US Bicycling Hall Of Fame Celebrate Mountain Bike History
Breezer #1 will head to the Smithsonian Institution after the Bicycling Hall of Fame event (US Bicycling Hall of Fame/Breezer Bikes)
The United States Bicycling Hall of Fame announced 20 early mountain bikes will be on display there as part of their Mountain Bike History Celebration, Saturday, 5 November from 1-3pm at the Bicycling Hall Of Fame Museum at 303 3rd Street in Davis, CA.
The US Bicycling Hall of Fame’s special mountain bike exhibit will be open to the public in conjunction with the annual induction ceremonies, held later that evening.
Among this year’s inductees is Michael Sinyard, founder of Specialized Bicycles. Sinyard has been a driving force in bicycling since he founded Specialized in 1974. Specialized recognized mountain biking’s potential early on and capitalized on the early efforts of the sport’s pioneers of Marin County to bring mountain biking to the masses. Specialized introduced their “Stumpjumper” mountain bike in 1981.
Joe Breeze’s Breezer #1 mountain bike will also be on display. This bike is regarded as the world’s first purpose-built mountain bike. Breeze built Breezer #1 in Mill Valley, CA in 1977. Previous mountain bikes were an assemblage of used parts, and were generally called ‘klunkers’. “People suddenly saw a bright future for the nascent sport and I was happy to share my drawings and ideas freely with other builders,” said Breeze, who continues to design for his namesake company, Breezer Bikes.
Post show, Breezer #1 will become part of the collection of the Smithsonian Institution in Washington, DC. Since 1986, the original Breezer had been part of the Oakland Museum’s “California—A Place, A People, A Dream” exhibit, documenting sports and activities invented, created or popularized in California. “The birth of mountain biking occurred right here in northern California and is a major part of American cycling history”, said Joe Herget, executive director of the US Bicycling Hall of Fame. “We are pleased to host this outstanding special exhibit of vintage mountain bikes.
Many of mountain biking’s early pioneers will be on hand for the induction ceremony, including Joe Breeze, Gary Fisher, Jacquie Phelan, Steve Potts, and Ned Overend. Speedplay will sponsor the event, and offer the opportunity for attendees to win a pair of the new Speedplay SYZR MTB pedals.
Admission to the display and event is free to the public.