December 30, 2005
River City's Fixed Gear Rides
For four years now David Auker has organized weekly fixed gear rides that start from River City. Rain or shine, 2 people or 16, the group rides. I spent some time asking David about these rides and here's what he had to say.
Why fixed? What's so great about fixed?
Ah, that would take a long time to get close to describing the magic! Suffice it to say it has a certain "feel" of connection to the wheel, and this is the appeal. Skill-wise, it's both more difficult and easier than a gearS bike; it gives an incredible feeling to the outer quad when applying back-pressure to the drivetrain (to slow down), and this is the same muscle-usage that takes some easing into (if you want to walk for the next week!). I will say it's not universal in appeal to everyone, and not to be ridden exclusively (for flyin' countryside rides, gearS IS fun!).
What bike do you ride
I have two fixed-gears: a rain fendered, and a light carbon; both road bikes, both 42x18 gears.
What keeps you going in the winter (you personally).
It's like visiting the wilderness when the weather is "adverse;" we are responsible for protecting ourselves against the elements, and this is so different than the normal lifestyles our modern climate-controlled environs offer. I get a lot of satisfaction from devising clothing to fit the outdoor conditions. It's a way to keep from getting too soft, and I think we need to do physically taxing "fight or flight" body moves most every day...cycling is great for that (a steep hill takes everything we can muster!).
Who shows up?
We've had up to about 16 riders, and they range from racer-types to serious commuter-types.
Any memorable moments on the rides?
In the past, our decision of where to ride was discussed that morning, so we sometimes got exploratory and ended up on some "interesting" roads, like narrow highways in the rain. Fun, but now we always do the same route, which makes it easy to just head out and do the ride! I guess we've had one shoulder separation injury from a crash, but besides a flat tire here and there, nothing too dramatic has befallen us.
Comments (0) | Posted by orbike at 10:10 AM | Permalink
Bike Resolutions
I was just reading an e-mail from Porter, one of the founders of ORbike, and he was talking about a few resolutions he has for the new year. I always say I'll ride more - endurance style - so this is the year for it. What are your resolutions? Will you ride your bike more? Be more dilligent about cleaning your bike? Make it to more bike events? Attack those hills with vigor? Tell Us!
Comments (4) | Posted by orbike at 9:38 AM | Permalink
December 29, 2005
Jurors Selected for Filmed by Bike
The Jury Team has just been announced for Filmed by Bike. These honored folks will select film shorts for this local festival held in late April.
Denk, Chunk 666
John Foyston, reporter and bike/beer enthusiast - The Oregonian
Todd Boulanger, board member - Bikestation
Jonathan Maus, BikePortland.org
Kim Fey, Director - North Portland BikeWorls
Comments (0) | Posted by orbike at 7:13 AM | Permalink
December 28, 2005
Bike Hotspots in Vancouver, BC?
I'm headed to Vancouver, BC for New Year's with some other bikey Portland people. We're taking the train, bringing our bikes and heading out of the country for just a bit. I went up there once before and totally loved it. The people are friendly (yes, friendlier than Portland) and the streets are great for biking (yes, more so than Portland).
What do you like to do and where do you like to go in Vancouver?
Comments (2) | Posted by orbike at 10:18 AM | Permalink
Erik Tonkin Racing Hard in Belgium
Jonathan Maus from BikePortland.org summarized an OBRA post from Erik Tonkin, a local cyclocross racer who is currently "racing his heart out on the World Cup cyclocross circuit."
READ ERIK'S POST
Comments (0) | Posted by orbike at 7:42 AM | Permalink
December 27, 2005
Favorite Bike Events of 2005?
Oh 2005, there are so few of your days left! I always like to spend December thinking about what a great year it has been, and for me that means reflecting on bike events. What were your favorites rides, races and events of 2005? I'm keeping a tally and will post the results. Leave a comment.
Comments (10) | Posted by orbike at 7:16 AM | Permalink
During NYC Strike, Bikes Kept Commuters Moving
Noah Bundick from Transportation Alternatives (the BTA of NYC) says that bikes were key in getting people around the city during the recent NYC transit strike. "On an average day, about 120,000 New Yorkers ride bicycles. During the transit strike, that number increased 500% as New Yorkers braved freezing temperatures and hopped on their bikes. 900 an hour biked across the Brooklyn Bridge and 800 an hour crossed the Queensboro Bridge during peak commute times." READ MORE
Comments (0) | Posted by orbike at 7:00 AM | Permalink
December 23, 2005
Happy Holidays From ORbike.com!
