What would you like to see at an Expo?

Okay, I just got done posting that I will be leaving for Michigan with my dog to hook up with some chicks to go hunting...

BUT before I do that, I have to work a Women's Health Expo Friday night and Saturday morning. The lovely BF is letting me leave early so I can get on the road. His family owns one of the LBS's around here and will be the only one there. As they have no female employees, my best friend and I were recruited.

I asked him what we were bringing.
A spin bike, my MTB (all dirty :D ), some WSD road bikes, a hybrid, maybe a comfort bike.

I asked him what else and he didn't really have any idea. I was expecting some pictures of women having fun on their bikes whether it be tearing up the trail, riding a bike path, or road riding. Something that makes it not intimidating for beginners.

If you happned across a booth at an expo, what would you expect your LBS to have to promote women cycling?

Jeni

Even with short notice, figured I could "whip" some powerpoints up to play on our laptops, maybe have a spinning DVD playing on the TV, etc.

It might be a good idea to have along some beginner-oriented versions of the more intimidating pieces of gear, so you could show how they're NOT so intimidating. For example, what scared me most when I was getting into cycling were the teensy-looking saddles and the aggressive, tight-looking shoes, so I would've been very interested to learn how saddles are actually designed for comfort and why that tight-looking shoe is a plus.

Agreed. As this is a Women's Health Expo, I would want to showcase the women-specific gear available at the shop. Women who are interested in a sport can be off-put by uni gear because they think, "that's made for men". Showing womens specific options can really put it into a curious woman's head that, "Yes, I can do that!"

I think particularly, as Juju mentioned, those saddles can look scary! Put out a few different models, show them that bike saddles don't have to be uncomfortable! Also, I think many women would be interested in the differences in design of a wsd vs. uni bike, I'm thinking specifically geometry. I would love to see something where two bikes of the same or similar frame size are shown together, one uni and one wsd... to showcase the different proportions of the frame and angulation of it! Very interesting, and what a way to suck a girl into a sport, to see how scientifically bike companies are starting to pay attention to a woman's body!

And definitely pictures of women (of all shapes and sizes) enjoying different types of cycling, whether it be trail/pleasure riding, mtb, road, or tri.

Skorts!

I can't tell you how many women I know who refuse to start biking because they won't wear lycra but yet they don't want sore butts. When I mention the skort option, they get excited. I'd also include some cute women's tops & jackets and perhaps helmet's as well.

Another idea would be trail maps with routes marked out. I know that I hesitated to consider 'mountain biking' (ok...swamp biking ;) ) when I was living in FL because I had no idea that there were even good local trails. Once I saw some park maps, I was inpsired! If you have access to maps of 1) good safe road rides, 2) local MUP's or greenways and 3) easy/beginner mtb trails...that might really help too. Oh, and even regular maps with bike lanes marked on them (if there are any in your area). Give people an idea about how much opportunity there is to bike in your area!

Some pics and information about plus-sized riders. There IS gear available and you don't have to be teeny to enjoy riding. Also let any plus sized women who stop by that there are alternatives to wearing lycra...when I first started riding I rode a 25 mile ride in jean shorts because I didn't know I had options (ow my aching girl-parts).

Yeah, I would pretty much focus on dispelling widely-held myths. I know I didn't know about a lot of trails and safe places when I started.

A list of links to hand out would be good, too.

Karen

A sand sculpture of women having fun biking. Oh hey i just happend to know a web site you can go to for that. www.sandscapes.com we do expo's all the time for all sorts of stuff! We are great live entertainment!

Thank you for all your suggestions!

We made sure to take a mannequin (sp) with us and dressed her in shorts with a skirt over top of it.

Took a spin bike, the coolest cruiser/comfort/hybrid bike that everyone liked, two road bikes (one in a trainer), my muddy MTB, and another hybrid.

Took spinning shoes, gloves, and helmets.

Also took literature of the local bike trails, the Ohio Street Smarts book which has all of Ohio's laws in it, and a booklet put out by Trek talking about the WSD advantage.

Overall went well. Smaller turnout than we had hoped. Many questions from the spinning people about shoes and why they should get them. Hopefully we've convinced them on the workout they're missing by using regular shoes.

Also drew for a $50 gift certificate to the store!

Had fun and then drove to Michigan where I sit in my hotel room with my dog as she dreams of little quail flying around.

Jeni