PORTLAND, ORE (BRAIN)—The 4th Annual North American Handmade Bike Show takes over Portland starting today and running through Sunday at the Oregon Convention Center.
Show founder Don Walker expects big numbers in bike-friendly Portland.
"The first year there were 23 exhibitors and about 700 attendees," Walker said. "This year the show sold out at 155 exhibitors several weeks ago. We'll see how many customers come through the doors. Last year it was about 4,000."
Walker's vision was always to make the event more of a show than seminar. "The main focus in my mind was to raise awareness of the handmade frame building industry, and so far I think we're doing a fair job of accomplishing that.
"As for the future, I don't think it will get a whole lot bigger in terms of exhibitors or customers. It is a niche market show, that's the whole point of it. It's not supposed to be a mass market show. It's not about huge crowds, it's about top end bicycles for cyclists with a preference for the best," Walker added.
Mountain bike legend "Flyin'" Brian Lopes will be in attendance on Sunday, checking out the assortment of handmade candy.
"I heard about the show last year and since I love bikes, especially ones that are more like art pieces, I decided to come up and see another side our industry," Lopes said.
As for where the show will be next year, you'll have to check out Bicycle Retailer & Industry on the Web for Monday to find out.
