Thank 7-Eleven. Not only does it bring Slurpees to the world, the store chain sponsored a group of bikers back in 1981, creating a team that would transform the country’s relationship with the sport. Geoff Drake chronicled the growth of the country’s first pro cycling team in his book Team 7-Eleven and appears Friday at Elliott Bay Bicycles. He’ll share the tale of their two-wheeled dominance, including how it took Olympic speed skaters to make the landmark team.

Besides hosting the signing, the Pike Place Market-adjacent store will serve wine and cheese from 5 to 7pm. A $2,200 titanium bike frame is up for raffle, so one lucky bike nerd will get more than a history lesson. New copies of NW Cyclist will be on hand along with store owners and custom bike makers Bob Freeman and Bill Davison. Oh, and there’s a flash sale, so follow Hilary Meyerson of Outdoors NW magazine on Twitter (@outdoorsnw) for details.

The event is a good kickoff to this weekend’s Seattle Bicycle Expo. The largest consumer bike event in the country begins Saturday morning at the Smith Cove Cruise Terminal; look for demos, gear exhibits, and a photography show. There’s even a DIY booth where you can make a cycling cap or reflective vest. Stylish!