The first annual San Francisco VeloSwap rolls into town on Saturday, November 15th, at the Cow Palace. Doors open at 9:00am and there is guaranteed to be bargains galore, excitement a-plenty, and celebrities too many to mention. VeloSwap San Francisco benefits the San Francisco Bicycle Coalition.
The Cow Palace, located in Brisbane, just minutes south of downtown San Francisco, is divided into North and South Halls, where VeloSwap will be held, with the main arena dividing the two. Each hall has 50,000 sq. ft. of exhibit and booth space.
http://www.veloswap.com/
As you'll see on the website, world-renowned racing photographer Graham Watson will be displaying some of his framed photos and will be selling books, posters, and 2004 calenders. Next to Mr. Watson's booth will be a display of rare and interesting pieces from The Horton Collection - authentic Coppi, Bartali, Anquetil, and Merckx jerseys, stunning sterling silver trophies and other pieces, framed race posters, one of Coppi's podium sashes, and possibly a few of the thousands of photographs in the collection. He might even bring his 1903 L'Auto official starter's pennant and the extremely rare Tour de France starter's chronograph that was spoken of earlier that we were treated to seeing close-up at the Velo Rendezvous this past weekend.
There will also be a display of vintage bicycles from Bradley Woehl and the American Cyclery Collection, and a display featuring classic lightweight racing bicycles from Northern California collectors. If you are interested in bringing one or two of your most-prized classic bicycles to VeloSwap for display, please contact me for details.
OLN Tour de France Sports Commentator Bob Roll will be on hand to chat with attendees, sign his latest 'Bobke' book, and in general, keep everyone 'Roll'-ing on the floor in laughter! We are also expecting Bay Area cycling historian and all-around great guy, author Owen Mulholland, who will be signing copies of his latest book, Uphill Battle: Cycling's Great Climbers at the VeloNews booth.
Several manufacturers will be exhibiting new product and local retailers will offer excellent deals on older or discontinued models of bicycles, accessories, clothing and shoes, and tools. And hundreds of booths will be offering up substantial savings on new and used equipment and everything related to cycling.
VeloSwap Denver has built a reputation for being the largest consumer-based swap in the United States. It attracts 10,000 eager attendees each year, and is steadily growing. It's time San Francisco and the Bay Area get in on all the excitement and fun, so.....don't miss out on the first San Francisco VeloSwap! Let's blow Denver out of the water and break the 10,000 attendee mark on our first try.
If you have any questions, you can contact me directly, or call the VeloSwap hotline: 800-811-4210 x222
And, if that isn't enough...on Friday evening, November 14th, from 6:00pm to 10:00pm, at the Metreon in San Francisco, spend An Evening with Graham Watson and Bob Roll. Mr. Watson will present a stunning multi-media show featuring his photographs from the 2003 Tour de France. Mr. Roll will act as Master of Ceremonies and should be able to add his famous 'color commentary' on many aspects of life at the Tour. It is preceeded by wine and hors d'oevres, a signed poster by Mr. Watson for every attendee, and a chance to unwind and ask questions with both gentlemen after the show. Proceeds from the event benefit the "Fifty States: Fifty Cities" project organized by the Thunderhead Alliance.
http://www.veloswap.com/
San Francisco, California is definitely THE place to be, on Friday and Saturday, November 14th and 15th, 2003.
I hope to see you there.
Jan Johnson
VeloSwap San Francisco 2003
Portola Valley, CA
(650) 704-8469