Handmade bike show rides away

North American Handmade Bicycle Show, we barely knew ya. After one year in Indianapolis, the unique event—which drew 150 exhibitors and 7,200 attendees to Indianapolis Feb. 27-March 1—is vacating for Richmond, Va. The show has experienced explosive growth since 2005, when it attracted 23 exhibitors and 200 attendees.

Putting to rest several months of speculation, NAHBS founder and director Don Walker, who oddly is a Speedway-based entrepreneur, said Tuesday that the Greater Richmond Convention Center will host the 2010 event from Feb. 26-28.

“I researched all the way along the East Coast, and Richmond came up as the strongest candidate, all criteria considered,” Walker said. “I then put forward three candidates to a vote among this year’s exhibitors, and Richmond was the clear winner. I looked at some of the largest cities as well, and while these cities might have great cycling culture, their prices are out of range for the vast majority of my exhibitors.”

“Cycling is really becoming more and more popular in this region,” said Jack Berry, president and CEO of the Richmond Metropolitan Convention and Visitor’s Bureau. “Being a cyclist myself, personally I’m thrilled. This is huge for Richmond and the Mid-Atlantic.”