Q: What is the Bicycle Bash by the Bay?

 

A: It's a bicycle festival being put on by a group of seven retail bicycle stores in the Tampa Bay area. The group is called SWFBUD, which stands for South West Florida Bicycle United Dealers. SWFBUD promotes bicycling, wants local governments to be more concerned about the needs of bicyclists and holds the annual Bicycle Bash by the Bay event to celebrate bicycling i the Tampa Bay region.

 

Q: What kind of activities will there be at the Bicycle Bash by the Bay?

 

A: It's going to be a wide array of activities. Groups that offer advice on bike commuting will be on hand to answer questions. Employees from the bike stores will do demonstrations on everything from mountain biking to bicycle camping to fixing your bicycle. The city of St. Petersburg bike rodeo will be on hand to give helmets to kids.

 

There will also be trike races for kids and adults alike, and a station to donate your old used bicycles. Look for fun bike collections, ranging from cool antique BMX bikes to home-made chopper-style bicycles. Bike clubs like SWAMP and the Tampa Bay Freewheelers will be on hand to answer your quesions, too. And cyclists will be there to perform bike stunts on ramps and flatlands maneuvers. 

 

Q: Where and when will the Bicycle Bash by the Bay be held?

 

A: SWFBUD will stage the festival in the waterfront Vinoy Park in downtown St. Petersburg. SWFBUD wants to thank the St. Petersburg's parks and recreation department for its help. The event is scheduled for 11 a.m.-4 p.m. on Sunday, November 4. There is no rain date.

 

Q: Will there be companies showing products?

 

A: We expect a variety of businesses that sell products used by bicyclists to have booths to show their goods and services.

 

Q: Is there any admission cost for the Bicycle Bash by the Bay?

 

A: No. You will be able to buy food and drinks there.

 

Q: Can I bring bike stuff to sell at the Bicycle Bash?

 

A: You sure can.The Bicycle Bash by the Bay will feature a "Swap Meet" -- kind of giant garage sale for people to set up tables and sell their old bike gear. We will charge people $10 to set up a table or blanket to sell their bicycle equipment and bikes.

 

Q: What kinds of bicyclists will be attending?

 

A: All types. The Bicycle Bash by the Bay is a populist event; that is, we expect everyone from hard-core roadies and tech-heads to mountain bikers and folks on beach cruisers to casual cyclists to newbies to folks who ride beater bikes to attend. This is a day for the bicycle community to come together and celebrate bicycling in the Tampa Bay region. Bicyclists of all stripes, experiences and genres will be on hand.

 

Q: How long has the Bicycle Bash by the Bay been happening?

 

A: Last year was the inaugural Bicycle Bash by the Bay. It was held by two stores, Carrollwood Bicycle Emporium amd Oliver's Cycle Sports, outside the St. Pete Times Forum in Tampa. This year Carrollwood Bicycle Emporium and Oliver's Cycle Sports is being joined by five other stores: Revolution Bicycles in St. Petersburg; Suncoast Trailside Bicycles in Odessa; Chainwheel Drive in Clearwater and Palm Harbor; Flying Fish Bikes in south Tampa; and Bicycle Outfitters in Seminole.

 

Q: Will there be free stuff given away?

 

A: Yes, the bicycle stores are getting free bike gear from Quality Bicycle Products to give away to attendees.

 

Q: What about bike rides?

 

A: The Tampa Bay Freewheelers will lead bicyclists on rides to and from Vinoy Park, and we expect other bike clubs to participate, too.

 

Q Will there be any contests?

 

A: Yes. There will be a "Best of Show" freak bike contest and the winner will receive $100 from Carrollwood Bicycle Emporium employee Bullet Ferrin. Just bring your most cool, most unusual-looking bicycle for judging!