I got a cool gift for father’s day from my wife and kids. A Washington State University cycling jersey.
Just one catch, my wife said, “you’re going to have to find it yourself.”
While the Seattle-based Adrenaline Promotions manufacturers the jerseys, she couldn’t find them in any local stores. I called John Ambrose, the company’s owner, who said Rainier Cycle Sports is the only shop in Tacoma that carries the jersey. I picked it up today.

But as I chatted with Ambrose, he let me in on an interesting bit of information regarding his business.
While REI carries his product, the Seattle store placed an interesting request this year.
They ordered Huskies jerseys but declined to place an order for Coug jerseys.

Vs.

Seemed a bit surprising to me considering, the Coug fan base seems more interesting in displaying it’s school pride. For example:
1. Space Needle painted Crimson and Gray a few years back.
2. More WSU license plates sold than any other specialty plate.
3. Hijacking a recent UW Alumni online survey asking which school had more pride.

So, what’s the deal?
- Do Cougs not cycle?
- Does REI have a warped sense of reality being located just a few miles from the UW?

By the way, the folks at REI say if you want to request they carry a new item call their corporate headquarters at 253-395-3780 and ask for the merchandising department.

Here's what REI carries: UW, Cal, Texas A&M, Oregon, Wisconsin, Michigan, Notre dame and Texas.

As for school spirit, here are the top three selling jerseys.
1. Texas

2. Wisconsin

3. Iowa