FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE May 12, 2026
A 70-Year Duluth Tradition Passes the Torch — and Year 18 of the Legendary Bike SWAP Is Going Bigger Than Ever
New owners Bryan and Carina Peterson team up with longtime owners Anne and Willie Howard for an 18th Annual Bike SWAP that has re-homed more than 7,000 bicycles and raised thousands of dollars for Duluth DEVO youth riders. Giants Ridge Resort joins as a new 2026 partner.
DULUTH, Minn. — May 12, 2026 — When Bryan and Carina Peterson stepped in as the new owners of Continental Ski & Bike last summer, they made one promise to longtime owners Anne and Willie Howard: the Legendary Bike SWAP wasn’t going anywhere.
This Saturday and Sunday, May 16 – 17, Continental hosts the 18th Annual Bike SWAP at its East 1st Street store — a Duluth ritual that has re-homed more than 7,000 bicycles over its history and turned the proceeds into life skills for hundreds of local kids. Last year alone, the SWAP moved more than 500 bikes and raised nearly $12,000 for the Duluth DEVO youth mountain bike program, which serves 350+ riders in grades 2 through 12.
“I’m so grateful to be part of a Duluth tradition that re-homes hundreds of bikes, supports our local youth mountain bike program, and gets kids outside building the kind of life skills that stay with them long after they grow out of their first bike,” said Carina Peterson, co-owner of Continental Ski & Bike.
“I’m proud to be part of a tradition that has re-homed over 7,000 bikes,” added co-owner Bryan Peterson. “Carina and I are all in on what this weekend means to Duluth — and to the kids who’ll be riding because of it.”
The Petersons aren’t doing it alone. Anne Howard, who carried the SWAP forward with her husband Willie and grew it into the regional event it is today, is back on the floor this year working shoulder-to-shoulder with the new owners — passing the torch in real time. And in a new addition for 2026, Giants Ridge Resort joins the weekend on-site, tabling in support of Duluth DEVO and Continental’s mission to put more kids on bikes.
Why It’s a Bargain Hunter’s Paradise
More than 500 used bikes priced for every budget
A free helmet for every kid’s bike sold, while supplies last
A faster test-ride line for buyers who bring their own helmet
Free Preview Night Friday, May 15 from 6 – 8 p.m. — first dibs on the floor
Bike sellers receive 75 – 85% of the selling price, with the remainder going to Duluth DEVO. Donated bikes generate 100% of their proceeds for DEVO.
Event Details
What
18th Annual Continental Ski & Bike SWAP
When
Saturday, May 16, 10 a.m. – 5 p.m. Sunday, May 17, 9 a.m. – Noon
Preview
Friday, May 15, 6 – 8 p.m. (free)
Where
Continental Ski & Bike, 1305 East 1st Street, Duluth, MN 55805

Media Opportunity
Bryan and Carina Peterson, Anne Howard, and Duluth DEVO representatives are available for interviews during the Friday Preview event (May 15, 6 – 8 p.m.) and throughout the weekend. Please contact us in advance to schedule.

About Continental Ski & Bike
Serving Duluth cyclists and skiers since 1955, Continental Ski & Bike is a specialty outdoor retailer at 1305 East 1st Street in Duluth, Minnesota. Continental was acquired in July 2025 by Bryan and Carina Peterson, who took over the 70-year-old shop from longtime owners Anne and Willie Howard. Low ego. High energy. Zero judgment. continentalski.com
About Duluth DEVO
Duluth DEVO is a youth mountain bike program that fosters bike skills and life skills for more than 350 young riders in grades 2 through 12. duluthdevoenduroteam.org

Media Contacts
Carina Peterson — Co-Owner, Continental Ski & Bike 218-728-4466 | carina@continentalski.com
Anne Howard — SWAP Organizer 218-391-9862 | anne@continentalski.com