Comments (0) | Posted by orbike at 7:27 AM | Permalink
December 20, 2005
What's so Great About Mt. Bike Oregon?
We've got a special holiday offer going for Mt. Bike Oregon so of course we're getting a lot of e-mails about the event. So what's so great about the event? Well, for starters, it's only $130 for an all-inclusive weekend: Three meals a day, camping, shuttles to the trails in Oakridge, outdoor music and movies at night, free beer, camping along side the refreshing Willamette River... Actually, one rider summed it up best last year while we were sitting in the beer garden watching movies. He turned to me and said, "You know why this is so great? All we have to do is ride. You guys do the rest. That's exactly what I want."
And that's exactly what we've got for you on Mt. Bike Oregon. Special pricing ends on December 24th, so sign up now.
Comments (0) | Posted by orbike at 4:38 PM | Permalink
December 19, 2005
Give the Gift of RIDES!
MT BIKE OREGON - Aug 18-20 *SPECIAL* only $130 (3 days) / $230 (5 days)
Three days of totally epic riding in Oakridge, Oregon. You and your buddies ride, we take care of the rest. Free camping, a beer garden, three meals provided daily, shuttles to the trails and more - while surrounded by the splendor of Oakridge. . . . . . PURCHASE TICKETS
WORST DAY OF THE YEAR RIDE - February 12 *SPECIAL* only $20
This great ride is SO VERY Portland and makes a unique and fun holiday gift. Cold, Wet, and Raining...a perfect day for a ride. 18 urban miles (and a 40-mile challenge loop) - perfect for all skill levels. Great food along the way and chili, cornbread and chicken noodle soup at the Lucky Lab finish line. 100% of the proceeds benefit the Community Cycling Center, making this an extra special gift! . . . . .PURCHASE TICKETS
REACH THE BEACH - May 20th * SPECIAL* only $60
The official kick-off to the riding season and the second largest ride in Oregon. Start from any of four locations through upper Oregon with different distances and a goal of reaching an awesome beach party in Pacific City. When you and your friends ride, you support the American Lung Association of Oregon's efforts to promote lung health and prevent asthma. . . . . CALL TO PURCHASE: Clara 503-924-4094 x11
Comments (0) | Posted by orbike at 7:16 AM | Permalink
December 16, 2005
ORbike Supports the Bike Park
We've reviewed PUMP's proposal and we agree! Our mission is to support cycling in Oregon and we support the construction of a mountain bike park in Portland.
Comments (2) | Posted by orbike at 12:41 PM | Permalink
Bike Gallery Supports Proposal for a Public Bike Park in Portland
From the Bike Gallery's newsletter:
Portland United Mountain Pedalers (PUMP) - Portland's largest mountain bike club - has launched a proposal for building a state-of-the-art Freeride Mountain Bike Park in Portland. Talks have already started on a suitable location for the park, but what PUMP needs most at this time is the strong backing from the Portland bike community. We here at the Bike Gallery think that a public Mountain Bike Park would be a very cool addition to the Portland "bike landscape", so we encourage you to check out PUMP's proposal and sign their petition.
Comments (0) | Posted by orbike at 10:13 AM | Permalink
Natural Alternative to Gatorade?
The Shift e-mail list has been having an interesting dicussion on natural alternatives to Gatorade. You can read the original post and follow-up suggestions in the archives.
Comments (1) | Posted by orbike at 7:12 AM | Permalink
December 15, 2005
Winter Riding Isn't so Bad
I've been really cold while riding lately so I keep cruising the net for info on places where it's colder. Reading about extreme winter riding keeps me in check: compared to them we've got it pretty good here. My latest favorites:
Winter Riding in Alaska
Chicago's Bike Winter Movement
Clothing Tips from Ohio
Ice Bike: Home of the Winter Cyclist
Comments (0) | Posted by orbike at 11:22 AM | Permalink
December 14, 2005
Mt. Bike Oregon Additional Holiday Discount
Team ORbike just added in another great holiday gift special for you not-dinking-around mountain bikers: The Mt Bike Oregon Hardcore: five full days of biking and camping in Oakridge for only $230. Makes a great gift for the gift-giver, even if you're stuffing your own stocking.
