My wife and I made the drive from Minneapolis to Chicago, (actually Elmhurst) in 6.5 hours... not bad.
Here's what I liked about the event:
* Reasonably short drive for me * Well organized by the Velonews/Veloswap folks * Venue has plenty of toilets, and a snack bar with Guinness, Harp, and some domestic brands ON TAP! * Marriott/Courtyard had special $69/night rate. It was very pleasant and about 8 blocks away. * Mack's Golden Pheasant is between the Odeum and the Marriott, and has killer/huge burgers, Ruebens, wraps, etc * Good turnout for the first year * Lots of great, fun, and familiar faces- Greg P., Peter N., Larry O., Tom H, Scott D., Scot M., Peter F. Michael K., Paul M., Richard C., Jan J., Ed B.,
What I didn't like about the event:
* It isn't big enough yet, (it'll get there soon)
I'm pretty sure that I'll set up next year. I have a lot of stuf that's perfect for a swap meet. I will certainly set up again at the Madison event that Peter points out is Sat Jan 15 2005. http://www.cronometro.com
I have been to a lot of swap meets, and Madison is awesome. I'll fill my car to the gills with primo stuf.
John Barron
Minneapolis
http://www.velostuf.com