November 30, 2005
Communitiy Cycling Center's Holiday Bike Drive
All this talk of bikey wish lists made me realize I haven't talked much about the most heartwarming event of the season: The Community Cycling Center's (CCC) Holiday Bike Drive (HBD). I've been working on this event for about five years and I think it's absolutely amazing.
Through this program, the CCC will provide bikes to 1,000 very deserving little tykes for the winter holidays. Since August, volunteers have been collecting, cleaning and shining bikes. It's going so well, in fact, that Volunteer Coordinator Neal Armstrong (that's his real name!) reports that they've collected nearly 900 bikes to date!
There's still a lot of work to do to get all 1,000 of those hopeful children sponsored for the program. Sponsorship dontations cover all the costs that go into reconditioning the bikes (seats, handle bars, training wheels, new tires) to make them safe. It also covers the costs of a spectacular holiday party for the kids, many of whom come from families that struggle to fill the wish lists of their children.
You can make dreams come true for these little ones by making a $50 sponsorship donation today. If that's too much for you, get some friends or coworkers together and go in on it with you. You can also donate less than $50, for sure. Online, in person, over the phone: plenty of options.
For more information, see the CCC website.
I'd love to hear from some of you who've been there to experience the magic. I know a lot of our readers have volunteered for the event. Isn't it amazing? By the way, there are only a few volunteer slots left, so call Neal at 503/546.8864 if you're interested in helping at the event. STILL NEEDED: lots of skilled mechanics from now until the event to get those bikes in tip-top shape for the kids.
Comments (5) | Posted by orbike at 7:05 AM | Permalink | TrackBack
November 29, 2005
What's on Your Cyclist Wish List?
What do you dream of finding wrapped in a bow and tucked beneath the Christmas tree this year? I'm still waiting for that Vanilla, but in the meantime I'd be happy with a new helmet. It's high time I get something lighter, sleeker and, well, NEWer.
My family just picked wish lists from the family hat - Secret Santa style. Reviewing my list today I realized how bikey it is. What's on your list?
Comments (7) | Posted by orbike at 7:50 AM | Permalink
November 28, 2005
Mt. Hood Summit III: Mtn. Biker Input Wanted
In conjunction with the upcoming Mt. Hood Summit III, Congressman Greg Walden and Earl Blumenauer are asking for the opinion of mountain bikers who enjoy over 300+ miles in the Mt. Hood area.
From the PUMP website:
Press Release from Congressmen Walden and Blumenauer
"Building on the momentum from the two previous Mt. Hood Summits and our
recent bipartisan backpacking adventure around the Mountain on the
Timberline Trail, we invite you to share your spoken and written comments on
Saturday, December 3rd to help us shape the future of this Oregon treasure.
We will present our Blueprint of Principles and Actions to address the
concerns that have been raised throughout the years, including wilderness,
watersheds, recreation, transportation, Native American rights, forest
stewardship, and land exchanges. Your testimony will be important in
finalizing bipartisan legislation and generating new ideas for future
efforts, creating a Mt. Hood Legacy that endures."
Read More from the PUMP point of view.
Indymedia Post about this, with pictures.
Discussion about it on BikePortland.org
Comments (0) | Posted by orbike at 7:22 AM | Permalink
November 24, 2005
Happy Thanksgiving!
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November 23, 2005
Hawthorne Bridge Markings and Lovely Riding Weather
The Hawthorne Bridge sidewalk recently got some new markings to help guide cyclists and pedestrians and prevent conflicts between the two on this busy bridge. Jonathan Maus' blog BikePortland.org has some great info about this that I'll sum up below.
Some people hate the markings because they put the cyclists close to the drop-off into busy bridge auto traffic and because the markings are thick paint that becomes slick when wet. Others, like city Bicycle Coordinator Roger Geller, are okay with the end result, but not happy about the process that got us there. On BikePortland.org, Roger left this comment: "I am concerned about such significant changes made without a broader technical review".
This photo, by Jonathan, may make the lane appear a little narrow, but many cyclists are saying, "ride it, it's not so bad." Now, I'm a Broadway fan myself, so it's not likely I'll check it out any time soon. But why don't you ride it, let me know what you think.
