Snow-skate shop carving a niche in Colfax

It all started with a couple of boarding buddies sharing common interests. Today it is The Riders Union with Mike Basich and Jason Howes as partners in the first business of its kind in Colfax.The Riders Union is a snow-skate shop that caters to riders on the ground and in the air and is owned by two note-worthy "pros" themselves."I've always wanted to open a shop," said Howes. "Mike and I had similar ideas on what we wanted to do."What they've done is opened a shop loaded with trick stuff that snowboarders and skateboarders can use to gear up and ride out.They do custom assembly on skateboards, replace parts, and repair snowboards. The inventory boasts everything from snowboards, skateboards, boots and bindings to wallets, belts, leashes and tools. And just so moms don't worry, helmets, too.Snowboards can also be rented at the shop. A complete set-up or individual equipment is available. They even sell car chains to make sure you get up the hill.While you are in the store be sure to check out Basich's clothing line, 241. The name stems from the fact that the clothing is reversible. Basich, who placed third in Japan for the World Cup half-pipe contest, captured the attention of Japanese snowboarding enthusiasts and had began exporting his clothing line to Japan in 1991.The 241 clothing line is now available exclusively at The Riders Union. The fabric that makes this board wear unique is called Gortex and the designs in the fabric have an artistic feel to them.Rail Jam at Riders UnionWhat:Come slide some rails with REAL snow in Colfax!When: Saturday Nov. 27: Rail Jam 1 p.m. to 3 p.m. (snowboard and helmet required)Live Music, noon to 4 p.m.Waxing Clinic 11 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. and 4 p.m. to 4:30 p.m.Where: The Riders Union1534 Canyon Way Colfax, 346-9122 "The outerwear that is sold at the shop is all designed by riders," said Basich. "You know that you are buying something that is well designed for your needs."Howes and his wife, Kris, have two children, Cameron and Ian. Howes is on the Colfax Skate Park committee and admits that he wants the park as much for himself as for the kids.It's important to mention that there is a wall of artwork that in the store that is dedicated to Breast Cancer. Tina Basich, Mike's sister (also a top womens snowboarder) and three friends started a foundation, B4BC (Boarding for Breast Cancer) five years ago. Profits from the sales of the artwork go towards the foundation.Natalie Martin is a senior at Colfax High and one of the four employees at The Riders Union. She is on the Colfax High snowboarding team placing first in its division and she placed fourth in state of California last March."The store is awesome," said Martin. "It's a great place to work and I get to be around people who love to snowboard as much as I do."Howes and Basich are both proud to be in business in Colfax and remarked at how many kids they have had the pleasure of meeting in the last two months.Ski fever is already heating up on the mountain. One of our area's earliest snows has already fallen. The Riders Union will be reporting on the latest ski conditions on the mountain.