Big Wheeled Ballyhoo Update
June 11th, 2007 by Guitar TedHey gang! It’s almost time to hit the mountain bike get together that’s all about 29 inch wheels in Decorah, Iowa. I wanted to let you all know just what to expect when you arrive there and give you a few tips on where to go.
First of all, we are super stoked to be able to be headquartered in T-Bock’s in the second level. This is where you will want to head to check out the lay of the land and get your self registered for the raffles we are going to be giving away. (Secret tip: Better parking will be found on the backside of T-Bock’s, and not on the Water Street side. Don’t say I didn’t warn ya!) More on the raffles in a minute!
Right now I’d like to thank our great sponsors that are making the Big Wheeled Ballyhoo possible.
Here’s the list and how each is making a special contribution.
Salsa Cycles: Urinary and Digestive Relief Center (Very Important!), demo bikes, support
Gary Fisher Mountain Bikes: Demo bikes, banners, schwag, support
Niner Bikes: Raffle prize, demo bikes, support
Raleigh Bicycles: Raffle prize, demo bikes, support
Bike 29: Sending the Grand Poo Bah of 29″er “Meat-ups” and support
SRAM/Rock Shox: Raffle prize, support
Chrome Bags: Raffle prizes, support
Cliff Bar: Energy support
And don’t forget the demo bikes from some very fine 29″er companies! Plus there are more not listed! Come see the surprises for yourself!
Raffles will be sweet! We have a Raleigh XXIX+G up for grabs. Niner Bikes is throwing down with a cool E.M.D. frame and some messenger bags. And Rock Shox has provided a sweet Reba fork too that some lucky 29″er freak will be getting their groove on with.
Plus Chrome will have some of their stylin’ bag action up for grabs that you will have a chance to get. There’s even more, but you’ll have to show up to find out.
Okay, you get to Decorah, you check out T-Bock’s second level for the 411. Now what? Well, after you pitch your tent in a special camping area only a couple hundred yards from the trails, or secure your lodging at one of the areas fine motels, you can demo bikes from several companies on separate demo trails, go on one of four Saturday guided trail rides, (broken up into three skill levels), wait till Sunday and go at one of two other times for guided rides, or grab a trail map and ride your own route. Saturday night will be a night of live music at the upper level of T-Bock’s. If that doesn’t trip your trigger, Decorah has several other nice resturaunts and local watering holes that might suit you. You could even bring out the lights and night ride, if that is your thing.
So, check out the links and make plans to be at the first Big Wheeled Ballyhoo. It’ll be fun and a great time to ride some bikes on awesome trails.
Post questions in the comments section, othewise, see ya there!
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Will there be camping availability for a pop-up trailer, and can I bring my very friendly and well behaved dog?
I just got driving directions on Mapquest.
It’s 1889.29 (29!) miles from Pasadena, CA to Decorah, IA.
Unfortunately I won’t be able to extricate myself from my rut to attend.
But I’m hoping that you all have a fine time.
It looks as though you’ve got a lot of great activities lined up.
I’m sure you’ll post lots of pictures.
Maybe next time!
Got a time schedule for when things will be happening: rides, raffle, setup, etc?? May be able to make it late afternoon on Saturday but not sure yeat.
Bear: Saturday things get started at 9am with guided rides atrating at 10am, 12noon, 2pm, and 4pm. Sunday we’ll have guided rides at noon and 2pm. Rafflle will be Sunday at 3pm Keep your eyes on this site for updates!
Gomez: Sorry for the late reply, but the answer is that it’s okay.
One more silly question…….How about camping Friday Night?
Gomez: It’s okay. The campground should be ready to go by late afternoon on Friday.
Is the camping and Saturday night entertainment family friendly( 14 year old son) or adult only?
Steve: That depends on your definition of the term. Here’s my take on it. We expect there to be consumption of alcoholic beverages, some boisterous, loud folks at times, and generally a festive atmosphere. The camping is in a grassy field with only porta potties for amenities, although there are several businesses within a short, (very short) walking distance. Primitive, but well surrounded by civilization.
The entertainment will be in the upper level of a bar and grill place with a bar on that level and a loud, (most probably) band playing.
You should make the call based upon your beliefs.
That said, you may still find a stray motel room available well away from the nights activities.
A comment about “family friendly” activities. Since this is our first year, we are mainly targeting adults. No question about it. We do not know yet if this will be a success, or even if it will ever be repeated again, but if both of those things do happen, ( success and repetition) we certainly will start looking at younger folks needs/ desires in regards to this festival event.
As of now, it’s your call, but we did not, nor did we infer that we ever planned on this being a “family friendly” event. It just wasn’t ever in the cards, nor was there any resources to do it that way.
All that said, I can’t count the number of times I was in the presence of “adult activities” as a child and I think I turned out pretty okay.
Ha ha!