Twenty Nine Inches has put the first Big Wheeled Ballyhoo in the history books and what a great time! We would be remiss if we first didn’t say thanks to all of our sponsors, and supporters, without whom we couldn’t have possibly done this. Thanks to Gary Fisher Bikes, Salsa Cycles, Raleigh U.S.A., Bike29, Cliff Bar, Rock Shox, and Chrome.

We would also like to thank all those companies that either showed support by coming to Decorah with their demo bikes or showed us support with swag. Thanks to Haro, Zion, Titus Cycles, Slingshot, Niner Bikes, Fast Freddy, Twin Six, and Planet Bike

Finally, thanks has to go out to all the hard work and backing from the City of Decorah, Iowa, Decorah Parks and Recreation, Jeff O’Gara, Rich Gosen, and all the wonderful trail workers and other volunteers in that great city.

Now on to the report: Although the weather was a bit soggy leading up to the event, the skies co-operated with us and we had partly cloudy skies both days which was perfect from the standpoint of keeping the temperatures comfortable for riding. The trails were a bit greasy in spots during the first day, but firmed up quite nicely by the end of the Ballyhoo.

We had a fair turnout for a first year event. Not exactly what we had desired to see, but vendors were reporting that the bikes were being demoed on an “average” basis in relationship to other events and several of the vendors reported that serious customers wanting to buy bikes were there test riding and making decisions. Folks we spoke with had a great time, praising the trails and the set up as being really fun and easy to access. We were literally a few blocks from downtown Decorah and the trail head. Sort of smack dab inbetween, if you will.

The raffle was a blast! The highlight being that the Raliegh XXIX+G was won by a fellow with an old 26″er on his birthday! He was thrilled to say the least. Lots of swag was handed out as well, so just about everybody was able to take something home from the Ballyhoo.

We have a couple of product highlights that we gleaned from the demo area of the Big Wheeled Ballyhoo that we will be talking about in the next few days. The new Fox fork was ridden, the new Gary Fisher Paragon was thrashed, and we have news on some upcoming WTB tires to share with you all. Stay tuned!

For the record, we will be doing another Big Wheeled Ballyhoo next year, so stay tuned for that. Thanks again to all who either supported or participated in this first Ballyhoo.