Bike supply can’t keep up with demand

BOWLING GREEN, Ky.- Biking is continuing to rise in popularity and people are kicking up their kickstands and hitting the roads. 

Lisa Marten, owner of Nat’s Outdoor Sports, said she’s seen a steady stream of people coming into her story looking for that perfect outdoor bike.

“Biking’s popular all the time but it’s definitely picked up. Maybe people that haven’t biked in years decided that they wanted to get back into it,” said Marten.

But Marten said people aren’t always able to walk out with a bike that day. Because of the popularity and supply shutdowns due to the pandemic, inventory is very limited. 

“We’ve placed bikes going into 2023, we have back orders coming in every month, and we had bike orders that we placed this time last year that we’re not even seeing yet. So just you know really behind because they depleted their entire inventory last spring when everything hit and they just haven’t caught up yet,” said Marten. 

A lot of bikers look forward to Trek at the Track every year at NCM Motorsports Park, which begins next Tuesday. The track opens up to all walkers, runners and bikers to do a 3.2 mile loop. 

Taylor Howard, marketing coordinator, said they expect to see even more people this year. 

“Everyone loves it. It might be one of our most popular programs we do out here, especially for the cyclists. Mainly because it’s a really safe environment for them to get their miles in, rather than having to ride on the side of the street and worry about cars,” said Howard. 

Trek at the Track is from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m. every Tuesday until May 25.