SpokesPeople (2023/issue2)

Get-A-Grip. It's A Bike Show!

MY MAIDEN TRIP TO A US BIKE MEET • RUIPING TAN

When in America, do as the Americans do. And what do Americans do? More specifcally, what do cruiser folks in America do? They bike and they do bike shows and swap meets! Well, at least that’s what I’d do.

So one of the things I looked for when I realised I was heading to the States, was to look for a swap meet to attend. I’ve always wanted to do one of these, and when I found one in the vicinity of where I was, right smack in the same weekend of my trip, I jumped for joy and marked it on my itinerary.

The Get-A-Grip Bike Show was set in Cleaveland, a 3-hour drive from where I was in Nashville, Tennessee.

I did my mental calculations and rationalised, “What’s a mere 3-hour drive, compared to a 30-hour flight?” I decided it was well worth the travel time.

The long-awaited Saturday came. Armed with snacks for the journey, I set off early at 7am. Thanks to a local bike friend I had come to know, I was advised of the 1-hour time zone change in Cleaveland (one of the wonders of a country like America).

The show was to start at 12 noon and I’d arrive just in time, with perhaps a gas stop along the way. After what seemed like a very long drive, my GPS (with its Indian accent) finally directed me to pull up into the parking lot of a school compound.

There was a banner outside that read, ‘Get-A-Grip Bike Show’.

My heart raced with anticipation as I approached the booths in the outdoor arena that were already chock full with people… and bikes. Lots of them!

It was like visiting ‘Bike Disneyland’ – the happiest place on earth for bike enthusiasts like myself.

Immediately, my senses were innundated by the sights of all kinds of cruisers, most of which I’ve only ever ogled over on bike forums and Facebook groups which I follow. It was vintage bikes galore!

I made my way around each stall, where vendors were parading their bikes and all kinds of accessories and parts to sell or trade.

From colourful banana seats, to antique bike lamps, bells, tires, grips and pedals, there was a piece of something for every treasure-hunter seeking a prized find.

I was given a visual treat, especially at a tent where a pin-stripping artist was displaying his craft. With dexterity and patience, he demonstrated how he would – with a special brush – meticulously add a custom design to the fender of a bike.

Then came the bikes. The drool-worthy bikes. I wished I could cart one home and make it a piece of my own collection. But alas, I was nowhere near home. For now, I had to just get-a-grip of myself and settle for ogling. It was truly one of the most memorable moments of my US trip.