Trail Blazer: Putting a Spin on Oktoberfest

WALKING INTO A BIKE SHOP as a first-timer can be a tad overwhelming. Tall, lanky (and often pungent) dudes walking around in spandex asking about "cranks" and "shifters" usually don't help a newbie feel any smarter, either. Jakob Wolf-Barnett wants to change that. "We want to get rid of the intimidation factor," Revolution Cycles' head of operations says. "And just have a fun, no-pressure environment for people to try bikes out." Enter Biketoberfest (Revolutioncycles.com).

Head to Occoquan Regional Park (9520 Ox Road, Lorton, Va.; 703-690-2121) on Sunday from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. for the free festival that'll please pedalers of all skill levels. Cycling safety experts and advocacy leagues will be on ‘hand to answer beginning riders' questions, and bike manufacturers will preview '09 Trek makes and models.

Gearheads and newbies alike will spin in a tizzy over the 80 demo bikes available for test-rides: There's a 7-mile course for road riders, a 0.75-mile loop for hybrids and a 1.1-mile rootsy route for mountain bikers. Post ride, grab a burger and sprawl on a patch of grass to watch a cycling gear fashion show. You'll see the latest in pro to commuter wear. Because, seriously, a hot bike is one thing; looking smashing in your Lycra is another.

Photo courtesy of iStock