Each time the Philly Bike Expo will get renewed, my coronary heart begins racing like by no means earlier than, after which the speculations begin. What shall be introduced this yr, will we expertise one thing new and totally different this time? I can safely say this time that I used to be blown out of the park with the 2022 Philly Bike Expo!
The Philly Bike Expo (2022) is an annual two-day occasion that options all the things {that a} bike fanatic can dream of: It has seminars, exhibitors, displays, and way more. This was very a lot coveted and it occurred over the Halloween weekend, an ideal time, I’d say. Essentially the most spectacular half was the revealing of the handmade bikes, this was one thing that I actually didn’t anticipate!
We went there hoping for a motorcycle expo however what we bought was a lot greater than that, the expo was full of occasions that showcased the significance of bikes and leisure in our lives. Nicely, there was a film evening, neighborhood dinner, and academic seminars on variety, fairness, and inclusion. Mountain bike lovers had a good time once they showcased mountain bike historical past and who might neglect the cyclocross race with the costume contest, it was like the right mixture of Halloween and a motorcycle expo.
The Historical past Behind The Expo
How did this expo come into existence? Ever heard of Bilenky Cycle Works? The expo was based by Stephen Bilenky in 2010 with the intent to advertise biking tradition in a singular means. Even in any case this time, the expo nonetheless stays and it has a large fan following. Folks from all around the United States and even different nations got here to expertise it.
This was the primary hub the place biking gurus and activists got here to satisfy, concepts had been shared and motivations got. The expo was very profitable this yr, in any case, it was anticipated to be because the pandemic state of affairs was lastly getting higher. Let me describe the exhibitor listing to you: There have been greater than 160 manufacturers (Extra Than 40% From Final 12 months’s Expo) that held their showcases, it was like E3 yet again however only for bikes.
Now the torch has been handed to Bilenky’s daughter, Bina Bilenky, who organized the entire occasion. Her principal aim is to place extra individuals on bikes can to push the attention of bikes even additional than earlier than. She additionally needs the small and new bike producers to be within the limelight.
In the course of the occasion, Bilenky stated:
These artisans are the small builders, bag makers, and boutique element producers who make up a big a part of our exhibitors.
We try to help the people who fabricate bicycles and merchandise on a small scale, by hand of their house nation.
The Philly Bike Expo’s tagline is Artisans, activists, alternate options, and this stands true to how the occasion was offered and dealt with. It was greater than concerning the newest bikes and equipment, it was about individuals coming collectively that share a ardour for biking.
Greater than 39 seminars had been hosted at this yr’s expo, this reveals that this time it was all about variety. Even Bina Bilenky was very excited concerning the seminars and had this to say:
The seminars are all the time a joint effort between my dad and myself in addition to people who submit some nice subjects. We provide you with a want listing of vital and attention-grabbing subjects starting from tradition and life-style to tech clinics and bike design.
Seminars had been held on totally different however vital topics, and a few of the highlights had been: “The Secrets and techniques For Higher Hill Climbing” and “Yoga For Cyclists”. There have been different seminars too however for me, these had been on the prime. As was anticipated, SRAM additionally got here to the expo for the third consecutive time with its Inclusivity Scholarship. They awarded scholarships to a few bike builders that bought to point out their creations on the expo, it was a proud and joyful second for them.
Dinner and Films Night time Extravaganza
I actually cherished how the entire occasion kickstarted, with dinner and a movie competition at PaperTrail Bike Cafe in Rittenhouse City. You is likely to be questioning why they selected this spot, there may be really a extremely good purpose for this. The store is surrounded by the paths of the Wissahickon River Valley, which additionally occurs to be a very talked-about spot for out of doors lovers and mountain bikers.
The friends had been handled exceptionally effectively, it virtually felt like Christmas. They got scorching meals from the close by cafes and heat blankets, even espresso was served the subsequent morning to assist put together for the expo weekend. It was a magical time certainly!
What adopted the subsequent evening was one thing actually superb. The PaperTrail Bike Cafe hosted a Halloween Themed Cyclocross race. You might see individuals dressed as piñata or a werewolf simply biking and having enjoyable. After the race was over, we loved scorching chocolate, churros, Slyfox beer, and way more.
The New Mission: Making Bikes Accessible For All
Inclusivity and entry are very vital for biking communities, now greater than ever. This is likely one of the key subjects that had been mentioned throughout the expo. We bought to attend the “Adaptive Biking–Making Bikes Accessible For All” seminar hosted by Daniel Horne of Maverick’s Sq. Adaptive Cyclery.
Within the seminar, Horne mentioned some ways bikes can be utilized by riders with numerous disabilities. It was a strong speak and it gave energy to the listeners. I simply want that I might simply go and expertise that yet again. Horne’s presentation additionally make clear totally different bikes, equivalent to tricycles, recumbent bikes, step-throughs, and two and three-wheeled tandems. All of them had an element to play for individuals with disabilities, and I used to be shocked to listen to this sort of data for the primary time.
I actually didn’t know earlier than that non-traditional bikes can serve disabled individuals in such a fantastic means. From adjusting the pedal stroke for uneven limbs to customized handlebars, there’s a lot that may be finished.
PBE and SRM Unique Inclusivity Scholarship
For the third consecutive time, SRAM returned for its unique PBE Inclusivity Scholarship Program. It was positively a giant spotlight of the present, and that was one thing actually spectacular. The aim of this scholarship program is to assist the particular expertise that goes under-appreciated.
The winners of the scholarship program got sales space house, meals, journey, and lodging at some point of the expo. SRAM additionally gave the winners merchandise to assist them out with their displays. The winners of the Scholarship program had been:
- Em Karau (WZRD Bikes)
- B Vivit (HotSalad Bicycles)
- Katrina Leyden (Benevolent Bicycles)
- Eva Kloiber (Liberation Fabrication)
What’s Subsequent For The Philly Bike Expo?
This yr’s Philly Bike Expo went rather well, it clearly surpassed all expectations. In the course of the occasion, Bina harassed the significance of Bike Activists, saying that they’ve all the time have a giant function to play, particularly in an expo like this.
Activists are all of the advocates of biking, from coverage and infrastructure to charities and DEI initiatives. We couldn’t host an expo with out them.
Placing collectively an expo like this was a dream come true for Bina, though it nonetheless took a variety of effort and abilities. After the occasion had ended, she said:
It’s a variety of work, and it all the time feels a bit unhappy when it’s over, however I begin straight away on enchancment and plans for subsequent yr. We begin engaged on Squad functions and exhibitor registration virtually instantly, so whereas the work isn’t as pressing, there may be little or no downtime.
Will we see an expo like this subsequent yr? We gained’t have to attend lengthy to search out out!
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Featured Picture Through YouTube/Carl Drexler
