2008 Big Wheeled Ballyhoo is CANCELLED
Official Announcement: Due to the events of the last week in Iowa which have left much of the state flooded and closed several roads and bridges, we regret to announce that The Big Wheeled Ballyhoo has been canceled for 2008.
Recent flooding in Decorah, the host city for the Ballyhoo, left the campground/demo area under several feet of water. As of today, just over a week from the proposed start of the Ballyhoo, the campground/demo area is still inundated. We do not expect that we would be able to use that area in time for the planned event. Nor is there any nearby place that it can be moved to that also has not been affected by these floods.
We want to thank all the companies that stepped forward to sponsor this years Ballyhoo and all the folks that made plans to come. We are very sorry to have to cancel, but this decision was out of our hands. We had no other choice.
Finally, Crooked Cog Network and the staff of Twenty Nine Inches have the people affected by these tragic events in their thoughts and prayers and ask that our readers do the same.
Who? Anyone who loves 29ers or wants to give one a try. Bring the family. Bring your riding buddies. Bring someone who’s never been on a mountain bike. Fun for all!
What? A two day mountain bike festival celebrating big wheels. There will be lots of riding, food and entertainment.
When? June 21-22, 2008
Where? Decorah, Iowa (map it)
Why? This is the best part…
- Free Event - The entire weekend is free and open to everyone.
- Free Camping - A huge campsite complete with porta johns is available for free camping within 100 yards of the trail heads.
- Free Stuff - We are gathering a huge pile of prizes we’ll be giving away at the event… a full list will be available soon.
- Demo bikes and products from Gary Fisher, Origin 8, Niner Bikes, Salsa Cycles, Titus Cycles, WTB and Jamis Bicycles. One of the most diverse demo opportunities that’s open to the public!
- Lots of riding - A mountain bike event Iowa?!? You bet! Decorah, Iowa has miles and miles of sweet singletrack.
- Fun, fun, fun - The Big Wheeled Ballyhoo is the only event of it’s kind. Come for a weekend of riding and celebrating mountain biking and big wheels with like minded people from all over.
- Meet Guitar Ted - The man… the myth… the legend behind Guitar Ted Laboratories and the writings of Twenty Nine Inches will be on hand hosting the event and signing autographs.
It’s being done up in a big way by Rich “Deke” Gosen of Oneota River Cycles. It’s a two day celebration of big wheels and mountain bikes. The atmosphere will be relaxed and there will be plenty to do.
- Saturday
- 7:30am - Registration opens at camp grounds
- 8am-ish - Demos open
- 10am - First group ride leaves
- 12pm - Second group ride leaves
- 2pm - Third group ride leaves
- 4pm - Fourth group ride leaves
- 6pm-ish - riding wraps up for the day, get ready for…
- 7pm - Party at …..(To be determined)
- Sunday
- 7:30am - Registration opens at camp ground
- 8am-ish - Demos open
- 10am - First group ride leaves
- 12pm - Second group ride leaves
- 2pm - Third (and last) group ride leaves
- 2pm - Raffle at registration tent
- Riding…
- Demo bikes to try
- Guided rides
- Poker run
- Great trails!
- Live music
- Party Saturday night
- Food
- Freebies
Festivities…
Come join us at the 2008 Big Wheeled Ballyhoo! If you have any questions, contact diggers@twentynineinches.com.
Are you a manufacturer that would like to have your 29 inch or 650b bike be part of the demo? Email us at diggers@twentynineinches.com.