North American HandMade Bike Show

If you live in the midwest and didn't get to Indy this weekend, you missed a real treat. Weather was sunny but cold and windy, so a perfect time to be inside. Indy hosted the 5th annual North American Handmade bike show. This show has been the Portland the past couple years at least, so a real joy to have it so close to home.

Our whole family went, and the kids were remarkable - lots of candy from them as well. The craftsmanship is amazing. While many smaller builders, I was really drawn to Vanilla and Richard Sachs. All the bikes were amazing.

Suppliers were there as well. Shimano had the new electronic DA set up on a test bike - awesome. The Thomson guy was great to talk to, and the Conti guy gave us a couple clear rain coverups. I fell in love with the Brooks leather bar wrap - pricey but I ordered some anyway.

Finished the day taking the kids to the Hard Rock cafe - first time and they really enjoyed that.

Great day, perfect show, I hope it comes back.

I took some pics, but not that many good ones. Kids always wanted to stand in front of the bikes. So go to the web site for great show photos.

http://picasaweb.google.com/nahbshow/

Here is one of our daughter with something she wanted to bring home...

http://www.weberwoodworking.com/bikeforums/picks.jpg

It was a treat. I volunteered in the show's "media center" on Friday and then went as a spectator on Saturday. I intereviewed Carl Strong for the show's daily and got my first by-line. He was very nice, as was his wife. It was really cool to get to talk to the builders and see their work up close. I know there was some resistance to the show being in Indianapolis, but everyone I talked to was very pleased, and the crowds were good.

My boyfriend took a ton of picture (like over 900). He hasn't had time to post them. I'll provide a link when he does.

I realled like the lugged steel bikes by Ellis. I guess I wasn't alone. He won the award for best lugged steel. He's out of Waterford, Wisconsin and worked at Serotta at the same time as David Kirk, whose bike have previously won "best of" awards at NAHBS.

I feel as though I was there! ;) :)

Wow, that is a room full of treasures!

Here are some photos