Issaquah, WA – Brad Barnard, an owner of the Pacific Northwest company, Bicycle Adventures, the leader in North American bicycle touring, has been invited to speak at the two-day GEAR UP Expo April 26-27 at Comcast Arena at Everett.
GEAR UP Expo is a consumer trade show focusing on outdoor adventure, recreation and unique destination travel.
The theme of Barnard’s address is “Great Bicycle Tours – No Spandex Required.” He is scheduled to speak at 12:30 on Sunday, April 27. One of 30 guest speakers, Barnard is Vice President and owner with Todd Starnes of Bicycle Adventures, Inc. He is a former bike racer, an avid University of Washington Huskies fan and a great storyteller with a love for the outdoors and all things sports-related. Having designed and led many Bicycle Adventures tours, his passion is assuring that his guests have a fantastic time on trips. He does occasionally wear Lycra.
Nearly 200 booths will showcase outdoor-oriented companies and the newest gear, apparel, footwear, equipment and accessories for the 2014 season. Visitors may test their prowess on a 30-foot climbing wall sponsored by Snohomish County Tourism; refresh themselves at a beer and wine garden; explore the American Hiking Society Trails Pavilion with 20 booths showcasing local hiking trails, camping and mountaineering; amuse their children at an activity area sponsored by the Everett Children’s Museum; gain tips on cycling, paddling and other watercraft pursuits; and engage in a geocaching adventure.
Featured keynote speaker is Helen Thayer whose life is a testament to setting goals and achieving them. For example, she is the first woman to travel alone to any of the world’s Poles, the first woman to walk 4,000 miles across the Sahara from Morocco to the Nile and the list goes on. She speaks at 1:30 p.m. on Saturday, April 26 at the theater in the exhibit hall.
This is the 2nd year the show has been held. In 2013 it drew 3,800 attendees. Tickets are available at the door. $10 adult, $5 ages 11 – 17, $5 with military ID and free for ages 10 and under.