[Lumen]

I didn't go because it would have cost the guts of €50 to bring the family and I got the impression that most of the stands were selling stuff (I don't pay to enter the supermarket either). I have no idea whether it's economical to provide free entry to a show like this, neither do I particularly care.

On a venue-related note, I've avoided going to the RDS in the last year or so because my experience in the few years prior was that everything hosted there was overcrowded, overpriced and disappointing, and access is usually difficult with inadequate parking capacity. It's been rip-off Ireland distilled.

This isn't a criticism btw, I'm just explaining why I didn't go.

[Needabike]

I left on Saturday feeling disappointed

BUT

the more I talk about it today I realise it was Pretty good
Went with My Wife and Kids and it was nice to have them
see the stuff that drives me to spend the few bob I have

The Girls got a Photo with Stephen Roche , nice bloke , just as sound
as Sean Kelly and believe me Kelly is a sound bloke

Spent almost an hour on the test track with all types of bikes

My next one will be a SPIN titanium , class bikes

A big negative was there were practically no freebies , need to improve on
this for next year

Will probably go again next year but would like to pay €20 all in. Saturday cost us €31 when you include the car park.

[buffalo]

Originally Posted by midlands1

So what did you think of the show . Can it be improved for next year

I was training and racing, amongst other things, so I didn't make it down. Only way to improve it for me is to not have it clash with racing season! Or maybe with a race that only takes up a bit of the day - for the Betty D'Arcy I was out of the house from 9.30-3.30. And the last thing I want to do with that precious 90mins before 5pm is be on my feet constantly.

The cost put me off at first, but I'd been convinced in the run-up that it was worth it.

[mahoo]

Just wanted to say a big thankyou to everyone for their generous support for the Pedal To Poland over the weekend at the RDS. We had a great weekend and met some great people! Got my signed stephen roche jersey too which i will be proudly wearing on the road to Gdansk!

[mahoo]

Originally Posted by studiorat

Lots of charities there, considering what a stand costs I reckon they made a loss!

The Cycling Show kindly donated the space for free to us so all money we raised is going directly to the charities. I think that was the same in all cases... great talking to the RAAM guys. The mentalists! hope they do well in june

[100Suns]

Originally Posted by mahoo

The Cycling Show kindly donated the space for free to us so all money we raised is going directly to the charities. I think that was the same in all cases... great talking to the RAAM guys. The mentalists! hope they do well in june

Thanks mahoo. The organisers also very kindly provided us with a prominent stand near the entrance and we managed to raise a good ball of money for Barnardos.

The feedback we were getting was generally positive on the show in general.

For future reference, 8 hour spinathons should be reserved as a punishment for only the most heinous of crimes.

Good luck on the Pedal to Poland and with your fundraising.

[mahoo]

Originally Posted by 100Suns

For future reference, 8 hour spinathons should be reserved as a punishment for only the most heinous of crimes.

ermm... i thought that was what RAAM was for ;-) ... fairplay to you guys. we wussed out and did relay. was good to get a bit of training in though!

[emtroche]

How about an indoor crit next year?

[The Crunch]

Originally Posted by emtroche

How about an indoor crit next year?

Actually an indoor/outdoor crit went close to happening this year and is on the agenda for discussion for next year.

[emtroche]

Originally Posted by The Crunch

Actually an indoor/outdoor crit went close to happening this year and is on the agenda for discussion for next year.

Cool!

[greenmat]

Originally Posted by buffalo

I think what you're looking for is a shop.

True, but a few of the stands had goods on display and when asked I was told they were not for sale. I enjoyed the show, had a good laugh with my young lad on the track with the bikes and he got his photo with Stephen Roche, he was chuffed. Would go again but having a show and not selling basic equipment is a bit strange to me. Loved the wooden frame, amazing.