Lowrah and Margoat take on 2010 Active Living Bike Expo

On the wet, windy, morning of Saturday April 24th, Lowrah and Margoat ventured out into the rain to bring the word of WTF riding and wrenching to the State Fair grounds.  They came prepared with waterproof outer-layers and fenders; one even put plastic bags in her shoes to keep her feet dry.  Nothing would keep them from the 2010 Active Living Bike Expo.

They arrived at the State Fair grounds thoroughly tried by the elements.  As they strode into the Education Building with their bikes, eyes were drawn to their dripping magnificence.  Looks of awe, wonder, amazement, and, perhaps, “shit, those two are crazy” came from the attendees and staffers as they walked their steeds to the parking area.  Five other bikes waited, lonely for friends, as they locked up their own and shed their protective gear.  The easy part was over.

Now the true trial began.

People trickled in on this blustery Saturday and there a steady stream of bike enthusiasts flowing by the Sunrise Cyclery table.  Mostly middle aged men, Lowrah and Margoat sought out the WTFs in the crowd to invite them to Grease Rag and break down the male-dominated sphere of bike repair.  Several men served as allies and took Grease Rag fliers to give to their friends, understanding Grease Rag’s mission to empower and inform.

When women said, “My husband/ boyfriend/ friend/ partner/ etc. fixes my bike for me,” Lowrah and Margoat only heard, “Sign me up on your mailing list!”

Lowrah and Margoat were also able to walk about and have some fun interacting with the various vendors on site.

Some were constructive and provided a great opportunity for them to practice teamwork…

Others were less constructive, although served as a much needed moment of comic relief…

Not sweet, but..

All in all, the BikeMN Expo was a great way to reach out to the WTF bike community.  Lowrah and Margoat would like to particularly thank Jamie of Sunrise for allowing them to usurp part of his table and to get the GreaseRag word out.