PPP busy time for Bend-area businesses

You’re getting ready for the 2014 U.S. Bank Pole Pedal Paddle — and so are Bend-area businesses.

“It’s the last blast of getting skis ready for the event,” WebCyclery employee Chad Willems said Wednesday about the store’s late rush of clients.

Employees of the shop will be burning the midnight oil to make sure your skis are ready fly down the course.

Their rental gear also is flying off the shelf.

“The full skate package of skis, boots, bindings, poles for a team member who’s doing a Nordic leg and doesn’t have their own skating equipment,” Willems said.

And all the shop’s rental skate gear is completely booked for the big day.

Finding a hotel room at the last minute in Bend is also a challenge.

“Oh yeah, we are completely booked solid, ” Pine Ridge Inn Manager Amanda MIller said. “It’s going to be an amazing place to watch the race, but to start off from as well.”

Mount Bachelor Sports Education Foundation officials estimate the race will bring about 10,000 people into the city — spending at least hundreds of thousands of dollars total.

“The shops, the restaurants, the community feel that we have — it’s a great way to display everything,” Bend Chamber of Commerce spokeswoman CourtneyLinvlle said.

The race is also likened by many business officials to an unofficial welcome to sunshine.

“It’s really kind of a show starter for Bend for the season, especially considering tourism is our No. 1 industry right now,” Linvlle said.

Miller agrees: “It’s one of the starting busiest weekends, basically like the kickoff to summer.”

The kickoff to summer kicked off by Bend’s favorite race.