Woody Scal - CAMELBACK

How long has CAMELBACK been coming to Interbike?

At least since the early 90s. The company was founded in '89..... and it's been coming ever since then.

What is your focus for the show this year?

The focus of the show is....... we now can be in a lot of different segments........ we have new kid's products reaching the children of people who have bought Camelbacks in the past. We've got some new high-end enthusiasts products to keep them interested and give them a new reason to buy Camelbacks........ we've got some new technology....... and then we've got good product for recreational buyers so....... new product for each of the different segments.

This is the largest gathering of cycling industry representatives from all over the world. What is your take on the general attitude for 2002?

I would say surprisingly upbeat. We didn't know especially after Sept. 11th what the show would be like....... and also we've been hearing so much about the industry being a little bit down........ but we're finding people coming in..... writing orders...... a lot of traffic...... and each one of our reps is saying they're having a lot of success for next year...... so it's very, very positive.

Will the Sept. 11th attacks on America and its effect on the economy change any of your business plans for 2002?

Not really...... because the bookings seem to be coming in....... the hydration categories is one of the real growth categories still in the cycling industry. Some of our competitors have not been able to keep up the pace........ those who left the CAMELBACK fold are coming back in and also in general hydration is still growing. We're looking at a very strong year.

Are you happy with this year's show?

Yes we are. I didn't know what to expect but I'm finding that the traffic is good and the attitudes are very good.