Ear to the ground:
“When I was in high school, I used to drive in Rollerblades.”
– Local man divulging risky teen-age behavior that might have been better left in the vault

Ridin’ high
Durango may be overrun with geeks this weekend, but in a few weeks, Denver will have it’s turn. Expect funny glasses, protractors and polyester to be in full force as the Mile High City hosts the ninth annual North American Handmade Bicycle Show (aka NAHBS) Feb. 22-24.

For three days, more than 7,000 attendees are expected to converge on the Colorado Convention Center for a two-wheeled drooling frenzy of tire kicking, fork pumping, handlebar gripping and general ogling. This year’s event will be bigger and better than ever, with a record-breaking 185 exhibitors, including 29 foreign entries and 37 from Colorado.

The traveling custom bike show was founded nine years ago by Sacramento, Calif., frame builder Don Walker, who spoke highly of Colorado’s reputation for quality bikes. “Colorado frame builders have been great supporters of NAHBS over the years, and ... have consistently won NAHBS awards,” he said. “It’s clear that Colorado is not only all about bicycles, the state is all about great bicycles. I am really excited to be bringing the show to Denver.”

Colorado is ranked the No. 4 most “bicycle friendly state” by the League of American Bicyclists, a point that was emphasized by Bicycle Colorado Executive Director Dan Gruning. “Cycling is part of the Colorado state brand,” he said. “Thirty-five percent of the total population of this state regularly ride bicycles. The importance of bicycle manufacturing and participating in cycling as a lifestyle is one of the reasons people choose to live in and visit Colorado.”

Colorado companies exhibiting include such well known purveyors of fine titanium steeds as Dean Bikes (Boulder) and Moots (Steamboat). And while the majority of Colorado entries are from the Front Range, there is some West Slope representation. Durango’s own King Cage will be on hand as well as AMPeirce, out of Del Norte; White Brothers Suspension, Grand Junction; and Mountain Flyer, Gunnison.

It’s hip to be square
For those who would rather hop a ride than provide their own this weekend, the City of Durango will be providing a shuttle from the La Plata County Fairgrounds to the Transit Center for the Snowdown Parade on Friday night. Buses between the Fairgrounds and Transit Center will start at 3:30 p.m. Friday and run until shortly after the parade ends.

For those who would like to get their geek on downtown a little longer Friday night, there will be an extra Buzz Bus making the rounds. So, don’t be a dork and drive, call 259-5438 to catch a safe ride.


 

 

In this week's issue...

January 25, 2024
Bagging it

State plastic bag ban is in full effect, but enforcement varies

January 26, 2024
Paper chase

The Sneer is back – and no we’re not talking about Billy Idol’s comeback tour.

January 11, 2024
High and dry

New state climate report projects continued warming, declining streamflows