It’s the next step in full-service mountain bike operations at the resort.
Saddleback Ski Resort has acquired the bike shop repair and tuning equipment from the former AJ’s Cycles in Rangeley. Saddleback has hired a full-time bike mechanic and will offer a full-service bike shop with repairs, tuning, rentals, and instruction from the base lodge.
This is the next step in Saddleback’s initiatives to build out a full-scope mountain biking operation. The resort opened its first section of single-track, downhill trails in fall 2021 and will be adding lift-serviced mountain biking from the South Branch Quad later this summer.
Andrew “AJ” Ash opened AJ’s Cycles in 2015 and worked to offer year-round biking options from mountain bike rentals in the summer to fat bikes for winter cyclists. Ash was pivotal in helping the Rangeley
Lakes Heritage Trust and the Rangeley Lakes Trail Center start grooming new winter trails for fat biking. He also helped build a bike park in downtown Rangeley and led countless free clinics to help introduce kids to the sport.
“We are excited about the new bike shop and looking forward to riding on the mountain with everyone,” said Ash.
“Purchasing the bike shop equipment from AJs has given us the opportunity to offer a full-service business model,” added Jared Emerson, mountain operations manager at Saddleback. “We’re grateful for Scott and AJ’s help in making the transition smooth and for all of their support as we build this business.”
The Saddleback bike shop and trails will be open soon. Stay tuned to www.saddlebackmaine.com and @saddlebackmaine on social for updates. Call the mountain at 207-864-5671 Ex. 139 for questions.
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