‘They’ve really upgraded this’: You can get yourself some gear at the first annual Bend Bike Fest

(Update: adding video, comments from Bend cyclist, Bend Endurance Academy)

BEND, Ore. (KTVZ) - Volunteers were busy Friday at The Pavilion, preparing for the first-ever Bend Bike Fest, happening this weekend.

Produced by the Bend Endurance Academy, the festival is the new event home of the Bend Bike Swap from years past. 

Jillian Fortner is visiting Friday's Volunteer Day for the festival to learn more about the event. She'll be there live tonight on KTVZ News.

Attendees will have the opportunity to consign new and used gear and bikes, browse offerings from local businesses and nonprofit vendors and enjoy live music, food and drinks. The event also features games and raffle prizes.

Funds raised during the event will directly support the nonprofit's mission of increasing accessibility to youth sports and recreation in Central Oregon.

“We're all about spreading sports and making it more accessible for riders who might not have the opportunity to do it otherwise,” said Conor Munns, mountain biking program director with the Bend Endurance Academy.

We learned Friday that the event has reached full capacity for gear and is no longer accepting additional items. More than 1,000 items have already been registered for the event.

Bend resident Dan Smith has been a part of the cycling community for 30 years. He stopped by The Pavilion on Friday to drop off some gear.

"It's stuff that I'm no longer going to use or need and hopefully can go to a good cause. That would be fantastic,” Smith said.

Some of the items he brought were bicycles, wheels, saddles, stems and handlebars.

"We have such an outdoor community, especially here in Bend," Munn said. "This festival aspect brings more people here, whether they're looking to buy a bike or just share the stroke of bike season."

Munns noted that while there are bike festivals in Washington and California, there hasn’t been one in Oregon for some time. They’re excited to finally bring it to the High Desert.

"Last year it was in a warehouse. They've really upgraded this." Smith said.

The Bike Swap and Fest Expo runs Saturday and Sunday at The Pavilion in Bend.