Comments (0) | Posted by orbike at 7:59 AM | Permalink
December 13, 2005
Holiday Bike Drive
Last Sunday, the Community Cycling Center filled the Legacy hospital atrium with bikes for their Holiday Bike Drive. They invited musicians and face painters, set out snacks, recruited 200 volunteers and welcomed hundreds of children to the party. The children got matched up with a volunteer buddy to cruise the aisles and look for a very special bike. The children received helmets and helmet training and also a custom bike fitting.
Hundreds more children will receive bikes next Sunday in Vancouver. Volunteers are needed. I've been at the Holiday Bike Drive for the last five years and believe me, you don't want to miss it. The Holiday Bike Drive is a pretty special event. For more information, see the CCC's website.
Comments (0) | Posted by orbike at 2:16 PM | Permalink
December 12, 2005
BTA Says the Heat is on!
Brita from the BTA just sent out an exciting announcement that they are a strong contender for the "most gifts given" status through the Wlillamette Wee's online Give!Guide. What's the big deal? Well, if the BTA gets the most individual contributions, they could win a $1,000 matching grant to support their ongoing work.
FROM BRITA AT THE BTA:
The heat is on! The BTA is a strong contender for "the most gifts given" through the Willamette Week's online GiveGuide - and your participation can help push the BTA into first place. It's quick and easy to turn a small contribution into $1000!
The Give Guide (
Give now - the opportunity to contribute ends 12/31/05! The size of your donation doesn't matter, just the total number of donations: $5, $10, or $15 counts as much as a $500 donation for the matching prize:
With those matching funds, the BTA could work even harder to make kids and adults happier and healthier, decrease congestion and increase clean air, and continue to make our region a national model for great biking.
This is also a great way for your friends and family members to support YOUR commitment to better biking and the BTA - encourage your crew to make a contribution at a level that's comfortable for them. Even a small contribution might make a big difference for the BTA!
Many thanks in advance from your loyal BTA staff!
--
Brita Johnson | Program Director and Volunteer Coordinator
tel 503.226.0676 x13 | fax 503.226.0498 | brita@bta4bikes.org
Comments (0) | Posted by orbike at 5:25 PM | Permalink
Pedalite - What do you think?
My friend Brandon just discovered this pedal with built in LEDs. According to their website, the pedals use "energy storage technology to remain illuminated long after the cyclist stops pedalling". I'm all for lights that don't have to be removed for security reasons, but I'm not sure what I think of thise product. What do you think?
Read more on the Pedalite website and let me know what you think (leave a comment here).
Comments (5) | Posted by orbike at 7:17 AM | Permalink
December 9, 2005
Planning for Great Bike Events in Portland
At the ORbike headquarters, we're busy planning for next year's amazing calendar of events. Yeah, you're going to have a great time with us. Good Sport Promotions, our event planning arm, has a jam-packed schedule for 2006.
As part of our planning, we want to hear from you! Do you and your friends sit around thinking, "I wish there were an event like..." or "That was fun, but I wish they had..."? Tell us! And take part in the web surveys (like these) we'll be featuring on this site over the next few months.
Our goal? To make sure you can have as much fun as possible on your bike and to help you be a good sport.
Comments (0) | Posted by orbike at 3:09 PM | Permalink
December 8, 2005
Coffee and Bikes: Touring in Brazil with Nossa Familia
Augusto Carneiro grew up in Brazil biking around on his family's coffee farm. He lives in Portland now and started a company, Nossa Familia, to import his family's delicious coffee. His coffee was a featured hit on Cycle Oregon where he provided countless iced mochas along the route. Augusto combined his love of coffee and bikes and recently took a crew of friends back to his homeland to cycle the coffee fields. I interviewed Augusto on my radio show a while ago and got wind of this trip, so I'm trying to make sure I'm on the list to go next year if the trip repeats. How great would that be?
Augusto and company just recently returned. You can read all about their trip and see great photos on the Nossa Familia website
Comments (0) | Posted by orbike at 7:17 AM | Permalink
December 7, 2005
Nominate Your Bike Heroes for Alice B. Toeclips Award
The Alice B. Toeclips Awards are the Bicycle Transportation Allicance's (BTA) way of recognizing bike advocates throughout Oregon. It's basically THE award to get if you're a total bike enthusiast. And there's a fun party in conjunction, complete with wine at every table and a well-stocked silent auction.
Here's more info from Brita at the BTA:
On March 4th, 2006, the Alice B. Toeclips Awards Party will honor bike advocates from around Oregon and SW Washington who were nominated by their peers. It's time once again for the bike community to praise and laud the everyday heroes who make biking safer, easier and more fun!
