New Member Profile: Peak Sports

We recently got to do a digital interview with Larry Desaulniers, the founder of one of our newest members, Peak Sports in Springfield. We asked how they got their start, about local adventure and what made them decide to open new location in downtown Springfield. Check it out!

What is the heart of Peak Sports Springfield? Why do you do what you do? What got you into the field? 

Our heart is in making adventure more accessible.  One of the many ways we accomplish that is by giving gear a second life. We have a passion about outdoor adventure and gear in all its forms, and the sustainability of recycling gear.

Peak Sports started as a bike/outdoor store in 1971, and I’ve been in the business since ‘85, joining Peak Sports in 1993.  Outdoor adventure and cycling is my life.

What does Peak Sports Springfield do best? 

We bring 50 years of experience in the outdoor industry. We are trusted experts. Peak Sports is small enough to be local, large enough to be stable and reliable. 

In your opinion, what makes the Willamette Valley and Oregon in general so prime for outdoor sports?

The list of positive qualities is extensive.  Generally mild weather, varied terrain, diversity of bio regions (from the Pacific ocean to dry desert to alpine meadows to gentle green valleys and more) , accessibility to public land, outdoor culture, types of outdoor recreation that Oregon’s natural features encourage, and on and on.

Why did you choose to open shop in Eugene/Springfield?

Customers asked us to do so, #1.  The overwhelmingly positive response in Corvallis to the opening of our first outdoor gear consignment store in 2017 led to our being open to other opportunities to bring the same services to other communities in the valley.

What are you excited to find out about Eugene/Springfield Area? Or Have you learned anything exciting or unusual out about the area?

The Thurston Hills trails sound fun!  We’re excited to learn about the particular interests of the people local to Eugene/Springfield.  An example is we expect the McKenzie River recreational opportunities to adjust the product focus toward river running somewhat.

We’re really excited to be part of the downtown Springfield business community and to be part of its apparent renaissance.  We frequently hear from our customers how Springfield has been doing a tremendous job making the area more inviting and pleasant to shop and visit.

Can you speak to the difference between having ‘gear’ and having ‘the right gear’ while doing outdoor activities?  

The primary difference is that the right gear enhances the pleasure one may receive from an activity, or make it possible or safe to do, to begin with.  The right gear encourages a user to do the activity more, or more frequently.  And, the right gear can make the difference between doing an activity safely or not at all.

What does the future hold for Peak Sports Springfield?

We’re starting with used gear but we’re ready to expand to new bikes and outdoor gear as the opportunities arise.

Big thanks to Larry for sharing his story with us and letting us get to know Peak Sports a little better! Check our their website and stop by their Springfield location at: 414 Main St. downtown Springfield