January 31, 2006
Stumptown vs. Stumpjumper: Mountain Cycle vs. Specialized
From the totally ridiculous department
I just have to repost this story from BikePortland.org because I think it's ridiculous. Apparently Specialized is all up in arms because they think North Portland-based Mountain Cycle is using a bike model name too close to the Specialized Stumpjumper. Mountain Cycle has a cyclocross model called Stumptown.
First off, I don't think the names are that similar. Secondly, we're in Stumptown. Thirdly they're bikes for different purposes. And finally, I don't believe Mountain Cycle would copy the name to try to boost business. I think Specialized is way off the mark here.
[ ...Read More ]
Comments (0) | Posted by orbike at 9:47 AM | Permalink | TrackBack
January 30, 2006
Cyclocross Worlds Results
The cyclocross worlds results are in. Local racer Rhonda Mazza placed 24th.
Comments (1) | Posted by orbike at 9:20 AM | Permalink | TrackBack
January 27, 2006
Best Bike Lights?
I'm embarrassed to admit it, but lately my light situation has been abysmal. I lost the front light then the rear light died. Replaced them. Front light got water damaged. Rear light broke off. Old front light found, replaced, rear light is, er, still not replaced. It's pathetic, it's unsafe and I know better.
As I was leaving my neighborhood yesterday, I was blinded by two headlights coming at me, but instead be being side-by-side they were up and down. It was a rider with a headlight and a handle bar light that were as bright and broad as car headlights. I certainly saw him. It made me reconsider my light situation.
Only, this time, I'm done with weak lights that don't light up my path. What lights do you rock? What lasts? What's bright? What is convenient? What's worth the cost?
Comments (13) | Posted by orbike at 9:20 AM | Permalink | TrackBack
Erik Tonkin Blog
Local racer Erik Tonkin is roaming around the international circuit as an Elite Racer for USA Cycling, but it's not like we know less about what he's up to while he's away from the home soil. Erik started blogging through BikePortland.org and now we get to read all about his exciting adventures.
Comments (0) | Posted by orbike at 7:44 AM | Permalink | TrackBack
January 26, 2006
TriMet on the KBOO Bike Show
Have you heard about the cyclist who blocked a TriMet bus and was punched by a rider who was let off the bus? Probably you have because it was front page news in the Oregonian. Well, the issue has really blown up. People have all sorts of opinions on the incident, but now they are also having heated discussions about the behaviors of TriMet operators. Even the folks of Breakfast on the Bridge are getting involved to give doughnuts to bus drivers as a thank you for sharing the road. Jonathan Maus's blog BikePortland.org has about 160 posts on all the TriMet articles combined!
It's apparent people have a lot to say, so I've invited Kiran Limaye, TriMet Bicycle Coordinator, to come on the KBOO Bike Show (my radio program) along with bus operator Leroy Minner. Wed 2/1, 9-10 am. 90.7fm.
For information on the different ways you can listen to the program, even if you don't live here or can't listen when the program is on, see our website.
Comments (0) | Posted by orbike at 8:08 AM | Permalink | TrackBack
January 25, 2006
Celebrating Portland
The Bike Gallery is so excited about all the Portland bike activity these days - including the new Trek Portland and the recent honor from Bicycling Magazine - that they're throwing a party.
"To celebrate these wonderful achievements, we are hosting a little thank-you party on Thursday February 2nd at the Downtown Bike Gallery, where we will honor the bicycle advocates and riders who helped put Portland on the map as "the City that Rides."
[ ...Read More ]
Comments (0) | Posted by orbike at 11:14 AM | Permalink | TrackBack
January 24, 2006
Karie Mawer's Weight Loss Journey
Karie Mawer says she had "a victory" the first time she rode the Community Cycling Center's Worst Day of the Year Ride. It was the first organized ride she participated in and she signed up as part of what she calls her "weight loss journey."
Though she rode a heavy mountain bike along the course, Karie had a great time and was instantly hooked, "The ride started an obsession with cycling, I soon purchased my first road bike."
Other rides followed, including rides with the Portland Wheelmen Touring Club, a local riding group known for motivating cyclists to ride further and faster, while having fun.
In summer, the finishing of a Triathalon in June marked a high point in Karie's journey - she placed third in her division.
And the weight loss? There have been victories there for Karie as well. "I have lost an accumulative 50 pounds to date with the help of these activities and have about 50 more pounds to lose." she says.
[ ...Read More ]
Comments (2) | Posted by orbike at 8:01 AM | Permalink | TrackBack
January 23, 2006
Win a one-week tour - Sustainable Energy in Motion
The Portland Peace and Justice Center is offering a chance to win a free pass to their one-week Sustainable Energy in Motion tours. Organizer Vladislav Davidson reports that riders on last year's tours had a great time and there are even more events planned for this year.
