‘Show me your bike’ meme starts online; heads offline tomorrow

(Image: Rapha North America)

I sometimes get annoyed with Internet memes, but there’s a new one that I’ve had a lot of fun following. In the lead up to tomorrow’s pre-NAHBS Show Me Yours event, local bike lover Chris DiStefano is encouraging folks to share their handmade bikes on Twitter with the hashtag, #showmeyourbike.

In just a few days (thanks in part to DiStefano’s employer, Rapha) there have been nearly 500 submissions on Twitter and Instagram. Tomorrow morning, DiStefano will host an offline meet-up where everyone is encouraged to show off their handmade bikes. The event will start at 9:00 am at West End Bikes (SW Stark and 11th). “These beautiful bicycles aren’t precious collectibles,” says DiStefano, “they’re made to be ridden.”

“With all the emphasis on show presentation we sometimes overlook the greater beauty in a well-worn bicycle and the stories we can interpret from the grit and grime. Let’s line them up and note the dings, dents, and scars with the same admiration as we do the fine production details.”

I love this idea. It’s a great way to share the handmade bike love while also promoting the builders and inspiring people to consider getting one themselves. If you are downtown tomorrow morning, swing by the meet-up at West End and don’t forget the big Show Me Yours shindig at the Ace Hotel Cleaners from 6-10 pm at SW 10th and Stark.

And in the spirit of the game, here’s my 10-year-old Co-Motion road bike made in Eugene, Oregon:

And just for fun, below is a Twitter widget of #showmeyourbike…

Your turn!