Continental Ski & Bike is currently accepting bike donations to fuel the swap’s inventory. Individuals looking to sell their bikes can bring them to Continental Ski & Bike, located at 1305 E. First St., for consignment. Drop-off times are scheduled for Thursday between 2-6 p.m., Friday between 10 a.m. and 6 p.m., or Saturday between 8-9 a.m. To ensure a successful swap, all bikes must be in working and safe condition.
Doucette’s Party & Tent Rental erects a spacious tent at Continental Ski & Bike in Duluth, preparing for the annual bike swap event, offering a wide selection of bicycles for sale and trade.
Mel Rajkowski, a board member with Duluth Devo, highlights the inclusive nature of the Bike Swap, stating, “It’s not just the bikes that are gathering dust in your attic or in your garage or your basement, but also higher-end bikes.” The event provides a valuable platform for bike enthusiasts to exchange quality bicycles outside of online marketplaces. Rajkowski points out the practical benefits for families, “Say you’ve got a kid that’s outgrowing their nice bike that you just bought last year. Instead of selling it online, come sell it at the swap, and maybe you’ll find a replacement for a reduced price.”
For those eager to get a first look at the available bikes, a sneak peek event is scheduled for Friday evening. Attendees can enjoy brats and beverages during this pre-swap party, creating a festive atmosphere. While Sunday will not feature price reductions as in previous years, families with young cyclists will be delighted to know that free kids’ helmets will be given away with the purchase of a children’s bike, while supplies last. This initiative underscores the event’s commitment to promoting safe cycling within the community.
The Roots of a Duluth Cycling Tradition
The Continental Bike Swap’s origins trace back to Willie Howard, the owner of Continental Ski & Bike. Howard’s journey in the Duluth outdoor retail scene began in the 1970s at Ski Hut and continued as the director of skiing at Spirit Mountain in the 1980s. He acquired Continental Ski & Bike in 2006 from the Vesterstein family, further solidifying his commitment to the local sports community.
Through economic ups and downs, including snowless winters and recessions, Howard recognized the growing importance of cycling to his business. “The bike industry is what’s kind of kept us afloat,” Howard acknowledged. “Duluth has become a biking mecca.” This insight led to the creation of the Bike Swap in April 2007, initially a modest event that has since blossomed into a significant annual occasion.
Willie Howard, owner of Continental Ski & Bike in Duluth, observes the tent setup for the 16th Annual Bike Swap, reflecting on the event’s growth and community impact over the years.
In its first year, the Bike Swap successfully rehomed dozens of bikes and supported the United Way. By 2023, the event’s impact had grown exponentially, rehoming over 500 bicycles and raising nearly $12,000 for local nonprofits. Bryn Jacobson, Continental’s service manager, who was tuning up donated mountain bikes for the event, remarked on Howard’s visionary approach, “When Willie’s involved, you can never be sure what’s gonna happen, how big something might get.”
Bryn Jacobson, service manager at Continental Ski & Bike, expertly tunes up a donated mountain bike, ensuring it’s ready for sale at the upcoming bike swap, contributing to the event’s success.
Proceeds from the Bike Swap directly benefit the Duluth Devo Mountain Bike Program. These funds are crucial for covering organizational expenses, including the training and compensation of certified coaches, maintaining equipment trailers, and supporting travel and league fees for competitive programs.
Bike Swap’s Expanding Reach and Impact
The nearly doubled fundraising amount from 2022 to 2023 demonstrates the increasing popularity of bike recycling and reuse within the Duluth community. This trend helps divert usable bikes from landfills, promoting environmental sustainability while providing affordable cycling options.
A diverse collection of mountain bikes awaits new owners at Continental Ski & Bike’s 16th annual bike swap, showcasing the event’s wide selection and appeal to cycling enthusiasts.
Rajkowski attributes the surge in bike reuse to pandemic-related supply chain disruptions that limited new bike inventory in retail shops. This situation underscored the value of used bikes and events like the Bike Swap. “We want to see those bikes repurposed,” Rajkowski emphasized. “We want to get bikes that are safe and rideable back out and into the hands of people that want to use them instead of having them sit in your garage.”
Duluth Devo: Nurturing Young Cyclists
The Duluth Devo Mountain Bike Program plays a vital role in developing young riders of all skill levels. Whether children aspire to competitive racing or simply enjoy recreational trail riding in Duluth, Devo offers programs to enhance their skills and passion for cycling.
Serving over 350 children, Devo offers a range of programs catering to various age groups and abilities. Rajkowski’s personal experience highlights Devo’s comprehensive approach, as her son progressed through the Adventure Riding Program (formerly Enduro Program) and the cross-country high school race team. “It could start super young on the balance bikes, and then it goes all the way up through high school,” Rajkowski explained, showcasing the program’s long-term engagement with young cyclists.
A young cyclist tries out different bikes at the 2022 Continental Bike Swap, highlighting the event’s family-friendly atmosphere and opportunities for all ages to find the perfect ride.
Devo’s curriculum extends beyond riding skills, instilling in children the importance of safe cycling practices and community responsibility. Participants learn to share Duluth’s trails respectfully with pedestrians, runners, and other cyclists. Furthermore, Devo fosters environmental stewardship through trail building and maintenance initiatives in partnership with the Cyclists of Gitchee Gumee Shores, a local mountain bike advocacy group.
Cycling as a Lifelong Pursuit
For Willie Howard, owner of Continental Ski & Bike, the shop is more than just a business; it’s a passion. His primary business, H&H Exports, established in 1977, deals with global industrial replacement parts. However, cycling has been a central part of Howard’s life for decades. He humorously notes, “I’m the healthiest 77-year-old guy you’ll talk to this week,” attributing his well-being partly to his long-term commitment to cycling.
Don’t miss the 16th Annual Continental Bike Swap this weekend at Continental Ski & Bike – a perfect opportunity to find your next bike, support the local cycling community, and embrace the spirit of Duluth’s vibrant bike culture.