Winter Riding
One thing is for certain, there are still a ton of riders out there. I was on the Broadway Bridge this morning for Shift'smonthly Breakfast on the Bridge and the stream of cyclists heading to downtown was ferocious. Let's see what happens when it starts raining, but I think the sunny cold commute is helping people slowly acclimate to winter riding.
Comments (2) | Posted by orbike at 2:26 PM | Permalink | TrackBack
November 21, 2005
Cyclocross Cowbell Culture
Onlookers ringing cowbells to cheer on the riders is a cyclocross tradition. In fact, they even sell them at River City. A rider recently posed a question on the Cross Crusade Forum wondering about cowbell etiquette.
"Cowbells are greatly welcome and I wish there were more--and cheering in general--crowd voices seem low this year! " commented the poster 1 gear sneer.
But the thread didn't end there.
Check out this funny cowbell medley jingle.
Read the whole discussion.
Comments (1) | Posted by orbike at 8:40 AM | Permalink | TrackBack
November 18, 2005
Free Group Ride to Crown Point Visitors Center
Jeff Bernards, coordinator of the admimrable Get Lit bike light distribution program, just sent out the word about a ride he organized for tomorrow:
Rise above the smog line, enjoy the Refurbishsed Crown Point Visitors Center. This is a medium paced ride & has a slight grade (no steep climbing). Bring lunch or snacks. I've ridden a lot around Portland, this is my favorite ride, by far.
Route: Burnside Bike Path, left on Stark, right on the Old Highway to Crown Point
Meet: BIPARTISAN CAFE 7901 SE Stark
Time: leave 10am
Bring: snack, patch kit, spare tube, camera (the view is awesome)
Questions: 503-774-5659
Hope you can make it.
Jeff
Comments (0) | Posted by orbike at 5:14 PM | Permalink | TrackBack
Cyclocross in Salem
Salem is getting in on the cyclocross action. I just got word that there's a race organized in conjunction with a bike celebration day on December 3rd.
Check out the flyer for details.
So when this Sunday comes and you watch the last Portland race of the season, don't cry - you've still got Salem. Thanks Salem.
Comments (0) | Posted by orbike at 10:30 AM | Permalink | TrackBack
November 16, 2005
Planning for Bike Path from St. John's to Portland
Longtime local biker Joe Adamski just sent out an announcement about planning for a new trail that will connect Cathedral Park with the Eastbank Esplanade. Talk about some great urban path riding!
From the Shift e-mail list:
Friends of the North Willamette Greenway Public Outreach
First Community Meeting
Monday, November 21 2005 @ 7:00 PM Ends 8:00 PM
Water Lab, 6543 N. Burlington, under the east end of the St Johns Bridge.
For more information, contact Pam Arden, pam_arden@hotmail.com or phone 503-708-4697.
Comments (0) | Posted by orbike at 5:36 AM | Permalink | TrackBack
November 15, 2005
Solar Messenger Bike Bag
Finally! The solar messenger bag (Fusion Bag) from Imagine Energy is now out. I've been following the design and production of this bag for a while. A friend of mine had a prototype to test because his company did the design and programming of the website.
Imagine Energy specializes in portable solar energy and they have some really cool products. I think their next bag needs to be for touring. A little cellie usage while bike touring never hurt, just avoid the work calls.
Comments (3) | Posted by orbike at 3:11 PM | Permalink | TrackBack
November 14, 2005
Gordon Price to Speak at Portland Office of Transportation Class
When I took PDOT's Traffic and Transportation class for community advocates, one of the highlights was a presentation by Gordon Price from Vancouver, B.C. talking about great ways to design high density cities with smart transportation options.
I just got word that Gordon will be in Portland for his talk on November 17th. I highly recomend it if you have any interest in transportation issues.
The Portland Office of Transportation's "Traffic & Transportation"
course welcomes Gordon Price to Portland for a special presentation
focusing on the transportation and land use connection in Vancouver
BC.
Gordon Price Presentation
November 17, 6:40
PSU, Shattuck Hall 112
All are welcome to join PDOT's "Portland Traffic & Transportation"
class for a special presentation by Gordon Price on Thursday, November
17 at Portland State University.
