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The Cycle Show 2012 takes place this weekend at the NEC in Birmingham, and it’s going to be a great day out for all the family.
Cycle Sprog‘s Karen Gee reports from the Trade Day on what to expect if you’re taking the kids along.
Any child visiting a bike show is going to expect to ride a bike, so the two kids tracks are bound to be a hit. First off there’s a track designed for those up to 5 years old to try out the latest Strider, Bumper, Kiddimoto and Raleigh balance bikes. The layout is friendly and welcoming for pre-schoolers, who will be delighted to be grown up enough to ride on a road.
For older kids the Demo track will have sessions by qualified coaches, allowing them to try out BMX, road, and track cycling. Bikes available to ride include Cuda and Raleigh.
Over on the far side of the hall from the kids tracks is the BMX arena and the two Mountain Bike tracks. These will provide great entertainment and inspiration for budding cyclists, plus a chance to sit down and rest weary legs. The BMX displays are guaranteed to impress even the most disgruntled member of your family, who is moaning about having to look at yet another stand featuring bikes and other boring stuff (surely not!)
If you or your child have a disability, don’t miss Quest 88’s inclusive cycling hub at stand A51.
Amongst the stands themselves here are the ones I think will be a hit with the kids:
Glide Bikes (stand A2) – let the kids show how strong they are – can they lift the adult bike?
Kiddimoto (stand B1) – the most impressive display of balance bikes they’re likely to see for a long time
Cyclegeezer (stand B14) – from photo frames to earrings, these gifts made out of up cycled bike parts will get active minds curious about how they were made
Strider Balance Bikes (stand C1) – find out when the next Strider UK World Cup takes place
MonkeyLectric (stand D31) – a great new concept from San Francisco that makes bike lights cool. I predict these going on most kids Christmas lists (if you don’t succumb to their in-show offer)
Cuda and Bumper (stand H43) – bikes on swings and slides? This display of kids cycles at play is great fun
Crazy Stuff (stand H53) – guaranteed to be a hit – these crazy animal themed helmets, pumps, lights locks and bells are brilliant. Let’s hope this Danish company finds a UK retailer quickly!
HighVisibility (stand K7) – Kids sized hi-vis jackets with a “Polite” message on the back. Based on a range of successful Equestrian jackets, these will definitely appeal to young cyclists, but would also been good for walking and scooting. They also have some Lazer lights which will intrigue.
Scoop BMX (stand M1) – spot the gorilla in a cycle helmet
Purple Harry (stand S11) – the only bike cleaning kit with a purple cycling hippo
There are plenty of other stands that will be of interest if you cycle as a family. There are stands with kids helmets and clothing, a bike towbar and trailer, bike seats, cycle storage, family oriented magazines, kids bikes, balance bikes, stabiliser bikes, lights, mirrors, car bike racks and campaigning and information organisations.
From a practical point of view there are places to eat at the NEC, although seating space is limited, so be prepared to picnic on the floor.
There is secure cycle parking available in Hall 16 if you are arriving by bike. Birmingham International railway station is a good 15 minute walk (if you’ve got little legs) away from Hall 11 where The Cycle Show is. There are travelators en route, which will be a relief on the way home.
The NEC has good baby changing facilities, and a cloak room that charges £1 per item so you don’t have to lug coats, helmets etc around with you all day.
The Cycle Show takes place at the Birmingham NEC from Friday 28th to Sunday 30th September 2012, 9:30am to 5pm each day.
Tickets on the door cost £16 for adults and £5 for children under the age of 14 (with under 5’s free). Discounts are available if you book in advance on line.
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