Interbike to Feature Circulus Mini-Velodrome
7/27/11 - Celebrating urban, fixed and track bike culture, Interbike is installing Portland Design Works' Circulus, a 132-foot circumference (40.2m), 45-degree wooden mini-velodrome inside the Sands Expo and Convention Center.
Sponsored by Paved magazine, Yakima, All-City Cycles and Portland Design Works (PDW), Circulus will be the site of multiple events at the Interbike Expo in Las Vegas September 14-16.
Circulus will be setup next to the Urban Lounge, home of the Interbike City Style Fashion Show, and The Pub, a new beer garden and bar located on the show's street level expo space. Show attendees will be able to hang out, ride All-City Cycles bikes on the track and compete in events on the first and second days of the show, including the PDW/Paved Pro-Am Classic at Circulus.
Circulus was created by Samuel Starr for his senior thesis at Pomona College in Claremont, CA.
"Circulus will add something completely new and unique to this year's show," said Interbike Brand and Communications Director Rich Kelly. "We're placing a big emphasis on urban cycling and the brands that support it and having Circulus there will be a big draw for that segment of the market. And, of course, I can't wait to take a spin on it myself."
Normally housed at PDW's headquarters, Circulus will be dismantled, transported to Las Vegas and reassembled for the 30th edition of the bicycle industry's annual trade show.
"Over the years, we've watched urban cycling grow to be on par with any other segment of cycling. We love that, and believe the universal appeal of Circulus is a reflection of the passion and vibrant growth of urban cycling," said PDW Co-Founder Dan Powell. "We can't wait for folks to hop on and turn some hot laps on the show floor."
The circular track was originally conceived and built by Claremont, Calif. Pomona College art student Samuel Starr as part of his 2010 senior thesis. Circulus was later purchased by PDW and all 39 sections of the track were shipped to the company's Oregon warehouse where it was reassembled.
"Since I first heard about Circulus, I knew Paved magazine had to be involved in some way," said Paved Editor Joe Parkin. "Circulus combines design and a passion for bikes, but with a light-hearted demeanor - kind of like what we try to do with Paved. I can't wait to see peoples' reactions to the events at Interbike."