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MMBA Expo 2012

Today was the Michigan Mountain Biking Association annual Expo and Swap Meet.  JJ went with me for his first time at the expo.  We met Raymond and Alexander in Clio and rode down with them.  The expo was on the campus of Michigan State University in the MSU Pavilion.  We arrived with plenty of time to spare.  We hauled in all of our goods and set up our tables.  Our first encounter was with Don Stange and his son Cory.  Later Kyle showed up, he goes to college at Grand Valley State University and had not planned to attend this year.

Don, Kyle and Cory



Don came to the event prepared this year as he had his own bag to carry his goods.  Don always seems to find the things he needs at this event.

It was slow with little traffic until about 10:00am and then things picked up until about 11:30am.  Did not seem as busy as years past and did not sell much.  JJ really seemed to enjoy himself and earned some commision as he sold a few items on his own.  I had a combination lock on the table that I had received in a package deal this fall.  A man asked me if I knew the combination and I did not.  I told JJ that a lot of times the combination is 1111.  He put this in and started working on the combination.  In less than five minutes he figured out the combination.  I found the gentleman that was interested in the lock and informed him.  He came back to the table and bought the lock.  He went to hand me the money and I told him to give it to JJ as he earned it.  JJ was pretty excited.  At the end of the swap meet we were packing up and JJ asked me if he could sell one of my helmets.  I told him he could and if he sold it I would give him half of the money.  JJ and Alexander went to work and sold the helmet before we left.  I gave them both $5 dollars.  In the end we did sell enough to pay for our trip and on the way home I bought all of us lunch at Taco Bell.  I still came home with more money than I left home with.

Here are some other things I saw at the expo.

Denny's Central Park Bicycles of Okemos had a display of Specialized Mountain Bikes.

They also had several of Slingshot bike frames on display as well as this complete bike.
The owner of the shop (Denny) was very nice and I spoke with him briefly.

Beat the Train had their display on hand.

Quiring Cycles had a display that caught my attention.  If I were to get a custom bike I would go to this renowned Michigan bike builder and racer!

Quiring SS Fat Bike.  Very Cool!

Titanium Frame

Full Suspension Ti 29er with Ventana rear triangle.

Michigan Interscholastic Cycling Association also had a display.


MISCA was started here by Steve Kinley and he has led the charge in promoting mountain biking to students across the state.  Good work Steve!

I also seen other friends that I had not seen in some time.  It was great to see everyone and I am looking forward to the new season.




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