Bend cyclist poised to shine in what could be final pro season

Consider yourself lucky if the cyclist on your holiday gift list — like Fred Christensen, of Bend, who is asking for a Giro Advantage 2 time-trial helmet — has given old St. Nick detailed instructions for what he or she hopes to find under the tree on Christmas morning.

If not, it’s time to be creative. And fortunately, local riders have pitched in to share their Christmas gift ideas. Read on to find out what they plan to give, and perhaps what they hope to get, this holiday season.

For the cycling fan

If the cyclist on your list knows that Quick Step is not a dance but a Belgian cycling team, and if he or she is already salivating over an expected Contador/Sastre showdown at the 2009 Tour de France, then go to www.grahamwatson.com and shop for a gift from legendary cycling photographer Graham Watson. At his Web site, you can peruse posters, books, calendars, T-shirts and riding jerseys, all featuring gorgeous photos from the world’s greatest cycling races. In addition to plenty of famous Lance Armstrong moments, you will find vintage cycling prints.

John Sorlie hangs the posters in his office and at home. One such poster in his home, Sorlie says, features a historic photo from the 1921 Tour de France “with some of the riders sitting on the steps outside a bar drinking beer.”

For year-round rider

The hot items for Christmas at Pearl Izumi’s outlet store in south Bend this holiday season are winter gear products designed to protect from the chill during cold rides.

Assistant manager Brett Montague says the season’s top pick is the InsulaTour Jacket, an insulated wind- and water-resistant winter cycling coat with breathable back panels.

“We sold out of them last Christmas so we stocked up this year,” says Montague. “It’s a sharp-looking piece that works really well on the bike.”

The jacket retails for $105 to $150 and comes in sizes and colors for men and women.

Shoe covers for keeping feet warm have long been popular sellers around Christmas, notes Montague. Pearl Izumi’s AmFib booties are windproof and waterproof and feature a rubberized sole for durability.

For the commuter

My biggest issue with riding to work — other than helmet hair — is what to do with my morning cup of joe. My travel mug sloshes around in the bottle cage, resulting in coffee-stained pants. One time I had the not-so-bright idea to cruise to work with coffee cup in hand. This was not only dangerous but made standing on the pedals to crest the hill to The Bulletin a rather ridiculous sight.

So for the bicycle commuter/coffee lover on your list, Kate Dunning suggests a bicycle-mounted coffee holder.

“It’s a great place to put your lattes when you bike on down to your favorite coffee shop,” says Dunning.

Hers is the Morning Rush Coffee Holder Kit ($39.99) from Soma Fabrications (somafab.com), an online bicycle retailer. The kit comes with a stainless steel mug and a handlebar mount, which can be affixed to both mountain- and road-bike handlebars.

To avoid coffee spills, make sure not to sip and ride.

“One of the best bike-related gifts I got was a build-your-own Timbuck2 bag gift card,” writes Robin Laughlin. “It was fun to customize my own bag and get just the right size for my commute.”

The classic messenger bag sells for $130 to $150 at www.timbuk2.com and at many local cycling retailers.

For the beginner

Riders new to cycling may have shelled out for the bike, helmet and shoes, but they may have skimped on riding clothes. Anyone who has spent time in the saddle knows that a pair of high-quality Spandex shorts (plan on spending at least $100) is worth every penny.

Marie Wirtz says that beginners need to “look good to get back out there more often.”

Opt for a colorful shop-logo jersey. Or, for the rider who appreciates good riding AND good beer, choose a jersey featuring Black Butte Porter or Twilight Ale from Deschutes Brewery ($60).

A gift certificate for a professional bike fitting ($100 and up) will ensure that a new cyclist enjoys his or her time on the bike.

“(Riding) is no fun,” says local cyclist Jackie Cohen, “if it doesn’t feel good.”

For the rider who has everything

I’m a big fan of giving experiences. For that special someone who has plenty of “things,” try surprising him or her on Christmas morning with an experience you can share, such as entry to a weekend bicycle tour or to a charity ride.

Or, consider the three- or seven-day cycling camps offered by Rebound Sports Performance Lab and held in conjunction with the Tour of California this coming February. The training camp includes VIP access to the race’s time-trial stage. For more information, go to www.reboundspl.com.

“Framing a photo of the cyclist from a race (even recreational events) in a nice cycling-related frame is a nice gift,” writes Gina Miller, whose husband, Wade, falls into the “hard-to-buy-for” category. “Last year, I created a calendar using Kodak Gallery with mostly cycling-related photos.”

In the stocking

The most universal of Christmas wish-list requests shared by local cyclists is socks. All bicycle shops carry them, and socks come in an array of colors and styles. Socks designed to keep toes warm in winter are sure to be a welcome addition under the tree. Look for wool-blend varieties that extend above the ankle.

In my house, hydration-pack bladders begin to look like a health hazard about every other year. If there are strange things growing in the hydration pack of the mountain biker on your list, you can replace the plastic reservoir for about $25.

Other good stocking-stuffer choices include energy bars, blocks and gels. But avoid chocolate, which can melt.

Happy shopping. And Merry Christmas.