Anyone looking to start off the new year with some new gear, or looking to make a few bucks on their old stuff, will be happy to hear about the first annual Portland VeloSwap.
Jim Anderson — who is also the man behind the Monday Night Racing series at Portland International Raceway — announced the event this week.
He tells BikePortland that he felt, “there was a need at this time of year to connect with cyclists that may be wanting to upgrade or change out their current cycling gear.” Others, he said, want to upgrade to new parts, but need to sell their old parts to do it.
“I know many Portlanders have some great deals tucked away in their garage or basement…and I wanted to encourage new riders that not all bikes and gear need to break the bank.”
Patrick Marzullo helped hatch the idea with Anderson. He says, “Portlanders’ are synonymous with killer deals, as well as recycling… So, this event was made for Portland.”
Anderson hopes to have a minimum of 100 vendors selling at any one time and he’ll have them active for two hour slots — rotating them as the day goes on. Admission to the event will be $3 and your ticket gets you $1 off food and drink at Roots.
Reserve your spot and learn more at PortlandVeloSwap.com.
- 1st Annual Portland VeloSwap
January 10th, 9am-5pm
Roots Organic Brewing (1520 SE 7th Ave.)
Admission is $3 (16 and under free)
proceeds benefit whom?
Ummm… OK… I kind of like this because I always miss the PUMP swap meet (I lead a ride that weekend), but I, too, would want to know who this benefits.
Jeff
This sounds great. Ive been told tales of fantastic deals at other city’s swap meets and was kind of jealous we dont have our own.
Maybe it could benefit the BTA, Safe Routes To School program. Just a thought.
Why can’t the proceeds benefit the organizer? It’s not like he’s obligated to do it for free. Just sayin’.
I too think it’s interesting that folks think an event organizer is somehow obligated to donate event proceeds to a local non-profit.
Yes, it’s a nice thing to do, but it’s great that we live in a city where bike event promoters and organizers can try to make a living at it.
And Tom, with all due respect to Safe Routes to School… that’s a federally funded program and the BTA has a healthy budget for it already. While I realize it can always use more money… I also realize there are many people in the community who need to make money too.
I think this is a great idea, especially post Xmas. However, 20 bucks for 2 hours is kinda expensive and favors shops or pros. It doesn’t really work for me just cleaning out my box of odds and ends. Bike craft was 20 bucks for the whole day. Do the math about the 100 people the promoter wants.
Sellers should be costed according to quantity of gear they plan on selling.
As a buyer, 5 time slots is too many, how about a morning and afternoon slots only?
gimme a break, a Velo”SWAP” is false advertising!
Most gear swaps that I’ve been to are for people to buy and sell used gear not pay $3 to gain entrance to “bike bargain hunter’s paradise with up to 100 vendors under one roof!”
Hi All,
Thanks for the feedback! A.) Some proceeds will definitely go back to the community. B.) Lot’s of work goes into event planning. Only a good event planner would know that. Jim and I both give back plenty to the community by participating in and paying for cycling events throughout the year. C.) If you think the cost is too high you can try eBay, Craigslist, etc. to get rid of your used gear… I’ve tried all of the above and assure that this is far less expensive and far more convenient… That’s why we decided to put the event on. You can always split a table with a friend, or buy one hour time slot.
Looking forward to seeing y’all there.
Patrick
Portland VeloSwap Co-Founder
Why not just hold it in a bigger space and drop the rotating slots idea?
Yes, thanks for the feedback. The event has to cover expenses, so we don’t end up going negative in the budget. Events can be costly. We cut many costs, and limited a lot of our budget. There is risk involved.
I have been organizing bike races, and other events for 13 years.
It would be very difficult to make a judgement call on charging sellers based on what they have to sell. If you could imagine us reviewing someones box of gear to sell, while we are trying to get people in the door – it would be a huge debacle.
The $3 is a chance for people to get some great deals, and once again allow us to cover other costs. There will be some great deals, and bonuses for participants paying that. Its really on $2 if you buy lunch or dinner next door at Roots as you get a $1 off your food/drink.
Thanks, hope to see you there.
Jim Anderson
Organizer
Portland VeloSwap
http://www.portlandveloswap.com
Confirmed commercial vendors:
With a line-up of already confirmed local and national vendors, including: Cyclepath bike shop, Joe Bike, Health & Performance Chiropractic, Showers Pass clothing, Upper Echelon Fitness and Coaching, Team Sales Cycling clothing, and 2WheelSport.com, the event is shaping up to be a great one.
Tons of other general swappers are lined up throughout the day, come check it out
http://www.portlandveloswap.com
Come on by and check it out, this weekend! Looking forward…tables still available, stop by or register online.
http://www.portlandveloswap.com