The pieces are finally coming together, and it looks like there will be lots of cool things happening at the Cirque this year. There's been a lot happening behind the scenes, and we have just gotten a couple of last minute confirmations. We are still juggling the overall program a bit, but I think we got a really interesting line-up. The basic highlights are below, and the final details will be worked out in the week or so.
There will be a lot of familiar faces, some old friends that we haven't seen in a while and a lot of new friends to welcome. Watch the sign-up list on the web site. We will start updating it a least once a week, but hopefully even more often. You will also start to see more detailed information about the various components of the event on the site soon.
Go to the website for more info.
http://www.cirqueducyclisme.com/
Here are some highlights of the schedule as it's coming together so far.
Auction
We had lots of positive feedback on the Auction last year. I think people had fun, and we raised about $9000 for Bikes For The World (BFTW) and the US Bicycling Hall of fame. We are following pretty much the same format as last year, but the Auction proceeds will go entirely to BFTW, who will also manage the money and record keeping side of things. We are still raising money for the Hall of Fame through our registration process, and are looking for other ways as well. They are both worthy causes, but it's just much simpler to separate our two charitable efforts. Like last year, there will be something for everyone, with live and silent auctions, and even some "freebees" where you'll have the opportunity to take something home even if you don't bid on items.
Speaking of which, we desperately need donations for the Auction. If you have items that you want included, please send information (and pictures, if available) and we will start posting that. Items can be shipped to me at home. Please be sure to include relevant information, and indicate that it's for the auction. Ship here:
Wayne Bingham 37805 Clearbrook Lane Lovettsville, VA 20180
Program of Seminars
Not necessarily in the order of appearance since things are still getting sorted, but we are happy to announce the line-up:
Our old friend Mr. Hilary Stone from Bristol England will be back and
will be entertaining us again with his great depth of knowledge in all
things "bicycle". Hilary is a huge depository of arcane and
fascinating vintage bicycle lore, having served as editor for the
wonderful newsletter magazine of the Veteran Cycle Club as well as
currently vintage cycle editor of the Cycling Plus monthly magazine.
>From Massachusetts, the noted historian David Herlihy, author of
Bicycle: the History and his latest title, The Lost Cyclist. He will
speak about this latter, soon-to-be-released book, an exposé of the
mysteries--and political scandal--surrounding the disappearance of
round-the-world cyclist Frank Lenz in 1894. We hope to actually have
pre-release copies of David's new book for purchase (and signing by
the author) at the Cirque!
Mike Kone of Boulder Colorado makes a return appearance with a presentation that continues on a theme from Peter Weigle's presentation last year. Peter's "Creative Restoration" talk last year was about having "fun" with restoration and appreciating the virtues of some of the "lesser appreciated" vintage bikes, and it garnered rave revues. Mike picks up the baton and will talk about some of the interesting and fun things out there that often get overlooked, and will offer some interesting examples.
Workshop Demo
Ever wonder if there\u2019s a \u201cproper\u201d way to mount a tubular tire? Or maybe ANY way to mount a tubular tire? I think this time we may really get Larry Black to demonstrate at least one way to do it!
Awards Reception
The Awards Reception will be similar to last year, where we host craftsmen builders attending the Cirque, and give everyone a chance to chat with the builders and see some of their latest offerings. Our very special guest this year will be Dave Bohm of Bohemian Bicycles. Dave is an innovator, designer, artist, and of course, well known frame builder. He is also now painting and teaching frame-building classes. This will be Dave's first visit to the Cirque too, so don't miss this chance to meet Dave and welcome him to the community.
Special Displays and Exhibits
We are organizing two very special "tribute" displays this year, for both Bill Hurlow and Alex Singer/Ernest Csuka. If you have things that you think are appropriate and would like to have them included, please contact me.
We are also trying to put together an exhibit of unusual, odd and/or interesting components, possibly for the reception. If you have a component or two that is unusual or something out of the ordinary, something others may not have seen, bring it/them along. We will put a special table out, and should be able to generate some interesting discussion.
Attendance and Host Hotel
The Best Western hotel is fully booked for Saturday night, but a few rooms remain for other days. Cirque attendees once again account for close to 80% occupancy (of 99 rooms). I think more people have booked rooms than have registered. If you have not registered yet and are planning to attend, please register. We need to confirm numbers and get deposits in place within the next couple weeks.
We are also promoting the Sunday Show & Swap in a number of new ways, and hope to have a bigger crowd at the Fairgrounds for the day. Look for our big ad in Spokes magazine, a mid-east publication with a distribution of about 25,000 readers, most within driving distance.
More details to follow as things come together.
Thanks. Looking forward to seeing everyone in June!!
Wayne & MJ
Wayne Bingham/Mary Jo Weier
Lovettsville VA USA