Who in your community - an individual, business, government agency or other group - has provided inspiration to cyclists or helped make bikes a part of the fabric of your community?
NOMINATE ONLINE
Find out about the PARTY
See past WINNERS
Nominations are due on January 10th, 2006. Past winners are not eligible to win again. Nomination via fax or mail is available - please contact Brita Johnson at the Bicycle Transportation Alliance: 503.226.0676 x13 or brita [at] bta4bikes.org.
Comments (0) | Posted by orbike at 12:09 PM | Permalink
December 6, 2005
KBOO Bike Show
In addition to hanging out in the ORbike world and on this blog, I host a bike radio show with Sara Stout (thanks for the photo, Jonathan). We're on community radio KBOO 90.7 fm first Wednesdays from 9-10 am.
TUNE IN! - Wed 12/7, 9-10 am - 90.7 fm or streaming live at KBOO.fm
This month we'll be interviewing esteemed bike lawyer Ray Thomas about the new passing on the right law that goes into effect in January. We'll also interview organizer Jonathan Maus and artist Carye Bye from the BikeCraft Faire.
Comments (0) | Posted by orbike at 10:08 AM | Permalink
"Official Winter Riding Gear" : a Recipe from Illinois
I'm from Illinois so info about bike riding in Illinois tends to catch my eye. A guy who goes by the handle Double_d posted his prescription for what clothing combo to wear in different riding temperatures and called it the "Official Winter Riding Gear". He's got it all figured out, all the way down to zero. What do you think?
Here's a guide to what to wear at what temp. All Temps are Farenheit
70's
ss jersey
shorts
60's
ss synthetic undershirt
ss jersey
shorts or knickers
Optional
Arm Warmers
Knee Warmers
Wind Vest
50's
ls synthetic undershirt
ss jersey
knickers or lycra tights
wind vest
headband or cycling cap inside your helmet
Optional
Arm Warmers
Leg Warmers
Wind Jacket
Glove Liners
wool socks
40's
ls jersey
synthetic undershirt
polypro tights over shorts
wool socks
Windstopper fleece vest
head band under helmet
Optional
GoreTex Jacket
Glove Liners
Goretex Socks
Winter shoes
30's
ls jersey
synthetic T-zip Capilene ls
polypro tights over shorts
wool socks
Wind vest
GoreTex Jacket
head band under helmet
Winter shoes
Optional
Winter Windstopper tights
Balaclava
Winter Gloves
20's
ls jersey
synthetic T-zip Capilene ls
Winter Windstopper tights over shorts
wool socks
Windstopper vest
GoreTex Jacket
head band or balaclava under helmet
Winter shoes
Winter Gloves
Optional
Chemical Toe warmers
Zero to 10
ls jersey
synthetic T-zip Capilene ls
BMX Style Pants or full Windstopper Fleece Pants over shorts
wool socks with Chemical Toe warmers
Fleece Jacket
GoreTex Jacket
Downhill Ski Helmet
Winter shoes
Winter Gloves
Optional
Chemical hand warmers
Ski Goggles
Psychological Evaluation
Hope this helps.............You should start the ride feeling a little cold, because you're gonna heat up once you enter the woods and get your swerve on. I like to vent my arms and keep my core warm.
Comments (3) | Posted by orbike at 7:52 AM | Permalink
December 5, 2005
Holiday Bike Drive Vancouver NEEDS you
I'm keeping close tabs on the Community Cycling Center's Holiday Bike Drive and I just got word from volunteer coordinator Neal Armstrong that they've still got slots open for volunteers in for the events in Portland (12/11) and Vancouver (12/18). They could especially use more people in Vancouver.
Volunteers are needed for all sorts of roles and no special skills are required. For more info, send an e-mail to Neal [at] CommunityCyclingCenter.org or see the CCC website.
Comments (0) | Posted by orbike at 10:46 AM | Permalink
December 4, 2005
Portland Bike Craft Faire
I'm getting really excited for the BikeCraft Faire organized by Jonathan Maus. I just think it's a great idea to bring together artists who use bikes as inspiration in their work for a holiday fair - just in time for gift giving season.
Wednesday, December 7th, 4-8 pm
Urban Grind, NE 22nd and Oregon [map]
There will be a bike art making station hosted by the Community Cycling Center, a sewing machine bike, potentially a frame building demo by Sacha White of Vanilla Bicycles, kid activities, bike films and more.
