Mississippi Valley Bike Expo & Outdoor Expo

Only the most dedicated cyclists have been able to get out and ride since the start of the new year. But spring is coming at some point, and if you want to get a jump on the season, there's no better place to be than the Mississippi Valley Bike & Outdoor Expo. More than 100 vendors selling cycling necessities, running and hiking gear, and camping equipment will fill the Gateway Center (1 Gateway Drive, Collinsville, Illinois; www.bikeandoutdoorexpo.com) from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. today. There's a gear swap where you can sell your still serviceable equipment to other thrifty riders, a climbing wall and the return of the Spokes Virtual Bike Races. Admission is $10 to $12 (but free for kids younger than twelve), and part of the proceeds benefit the BWorks Earn-A-Bike program for children.