Each tour is different. For example:
Permaculture & Sustainability Tour
"Ride through the lush Willamette River Valley, home to innumerable wineries, fruit orchards, and beautiful scenery. Many, however, are not aware of the presence of the many progressive organizations with truly international repute, with whom we will be working and learning."
To sign up for your chance to win, just visit the The Portland Peace and Justice Center website.
Comments (0) | Posted by orbike at 11:22 AM | Permalink | TrackBack
January 21, 2006
The Handlebar - Chicago
Hey! Where's Portland's bike bar? Vancouver, WA has Bortolami Pizzaria steeped in bike racing culture. And I'm in Chicago right now and they've got The Handlebar, a fun bike-themed bar. When's Portland going to catch on? I guess we're lucky because bikers are pretty much found everywhere, but it would be great to have a bar that honors our bike culture.
Have you seen those new bike signs that indicate how far it is to different sections of the city? I head it took nearly 10 years to get those in place and I don't even think they are all that readable. Chicago has had those for years and they work really well. I lived in the Chicago area about 7 years ago and it certainly wasn't the bikey place it is today. Mayor Daley commutes by bike to work and is trying to make this the greenest city, so he has put a lot of effort into making Chicago a bike friendly town. [ ... read more ]
It snowed a lot here last night. People were totally still on bikes. Some areas got up to 15 inches of snow. Most of downtown only got 4 inches. That didn't stop the bikers, and the Handlebar was filled to capacity. In the restroom I saw the tag of Portland-based bike crew C.H.U.N.K. 666, a sign that other Portlanders had come before me. It was a good night at the bar.
[ ...More on winter biking in Chicago ]
Comments (3) | Posted by orbike at 10:30 AM | Permalink | TrackBack
January 20, 2006
BTA's New Website
BTA has a new website. I had heard it was coming for a while and just saw the new edition today. The new site is full of great information and even has a blog. BTA is really active and even has a full-time lobbyist, and now with the new site they'll be able to easily tell everyone about their good work "opening minds and roads to bicycling. Looks like they still have some kinks to work out (dead pages and all) but it's a lively improvement.
Comments (0) | Posted by orbike at 7:06 AM | Permalink | TrackBack
January 19, 2006
Do Tattoos Block Sweat Glands?
Do tattoos block sweat glands? Most of us probably wouldn't care, but the optimal-performance enthusiasts who read VeloNews do care and someone wrote in to their training advice column about it. They're racers, or trying to be, and wouldn't want to do anything that might inhibit their performance. The short answer: maybe kind of.
Comments (0) | Posted by orbike at 9:50 AM | Permalink | TrackBack
January 18, 2006
Logo Contest - win FREE passes to Mt. Bike Oregon
We're looking for the perfect logo for
DETAILS:
Logo must sent as a high resolution image
Adobe Illustor files preferred
A three-color design is preferred
mail to: Ayleen[at]MtBikeOregon.com
RECOMMENDED:
Check out our website, see what the ride is all about and design a logo that fits. I can tell you now that we won't be too interested in anything too inticate or too cheesy/cartoonish.
Those 2 free passes are a $350 value. Includes three days of riding, three delicious meals a day, shuttles to the trails, two nights at the campground, nightly entertainment and much more. See
Comments (2) | Posted by orbike at 5:12 PM | Permalink | TrackBack
Mountain Biking in Oregon - Pics of Oakridge for Mt. Bike Oregon
We're really excited for Mt. Bike Oregon this year. We've planned some cool additions and there's sure to be a good crowd hitting the trails. That mean a great party every night after a day of hard riding in beautiful Oakridge, one of the best places to ride in Oregon.
I've been going through our pictures as I get some Mt. Bike Oregon materials together and thought I'd share them. Check out what it's like to ride in Oakridge. We'll also have a FREE DVD available shortly as soon as we produce more copies (so popular we ran out).
Check out our photo gallery. Photos by Matt Denburg and Chad Sageser.
Comments (4) | Posted by orbike at 7:00 AM | Permalink | TrackBack
January 17, 2006
African Cycling on the Rise - the long road ahead
"What started with a large dose of fanfare and good will, ended with an equally large dose of reality. African cycling, while increasingly popular, still has miles to travel before it rivals the European level. Unlike more elite races, like the Tour de Faso, often won by local riders from Burkina Faso,this four-day race in central Africa demonstrated just how vast the gap between the continents of Africa and Europe can be when it comes to the sport of cycling."
From Bicycling Magazine - Read the whole story.
Comments (0) | Posted by orbike at 9:15 AM | Permalink | TrackBack
January 14, 2006
Erik Tonkin Goes Big Time
From BikePortland.org:
"Local racer and co-owner of Sellwood Cycle Repair, Erik Tonkin has just been named to the U.S. team for the 2006 UCI Cyclocross World Championships. He joins his wife Rhonda Mazza who was recently named to the women’s team."