Gordon Price, adjunct professor in the School of Community and
Regional Planning at the University of British Columbia and former
member of the Vancouver BC City Council, will make a presentation on
the effective integration of transportation in high-density
environments, with emphasis on land use.
The Portland Traffic & Transportation course is a 10 week course
offered by PDOT and PSU, and is geared toward neighborhood activists
and those interested in learning more about how transportation works
in the Portland region. You can find out more about the class, and
view the syllabus online.
Thank you,
Dan Bower
Project Manager
Office of Transportation
Options Division
Phone 503-823-5667
Fax 503-823-9194
Comments (0) | Posted by orbike at 2:55 PM | Permalink | TrackBack
November 13, 2005
Portland Wheelmen Won't be Portland Bicycle Club
From River City Bicycles' Newsletter
PORTLAND WHEELMEN NAME CHANGE FAILS BY TWO VOTES
Last month, Portland's premier road cycling & touring club voted on whether to change its name to the "Portland Bicycle Club" or stick with its current name: Portland Wheelmen Touring Club (www.pwtc.com). Of the 83 members at the meeting, 54 voted for the name change--just two votes shy of the required two-thirds majority. (For the record, the PWTC's membership currently stands at 620.)
Proponents of the name change list three main reasons to change the club's name:
1. To help define what the club actually is. (What is a "Wheelman," anyway? A man in a wheelchair? Are skateboarders included? Rollerbladers?)
2. Eliminate the perceived sexism in the "Wheelmen" name.
3. Attract new members who may be searching the Internet for local bike clubs using the word "bicycle" and not finding the PWTC.
Those against the name change cited the historical significance of the name "Wheelmen"* and believe that the current name provides not only a unique identity for the club but also valuable brand recognition for the club's events.
This vote came as a disappointing setback for those pushing for a name change. "It is sadly ironic that in a city as progressive and bicycle-friendly as Portland, the local road cycling club persists in clinging to an outdated name," said one current PWTC member.
By comparision, both the League of American Wheelmen, the national organization based in Washington D.C., and the Mid-Valley Wheelmen, a local club based in Corvallis, Ore., changed their names over 10 years ago. They are now known as the League of American Bicyclists (www.bikeleague.org) and the Mid-Valley Bicycle Club (http://www.peak.org/~mvbc/), respectively.
*[The term "wheelman" originated in the late-19th and early-20th centuries, when the vast majority of bicyclists were men and most bicycles had a larger front wheel and a tiny rear wheel. A rider refered to his bicycle as his "wheel," and bicyclists called themselves "wheelmen."]
Comments (2) | Posted by orbike at 12:26 AM | Permalink | TrackBack
November 11, 2005
Bike Gallery Women's Rides
The Bike Gallery Women's Rides are still going strong every Sunday.
These intermediate/advanced rides are generally 20-30 miles and they ride at a moderate pace. Rides start and end at the Hollywood store. In case of inclement weather, call the store first. Rides are sometimes cancelled when the weather is terrible. START: 9:00 am. PHONE: 503-416-BIKE.
Comments (0) | Posted by orbike at 10:08 AM | Permalink | TrackBack
PUMP Swap Meet
PUMP SWAP MEET
As far as Portland United Mountain Pedalers (PUMP) Swap Meet organizer Roger Louton knows, the annual bike sale has been happening since the early 90's. He says he has "only" been involved for 10 years. Though a newer swap has started to happen at the Eagles Lodge on Hawthorne, organized by some local cyclists, the PUMP Swap remains the largest local swap. It's hard to believe that the gearheads in this town are able to wait an entire year to dig through the tables of treasures!
Bike shops show up to unload last year's stock and parts geeks come with boxes of hard-to-find items they've been hoarding all year long. Roger says there are tons of, "good deals on them parts that you wear thru quick, like tires, tubes, grips, jerseys - come on people, neon went out with the late 80's! - and them hard to find 7 and 8 speed drivetrain parts. It's not only mountain bike stuff - we have plenty of people selling classic cruisers, commuters, cyclocross bikes and parts. Roadie stuff too, of course!". Sounds like a little something for everyone.
