If you’re bummed about being shut out from Interbike every year, the folks at Western Spirit in Moab have just the thing for you: Outerbike. From September 30 through October 3 this year, regular Joes can saddle up and demo the latest mountain bikes from big manufacturers like Kona, Trek, Santa Cruz, and Yeti (just to name a few). Perhaps best of all, the event takes place in a true mountain bike mecca, Moab, UT.

Putting on a large scale consumer event like this is an ambitious project but it’s one we’d like to see succeed. Interbike has experimented with opening Outdoor Demo East to consumers and the Sea Otter Classic in California has become the de facto consumer mountain bike show over the years but Outerbike just may have some legs of its own. Who’s in for 2010?

In less than 10 days element22 and trek7k are hitting the Las Vegas strip for Interbike 2009 and we’re bringing everyone along for the ride! Well, not literally, but we will be posting tons of reviews, pics, videos, and info daily September 21-24 to keep you in the loop on the latest MTB stuff.

On Monday and Tuesday we’ll be hitting the trails at Bootleg Canyon for the Outdoor Demo portion of the show where we’ll test ride as many mountain bikes as we can. Then on Wednesday and Thursday we’ll be meeting with company reps to find out about the newest stuff and from the previews we’ve seen so far there will be a lot to talk about!

So… if there’s a new product you want to hear more about, let us know right here and we’ll see what we can find out. And no, you can’t stow away in our luggage

Yours truly at the 2008 Outdoor Demo (Boulder Canyon)

More great news for mountain bikers in the northeast: The Interbike Outdoor Demo East will be open to the public October 10 and 11, 2009. Interbike events are traditionally set up as “trade-only” but this year’s Outdoor Demo at Roger Williams Park in Providence, RI will give consumers a chance to peek at the latest MTB and road tech. GSD Event Productions is even putting on a USA Cycling-sanctioned pro/am cyclocross race during the weekend as well.

No word yet on what else will be happening during the weekend but if it’s anything like the Las Vegas Outdoor Demo, here are some tips:

• Bring your own pedals, helmet, and shoes. Most of the demo bikes aren’t set up with pedals and  “loaner pedal” sets are few and far between.
• Bring a driver’s license. You won’t be able to take the bikes out for a spin unless you’re able to guarantee that you’ll bring the bike back

Aside from getting a chance to test ride bikes, there are usually dozens of companies handing out samples of energy bars, sports drinks, and even t-shirts. Start making your plans to attend Outdoor Demo East this year - should be a blast!