Of all the reasons to appreciate and admire the work Peak Adventures does, my favorite is how it doesn’t have any effeminate, ad-covered cycling suits on display.

You may be wondering why someone such as myself, who has several pollen allergies, poor balance and is withering away from Chronic Fatigue Syndrome, I mean senioritis, would choose to write an article on anything involving physical exertion of any kind.

I could use Peak to extol the virtues of exercise and just getting some fresh air for God’s sake. Or I could use what Peak stands for to unleash an obscene assault on the one in four obese toddlers this nation now has.

But Peak provides a needed service at affordable prices with a friendly and knowledgeable staff, and it deserves some recognition.

At Peak’s current location immediately outside the University Union, Director Jael Young says the operation is “busting out of the seams.”

I’m inclined to believe her because a rotating display of bike locks with surprisingly informative and eye-catching advice was rendered inaccessible during my visit because the two bike racks the display was wedged between wouldn’t allow it to turn.

The operation has just enough space for two repair stations for bicycles, but there can be up to four at a time when Peak offers its cycle repair classes. But just because up to four stations can be stuffed in, it doesn’t mean people can work efficiently and comfortably at them.

Everyone at Peak is preparing to make the move into the Well as pain-free as possible. The Well, a state-of-the-art recreation and wellness facility under construction, will be the new home for Peak.

Peak can only stand to benefit from the move. It will no longer be a venue surrounded by caffeine, grease and video games. Rather, it will have a targeted audience in a noticeably more health conscious environment.

Understandably, Young and the rest of the staff are virtually counting down the days until the grand opening.

Peak has been doing business with the Sac State community since 1989. Young has been a part of Peak for 18 years. Prior to serving as director, she held virtually every other position.

One of the biggest challenges facing Peak is its struggle to pay its mechanics competitive wages. Young told me about a former worker who was trained by Peak but left for a competitor and earned more at the new job than the individual at Peak who had trained him.

In spite of this handicap, Peak continues to operate successfully.

In addition to organizing camping trips, hikes and other outdoor activities, Peak adventures is seeing a great deal of interest in its bicycle rental and repair service.

While no one can be sure, it seems logical to assume Peak’s bicycle rentals have benefited from rising gas prices.

For 50 bucks a semester, students can rent a bike and get a locker to store it in during class. For students who live close enough to campus to ride a bike, it beats the living hell out of overpriced parking permits.

So rent a bike, go paint balling or rent a snowboard while there is still some powder.

Support Peak in its mission to keep you relaxed and healthy.

Jordan Guinn can be reached at [email protected]