Fellow PUMP member Brian Combs dons a Dr. Seuss hat and rocks the mic to fire off a manufacturer-donated schwag bit every 15 minutes in the raffle. The swap is PUMP's annual fundraiser and it funds their work advocating for and maintaining mountain bike trails.
Head on out to the PUMP Swap and if you tear your eyes away from the tables, you'll probably see Roger hunting for great deals on tires, chains and cassettes - just a few of his favorite annual finds. In fact, one year he scored on a SRAM 9.0 derailluer. He says that after wearing his out and getting it replaced, "I promptly had the new one torn of in a crash, had to buy another, then found a smokin' deal on one at the swap - just waiting to be used and abused on the trails."
SWAP DETAILS
November 20th from 11-3.
The Friendly House, 1737 NW 26th & Thurman (Located one block east of the Fat Tire Farm).
$2 entry
$15 table fee
Comments (2) | Posted by orbike at 7:22 AM | Permalink | TrackBack
November 10, 2005
Erik Tonkin in Outdoors NW
Local cyclocross racer Erik Tonkin, co-owner of Sellwood Cycle Repair, was featured in the November issue of Outdoors NW.
from: Outdoors NW
By Anne Scalamonti
It takes a little bit of a masochist to be a cyclocross racer.
The courses are muddy and rough, and literally change with the weather.
The rider must bike through these conditions but also dismount and run,
jumping over obstacles and slogging through soupy mud with their bike slung
over one shoulder. It’s not a sport for the faint of heart or those averse
to a little suffering.
That’s why the sport suits elite cyclocross racer Erik Tonkin like a snug
lycra jersey. Tonkin played a key role in founding Team S&M, whom he also
joins for mountain biking and road racing in the summer. Since 2001, the
31-year old athlete has also been a member of the Kona cyclocross team.
When he moved to Portland at the age of 19, he switched from hockey and
mountain biking to cyclocross. Already fit, but by no means in the
condition he is today, the young rider took to the grueling sport
immediately.
“It whipped me into shape pretty fast,” he remembers, “because of the
varied levels of athleticism and aerobics.”
In 1995 – only his third year of cyclocross racing – Tonkin had his
breakthrough at the Estacada Cross Crusade race where he finished in third
place.
A decade later, after winning numerous local and regional races, he was
one of 50 riders from around the world to compete in the 2005 World
Championships in St. Wendel, Germany.
“I’m the only guy in my category I know who is moonlighting as a pro,” he
laughs gently.
In other words, Tonkin doesn’t do it for the money.
Since 1998, he has co-owned southeast Portland’s Sellwood Cycle Repair.
He works 50-60 hours a week, at times rising as early as 5 a.m. to train
before the store opens. And he somehow finds time to organize and teach
weekly local cyclocross clinics with his wife – also a professional racer –
Rhonda Mazza.
The rain-soaked Pacific Northwest, like the rainy, cool climate of the
European countries where cyclocross originated, makes for slick and tricky
trails – perfect for riders like Tonkin.
“I’m at my best when conditions are at their worst,” he says of the
Northwest’s muddy race courses.
He is currently training for the U.S. Cyclocross Nationals and Grand
Prix, and wants to improve his standings at this year’s European Cross Camp
in Belgium.
An exceptional competitor, he stresses that he is part of a cycling
community first, whose success is no less important than his own rankings.
Inspiring passion in other cyclists is most important to him, said Tonkin,
and it benefits him as much as those he instructs.
“The more challengers there are to ride against, the better I’ll get.” He
mentors plenty of riders who are better than him, he says. “It’s honestly
great to watch them improve.”
“Of course, sometimes it stings when they beat you,” he laughs.
— Anne Scalamonti of Portland, Oregon, is an Outdoors NW intern and avid
cyclist.
Comments (0) | Posted by orbike at 8:13 AM | Permalink | TrackBack
November 8, 2005
Time for Gloves
It's always a struggle as winter approaches. Warmth is a must, mobility is also a plus and full rain protection is essential. So what's the glove you wear to give you the coverage you crave for a comfy ride?
