I grew up in Hastings during the mid-1970’s to mid-1980’s and until I turned 16, a bicycle was my main mode of transportation. It was nothing to bike out Highway 316 to a friend’s pond past 190th Street or out to Schaar’s Bluff to spend a day exploring what is now one of the nicer regional parks in the area. It was a different world… no trails, cellphones and the arcade was the only place to play video games. The bike was an essential part of daily life, especially during the summer. The most dreaded in-town routes were those that included the Second or Fifteenth Street hills. Coming down the hill was fine but getting up them was beyond a challenge, especially if you were still riding your Huffy single speed Mono-Shock. I remember how excited I was to get my first 10-speed; a Huffy Sante Fe, which made those hills a bit easier. Times have changed.

Port of Hastings Outfitters is one of Hastings newest businesses and currently rents out “RAD” Bikes. “RAD” is slang for an excellent person or thing. In this case, RAD CITY is the company name that manufactures the bikes owned by “POHO” and after riding one, I admit… they are definitely RAD. “You are going to find this to be a game changer,” owner Eric Weber explained to me as we met under the bridge next to his trailer, which the business currently operates out of. As he completed the briefing on the operation of the bike, including a safety check, we embarked on a short little trek along the Mississippi River heading west on the trail. As we passed the boat dock, I shouted back, “definitely a game changer… wow.”

The bikes are well built, comfortable and the adjustable seat is great for vertically challenged folks (like me) as well as those who duck going through standard doorways. The “pedal assist” provides a significant difference compared to a regular pedal bike. First off, the throttle gets you going and then you are in “pedal assist” mode. “The bikes have 5 levels of pedal assist,” Weber explained. “If you want a good workout, level one or two is a good place to start. If you need a little more help you can boost it up to five and, if you are hardcore, you can actually set it to zero.” I started with the pedal assist on two and the difference compared to riding a regular bike was night and day. During the whip along the trail, I adjusted from zero to five to feel the different options. These bikes are an excellent option for old and young alike at almost any level of physical health.

Weber has always been a “healthy lifestyle” guy. “I played baseball and basketball in high school,” said Weber, who went on to play collegiate baseball at Augsburg University while earning his Bachelor’s Degree in Psychology and a Master’s in Business Administration. “I have always tried to eat healthy and exercise.” The idea for Port of Hastings Outfitters began to take shape the first time he rode an electric bike. “I knew immediately that these bikes belonged on the miles and miles of scenic trails that extend in all directions from downtown Hastings.” Weber grew up in Hastings. He and his wife Hannah chose the community to raise their family in. “I have always appreciated growing up in this community and all of the things it has to offer,” he shared. “The rivers, lakes and downtown have been especially important to me throughout my life.”

After much research and planning, the concept of the business became reality. Operating out of a trailer adds some dynamics to the business such as scheduling around a separate career and a growing family of three. “We make it work for our customers; we have staffing needs in place,” assured Weber as he introduced me to his bike tech when we got back from our little ride. Trailer operations are temporary as once the Confluence project is completed at the old Hudson Sprayer site, Port of Hastings Outfitters will be moving in, with some exciting expansion plans as well.

“Once we are in our permanent location, we have plans for expansion into other areas to enhance the business” Weber said. “We are looking to add event rental items (chairs, tables, et cetera) for weddings at Confluence,” he added. The future also includes adding kayaks and water items for use at Lake’s Rebecca and Isabel. Finally, adding coffee, ice cream, candy and pastries for those needing a sugar boost while exploring the trails will round out the Port of Hastings Outfitters business plan.

I will be riding one of these bikes again and next time and the trek will be much longer than my first experience. I am confident that this will afford me the opportunity to ride the trail that connects Hastings to Prescott (and back). The health benefits alone are great. The chance to see the hunting grounds of my teenage years from a different angle is bonus that truly adds to my excitement. The experience may make for another column should I see any deer, turkeys or other game with upcoming seasons opening soon.

My current bike is an older Raleigh C30 Cross Sport. It was and still is a nice 21-speed that has not been used as much as it should be. For now, I will still ride it but, it may be going up for sale. You do need a driver’s license or other identification to rent a bike and riders must be at least 16 years of age or more. Your safety is a priority and helmets are provided and required to be worn and the bikes have a weight maximum of 275 pounds. You can find more details at www.mypoho.com or email Weber at [email protected] Get out and enjoy the great outdoors.