180 men and women active in the bike industry took time out from the busy Interbike Show to meet and greet friends both old and new, eat and drink, network and exchange cards to a background of a soothing jazz at the Women’s Interbike Gathering.

The event, held October 7, 2004, was spearheaded by Ariadne Delon Scott of Specialized and her committee in conjunction with the Outdoor Industries Women’s Coalition, a group formed to equip women to achieve their success. Neide Cooley, President of the OIWC, gave the keynote address.

“The event was a great success,” said Cooley. “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.”

Success was the buzzword for the evening as people started arriving a half-hour early for the 5:30 to 7:30 pm event and were reluctant to leave at its end. Each attendee received a free OIWC Schmoozapalooza water bottle donated by Specialized. As guests signed in and completed the Women-in-the-Industry Directory form they had their photos taken. The completed directory will be available to all who attended.

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.

“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.”

The event was intended to resurrect one that took place over five years ago when Kathy Newkirk with Interbike spearheaded a women’s gathering. As Scott, a founding member of the OIWC in 1994, watched the OIWC organization grow in the outdoor industry she wanted the bike industry women to have similar networking possibilities. The bike group will decide if they want to be an affiliate of the OIWC in the future.

“It was inspiring to see so many women from all facets of the industry,” Kendra Wenzel said. “I would be encouraged to see the numbers of women now arranged into action groups. It would be great to learn from others in the outdoor industry.”

The next steps for the group include tentative plans for a working committee meeting at the Bicycle Business Leadership Conference in Phoenix, Arizona February 10-13, 2005.

The Women’s Interbike Gathering would not have been possible without the involvement of Scott’s committee and the sponsor’s generosity. The event committee consisted of Suzette Ayotte of Selle Royal, Julie Gregg and Lisa Robinson, Sportworks, Ronnel Curry, formerly of Burley, Mary Hearn, formerly of Powerbar and the women of Specialized. OIWC Board members Neide Cooley, Sharon Leicham and Beth Cochran also contributed their time.

Sponsors contributing financially were Bicycle Retailer & Industry News, National Bicycle Dealers Association, Interbike, Shimano and Specialized.

Product contributors included Bell Sports, Terry Precision, Velo Saddles, Seven, Dirt Rag Magazine, 10 Nine 8 and Specialized. Phatcycles donated a Cruiser bike that was won in a drawing by Lynn Ockenden, Founder and President of Transbike Systems, Minneapolis, Minnesota.