Wednesday, August 27, 2008

ASHLAND WELCOMES CUSTOM BICYCLE FRAME BUILDERS

United Bicycle Institute and the Oregon Bicycle Constructors Association present the first ever Southern Oregon Custom Bicycle Show, Saturday, September 13 from 9am to 4pm on the grounds of United Bicycle Institute, 401 Williamson Way, Ashland, Oregon.

The day headlines with a show of classy, creative custom bikes from Oregon, Washington and California frame builders. The West Coast, especially Oregon, is home to a large group of craftspeople who are leading a world-wide renaissance in hand-built custom bicycles.

Southern Oregon alone can boast of seven full-time custom builders. In a world of higher energy prices, many people are rediscovering the bicycle, and these custom builders are taking the bicycle to new heights of both beauty and function.

The show also includes an open house for Ashland’s United Bicycle Institute (UBI). For nearly 30 years, UBI has trained bicycle mechanics and frame builders. It is the only school in the world that teaches the craft of custom bicycle frame building. Many of the builders exhibiting at the show are UBI graduates or current UBI instructors.

The open house will offer tours, frame building demonstrations, and bicycle mechanics clinics for the general public. Show attendees can also register to win a custom steel bicycle frame that will be built by UBI.

The Southern Oregon Custom Bicycle Show will also feature bicycle components, bike clothing and other products, displays from local sustainable transportation advocates, food, and other festivities to celebrate bicycle culture. Admission is free.

Southern Oregon Custom Bicycle Show