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terrain November/December 2019

BUSINESSES

RUNNING STORE (ROAD)

Big River Running Company (West County location)

West County was the original Big River location, opened in 2006, and became a true flagship for the company in 2017 when it moved down the street to a large, free- standing building. The store features a 10- by 5-foot pixel screen for watching films and other programs, a cutting-edge Fit Center with treadmills and automated gait analysis, and beautiful fitting rooms and sculpted shoe walls. Big River hosts free group runs, training teams, and clinics; collects and donates shoes for the less fortunate; and supports local charities through its Big River Gives Back program. "Engaging the running community in an authentic way has been at the core of Big River's mission from the beginning," said owner Matt Helbig.

Runners-up: Big River Running Company (South City location), Running Niche, Fleet Feet (South County location)

RUNNING STORE (OFF-ROAD)

Big River Running Company (West County location)

In addition to serving St. Louis road runners (see above), Big River supports the off-road running community with trail- specific shoes and gear; a comprehensive online map of area trails; and its Trail Series, a collection of five fall/winter races ranging from 4 miles to 30 kilometers. For the next generation of off-roaders, Big River also organizes the Forest Park XC Festival, an event that draws thousands of middle and high school athletes from around the country to compete during a day of high-caliber cross-country races each fall.

Runners-up: REI St. Louis, Alpine Shop (Kirkwood location), Fleet Feet (South County location)

BIKE SHOP (ROAD)

The Hub Bicycle Company

Every shop sells good bikes, right? The Hub wants to give you more: a gateway to the fun and social world of road cycling. Its famous Saturday morning "Hub Ride" attracts up to 150 riders, who are split into four different groups according to their comfortable pace. A series of beginner women's road rides act as "rolling classrooms", teaching the fundamentals of group riding. After the rides, enjoy free coffee and bagels and plan your next meetup with new friends. The shop also specializes in tandem cycling and organizes trips to regional tandem rallies. All this and a carefully blended batch of products and services, centrally located in historic downtown Webster Groves, Missouri.

Runners-up: Big Shark Bicycle Company (Richmond Heights location), Maplewood Bicycle, The Cyclery & Fitness Center (Edwardsville location)

BIKE SHOP (OFF-ROAD)

Mountain Bike Shed

Seeking an alternative to shops filled with Lycra, aero helmets, and road bikes? Mountain Bike Shed in Eureka, Missouri, carries a selection of mountain, gravel, dirt, and e-bikes, as well as "all the protection, apparel, and accessories to keep you bombing down the trail longer and safer," said owner Adam Scott. "The Shed" prides itself on being a laidback hangout. "There's always a hot cup of coffee or a cold drink for you, if you want to come and watch mountain bike videos on our 65-inch HD TV, learn new skills, drool over the latest gear, or talk about that gnarly ride from the week before."

Runners-up: Take A Hike Shop, Big Shark Bicycle Company (Chesterfield location), Ballwin Cycles

OUTDOOR STORE

Alpine Shop (Kirkwood location)

Originally founded as a small climbing store in 1973, Alpine Shop has grown into a leading independent resource for outdoorists of all types. Its popular Kirkwood location offers gear and apparel for men, women, and kids - plus a full-service bike shop and ski shop (including rentals) and a certified pedorthist with the

We asked, you answered. Here are your favorite regional places, races, and faces for 2019.

By Brad Kovach