Just Riding Along

Trek dealer show in the books

Wondering how Trek's dealer show went?  Here's what one attendee thought:

"Do we really need a 30 minute fashion show to introduce the '06 Nike line?

Klein......yeah, ummm.....there over there, somewhere in an alleyway all by themselves.......mumble.....couple a models......OKAY! Let's move on, shall we?"

Read more of "Guitar Ted's" report and see a bunch of photos on his blog.

 

Blogs cause Trek to backpedal on dealer show fees

Last week I reported that Trek didn't do a great job in communicating the fees for their dealer only show.  Their lack of disclosure about charging $200 bucks per head didn't sit well with at least one loyal dealer.

Now, I get word that because of a "stir on the Internet" Trek is changing their policy.

"It appears that because of this (chatter on the Web), Trek is working out an "amicable solution" for this years show attendees, but that there may be a policy change for future shows. As I understood the situation as of last Monday, Trek was going to charge $100.00 for any number of people from our shop over two. So, only $100.00 would cover everybody."

This is the first time I've heard of a major supplier changing its policy due to pressure from the blogosphere.  The bottom line is that blogs are giving more and more power to the voice of the little guys and even Trek, the world's biggest bike brand, must take this into account. 

My advice?  If you can't beat 'em, join 'em.

Trek's Burke new Secretary of Commerce

As if Trek needed any more help in global bicycle domination.

Mary Burke, daughter of Trek founder John Burke, is the new Secretary of Commerce for the state of Wisconsin.  While at Trek, Ms. Burke was in charge of forecasting and planning.

There is more information, including a Q&A with Burke in this article by the River Valley Business Report.

[According to a recent report, the cycling industry in Wisconsin contributes an estimated $835 million dollars to Wisconsin's economy.]