Comments (0) | Posted by orbike at 11:54 AM | Permalink | TrackBack
January 13, 2006
The Rise of the Basket Bike
What's with all the basket bikes these days? It's great. In NYC, the large front baskets seen everywhere have really don't have much to do with style, they're all about food delivery by bike. You can have a basket anywhere on your bike, but when it's a significant size and it's on the front, you've got a basket bike. Large front baskets are ultra convenient (just throw your stuff in there) and I'm seeing them all around Portland these days.
Comments (0) | Posted by orbike at 7:48 AM | Permalink | TrackBack
January 12, 2006
Alice B. Toeclips Nomination Deadline Extended
BTA has extended their date for accepting nominations for the Alice B. Toeclips awards. I've already nominated two people. I can think of a whole slew of others who I could have nominated. I'd love to tell you who the chosen ones are, but they don't know and I want it to be a surprise. If they don't win, I'm posting their nomination letters here. I was the Susan Lucci of the Alice awards - always nominated but never chosen - until last year. Let me tell you, it's quite an honor.
Nominate online until Jan 18th.
Comments (2) | Posted by orbike at 4:01 PM | Permalink | TrackBack
The St. Valentines Day Massacre April Fool's Day : Alley Cat Race
The good folks at Portland United Messenger Association are talking up the April Fool's (formerly St. Valentine's) Day alley cat race. Saturday, April. 1, 2pm, Sw Park and Salmon, 90 minute points race, everyone is welcome, $5 entry, half to the winner, half to The Big fix.
Followed by: polo - Sunday April 2, noon, Alberta Park, NE 20th and Killingsworth, free, and there may even be a trophy. Even if you don't play, polo is awesome to watch.
ABOUT ALLEY CAT RACES:
From The Immortal Class: Bike Messengers and the Cult of Human Power
Scross down to read Travis Culley's thrilling account of an alley cat.
Comments (0) | Posted by orbike at 10:27 AM | Permalink | TrackBack
January 11, 2006
Ride for Your Life
A study in Denmark, following 30,000 people for 14 years, found a 28% reduction in death rates people who commuted by bike for 30 minutes per day. A Finnish study similarly noted a 40% drop in diabetes for regular cyclist.
From Treehugger
Comments (0) | Posted by orbike at 8:39 AM | Permalink | TrackBack
The Big Fix: Riding Across the Country on a Fixie
The Big Fix is an impressive ride across the country on a fixie. The organizer is the father of a young girl named Dakota who has Histiocytosis (histo). This is a condition similar to cancer but since it is very rare, funding for research is severely limited. The vast majority of people diagnosed with histiocytosis are children under 10.
The ride will start in Davis, CA and end in Boston, MA and will be completed in only 28 days. Dakota reports that she's very excited about the ride (though she won't be riding) and she's looking forward to meeting other kids with histo at the finish line party.
For more information on how you can ride shorter legs, the full trip or support the riders, check out The Big Fix website.
Comments (0) | Posted by orbike at 8:08 AM | Permalink | TrackBack
January 10, 2006
Best Mountain Bike Tires
Want to know about mountain bike tires? Just ask Shiggy, he's obsessed.
"I am obsessed with bicycle tires. Mountain bike tires in particular. Twenty years ago when I bought my first mountain bike there were not many tires available and those you could find were not very good. Still, I found that the right tire choice could make a big difference in the performance of my MTB..."
Shiggy has even gone so far as to ride the Kalama Horse Trail on different tires to make a comparison.
So what are his faves?
* Specialized Ground Control 1.95 The 1985(?) original
* Michelin Hi-Lite Hot 1.95 Great casing design. Do it all tread
* Specialized Hardpack 2.2 High volume square block
* CyclePro Motivator 2.10 Great take on the squre block theme
* Panaracer Dart SC 2.2 The first front specific tire
* Specialized Storm Control 1.8 THE mud tire
* Hutchinson Python Air Light 2.00 One of the first - and best - small block fast rollers
Comments (0) | Posted by orbike at 1:48 PM | Permalink | TrackBack
January 6, 2006
Not the Worst Day of the Year Ride
I used to work at the Community Cycling Center so I've been involved with the Worst Day of the Year Ride for years, and I've seen it grow from 250 riders to this year's anticipated 1,000. It's a super fun ride. Though the date is touted as the worst day of the year, it has actually never been rainy. It's an easy ride - just 18 miles with 4 rest stops - but there is also a 40-mile Challenge Loop to Hillsboro REI . So much fun. February 12th. Register at REIs, Bike Galleries, Lucky Labs, CCCs or River City and get a discount.
