Hey all,
I haven’t posted in about a week so here is an article that will be in the Sheridan Sun tomorrow (March 13). The version here is my own and doesn’t have some of the edits that the press version has. Also I took some pics of the event and a few turned out quite well.
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Toronto suffered yet another blast of winter this past weekend. Loads of snow was dumped all over the GTA as harsh winds nearly blew people off their feet. This however didn’t discourage Ontario’s pedal pushers from attending the 20th annual Toronto International Bike Show at the Direct Energy centre this weekend. Running from March 7th to the 9th, it was three days of self powered fun.
The Toronto International Bike show is the only exclusive bike show in Canada and one of the largest consumer bike shows in North America. With over 20,000 attendees each year it’s an important event on every bike dealer’s calendar. However, if you can’t afford to drop $8,000 on Trek’s 2008 Madone 6.9 Pro (the bike of seven time Tour de France winner Lance Armstrong) there is more than just window-shopping at the show.
Throughout the three-day event, cyclists could watch the Toronto BMX Jam ’08 where some of the world’s best BMX rider’s compete on a terrain park built right inside the convention centre. Or, you could head over to the Meta Bike Trials demonstration and see Sheridan’s own Trevor Bodogh show off his amazing skills of balance and control. Bike trials put simply is a test of bike handling skills where riders navigate a course of man-made obstacles such as skids; boxes and railings all without letting their feet touch the ground. Trevor, a world-class trials rider has competed all over the world and is making his mark as an international rider. It speaks to Trevor’s credit that he can accomplish all this and still has time to study for his business midterms.
However, the show isn’t just an avenue for retailers to show their new products or a competition venue for professional riders. It is also a place for cycling organizations to promote themselves. This is perhaps the most important aspect of the Toronto International Bike Show. Groups like the Ride to Conquer Cancer (http://to08.conquercancer.ca), who organize a 200 km ride from Toronto to Niagara to raise money for the Princess Margaret Hospital have this opportunity to spread their message and gain support. Groups such as these are the reason we cyclists ride. Cycling is more than simply an effective way to travel it is vehicle for change. It is a social activity that can be enjoyed regardless of age and when that enjoyment is directed to a cause it can be extremely powerful. Every rider taking part in the Ride to Conquer Cancer is asked to raise $2,000 in donations, although many raise far more. Each participant is given their own website to which friends and family can make donations.
The show reminds me of why I love cycling, the great sense of community and good will that accompany this sport permeate all aspects of it. Whether you’re a weekend warrior going for a cruise or an experienced roadie rocketing down a hill at 70kph on 1″ tires cycling is just plain fun. In our age of global warming and rising oil prices it seems assured that the Toronto International Bike Show will continue to grow year by year.