What would you like to see at an Expo?

[Kimmyt]

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.

[GLC1968]

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!

[Pax]

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).

[Tuckervill]

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

[Brandi]

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!

[TrekJeni]

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