Outerbike in Moab was inspired by Interbike International Expo in Las Vegas – although instead of allowing only cycling industry insiders to sample new products, the event invites anyone to come learn about, and try out the newest bikes.
Western Spirit Cycling owners Mark Sevenoff and Ashley Korenblat believe that the average person should be able to ride a high-end bike before investing in one. For that reason, they started Outerbike, where people from all over the country come to Moab to sample the latest bike technology.
“A lot of our guests expressed interest in Interbike, so we started our own show,” Sevenoff said.
After the Las Vegas convention, manufacturers and distributors bring their bikes and other equipment to Moab for potential purchasers to experience.
“It’s crazy not to try one of these bikes before you buy it,” Sevenoff said, because mountain bikes can cost up to $5,000, and even $10,000. “So we opened it up to consumers. People come to Moab to try the bikes on our world-class trails.”
Not everyone who attends is in the market for a new bike. Some people bring their own bikes to ride in the weekend festival-like event. In addition to more than 50 exhibitors with demo bikes, and equipment such as helmets and other protective gear, there’s food, beer and parties.
Las Vegas resident Aeon Jones attends Moab’s Outerbike almost every year. He and his wife have demoed the new mountain bikes and brought their own bikes, when they wanted to spend extra time in Moab riding the trails.
“It’s so much fun, we keep going back,” Jones said. “The value for the money is awesome.”
Plus, trying the new bikes, and learning new things has made them better mountain bikers, he added.
A full demo pass for $180 will get you three days to ride demonstration bikes; lunch each day; shuttle rides to the trailheads; access to all Moab Brand trails, prizes and contests; and a Saturday night party at World Famous Woody’s Tavern, 221 S. Main St.
Sevenoff said there will be at least 1,000 demo bikes available to try. While most will be mountain bikes, there will also be a few electric bikes, and cyclo-cross bikes.
“Most people will ride for one to three hours, and then get another bike (to try),” Sevenoff said. “Some people will try six to eight bikes in a day.”
Western Spirit Cycling employees will patrol the trails, offering mechanical or first aid assistance if needed.
A Bring Your Own Bike pass for $135 gets you the shuttle rides; access to all the Brand Trails; three lunches, parties and beer, but no demonstration rides of the new bikes.
With a $60 social card pass, you can partake in the lunches, parties and beer, but you will not receive shuttle rides or the opportunity to ride demo bikes.
Local chef Ken Moody will cater lunch; and Moab Brewery will supply the beer garden on Friday, Sept. 30, and Saturday, Oct. 1, from 4 to 6 p.m.
Moab’s Outerbike was so successful that the ski industry in Whistler, British Columbia, contacted Sevenoff and Korenblat about organizing an Outerbike event there, which debuted in summer 2015. Outerbike events in Moab take place in the spring and fall.
On Oct. 1, organizers will announce a new Outerbike location, which will be held in Colorado instead of Canada, Sevenoff said.
Moab’s Outerbike will take place at the Moab Brands Trailhead, which remains open to the public during the event. Outerbike ticketholders receive free shuttles to the Navajo Rock, Mag Seven and Amasa Back trailheads.
There are 20 miles of connected loops that range from easy, or technical, to gnarly, according to Outerbike’s website.
Guided shuttle rides, including lunch, will also be offered on Thursday, Sept. 29, the day before the event begins.
Outerbike showcases new bikes during festive three-day event
To register for Outerbike, or for more information, visit www.outerbike.com.
Tickets to all events also include a processing fee.
What: Outerbike
When: Friday, Sept. 30, through Sunday, Oct. 2
Where: Moab Brands Trailhead, 7000 N. U.S. Highway 191, about 8 miles north of Moab
Cost: Varies
Information: www.outerbike.com; 800-845-2453 or 435-259-8732; or outerbike@westernspirit.com
It’s so much fun, we keep going back … The value for the money is awesome.
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