SAN JUAN CAPISTRANO, Calif. (BRAIN) — Interbike is calling on all mechanics to sign up for its Mechanics Challenge, now in its second year. The competition will test mechanics' ability to complete several tasks that they perform on a regular basis as quickly as possible for a chance to win prizes from Park Tool and Shimano and a hotel stay for next year's Interbike show in Reno-Tahoe.
Many of the challenges in 2016 were meant to incorporate equalizers that were comical in nature, but after receiving some constructive comments from participants, the event this year will feature tasks that are more straightforward. Last year's winner, Win Allen of Win's Wheels, will defend his title.
"I applaud Interbike for putting together the Mechanics Challenge last year," said Allen, president and CEO of Win's Wheels and the 2016 overall Mechanics Challenge winner. "I'll be out there again to see what new challenges they put together, and hope to bring the title back to my shop again this year."
Members of the Professional Bicycle Mechanics Association (PBMA) will staff and judge each challenge station, while Project Bike Tech will manage on-site registration. Each station will be timed to keep track of individual times on a leaderboard monitor throughout the event.
The Mechanics Challenge qualifying rounds will take place over two days on Wednesday, Sept. 20, from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. and Thursday, Sept. 21, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., with the top four competing in a semifinal round. Those four will tackle a new course in a head-to-head, non-timed heat for the chance to win.
To register, go to interbike.com/events/mechanics-challenge.
