Let’s face it, girls – it’s a man’s world when it comes to the bike industry. But times it seems, are a-changing.
Western Spirit put on a great event out in the desert in Moab, UT this past weekend. Outerbike is like Disneyworld for mountain bikers- without all of the sweaty costumes or lines. Well I guess it did have a bit of that. It is a chance to see and RIDE all of the new 2015 bikes coming out for next year on awesome trails in Moab. (I know right- twist my arm!)
All of the major bike manufacturers were in attendance: Trek, Specialized, Cannondale, Liv, Giant, Santa Cruz, Scott, Ibis, Turner, Intense, Yeti, Marin, Diamondback, Kona, Niner, Pivot, Rocky Mountain, Salsa, Santa Cruz, Ellsworth, Transition and GT. Additonal exhibitors in attendance included SRAM, ENVE, Osprey, Kelty, Jensen, Zoic, Camelback, EVOC, Kleen Kanteen, GForm, Kitsbow and Clif.
Outerbike is an event for consumers held shortly after Interbike (the industry trade show held annually in Las Vegas)— and the women were out in full force. It has been estimated that women control about 80% of all US spending (in my household, it’s a little bit more than that- thankfully, or I would have a whole garage full of bikes, tires and motorcycles) and the bike manufacturers are starting to listen to us gals and provide us with what we want. Gone are the days when the bikes were just made smaller and pink. Some are still missing the mark in my opinion, but most are doing a great job.
Listen when I say – “We want cool shit too!”
Women need lighter, faster and more capable bikes to keep up with their husbands and boyfriends- or maybe ride right past them. We want to look good, feel good and ride fast. Easy as that. Make stuff that helps us do that and we will buy it. Simple enough.
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This weekend was a real eye opener for me. There are so many cool people out there riding- from all walks of life, and from all over the country. I met folks from Colombia, Idaho, UK, Texas, Colorado and Canada to name a few- all flocking to Moab to attend.
Outerbike was an event packed with bike testing, clinics, shuttles, eating, drinking and socializing.
The women’s clinics from Rebecca Rusch’s- Gold Rusch Tour stop #7 was amazing. Each day you could sign up for free tech clinics and go ride with Rebecca and her crew of super capable coaches. I got hooked up with Jen Biondi and had a great time riding the Mag 7 trails.
Most of the bike companies made me feel comfortable walking into the tents, but a few seemed slightly awkward trying to describe the bikes they were setting up for me- not really understanding what is important to us women. Which is odd. I really don’t think there is much difference in relating to us girls- ask us how and what we like to ride and give us some straight up info just like you do with the guys out there. Outerbike included participants of all abilities, men and women alike. I saw people in full spandex that looked like they belonged in the pro ranks and big hairy guys riding in sneakers for a 7 hour ride. Everyone had huge smiles on their faces all weekend.
It was refreshing to see a lot of women setting up bikes and working the event, displaying their expertise. Ibis, Trek, Juliana, Liv, Enve, Pivot and Trek all had women in their tents to assist us ladies.
I know I will be back to this event and hopefully there will be even more women-specific events for us girls in the future.
Outerbike will be offering similar events for next year: Moab for spring and fall, March 13 – 15 & October 2 – 4 as well as summer in Whistler, BC June 4-7 2015. http://www.outerbike.com[/fusion_builder_column][/fusion_builder_row][/fusion_builder_container]
