Who are the owners of Ridgway Adventure Sports and what are their backgrounds?
Andy Persio and Amanda Swain opened Ridgway Adventure Sports (RAS) in 2018. Prior to opening RAS, Andy owned and operated a mobile bike shop in San Francisco and Amanda had a residential real estate brokerage company. Both Andy and Amanda have been coming to Ouray County since the early 1990s. Amanda’s grandparents had a B&B in Ouray and Andy started coming to the area with a Prescott College avalanche forecasting course. Since opening RAS, Wren Persio, the real boss, joined the team and he will be two in December.
Please tell us about the interesting building where your shop is located.
We are so lucky to have a historically significant building here in town. The “Ft Smith Saloon” was in the original True Grit movie in the beginning bar scene as noted on the building now. We get many people each summer wanting a drink at the saloon, a little disappointed we can only sell them outdoor gear…
What is your philosophy about selecting your products?
Good gear is critical for the experience, well-being and safety of a hiker, biker, skier, runner, camper, etc. We try to balance high-quality, durable products with value in our product selection and to source products that are environmentally conscious. Trying to have Colorado-based companies is important and we are proud to carry Himali, Corbeaux, Mountainsmith, Meier Skis, Zeal Optics, Venture, Weston, Moots Bikes and many more.
What are your most popular and least known services?
Our most popular services are our regular bike tune and our 550 ski tune. I think locals and tourists are less aware of our summer and winter rental/demo programs. In the summer we offer hardtail and full-suspension mountain bikes and hybrid e-bikes for rent/demo. In the winter we offer cross-country ski, snowshoes, AT skis/boots, and splitboard rentals/demos.
Why is now a good time to come in?
We just started our first bike sale in years. We have great deals on rental and demo bikes and up to 25% off new in-stock bikes, helmets, packs, and bike racks. We will be closing to due our seasonal change and vacation at the end of October and reopen on November 12 with our locals ski tune special: $10 off any ski tune service and $99 Phantom application through November.
What makes Ridgway special as an adventure destination?
Besides the beauty in every direction, Ridgway offers something for all levels of adventure. For example, if you come to Ridgway to bike, you can ride from town to the reservoir, gravel tour the county roads, and/or ride the RAT singletrack.
What do you value from being a Ridgway Chamber member?
Over the years the Chamber has offered valuable workshops to help build our business along with networking opportunities and a presence online for tourism. It is a great community to be a part of.
To learn more about Ridgway Adventure Sports, go to the website at https://ridgwayadventuresports.com/, call 970-626-8500, or visit their store at 109 N. Lena St., Ridgway, Colorado 81432
For information about recreation-related stores and services in the Ridgway area, go to https://ridgwaycolorado.com/businesses/recreation.
