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Matt O'Toole
Guest
With all this talk about getting people out of cars and onto bikes, how about some really big events
to help promote cycling? I'm thinking of a Bike Week, like what motorcyclists have several times a
year. If there was such a thing, would you attend? How about having Interbike somewhere more
interesting than a convention center in Las Vegas or Anaheim, where it could be a worthwhile cycling
vacation for the public? There could be group rides and races, both mountain and dirt, family
activities, Effective Cycling courses, celebrity appearances, etc. There are many places in the US
where this kind of thing could work -- ie, that have the proper facilities, the nearby roads and
trails, and a major airport. I'm thinking of Boulder, San Francisco Bay Area, San Diego, Salt Lake
City, Seattle, etc.
There are probably a few big events already that are almost there -- like the Sea Otter Classic. I'm
sure others could name a few more. What's needed is to have the whole industry come together with
the purpose of making a really big event that gets national attention.
Despite the huge Harley trend of the last 10 years, I still can't believe there are more of 'em than
there are cyclists. And what an economic force those people are -- bringing millions upon millions
of dollars a year to cities like Daytona, FL, and Myrtle Beach, SC.
Comments? Would you go, and maybe bring your family? If you have industry contacts already, would
you help push for such a thing?
Matt O.
to help promote cycling? I'm thinking of a Bike Week, like what motorcyclists have several times a
year. If there was such a thing, would you attend? How about having Interbike somewhere more
interesting than a convention center in Las Vegas or Anaheim, where it could be a worthwhile cycling
vacation for the public? There could be group rides and races, both mountain and dirt, family
activities, Effective Cycling courses, celebrity appearances, etc. There are many places in the US
where this kind of thing could work -- ie, that have the proper facilities, the nearby roads and
trails, and a major airport. I'm thinking of Boulder, San Francisco Bay Area, San Diego, Salt Lake
City, Seattle, etc.
There are probably a few big events already that are almost there -- like the Sea Otter Classic. I'm
sure others could name a few more. What's needed is to have the whole industry come together with
the purpose of making a really big event that gets national attention.
Despite the huge Harley trend of the last 10 years, I still can't believe there are more of 'em than
there are cyclists. And what an economic force those people are -- bringing millions upon millions
of dollars a year to cities like Daytona, FL, and Myrtle Beach, SC.
Comments? Would you go, and maybe bring your family? If you have industry contacts already, would
you help push for such a thing?
Matt O.