Sep
20
Solar & Wind Powered at the OutDoor Demo
By Rich Kelly, Filed Under Green Efforts, Interbike, OutDoor Demo
Continuing with the greening of Interbike, I’m really happy to announce a partnership that could be the start of something big. The VIP tent at the OutDoor Demo will be powered and cooled by solar and wind energy, courtesy of the guys at Eco-Pioneer.
Lance and I met Scott Gibson of Eco-Pioneer back in July of this year at Pedro’s Fest in Massachusetts. He had his self-designed eco tent set up with solar and wind energy equipment that powered a large screen tv showing live Tour de France coverage out in the middle of a farm field in the Berkshire mountains.
My thoughts instantly jumped forward a few months to our OutDoor Demo. With all the sun and nearly constant wind we get in Boulder City, it seemed like a perfect place to generate some green energy. He had a tent that he was cooling with renewable energy and we had a tent that needed cooling. We almost instantly put the invitation out to Scott right there at Pedro’s (after the end of the day’s stage coverage, of course). It took some planning on Scott’s part to make it happen, but we are super excited to have him with us.
What Eco-Pioneer will be doing is powering their swamp cooler system (perfect for the dry desert climate) with their system of solar panels and wind turbines to cool our VIP tent out at the Demo. In the past the tent has been powered by gas-powered generators. Any chance to turn off a gasoline engine is welcome. We use renewable energy credits to offset our carbon emissions at the Expo, but there is something very satisfying about seeing the actual turbines and panels generating the clean energy on the tent right there in front of you.
The “Pioneer” in their name comes, as Scott tells us, from the fact that they are working with manufacturers in the field to field test and pioneer new uses for their green energy products. They’ve designed tents, trailers and portable systems that have let them tour the country testing and refining the setup. I believe they are doing some great work in the field and we are proud to be able to have them at the Demo. Make sure you check out their setup while you’re there.
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I would like to invite outside demo to feature a ‘Power Pancake’ breakfast for all attending. These cakes feature all organic ingredients, whole grains, fresh fruits, granola extra virgin olive oil. Everyone can exchange ideas about foods that keep us healthy. Smoothies will also be a part.