Eurosports Bikes, Skis and Brews is marking its 25th Anniversary in Sisters with a huge celebration. Owner Brad Boyd started Eurosports in 1989. A former member of the University of Oregon cycling team, Boyd moved to Central Oregon in 1986, worked at various jobs, including Mt. Bachelor, and started a family.
“I really was drawn to move to the mountain town of Sisters. It’s an amazing combination: really nice people, only 25 minutes from Hoodoo Ski Area, wonderful road biking and mountain biking, hiking and back-country trails near town.”
Over the years, Boyd has been instrumental in adding to some of these natural assets, including co-founding the Peterson Ridge Trail (P.R.T.) more than 20 years ago.
“As a lifetime member of Sisters Trails Alliance, I’ve been pleased to see the work this organization has done to expand the P.R.T., attain several scenic bikeway designations in the Sisters area and work collaboratively with other trail users,” Boyd says.
Since day one, Boyd realized he wanted to share the benefits of the Sisters area. He noticed people coming in to the store with trail questions, wondering where to hike, ski, bike or how to connect with others of similar interests. Early on, he decided to offer free group ski or bike rides three days a week. Boyd says, “We include everyone, visitors and locals, to share what we know.”
Boyd’s decades of support and interest in outdoor assets led him toward more public service. He was elected as a city counselor 2004-06, mayor 2006-08 and 2012-14.
After 24 years of renting space in downtown Sisters, in Spring 2014 Eurosports bought a corner property across the street. Since April, Boyd and staff have been busy remodeling and updating the 1935 building that features a wraparound porch and 10-inch-wide wood floors, moving in on May 4.
“Dozens of community members helped with painting and anything I asked. On moving day, 25 people showed up. With all their help, we were moved in just four hours. I am truly touched by the community support we’ve received. Nearly every day, people tell us how glad they are that we were able to buy this corner, restore the building and keep growing.”
Part of that growth has been installing craft beer taps and offering wine and cider. Future plans include more food offerings. This past summer, Eurosports hosted a wedding in their backyard space. Some long-time customers who love bikes and beer felt that it provided the perfect setting for their ceremony.
Boyd says, “I want people to view this as a community space. We’ve hosted meetings, get-togethers and Tour de France parties. Because we have a backyard and a big courtyard, we put in picnic tables with shade umbrellas – and a fire pit for colder weather. One of my favorite days all year was having the Quilt Show attendees sit in the shade, cooling off under the water mister. We want everyone to keep enjoying the space, all are welcome: not just cyclists and skiers.”
Future changes are in the works, including renting out the smaller building on the property which was an antique store for the past 20 years.
“In 25 years in Sisters, I’ve seen our town grow from about 600 people to the 2,000 who live in town with 12,000 in the surrounding area. We get visitors from all over the world. They come in to ride McKenzie Pass and enjoy the beauty that is Sisters. I’m happy to be part of this community and to have been able to operate a thriving retail store for all these years. That’s why we decided to have a huge celebration: to thank everyone. The old-fashioned Christmas Parade coincides with our anniversary.
“We’ll put up bleachers in our courtyard so that people can sit and watch the parade and perhaps enjoy a beer or some cider. Our vendors have generously donated prizes. We hope families will come by and spin the wheel of fortune to see what they’ve won from Specialized, Rossignol and others. Goodlife Brewing is having a beer tasting from 1-3pm. We’re excited to celebrate and even more excited to be growing with the Sisters community in the years to come,” says Boyd.
Eurosports Bikes, Skis and Beer 25th Anniversary Party
November 29, 12-5.
Free prizes from Rossingnol, Specialized and more. Goodlife Beer Tasting 1-3pm. Watch the Sisters old-fashioned Christmas Parade from bleachers at 2pm.
223 E. Hood Ave., corner of Hood & Fir, Sisters.
