|
|
The short answer is that Interbike is a trade show. Imagine every bike company you've ever heard of (and several hundred you haven't heard of and may never again) all huddled cozily under the roof of a 660,000 square foot convention centre. The event has been held at the Sands in recent years which is tucked behind the Venetian, one of the swankiest, newest L.V. hotels. Overwhelmed doesn't begin to describe my first few hours under the big top last year. Getting lost happens quickly and often but it's a bit like getting lost in Venice; you're still there and it's still amazing.
It may seem like Interbike is there for the media, and it certainly caters to those with pen and camera, but really it's about the retailers. Companies like Specialized (check out the 03 bikes online now), Giant and Raleigh-Diamondback, owners of this year's biggest booths, spend hundreds of thousands of dollars displaying their newest, most revolutionary two wheeled vehicles and accessories in very impressive surroundings.
Retailers get in free unless they registered after August 27th and then they have to pay a $25 US processing fee. Non-exhibiting manufacturers and industry affiliates pay $200 to get in the door. We qualify as media but had to convince the powers that be that we needed more than 2 spots. It seems that folks were starting cycling sites just to admission to the show. If you are a member of the general public you had better get cozy with your LBS - that's your best way in. The public used to be granted admission for a steep price but those days are over. So to keep you up to date, and so you can tell us what you'd like to see, we have put up a new Interbike bulletin board. Give us some directions and we'll do our best to track it down for you.
Once you are inside the key is to find out where the cool stuff is - both the giveaways and the bike jewellery to see. Last year Marzocchi had a couple of 'ladies' serving up espresso, as well as the Marzocchi girls signing autographs. Various booths have social events in the afternoons, all catered expensively by the Sands staff. Every keg you tap is outrageously priced to the companies but if you're inside the beer's free! Chris King sells headsets and hubs at rock bottom prices every year but by the time we got there last year they were down to 'lemon' coloured headsets. We're heading straight there on Sunday.
There will be sightings of mtb royalty on an hourly basis. Gary Fisher will be walking around in his newest ultra-fly outfit, John Tomac will be moseying in a cowboy hat, Tom Ritchey will be hiding behind his moustache and Mike Ferrentino will be dispensing hilarious platitudes to those within earshot. Yes, like any high profile event, it's a schmoozefest. The best part is that everyone is really friendly.
We fly in Friday night and Saturday is the dirt demo. We'll jump on a shuttle bus leaving from the Sands and head out to Blue Diamond Nevada, a few minutes outside of town. There you can hop on some of the fresh rides from the bigger companies. To get the really desirable bikes you need to wait or know the right person. Last year flat pedals were few and far between and we spent most of our rides on spds wearing skate shoes. We are thinking about bringing flats this year. The terrain is fun in spots but most suited to a cross country rig. The desert air doesn't inspire you to go hard though and we spent most of our time just playing around.
In the evenings there are of course all the attractions of Nevada's most wholesome city and some fun events related to the show. On Sunday night there will be a bash for the premiere of New World Disorder III - Freewheel Burning. Kona has a charity bowling event every year, there is a $100 a plate awards dinner and most years a Canada-US hockey challenge gets rolling. Luckily the oxygen pumped into the rooms allows you to survive all this evening action and get to the show early to start all over again.
For someone like me who drools at the thought of new bike parts, Interbike is unspeakably fun. It will be hard work too though, and we'll be busting our asses to bring you daily updates and photos from the event. Just one of the sacrifices we are willing to make for you, our readers. If you are going to be there and you see some stunned lads wearing nsmb gear please say hello, we'd love you to buy us a beer.
When Interbike's all done 3 of the lads will be flying home to rest, but I'll be jumping in a motorhome with the Sombrio Cartel and heading to Virgin Utah to soak up this year's Redbull Rampage. Of course there will be daily updates from there as well so stay tuned.
Check out our Interbike
Forum.
Cam McRae
