Like others who have commented about the show, I was overwhelmed, similar to the displays at various Cirques that I have attended.. For me, however, this was the first "trade show" type of convention I attended, other than Modern Language Association conventions. And, perhaps it goes without saying, that I found displays at the NAHBS far more interesting than the wares of the textbook companies.
The variety of frame building, the craftsmanship and artistry of those building the frames, the enthusiasm of those attending and those displaying, all impressed me. Such a display argues well that frame building is in capable hands with an appreciative audience for what the builders are selling..
Indianapolis I found, much to my delight, an extremely interesting city, with what appears to be numerous bicyclists, even in the cold. (In addition to the formal displays, the "lock-up," inside one of the entry-ways to the convention center provided another showcase of bicycle variety.) On Friday night, I attended an "arts" bicycle gathering held around the Fountain Square Area (?), reminding me of gatherings and similar events attended in the sixties and seventies, though the earlier events rarely had bicycles as their themes.
I would also like to thank Jim Lingenfelter for hosting a pleasant evening at an Italian restaurant attended by multiple CR members. Other than being attended by the regulars of the CR list, I met several that I had never previously met (though my memory is so bad, they could actually be my next-door neighbors and I would have forgotten).
In addition to everything else, though I was heading to Minnesota for a short visit on Sunday and therefore missed the awards' ceremony, I was pleased with who won the awards. For the judges it must have been pretty difficult to select "winners" when after all virtually everyone of those displaying would readily qualify. In one degree or another, "winners" were the displayers, the attendees, and the artistry of bicycles. Don Walker certainly deserves praise for providing the venue for such an event.
Difficult for me to single out individuals who were at the show, deserving praise for their bikes, helping out at the show, and their collegiality because I know that no matter how many I could list there would be others that I would forget to mention who deserve the same appreciation and praise.
I'd certainly vote for a return to Indianapolis for the 2010 NAHBS.
Cheers.
Tom Hayes
Chagrin Falls, Ohio USA