This year at Interbike Ariadne Scott from Specialized and the Outdoor Industry Women’s Coalition teamed up to organize the first annual ‘Schmoozapalooza,’ a gathering of women in the bike industry. The event was designed to build the community feeling, provide a networking opportunity, and grow women’s participation in cycling.

“The event was a great success,” said Neide Cooley, President of the OIWC, who gave the keynote address. “There seemed to be an intense need to meet and share among these women. I heard wonderful stories of single moms focused on careers and on their passion for bike racing.”

In addition to the newly married and moms-to-be, attendees included industry retailers, racers, manufacturers, mechanics, new to the sport women, advocacy representatives and the press. The event was intended to resurrect one that took place over five years ago when Kathy Newkirk with Interbike spearheaded a women’s gathering.

Scott was a founding member of the OIWC in 1994 and as she watched the OIWC organization grow in the outdoor industry she wanted the bike industry women to have similar networking possibilities. The newly formed bike group will decide if they want to be an affiliate of the OIWC in the future.

“I was impressed by the variety of women who attended this soiree and how happy they are to be in the bike industry. I was also impressed with the men who showed up in support,” said Paula Dyba, VP Marketing for Terry Bicycles. “It was a very nice opportunity to trade tips and ideas for getting more women into cycling, which I think will end up being a central theme for this organization and its future objectives.”

In related news, the OIWC has announced that the nomination process for the fourth annual ‘Pioneering Woman Award’ has begun. The award is presented each year to a deserving woman in the outdoor industry who has distinguished herself as a mentor of other women.

Previous award recipients are Kitty Bradley of Stonewear Designs, Rachael Ligtenberg of REI and Norma Hanson of Smartwool. The top three nominees will be announced December 15, 2004 and the winner will be revealed at the Winter Gathering held Monday, January 31, 2005 at OR winter market. The Winter Gathering is an excellent networking opportunity and a “must-attend” event for both men and women in the outdoor industry. Wine, beer, appetizers and good conversation are served.