Oct
21
Day 1 at OutDoor Demo East
By Rich Kelly, Filed Under Attendee News, Events, Exhibitor News, Interbike, OutDoor Demo East, Photos
What a day here in Providence. Great weather, riding and energy for a perfect opening to our inaugural East Coast edition of the OutDoor Demo. We had great turnout at the event and a constant stream of riders heading out to the trails on new bikes. The NBDA Seminars and tech clinics were standing room only. We ended the day with a fun industry networking party where we served New England clam chowder, corn on the cob, corn bread, pizza, beer and refreshments. Met a ton of dealers from all over the East Coast. A few shops from New York City had rented vans to bring all their employees up for the event. Saw a few retailers from places as far away as Tennessee and Virginia, too. Heard that some shops had employees coming up on different days so that they could keep the shop covered and still experience the Demo.
Gatherings of the bike industry like this are awesome. Couldn’t enjoy my job anymore than on days like today. Thanks to all retailers that turned out today and hope to see many more of you on Wednesday. Keep your fingers crossed for decent weather…
It’s late, so here are some photos to give some flavor of what’s going on.
Aisle shot while the sun was still strong. With those trees in the back, this definitely is NOT Bootleg Canyon.
The Jamis and SRAM corner of the Demo. Jamis has over 40 models on display here.
Chris DiStefano of Chris King in the CK booth. Just like in Vegas, one of the more popular booths.
Mike Steidley put on a show for the dealers in attendance to break up the business talk and riding. Richard Fries was the MC. Mike is sponsored by Kenda.
Jamis area at the Demo. They made a real commitment to put on a good show for their retailers this first year.
Meeting of the minds: Tim Blumenthal of Bikes Belong (in blue), Scott Montgomery of Scott USA, and Maurice Tierney of Dirt Rag and the new Bicycle Times magazines. Tim said he liked how he could have a longer conversation with people here without as many distractions as the big show in Vegas. Had a nice lunch with Tim and Lance Camisasca today.
Tim Jackson of Masi having a good chat with some retailers. Just like at Bootleg Canyon, Tim seemed to be constantly busy.
Some of the Specialized bikes on display for demo’ing.
Parlee is one of the regional manufacturers from new England with displays here.
Here’s a retailer from one of the quintessential New England bike shops: the West Hill Shop in Putney, VT on some of the singletrack trails at the Demo site that we spent all day yesterday maintaining and cleaning up. One of the great things about having a demo event here is that the retailers can ride the bikes in conditions that they and their customers will be riding in. Here, that would be rocks, roots, dirt and mud when it’s wet.
Comments
7 Responses to “Day 1 at OutDoor Demo East”
wow!
looks awesome and wish i could be there.
this looks like the start of something very good for years to come.
have a great day today
NE single track in the Fall looks quite enjoyable. It definitely looks COOLER in temperature than the desert!
The ODDE was great. The expo area was well set up. Of course more vendors would be great but otherwise a great show.
I am from around here and think that the ODDE for next year (if that happens) should have a bit more trails. The single track offered this year was a bit on the timid side for New England style riding. More rocks and roots are needed.
This is the only complant I have. Not bad interbike peeps…not bad.
What cities are other options for the Demo that have trails? I hear Hartford, CT has good trails, maybe Fairmont Park outside of Philly. i don’t think there’s too many options and providence may be best for now.
this is good momentum for an even bigger and better year next year.
binny bin
All I can say is…….a great big thanks for the vendors and the Interbike staff that were there.
THANKS!!!!!!!
and for those that wern’t there…There’s always next year.
The event was great! Nice to have something like this so close to home.
Next year feel free to give us (RI NEMBA) a shout if IB would like to have some led offsite rides. There is a State Park ~ 10 miles from Roger Williams suitable for XC and Freeride. The earlier the better to work it out with the land managers.
I had a great time, seminars were very informative , great bikes. only complaint was a lack of accessories reps and no tools reps. hope to see you next year .