Interbike

by lyne on Sep 22, 2008 9:41 PM EDT in Techs-Mechs & Gear

Interbike-2_medium

Allrightie folks, it's that time of year again, the serious-bike-retail-show-fans-seeking-autographs-free-schwag-contract-negociation-party-free-schwag-drinking-what-the-heck-lets-add-two-races-all-in-Vegas event known as Interbike. Love it or hate it, it's the place to be at the end of the road season in the bike business in North America.

And I'll be there, reporting all most some of the happenings to PodiumCafe readers. So what's going on, you may ask?

Bike (frame, component, tire, saddles, any techie stuff you can think of and more) vendors are showing their new wares to retailers, hustling for orders. Pro riders of all sorts sit in booths and sign autographs to bring attention to the booth. Media is running around taking photos of anything that moves or is shiny, bonus points if it's shiny and moving. Oh, and lots of alcohol is flowing.

And to make it even more interesting, two races will be held under the stars: Cross Vegas and the finale of the USA Crits Series.

Update: I'll leave it up to Chris to come up with a way to distribute the schwag (mostly autographed posters) once I get back.

More on the flip (but before moving on, cool doodad from Vee again!)

CrossVegas on Wednesday, starting with the Wheelers and Dealers at 6:30pm, followed by the Elite Women race and culminating in the Elite Men race at 9pm (and importantly the beer garden opens at 6pm). Interesting lineup which includes Cross National Champ Tim Johnson, . Thomas Frischknech, Andy Jacques-Mayne, Chris Jones, Jonathan Page, starcrossed winner Jeremy Powers, Wells bros Todd & Troy, and the twin towers of Barry Wicks and Ryan Trebon ... and lots more. The women include starcrossed winner Sue Butler, Katie Compton, Georgia Gould, Laura Van Gilder and more. (warning: I have never shot a cross race at night, should be interesting).

On Thursday evening, is the final of the USA Crits Series, yep a 1km parking lot at the Mandalay Bay in Vegas. The Pro/1/2 Women start at 7:20pm and the Pro/1 Men at 9:15pm (bummer no beer garden on the schedule). No start list yet. Of note, the races will be streamed live at UniversalSports.com

Finally, the current schedule of all happenings can be seen here

And pics from 2005 & 2006:

Even Eddy needs a nametag

Sharing funny stories

Work it baby (yeah I know it's blurry but who cares)

Shiny stuff

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Comments

Drink a beer

for me, the darker the better.

"...The mind has to rule the body and tell the body, shut up and do what I tell you to do..." Jens!

by Clydesdale on Sep 22, 2008 9:51 PM EDT reply actions

well only if you insist

by lyne on Sep 22, 2008 10:01 PM EDT up reply actions

Thanks for getting this going!!!

I am officially packed ~~big grin~~ wahooooooo!!!

by steph- on Sep 23, 2008 12:19 AM EDT up reply actions

well going to pack soon

but did get the laundry done. Still debating about what camera gear to bring.. all of it, or just the wide-angle.

by lyne on Sep 23, 2008 12:21 AM EDT up reply actions

I have the poster bin ready

No night shots for me…..bummer. I’ll have to rely on Ken.

BTW….Yukie flies in on Wednesday and will meet us at the cyclo race.

by steph- on Sep 23, 2008 12:24 AM EDT up reply actions

And by Ken,

she means Ken Conley, kids. You should check his site out – great photos, and generous with the background (he’s inspired more than a few lightbulb moments with me and my camera).

by Sui Juris on Sep 23, 2008 12:45 AM EDT up reply actions

Tip for shooting the Women's race

Find Katie Compton at the start line and keep your camera on her. Once she rides away from everyone else the race is over.

Oh, and try to get a picture of Barry and Tree Farm standing next to Adam Craig – always amusing the contrast.

"I have come here to chew bubblegum and kick ass... and I'm all out of bubblegum."

by Drew Davis on Sep 23, 2008 9:28 AM EDT up reply actions

Many thanks

for providing a link to Ken’s wonderful pictures. He is absolutely brilliant!! I am extremely fortunate to have access to his photos.

by steph- on Sep 23, 2008 9:34 AM EDT up reply actions

i should get me down to Vegas...

i am bike-shopping and having serious bike lust these days. what happens in Vegas stays in Vegas, right? everything but the bike… :)

by nicknorco on Sep 22, 2008 9:55 PM EDT reply actions

heck you might even win a bike, it's been known to happen to all kinds of folks

including me ;)

by lyne on Sep 22, 2008 10:01 PM EDT up reply actions

nice!

what did you win?

actually, i’m closing in on a very sweet deal, but i could use a little Vegas right about now…

by nicknorco on Sep 22, 2008 10:15 PM EDT up reply actions

I won a Phat beach cruiser... twice ;)

by lyne on Sep 22, 2008 10:26 PM EDT up reply actions

that's some good luck!

by nicknorco on Sep 22, 2008 11:22 PM EDT up reply actions

some people

have it. Megabeth? A slot queen. I think she is at least a couple of grand up, over the years.

by Sui Juris on Sep 22, 2008 11:47 PM EDT up reply actions

I think that was the first ever that I won something

and then the following year, I win the same bike again …

don’t think I can win anything as media tho (went in as a retailed in previous years)

by lyne on Sep 22, 2008 11:55 PM EDT up reply actions

...and we all remain very jealous!!

I am expecting bike numero tres chica!!!!

by steph- on Sep 23, 2008 12:16 AM EDT up reply actions

the second time was hilarious though

as I thought they were throwing tshirts out so I started screaming and won a bike. Amazing.

by lyne on Sep 23, 2008 12:18 AM EDT up reply actions

ha! that was too funny though

here I was waiting for them to throw shirts our way and they give you a freakin’ new bike…..yup,but I am not bitter or jealous….it was hilarious!! Obviously he liked your looks babe!

by steph- on Sep 23, 2008 12:21 AM EDT up reply actions