Real comments from real riders: Check out the comments for great advice from riders. This is some of the best information out there coming from die-hard Portland/Vancouver riders.
Comments (34) | Posted by orbike at 6:28 AM | Permalink
November 7, 2005
Sloppy Fun : Talking 'Cross
Fellow Portland bike blogger Casey M. calls cyclocross "Sloppy Fun" and wonders how it's possible he didn't catch on until now.
From Bicycle Eye
Natural progression for a cycle-holic has brought me to centuries, bike fairs, daily commuting, mountain bike races, a blog devoted to the sport, the velodrome, and finally to the wonderful wacky world of cyclocross racing. It's like the sky has suddenly opened up for me revealing a glorious new dimension for all my wandering, wondering joy. Why haven't I tried this before? How did this pass under my radar for so long? It's perfect.
Comments (0) | Posted by orbike at 3:01 AM | Permalink
November 3, 2005
Cyclocross Photos
Local photographers (professional and ameture) just can't get enough of the 'cross races! Check out all these great photos, including 'cross racers in speedos and g-strings.
Flying M Ranch 1
Flying M Ranch 2
Flying M Ranch 3
Scouter's Mountain
Veloshop PIR
Alpenrose
Stumptown Classic
Comments (0) | Posted by orbike at 7:33 PM | Permalink
November 2, 2005
Bicyclist Struck with Plastic Bat
Richard Perry, a friend of ORbike, recently relayed to us this story of an incident with his wife and asked that we spread the word:
Two weeks ago my wife, Lisa, was riding her bicycle on Tile Flat Rd. in
Tigard when a car approached her from behind and walloped her on the
rear three times with a small plastic baseball bat. In her shock she
managed to direct her eyes to the license plate number, repeated it over
and over again, and somehow was able to call me at home.
Her panic became mine as she told me what happened. Pretty shaken, I called 911
and told the operator what my wife told me. The 911 operator then
called my wife and said to stay put. A few minutes later two Washington
County sheriffs arrived. Luckily, Lisa was able to give the officers a
description of the passenger. Shortly thereafter they found the
suspect. And to our surprise, he denied it and said that my wife was
out to get him! Yeah, sure, my wife with two kids has nothing better to
do than stock someone!!!.
Anyway, the sheriffs apparently took a mug shot of the man, and brought
a 6 photo line-up to our office where Lisa successfully identified the
man. With that, they arrested the man and now there's trial date.
What's really troubling is that Lisa said it could be a year or more
before she feels she could gather the courage to ride Tile Flat
again--quite possibly one of the best rides we do on a regular basis.
What a bummer!
We can't live in a place of fear--especially in our own native
backyard--and especially considering our growing community of avid
cyclists. I told Lisa to get on her bike and get right out there again,
but the road will never be the same for either of us.
Anyway,I thought I would reach out to my cycling community and ask for
your support and advice as to how far we should push this and what
support might look like .
Many of us have been the subject of irresponsible drivers. Rarely do we
have the wherewithal to get a license plate number and do something
about it.
Thanks, Rick
Comments (8) | Posted by orbike at 10:16 PM | Permalink
November 1, 2005
'Cross Results
Results are out for this past weekend's Cyclocross race at the Flying M Ranch.
I'm always interested in the single speeders, check out the results:
Single Speed results:
rank - name - team - city - age - gender - time
1. David Roth M 0:42:30.26
2. Matthew Slaven Kona Portland, OR 28 M 0:42:40.36
3. Ryan Weaver Gentle Lovers Portland, OR 27 M 0:42:41.36
4. Matthew Hall veloshop Portland, OR 37 M 0:42:49.1 6
5. Sam Richardson Gentle Lovers Portland, OR 29 M 0:43:57.16
6. Pete Zlatnik M 0:45:02.2 66
7. John Walrod River City Bicycles Portland, OR 29 M 0:45:07.36
8. Mark Matson M 0:45:28.26
9. Don Arancibia Logi Velo Portland, OR 41 M 0:45:55.26
10. Tony Pereira 36 M 0:46:24.1 6 10
11. Thadeous Bamford veloshop Portland, OR 28 M 0:46:30.36
Comments (0) | Posted by orbike at 10:28 PM | Permalink