March 4, 2006 — The calendar says spring is still more than two weeks away, but the bike season unofficially kicked off in Southern Ontario on Friday, March 3, with the opening of the Toronto International Bicycle Show.

This year marks the 20th anniversary of the show, which debuted in 1987 at the Queen Elizabeth Building at the CNE. Thousands cycling enthusiasts will converge at the National Trade Centre at the CNE for the 2006 three-day event.

The show includes exhibits from manufacturers, bike clubs, charities, venues like the Forest City Velodrome and Blue Mountain Resort, race organizers and more. There is also the ever-popular Marketplace, where many cycling shops have displays and are offering deals on bikes, parts and clothing.

The cycling competition schedule is highlighted by the 6th annual Metro BMX Jam at the Ricoh Coliseum, the The Toronto X Track Challenge Pro Mountain Bike and BMX Racing, and the CFO Flatland Freestyle Competition, hosted by the Canadian Freestyle Organization and features $4,000 in prize money.

Some of the popular booths at the show:

The Ontario Cycling Association — get your discounted racing license using the OCA’s new computerized registration system.

Scott Bicycles — Returning in full force to the Canadian market this year, Scott has its complete lineup on display including the superlight CR1 and the equally high-dollar Genius.

MS Society of Canada — Think you’re good on rollers? Stop by this booth and get a lesson from a 50+ year old who is riding the equivalent of 1,000K in 54 hours as a fundraiser.

Shimano Canada — Canada’s Olympic Gold medallist, Lori-Ann Muenzer, was signing autographs on Friday night; Rocky Fro Riders are at the booth on Saturday; Team Symmetrics road riders are there on Sunday.

Toronto Cycling Committee – Check out the bicycle lockers, which will soon be available for rent on a Toronto street corner near you. Ten bucks a month gets you a lockable home for your bike.

Back Pedalling – There’s lots of eye candy at the show, but nothing compares to the custom chopper found at the booth of this Guelph company.

Cycles Lambert — You may not realize it, but you’re a customer of Cycles Lambert. They’re Canada’s largest parts distributor servicinb nearly every bike shop in Canada. Typically they don’t make appearances at consumer shows, but they’re showing off a new website which allows shoppers to search through all of the products they offer.

Pedal Magazine — Stop by to say hello, get a deal on Pedal’s 2006 Buyer’s Guide with 2,000+ bikes, and p/u a free TO Bike Show Official Program.

For more information visit the show’s website at
www.telsec.net/bicycleshow/