Freewheelin': Winter Bike Expo 2013.

Well, it happened. The third winter bike expo came and went and... it was AWESOME!

First of all, mother nature dealt us a helping hand of snow well before the day of the expo. Then, we had one of the largest stocks of fat bikes in the Midwest. We had a ton of winter gear to look at and try on and sales. Every fat bike manufacturer we sell was there representing their bikes. To top it off we had some truly inspiring folks come and talking about their adventures all over the world. Even with the -15 degree weather we had a HUGE turn out.

I showed up to the expo at about 9:30 in the morning. About an hour and a half after it opened. There were already a lot of people outside riding our test fat bikes. I was expecting to walk in and it would be pretty sparse, but I was wrong. The place was already hopping, people looking at all the bikes, clothes, drinking coffee from the cafe, or just standing around chatting. I made my way to the service shop to drop some of my stuff so I could wander around and they were all hard at work trying to put studded tires on bikes. There was about two bikes per mechanic at this point. I couldn't believe it.

I got myself situated with a hot cup of coffee and my camera and started meandering around. I already was seeing a lot of familiar faces. I made my rounds stopping by the Surly tent, the Salsa tent, the Trek tent, the 45Nrth tent, the Borealis tent, and the Lazer helmet tent. By the time I did that I hit the test ride station to check out how that was going. Most of the bikes were already out on the course. It would stay this way for the majority of the day. At any given time we had almost 35 fat bikes being test ridden out on our course. It was amazing. I decided to talk to some of these folks as they were coming in, so I headed outside.

I started talking to a few folks who were out on test rides. Everyone was telling me how much fun it was. I remember riding a fat bike for the first time, I remember the impression it left with me. I walked out to the course and watched people ride for a while and I started to notice something. Everyone, at least of the faces that weren't covered by a balaclava, had smiles on their faces. Here it is, 15 below 0, and people were having a riot on these bikes. It was very gratifying. That is the exact reason I love this job.

I went back inside to go check out what else was going on and it was about that time that my general manager asked if I could clock in and start working, it had gotten pretty busy. I punched in and went out on the sales floor and started talking to folks. Most folks were looking for new gloves or mittens, which was totally understandable. As a person who spends way too much money on bike stuff, I feel comfortable recommending things to people because I have field tested a good number of the products we sell in varying conditions. I buy all that crap for two reasons. One because I am looking for the right gear for myself, second and most important to me I want to believe in the stuff I am selling.

The new HED carbon tubeless fat bike wheels were being sold left and right. They really are a sight to see. We have them at all the locations, even if you are not planning on buying a set or don't even own a fat bike, you should check them out. One rim laced to a rear hub is lighter than the lightest front wheel I own, it is mind blowing. Same with the Borealis bikes, they are nutso. A 21 pound fat bike, wheter that is your thing or not, is pretty awesome.

Salsa made a bunch of updates to their Mukluk line this year and the Beargrease went carbon. People were really happy and impressed with them and the Salsa fellas, Brian and Benton really came through for us.

Surly is Surly and still makes rad durable bikes that are fun to ride. They use economical build packages and you will always have a smile on your face when you ride one. There is not much else to say about that.

I met a couple of super fun ladies who were at the expo riding fat bikes together. After the giant smiles wore off, they sat down and made a list of pros and cons and were weighing out the options of what they would need. They loved the bikes and are super into cycling but they just couldn't bring themselves to pull the trigger. They hung out for quite a bit and we talked off and on and they took off bikeless.

Sister Species had started playing and they were also a lot of fun. They were smiling and having a good time doing their thing and it showed because people were gathering around and listening and smiling and having a good time.

I personally did not have the time or opportunity to sit through any of the presentations, but it was my understanding that everyone killed it. A big thanks to all of those people who presented and shared their passions with everyone.

The race started about 6 PM. I was already intoxicated as it had been a long day and suddenly there was a couple cases of beer for us. I partook after not eating all day. It all went downhill from there.

The race was fun to watch/heckle. Adam Froeming ending up winning with his little purple Pugsley with a rack and trunk bag on it. Hilarious. Everyone was having a good time and then we moved inside for the awards and door prizes.

After that took place it was just a big ol' party. Everyone was partaking and things got a little out of hand. I don't remember when we actually closed it down, but I remember having a couple regrets the next morning.

After breakfast I headed back to the expo and sure enough, it was snowing and there were still a ton of people there! Not as many as Saturday, but it certainly was enough. I got on the clock immediately and started walking around talking to folks and helping them out with gear.

I saw a lot of faces from the day before, people were coming back on Sunday to buy stuff it seemed. Even my new friends who I had talked to multiple times the day before came back. They bought a Mukluk 2 and a Mukluk 3 and outfitted them with all the goodies. They were super stoked and all smiles. I hope to see them on my Sunday Funday Fat bike ride.

All in all it turned out to be quite the spectacle. It was a bit of a zoo, but it was a ton of fun and from what I could see everyone else was having a good time too. We strive every year to make it bigger and better than the year before. I think we succeeded this year as well.

If you have never been to the winter bike expo before, even if winter cycling is not your thing, I recommend you come next time. If I had to sum up the wbe in a sentence it would be this: The winter bike expo is a place where your friends and the friends you don't even know yet, congregate to see what other people are doing and share their passion for cycling.

I saw a lot of friends I knew and made a bunch of new friends this year, as I did last year. Spirits were high and good times were had. To all those that made it out, I thank you. To those who didn't, I hope to see you next year.