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Riders Up Outfitters: A fascinating shop of fun
Let's Shop!
By Margo Oxendine, Staff Writer
 | | Colt Kirlin, ten years old, knows that "Riders Up" offers wonderful doggie things for indulgent owners, as well as canoes and kayaks, float trips, water shoes, equestrian supplies, and friendly, knowledgeable service from Colt's people, Tom and Dawn Kirlin. Find Riders Up at 509 East Ridgeway Street in Clifton Forge. (Recorder photos by Margo Oxendine) |
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CLIFTON FORGE - Have you been to Clifton Forge lately?
No?
Well, you're not just missing something; you're missing lots of things.
A town that once seemed to be dying is bursting forth with a resurgence of busy streets and bustling commerce. One needs no other indicator than the fact that, this past Monday, it was difficult to find a parking space on Ridgeway Street.
There are myriad reasons to find your way to Ridgeway, Clifton Forge's main street. There are several restaurants, and countless galleries and shops. You can purchase a nicely-priced antique, or you can buy a new pair of pliers at the hardware store. You can buy a pot for a dollar, at a store where everything costs about that; or you can find a fascinating and unique piece of art at the Alleghany Highlands Arts & Crafts Center.
 | | Tom Kirlin and his wife, Dawn, are fulfilling many needs with "Riders Up" in Clifton Forge. The trendy Crocs, formerly only available here by catalog order, are just one bright, fun aspect of their shop. Hunky Labrador "Colt" is a friendly shop assistant. |
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We'll be taking a closer look at many of the wonders of Clifton Forge in the weeks to come.
But I must tell you first about a veritable wonderland into which I wandered Monday.
Riders Up! Outfitters at 509 East Ridgeway is a sportster's delight, even if you're not a sportster.
Two delights close to my heart are dogs and shoes. It's no wonder I consider Riders Up a wonderland.
As you enter the shop, there's a large sign proclaiming "We're Dog Friendly."
Shouldn't everyone be? But, how often are your beloved Labs and glorious goldens and marvelous mutts welcomed inside a place of business? And given treats and a bowl of cool water?
The first sales associate one meets inside Riders Up is Colt Kirlin. He is 10 years old. He is massive, with a head upon which one could balance a cup of coffee. Colt is a black Labrador retriever. And he's as laid-back as they come.
Shop owners Tom and Dawn Kirlin opened the place last November, and they've been busy ever since. Never was there a moment inside the shop Monday that the phone wasn't ringing, the email bell wasn't dinging, and the place wasn't darn near full of people.
If you're looking for a kayak or a canoe, this is the place. And admit it, we haven't had such a place this close since, well, never. If you're not quite ready to buy a kayak or a canoe, why not rent one for a trial spin on the Jackson, the Cowpasture or the James? Riders Up is the place to arrange that. In fact, they're offering a "Happy Hour Paddle" every Thursday evening. Reservations are booked solid two weeks in advance, so start planning. I'll be out there making a fool of myself on Thursday, June 24, and will give you a full report, should I still have any wits about me.
If you already have your own canoe, or you've packed your kayak into town for vacation, Riders Up offers a valuable vehicle shuttle service.
How often have you wondered, "Let's see; if I put in at Indian Draft on the Jackson, and I take out at Petticoat Junction, how in the world will I get back to my car?"
Easy. You just call Riders Up (540-862-7999) and make arrangements to have that done for you.
Should you rent your canoe or kayak at Riders Up, they'll happily and ably handle everything for you. Your job will be to pack a picnic, load into your life vest, hop in your boat and enjoy the scenery.
Perhaps fishing is your passion. Riders Up can arrange for private trout stream access, and guided fly or spin fishing trips for trout or smallmouth bass.
But if, like me, you have a passion for shoes and doggie things, well, this place is a candy land.
Consider Crocs - the wildly popular, wildly colored, rubbery shoes that simply everyone is wearing. Until now, we had to order those from a catalog. And ordering shoes from a catalog is always a gamble. Will they fit? If not, how much will it cost to send them back? How long will you have to wait for a replacement pair? Will those fit, either?
No worries. There are Crocs galore inside this store. And Keen sandals - the sturdy, sensible, darned attractive "everything sports" shoes - hike down to the river in them, wade in the water, even get swept up in the current, and by golly, you'll still be fashionably shod when you finally reach solid ground.
The doggie things are pure delight, for the darlings, as well as their owners. I got so caught up trying on Crocs and Keens Monday, I plumb forgot to buy the fabulous lime green doggie lead with hot pink polka dots. Brownie would be crestfallen if she knew.
There are wonderful cards with horse or dog themes, and those fun little stickers that proclaim things like, "Wag more. Bark less." There are fold up doggie bowls for food and water. Collars to match the leads, in vastly varied styles and colors. There are cute little bandanas and knick-knacks and back packs for dogs. It's enough to make one's tail wag.
There are all sorts of practical things to be found at Riders Up, too. Things like life vests and accessories that make camping, hiking, travel and any outdoor adventure more convenient and genteel.
Equestrians are not forgotten at Riders Up. That makes sense, since the Kirlins train steeplechasers when they aren't in their shop, outfitting folks. If you need a proper black riding helmet, or an outrageously fun pink one, you'll find it here, along with equestrian jewelry, curry combs, brushes, shampoos and many other necessities.
Just a hint of the brand name goods available are Life is Good, The North Face, Sun Cloud Optics, Buddy Biscuits, Planet Dog, Bison Designs belts and accessories, and something called Yak Grips. Don't ask me, ask the Kirlins; I'm sure they'll be happy to explain.
There's a web page with particulars at www.ridersupoutfitters. com. Or just stop by; Colt's tail will wag when he sees you.
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