BikeCraft is organized in tandem with the Shift Winter Social, a chance to learn more about this bike culture group and how you can be involved.
Comments (0) | Posted by orbike at 2:05 PM | Permalink
December 3, 2005
Cyclocross Don't Stop
Oh, so the cyclocross season isn't over afterall? I mean, tonight is the Cross Crusade series end-of-season party, but Veloshop just announced one last race at Blue Lake.
IF YOU GO to the party
* Bring your own beer. The beer line is reportedly way long
* Get ready for a packed house. I've heard there were 400 people last year
* Bring your flame retardant burly for the pyrotechnic displays of John "the Wizard" Myers
Comments (0) | Posted by orbike at 12:14 PM | Permalink
December 2, 2005
Filmed by Bike: Call for Entries - bike-themed film shorts
Winter, with its tiny calendar of rides and races, is a great time to catch up on your creative projects. In fact, its a great time to prepare a film for Filmed by Bike.
>>> DETAILS
...screening: April 2006, Clinton Street Theater
...deadline: March 15th, 2006
...to enter: see the website
Every spring I put together a film festival of bike-themed film shorts. What started as a 80-person festival with five filmmakers (10 films) and a sold out venue has grown to now include filmmakers from around the country, 275 attendees...and we're still selling our our venue each year. This year we're adding a second screening.
What is most exciting about this festival, to me, is that it serves as a catalyst for first-time filmmakers who are encouraged by knowing there will be an audience for their creations. The films provide a unique glimpse at bike culture across the country.
Just because many of the submissions come from first time filmmakers doesn't mean it's a fest of shakey-hand, long, drawn out, poorly edited films. Actually, many of the first time filmmakers have turned out some real gems!
Comments (0) | Posted by orbike at 9:00 AM | Permalink | TrackBack
December 1, 2005
Bike Gallery's Commute Clinic / BikeWinter
I remember the first time I rode in the rain in Portland and wasn't totally hating it. I had just crossed the Broadway Bridge heading downtown. Dusk was creeping up on me and I was fully suited up for the weather. As I decended the hill toward the post office, I looked over and saw about 10 other random bikers heading east-bound. And it just clicked - this isn't so bad, it feels really good to be out riding. I've been riding every day since.
Bike Gallery is hosting a bike commute clinic at their Hollywood store (5253 NE Sandy Blvd) tomorow at 6 p.m. If you're new to commuting and haven't ridden in the winter, this one's for you! And for you die-hards who have friends who don't winter-ride, this is your chance to help them catch the fever!
Topics include:
- bike commute safety tips,
- recommendations on commuter bikes and accessories,
- dressing for all-weather commuting,
- commuter bike maintenance, and
- rules of the road.
Both novice and seasoned bike commuters are welcome. Expect plenty of "show-and-tell" of all the cool gear available to make your commute fun, comfortable and safe.
And to top it off they will serve yummy hot cider.
Speaking of winter riding, we don't have it so bad. In Chicago, it gets so terrible that bike enthuiasts created the popular BikeWinter movement to keep fellow riders motivated through the freeze-your-rear-off midwest winters. Now that's gutsy!
Comments (0) | Posted by orbike at 1:17 PM | Permalink
Cyclocross Cross Crusade Series Awards Ceremony
Oh the season is over. But it's not time to cry, it's time to party! Portland's cross series blew the nation out of the water with record attendance and strong racers. It's time to celebrate.
FROM THE CROSS CRUSADE ORGANIZERS:
Once again Time draws nigh for one and all to honor the warriors of renown and to recall the great deeds that have made the 2005 River City Bicycles Cyclocross Crusade the biggest, baddest and bestest cyclocross series in the whole U.S of A!!!
- Prizes for Cross Crusade Series Winners and Whiners
- The bestowing of the "Golden Bag of Sand" and other special recognition awards
- Medals for State Champs
- Doorway of Doom Raffle
- Witness the S.S. Series Points Equation of Wonderment (A Custom Vanilla Frameset to the winner!)
- Touch the Eternal Mullet of the Perpetually Unshaven Dungeon Master Bradley Ross!
- Unveiling of the 2005 Cyclocross Crusade Series DVD by John "Paparazzi" Wilson
Food, beer and more.
Only on Saturday, December 3rd 2005. Doors open at 6pm and awards start at 7pm at the Mountain Cycle/ Kinesis facility located at 3808 N. Williams Ave.
MORE INFO on the Cross Crusade website
Comments (0) | Posted by orbike at 6:38 AM | Permalink