The 2017 Fall CycloFest presented by Interbike is one of the largest cycling festivals around bringing together industry and consumers for a 4 day event. The festival is being held at the U.S. National Whitewater Center in Charlotte, NC and starts Thursday, October 19th with 1.5 days reserved for industry employees. Starting at 1pm on Friday, October 20th 2017 the festival will open its doors to the public for one of the largest events in the nation offering product demos focused around bicycles, cycling gear, nutrition and educational classes.
The Festival
Fall CycloFest is the ultimate cycling festival for both bicycle retailers and consumers seeking to
learn, ride and experience the latest innovations in the bicycle industry. Many of the top brands in the bicycle industry will be on hand with their latest products, plus education seminars, group rides, cyclocross and MTB races, live music and craft beer. The first day of Fall CycloFest is exclusively for registered Industry staff and is dedicated to retailer education, technical clinics and product demonstrations from many of the top brands in the world of cycling. This event is ideal for front-line staff, general managers, mechanics and owners to meet with product managers and brand marketing teams to discuss selling strategies, get immersed in products details and more.
Consumer Demo Days -- Open to the Public
Starting half way through the second day of Fall CycloFest, the Consumer Days will be a great way to spend your weekend test riding different bikes and gear. Have you been wondering what the hype is all about with electric bikes, what about the evolution in hardtails that are now utilizing plus size wheels and tires along with slack geometry. Even if you don’t plan on riding a demo bike every exhibitor will have their products on display so you can pick it up, kick the tires and see what these awesome products looks like in person. The bicycle industry advances along with technology every year by offering lighter and stronger bikes along with new standards that a lot of consumers question WHY? Why did that axle length expand by 3mm? How fast do those e-bikes go? Why are products and systems constantly changing? This demo opportunity will allow you to ask those questions straight up to people who work at the company. Take that in along with going on an actual bike ride to see for yourself and you can see why there are a lot of people looking forward to the Fall CycloFest Consumer Demo Days.
What to Expect; What to Bring
Fall CycloFest is produced by Interbike – the largest bicycle industry trade event in The Americas, and this event will mark its inaugural festival that is open to the public. Numerous events are planned for all ages and levels of experience including a cyclocross race, road group rides, educational clinics, a kids’ bike rodeo and more. Come spend the weekend riding some of the most innovative products in the bicycle industry, listening to some great live bands, enjoying some fantastic local beer & food – and helping us celebrate the power of cycling. No registration is required to attend the public days, but you will be required to sign a waiver to demo bikes.
What to Bring
Demo Days in the cycling world are all about having a relaxed vibe where you have fun riding different bikes and gear while speaking with company reps, but like anything else, being prepared for your day of demo riding bikes will insure you can ride as many bikes as possible while staying fresh and hydrated.
Here is a list of a few items to bring along:
- Small Backpack: You really don’t want to carry you stuff around in your arms, there could be free samples to eat and maybe you’ll win a prize…but how will you carry it?
- Change of Clothes: At some point you’ll be done riding…Just like any other ride, bring a change of clothes to stay fresh and clean. It’s the right thing to do!
- Water Bottle/CamelBak: There will be water and different beverages available during the festival, but you never know if the sun will be blazing, plus bringing your own container is great for the environment.
- Sun Screen: Applying sun screen before your day is a great way to avoid sun burn and will help you avoid the farmers tan from demo riding bikes all day.
- Patience: Festivals like this can get busy, so be prepared to possible wait for the exact model you want to ride. Show up early as some Brands have sign-ups so you can avoid standing around waiting for the demo bike to be returned.
- Helmet – Pedals – Gloves – Cycling Shoes: Forgetting these items will ruin your day no matter if it’s your weekly ride or a demo weekend. Take your pedals off your regular bike the day before you leave for CycloFest that way if they are really stuck you can get down to your local bike shop and get their help.
- Credit Card and ID: Depending on the exhibitor, some Brands require your ID and or credit card to hold while you are out demo riding their bike. Putting your ID and 1 major credit card in a small zip lock back will keep them together and you can avoid bringing along your wallet or purse.
The 2017 Fall CycloFest is sure to be a hit with consumers of all ages and abilities. Check back here to the DemoDays News page for updates about the festival and other upcoming demo days.
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