We were really excited about the first ever Bikefest Treadlie Market!  Together with Melbourne Bikefest we spent months putting together a programe of events, getting some fabulous stallholders involved and going all out to ensure that Melbourne bike riders got to enjoy three days of fabulous bike fun! 

Held from February 17-19th the Bikefest Treadlie Market at Birrarung Marr was nestled within the Sustainable Living Festival, bringing huge crowds out to discover all the fabulous products our stallholders had bought with them. Three days of stunning weather ensured great crowds to keep stall holders busy and for all of our events.

Friday kicked off with the opening of the market, including the Etsy Pimp My Ride stall, followed by a mini film-festival on wheels hosted by Projector Bike. Knog came to the party providing prizes of lights and locks to some of the one hundred or so participants on the ride. 

Saturday was a gorgeous day with the market in full swing as the crowds descended on Birrarung Marr. The morning saw a Swap Meet, organised by Commuter Cycles, followed by Best In Show in the afternoon. Etsy's Pimp My Ride stall helped many an entrant prepare their bike for the competition and also provided prizes for the winner of the Beauty Queen category. Rapha, Melbourne Bikefest, and Knog also provided prizes. The test ride area was buzzing and the valet parking provided by Roll Up was in great demand all day. 

Not even the threat of thunderstorms could keep the crowds away on Sunday.  Brunswick Cycling Club arrived at the market at dawn to set up their vintage rollers for a great day of roller racing. It was fabulous seeing so many people prepareed to have a go, the young, the old and the hopelessly unprepared on a range of bikes from track to electric low-riders!  Ron D Swan provided prizes for winners in each category. Meanwhile in the afternoon the awards ceremony for the Better By Bike design competition was held. Sponsored by Onitsuka Tiger and Treadlie, winners in both the judges and people's choice awards left with great prize packs. All finalists also received a prize pack from the fabulous Onitsuka Tiger. 

All the best things come to an end and the Bikefest Treadlie Market was alas, no exception. You can check out more of the fun with our photos here or read what The Squeaky Wheel had to say about it!