30-Year Tandem Record Stands
Seattle’s Cheryl Marek, cross-country tandem co-record-setter, shares her story at Seattle Bike Expo
Seattle, Wash.
Photo at right: Cheryl Marek and Estelle Gray set a cross-country tandem record that still stands today. Marek will speak at the OutdoorsNW booth at the Seattle Bike Expo March 1-2.
On June 21, 1984, Cheryl Marek and Estelle Gray stood on the Pier in Santa Monica, Calif., with their tandem bicycle at the ready. They and their eight-woman support crew were in good spirits as they prepped for departure and smiled for photos.
No other female duo had attempted the 3,000-mile tandem ride across the U.S. to New York City, N.Y., but Marek and Gray – largely unknown outside of the Seattle, Wash., cycling community – had trained extensively for the mental and physical challenges ahead of them.
It’s 30 years later and Seattle’s Cheryl Marek will mark the anniversary with show-goers of the Seattle Bike Expo March 1-2 with a talk at the OutdoorsNW booth. Marek’s talks are scheduled from 4-5 p.m. on Saturday; and 2-3 p.m. Sunday.
The 26th annual Expo returns to the Smith Cove Cruise Terminal in Seattle, and the show will be filled with new bikes and gear, entertainment, presentations, expert demos and more.
In addition to Marek’s featured talk at the OutdoorsNW booth, be sure to pick up your free copy of Northwest Cyclist which carries an exclusive story on Marek and Gray’s record-setting adventure.
While there, enter to win cool prizes, including registrations to Tour de Whidbey, Passport 2 Pain or the Echelon Series Ride to Revel (previously known as Echelon Gran Fondo Hood River).
You could also win new bike gear like a USB-charged tail light called the Aether Demon from Portland Design Works, Rainy Day Biking mud flaps and reflective wheel stickers, a pair of RideOut FireFly Handlebar Grips and more.
The first 100 people to enter will immediately receive a free pass ($10 value) to the upcoming GEAR Up Expo, April 26-27, at the Comcast Arena in Everett. Showgoers will find a broad array of outdoor adventure exhibits. For more information about GEAR Up, go to seattle2014.gearupexpo.com
Seattle Bike Expo Event Details
What: 26th Annual Seattle Bike Expo
When:
March 1: 9 a.m.-6 p.m.
March 2: 10 a.m.-4 p.m.
Where: Seattle Cruise Ship Terminal 91, 2001 West Garfield Street, Seattle
Parking: Motorists should use the north gate to access public parking. The first 150 cyclists to corral their bikes each day will receive a complimentary top tube bag for their bike.
Tickets:
Single-day pass: $10; two-day pass: $12; or, donate your bike to Bike Works to get a free ticket.
Kids under 15 attend for free.
More info: www.cascade.org/Expo
