2011 marks the 30th anniversary of Interbike. It feels like I've been going for most of those but this is just my 11th visit. For those of you who aren't aware of Interbike here's a little primer.
What?
Interbike is an industry bicycle trade show. It's the biggest in North America. It's open to retailers, distributors and media. Consumers can't just wander in or they will be accosted by an elderly person wearing a robin's egg blue polyester suit. Companies from all over the world who make products for the North American market come to show their goods and hopefully take orders from distributors and bike shops. And media wander around and try and sort through the crap (there's a lot of beautiful crap) to show you the good stuff.
When?
The Outdoor Demo is on Monday Sept. 12th and Tues. the 13th and the Expo begins on Wed. Sept. 14th and goes until Friday the 15th.
Where?
Interbike starts this Monday and Tuesday with the Outdoor Demo (aka Dirt Demo) which is held at Boulder City Nevada - site of the Bootleg Canyon trails. There are dh trails, XC trails and everything in between. The riding is fun and occasionally very gnarly. The ground is nasty so you don't want to crash (just ask Fergs). Trying bikes can be difficult because there may be 25 bike shop employees from Wichita in the line in front of you.
The Expo begins Wednesday and it takes place in Las Vegas - in the Sands convention centre using over 600,000 square feet. It's easy to get lost - or get distracted by the booth babes.
What does this have to do with you?
We know that many of you have been poring over the web and through mags looking at new gear - and that you may have questions. We also know that you likely have a mental list of things you'd like to see and hear about. This is the place for you let us know what's been keeping you up at night.
It can be just about anything from clothing to chainguides to people you'd like to hear about - and it can even go beyond mountain bikes. We will no longer be resisting the pull of 29ers because we know many of you are keen on them.
So let 'er rip and help us find our way through the maze of NEW! and IMPROVED! products from the world of bicycles.
