I love the bike industry. I love the characters it creates and the scenes it helps to support. Trade shows have allowed me to make connections in the bike industry I otherwise would've missed, however; going on rides with these people I'd just met is a scarce opportunity, one that I'll always take if made available. That said, trade shows hosted in convention centers are terrible. They separate the products from the conditions they are created to endure and the people who created them. It's almost always expensive to bring your bike along to shows and are these events are often hosted far from the picturesque roads and trails we'd all prefer to ride.
The California scene never fails to fly the tight-knit-scene flag high and this "Meet Your Maker Tour" is no exception.
In the words of MYM:
"The Meet Your Maker Tour wasn't hatched as a marketing plan but as an extension of what was already happening here in Northern California. When this cadre of industry nerds would get together and ride it was always on exceptional terrain and a welcome chance to catch up with each other, discuss the ever changing bottom bracket standards, and maybe conduct a little industrial espionage. At some point they realized that on any of these given rides there were several of the world's most talented builders and component makers cruising along some of the world's best trails and roads, and that it might be cool if the public were invited to come along. "
Framebuilders and component manufacturers who are participating include White Industries, Sycip, Soulcraft, Rock Lobster, Black Cat, Paul Components, Falconer, Pass and Stow Racks, Bruce Gordon, Paragon Machine Works, and Retrotec.
The next rides are as follows:
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