Wednesday, November 13, 2024

Enjoy the ride

Through the tall evergreen trees at the edge of the parking lot and beyond its lodge-like façade, locally owned Mountain Man Sports has been outfitting patrons with great equipment since 1976. The store houses an impressive stock of downhill and cross country skis, snowboards, mountain bikes, in-line skates and surprisingly, snow shoes. With numerous metro and state parks in the region, snow shoeing has become a very popular pastime. The culture here is laid-back but with a tangible vibe of expectancy–of  adventures soon to  be had–all mixed  in with  friendly and lively banter about trips to take, maneuvers to try, and the weather conditions.

Owner Jim Wenberg stresses that he and his staff “participate in everything we sell; we are all very active in sports and share our experiences, knowledge and enthusiasm with our customers.”  This is apparent, as the staff spends concentrated time on each customer (especially beginners) ensuring they get the best equipment and fit.  Mountain Man Sports also offers rentals, repairs and servicing of equipment. 2735 N. Reynolds Rd. 419-536-0001. www.mountainmansportsonline.com.

Known as “A Club for All Seasons,” the Toledo Ski Club was established in 1947 by WWII veterans who began skiing while stationed in Europe. The now over 400 members (married, singles and families of all ages) engage in a wide variety of seasonal activities including downhill and cross country skiing, indoor volleyball, tennis and golf leagues, hiking, biking, windsurfing and kayaking excursions.

Yearly membership dues are $40. The club also has its own lodge located in Walloon, MI near Boyne Mountain Ski Resort. Member Elvin Buchele heads their weekly (weather permitting) cross country ski outings at Oak Openings Metropark meeting at the Evergreen Parking lot off of SR 295. He enthusiastically states, “The four mile picturesque trail is fantastic with a skied-in track so your blades glide easily.  It also provides great exercise to keep downhill skiers legs in top condition.”  Contact TSC at www.toledoskiclub.net or the membership director Rick Popiolek at 419-283-7779.

Equip Yourself for Winter Fun
Snowboard sets include a snowboard, boots and bindings. All ski sets include skis, boots, bindings and poles.Mountain Man Sports
2735 N. Reynolds Rd./ 419-536-0001
www.mountainmansports.com
Mon-Fri 10am-6pm and Sun Noon-5pm
Daily Rate:
Snowblades (short skis) and snowshoes – $22Snowboards and downhill skis – $29.95
Cross country skis – $17.95
Car racks – $12
Wersell's Bike and Ski Shop
2860 W. Central Ave./ 419-474-7412
wersellsbikeandskishop.com
Mon-Fri 10am-6pm, Sat 10am-3pm and Sun Noon-3pm
Daily rate:
Snowblades (short Skis) – $20
Snowboards and downhill skis – $25
Cross Country Skis and Snowshoes – $15
Helmets – $8
Maumee Bay State Park
1400 State Park Rd. / 419-836-7758
maumeebaystateparklodge.com
Sunrise to Sunset
Rents by the hour for onsite use only.
Cross country skis $10 for the first hour, $5 for each additional hour

Through the tall evergreen trees at the edge of the parking lot and beyond its lodge-like façade, locally owned Mountain Man Sports has been outfitting patrons with great equipment since 1976. The store houses an impressive stock of downhill and cross country skis, snowboards, mountain bikes, in-line skates and surprisingly, snow shoes. With numerous metro and state parks in the region, snow shoeing has become a very popular pastime. The culture here is laid-back but with a tangible vibe of expectancy–of  adventures soon to  be had–all mixed  in with  friendly and lively banter about trips to take, maneuvers to try, and the weather conditions.

Owner Jim Wenberg stresses that he and his staff “participate in everything we sell; we are all very active in sports and share our experiences, knowledge and enthusiasm with our customers.”  This is apparent, as the staff spends concentrated time on each customer (especially beginners) ensuring they get the best equipment and fit.  Mountain Man Sports also offers rentals, repairs and servicing of equipment. 2735 N. Reynolds Rd. 419-536-0001. www.mountainmansportsonline.com.

Known as “A Club for All Seasons,” the Toledo Ski Club was established in 1947 by WWII veterans who began skiing while stationed in Europe. The now over 400 members (married, singles and families of all ages) engage in a wide variety of seasonal activities including downhill and cross country skiing, indoor volleyball, tennis and golf leagues, hiking, biking, windsurfing and kayaking excursions.

Yearly membership dues are $40. The club also has its own lodge located in Walloon, MI near Boyne Mountain Ski Resort. Member Elvin Buchele heads their weekly (weather permitting) cross country ski outings at Oak Openings Metropark meeting at the Evergreen Parking lot off of SR 295. He enthusiastically states, “The four mile picturesque trail is fantastic with a skied-in track so your blades glide easily.  It also provides great exercise to keep downhill skiers legs in top condition.”  Contact TSC at www.toledoskiclub.net or the membership director Rick Popiolek at 419-283-7779.

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Equip Yourself for Winter Fun
Snowboard sets include a snowboard, boots and bindings. All ski sets include skis, boots, bindings and poles.Mountain Man Sports
2735 N. Reynolds Rd./ 419-536-0001
www.mountainmansports.com
Mon-Fri 10am-6pm and Sun Noon-5pm
Daily Rate:
Snowblades (short skis) and snowshoes – $22Snowboards and downhill skis – $29.95
Cross country skis – $17.95
Car racks – $12
Wersell's Bike and Ski Shop
2860 W. Central Ave./ 419-474-7412
wersellsbikeandskishop.com
Mon-Fri 10am-6pm, Sat 10am-3pm and Sun Noon-3pm
Daily rate:
Snowblades (short Skis) – $20
Snowboards and downhill skis – $25
Cross Country Skis and Snowshoes – $15
Helmets – $8
Maumee Bay State Park
1400 State Park Rd. / 419-836-7758
maumeebaystateparklodge.com
Sunrise to Sunset
Rents by the hour for onsite use only.
Cross country skis $10 for the first hour, $5 for each additional hour

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