Lolli Gagnon, owner and operator of “Moon Cycle” (formerly Higher Ground Sports) located at 501 9th Ave North in downtown Golden, B.C., says she is “proud” to bring people together to adventure and explore nature.
“Moon Cycle” offers biking and Nordic outdoor gear equipment and repair, coffee, self-care and new age products, and unique, fun events for men and women to take part in to encourage “work, life, balance.”
“People are searching for connection right now,” Gagnon says, explaining that through the seasons and through nature, people feel more connected to their heart, mind, body and soul.
According to its website, “Moon Cycle” promotes “healthy lifestyles to help (people) flow through the seasons, incorporating mindfulness, exercise, self-care, connecting with others and being aware of your environment.
Formally known as “Higher Ground Sports,” Gagnon and her partner, David, decided to change the name to “Moon Cycle.” Gagnon says the business “evolved” over the years after they bought it in 2015.
The used equipment that was once a part of the business offerings no longer became necessary as social media sites became more utilized by people selling old gear, and Gagnon and her partner began scaling down to focus more on Nordic ski and bike equipment, repair and accessories.
Mother of four children between the ages of eight and 12, Gagnon says the name change is designed to “promote the balance” of mental, physical and emotional health and fits more with her personal journey as a woman and mother.
“It’s great to be out biking in nature and important for people to take a moment for themselves,” she says, adding, “as a business owner and Mom of four, balancing everything is really important.”
“Connection and seeing the cycles in the year is important. Noticing the changes that happen around us. Noticing the small things that are happening around me is important,” Gagnon says, referring to activity in nature and the changing of the seasons outdoor adventurers experience as they prepare their gear for all weather and change sports activities from skiing to cycling.
In 2020, Gagnon added a café to the business. She says it’s “really great to fuel people’s adventures.” Customers can choose from smoothies, coffee, lattes and Americanos, to ice cream in the summer.
A lounge space encourages folks to stay, hang out and explore the newly added spiritual and wellness section of the store.
Gagnon was inspired by her Druid roots to “add a little bit more” on divination and astrology, tarot cards and wellness products to inspire wellness after a ride in the mountains.
Salt soaks, candles, soap and tinctures to increase vitamins, minerals and promote gut health, as well as tea, are also offered in the new section. Giving people something more to explore and consider when out in nature.
“Moon Cycle” offers a variety of beautifully crafted products in the New Age section of the store. For example, “Natura Soy” is a company that offers bath soaks.
They are a company that is “Women-founded, locally owned, and advocates for humane and environmental causes and are committed to creating home, fragrance products that are beautiful and sustainable – from the raw material to the packaging.”
Bath soak flavours include vanilla and mint, eucalyptus and sage, and sweet mint, to name a few.
Soap by the “Standing Spruce Company” includes scents inspired by the names, “Love Spell,” “Gingerbread and Coffee,” and “Willow Leaves.”
“Sunshine in a cup”, “Sipping in a cup”, and “Cocoa sun ritual” are a few products offered by the local business, “Noorish Foods.”
Known by friends and family as the “adventure initiator, Gagnon offers a variety of events to inspire community connection through “Moon Cycle,” including weekly mountain bike adventures for men and women, as well as Nordic ski adventures in the Winter for people to get involved in.
She is most proud of starting the local group, “Golden Active Ladies,” in 2014. A group designed to bring women together to meet to paddle, ski, or bike.
“I felt it was important for women to have a space to feel included,” she said of the intent behind starting the group.
“It’s important just to come together,” she says, explaining her events are designed to bring people together and experience all the magic nature has to offer through sports activities.
“Moon Cycle” also offers bike and Nordic ski repairs and rentals.
When she’s not running her business, she is adventuring with her children. She says she loves taking her kids out on adventures and letting them “lead.”
A positive role model among community members in Golden, B.C., and a leader in encouraging outdoor adventure through “Moon Cycle”, Gagnon brings an important balance to the extreme nature that can so often be found on the trails in the mountains of Golden, B.C.
Through promoting “work-life balance,” and reminding customers to take time to notice the nature they are surrounded by, as well as take time to care for themselves, and promoting inclusivity through events.
She inspires balance and connection through “Moon Cycle” and a one-stop shop to help customers begin and maintain their outdoor adventure experience.
For more information, please visit: www.mooncycle.life.
