2026?
A lot, actually.
We're launching weekly Thursday shop rides—no-drop, all-vibes group rides that are as much about the post-ride hangs as the trail itself. Whether you're new to the North Shore or a seasoned local looking for new riding buddies, these are for you. Check out the details here.
We've also built out a full calendar of community events for the year. Think scavenger hunts, poker rides, bike bingo, a Halloween ride, and a few surprises we're still cooking up. All of them support the North Shore ountain Bike Association (NSMBA), because the trails we love don't maintain themselves. See what's coming here.
The Untamed Development Team is back for another season—our 12-week coaching program for riders who want to push their skills, build confidence, and be part of something bigger than solo laps. Applications are open now, and spots fill up fast.
And one more thing: we're bringing in a new brand this year. Can't say too much yet, but let's just say things are about to get a little spicier around here. 💃
None of this happens if we're burnt out. And none of it matters if we lose sight of why we do this—because riding bikes with good people is one of the best things in life.
So from December 20 to January 4, we'll be doing exactly that.
We hope you find some time to unplug too. Ride if you can. Rest if you need to. Be present with your people. And when January rolls around, we'll be here—rested, recharged, and ready to make 2026 our best year yet.
Happy holidays from all of us at Essential Cycles. See you January 5th!