Consumer ‘try-before-you-buy’ event Outerbike appoints CEO
Western Spirit Cycling – founders and promoters of Outerbike; the consumer-focused experience for testing, reviewing and riding the newest bikes and cycling gear – has announced Outerbike’s first CEO, Ken Meidell.
Established in 2010, Outerbike is a series of experiential consumer events dedicated to helping riders choose their next bike and explore new cycling gear, with hands-on opportunities to ride bikes and test gear on real trails before making purchasing decisions.
The three-day events are open to avid riders, early adopters, and all cycling curious consumers, based at key MTB destinations. Between activities, exhibitors and attendees enjoy lunch, and later beers, together under the Outerbike tent to convene, chat and compare the finer points of all the gear.
Outerbike’s new CEO most recently served as CEO for Dakine, and has over 15 years of experience in executive roles at Outdoor Research and Cascade Designs. In his new role within Western Spirit, Meidell brings his deep knowledge of growing the consumer experience and his passion for mountain biking and the outdoors to evolve Outerbike in 2019 and beyond.
As a creative leader and solid cyclist, Meidell has fresh insights and ideas for growing Outerbike that best serve the industry, the manufacturers and the consumers. “We are super excited to be partnering with Ken to take Outerbike to the next level,” said Western Spirit CEO, Ashley Korenblat. Outerbike is focused on one thing: providing world class bike demo opportunities for all levels of cyclists, and having Ken on the team will allow us to bring more bikes to more riders in more great places!”
Meidell added: “These weekends unite cyclists with the companies committed to growing our sport as well as allow for newer riders to progress in their journey by building community, courage, and conversation around cycling.”
In 2018, Outerbike events in Crested Butte, Moab, and Bentonville attracted riders from 48 states and 14 countries. A fourth location, Sun Valley, Idaho, has been added for 2019. Over 100 bike and gear brands will be in attendance this year at the following Outerbike experiences:
Outerbike 2019 Schedule
Sun Valley, Idaho
June 21-23, 2019
Crested Butte, Colorado
August 16-18, 2019
Moab, Utah
October 4-6, 2019
Bentonville, Arkansas
October 25-27, 2019
