March 11, 2011 (Quebec City, QC) – The 26th edition of the Salon Info-Velo consumer bike show in Quebec City will run from Friday, March 11 through Sunday, March 13 this year. Last year’s show saw 13,942 visitors versus some 11,500 in 2009. “And those are real numbers,” said organizer Jean-Yves Labonté. With Quebec City only having about 500,000 residents, Labonté was happy with these attendance numbers.

“The Salon Info-Velo is one of the best bike shows,” commented Michel Onsow in 2010 after making the trip from Montreal. “The stuff on display was all top of the line.”

With no admission fees or merchandise for sale the show offers a different formula than other consumer bike shows in Montreal or Toronto. “Bike manufacturers worked with Quebec City retailers to display their products,” explained Labonté. “I didn’t accept requests from cell phone companies or credit card companies to have booths as those products have no real place at a bike show.”

The show is intended to provide information about cycling hence the name “Info-Vélo” and apparently local retailers are reporting business as a result of their presence at the show. Apart from bike shops various tourism operations also exhibited including the Magdalen Islands Tourism Association, Tourism Vermont, and the Auberge Harris in St-Jean-sur-Richelieu.

The distinct non-commercial flavour of the show is evident in other areas. For example bottled water sold for only $2 and all proceeds went to support Labonté’s cycling team, Elicycle-Rocky Mountain. Prices for food match those in local restaurants and visitors can bring their own packed lunch. The Salon doesn’t have a web site either.

“I do this because I love cycling,” added Labonté who became involved with cycling at age 15 and is now 73. He is credited with having organized some 600 bike races including two Canadian road cycling championships and 11 Quebec championships. During his career he has also coached many notable riders including David Boily, Louis Garneau, and David Veilleux.

Where: Terminal de Croisières Ross Gaudreault, in Quebec City’s Old Port (84, rue Dalhousie)

When:
– Friday March 11: 4 pm to 9 pm
– Saturday March 12: 9:30 am to 5 pm
– Sunday March 13: 9:30 am to 5 pm

Cost: Free to enter show. Car parking is available nearby at modest cost. Bus transport via route #1 or the Ecolobus ($1). Bike racks installed at the terminal.

Attractions: A busy program of conferences is planned. More information here.