Comments (0) | Posted by orbike at 6:00 PM | Permalink | TrackBack
January 5, 2006
Save the Date - Cycle Oregon Kick-Off
Great opportunity to see your cycling friends who have been hibernating through the winter. February 7, 2006 - Cycle Oregon Kick-off Party in downtown Portland. The route for Cycle Oregon 2006 will be announced and registration will open at the Kick-off Party and on their website.
Comments (0) | Posted by orbike at 3:06 PM | Permalink | TrackBack
How do you Ride Ladd's Circle?
With it's diagonal streets and flower-filled traffic circles, Ladd's Addition seems like a very calm neighborhood. But for cyclists, this area can be tricky to navigate safely. The Shift list has recently been discussing this after a list member had a rattling encounter with a car. One reader suggested taking the lane early on. How do you ride Ladd's circle?
Comments (0) | Posted by orbike at 1:00 PM | Permalink
January 4, 2006
Gloves For Winter Riding - My Hands Were Hot Today
I would just like to report that this morning, while it was chilly out, my hands got hot. I'm from the Chicago area, and all my life I've had cold hands. I couldn't believe it today when my hands were hot. Huge thanks goes to the ORbike.com blog readers for commenting on the gloves they wear. I used these suggestion to choose my gloves and I've been really happy with them. Cold? No problem. Rain? My hands stay dry. Pearl Izumi AmFIBs. Totally worth the price.
Comments (1) | Posted by orbike at 4:21 PM | Permalink
Or How About a Sideways Bike?
Maybe a custom "normal" bike just isn't for you. How about a sideways bike? My pal Ian just forwarded this along. The creator, Michael Killian, also has several other wacky designs.
Comments (1) | Posted by orbike at 1:05 AM | Permalink
January 3, 2006
New ORbike.com Newsletter
The latest ORbike.com newsletter just hit the stands. To get the newsletter delivered directly to your mail box twice a month, just enter your e-mail address on our home page. You'll be automatically entered to win free bike gear. Our newsletter helps you keep your finger on the pulse of killer bike events throughout the year.
Comments (0) | Posted by orbike at 3:29 PM | Permalink
Everyone Wants Custom Bikes
In Portland we're spoiled in a lot of bikey ways, including a wealth of custom bike builders. Well, it seems the big companies might be catching on. Trek's new Project One allows the customer to customize a bike, right down to the paint design and color. Their site makes it kind of fun to play around and see what "your bike" might look like. Check our ours.
Comments (0) | Posted by orbike at 9:24 AM | Permalink
January 2, 2006
New KBOO Bike Show Podcast
In addition to working for ORbike.com and writing this blog, I also host the KBOO Bike (radio) Show with esteemed Portland bike hero Sara Stout. Thanks to Chris Smith from PortlandTransport.com, our program is now being podcast (meaning it is available on the internet for your iPod or just net listening).
MORE INFO | PODCAST
Coming up on the KBOO Bike Show: Safer Streets
TUNE IN! - Wed 1/4, 9-10 am - 90.7 fm or streaming live at KBOO.fm.
This month on the KBOO Bike Show, special guests, Bill Sinnot, Commander of the Portland Police traffic divison and Greg Raisman, PDOT's traffic safety specialist will discuss projects they are working on to make the streets safer for cyclists.
Comments (0) | Posted by orbike at 2:20 PM | Permalink
Get Paid to Ride your Bike - kind of
The Sustainable Energy in Motion (SEiM) Bike Tour of the Portland
Peace and Justice Center is searching for an Outreach and Logistics
Coordinator to complete the work by bike.
The Sustainable Energy in Motion (SEiM) Bike Tour of the Portland
Peace and Justice Center is searching for an Outreach and Logistics
Coordinator (on a bike ;).
Sustainable Energy in Motion Bike Tour riders cycle to organic
farms, sustainable businesses, and Native American communities all
over Oregon, doing service projects and working to support local
communities. Please visit our website at www.portlandpeace.org
to learn more about our project.
Responsibilities:
-- Face to face recruitment: our marketing is done primarily by
tabling at expos, events, and colleges. Experience in tabling or
canvassing (such as with a PIRG or another similar organization)
is very important for this position.
-- Customer service: you will be expected to spend a significant
amount of time on the phone with potential riders, answering
questions and helping people sign up for the tour. Ability to
communicate well with people in a variety of situations is very
important for this position. You must be comfortable with talking
to people both on the phone and face-to-face.
-- Logistics and resource resesarch for multi-day bike tours.
Designing menu, sourcing local organic food suppliers, identifying
emergency resources, securing outdoor gear sponsorship, etc. Good
internet research skills and lack of fear of phones are a must-have
for this position. Ability and understanding of social networking
is a great plus.
-- Potentially co-leading multi-day bike tours, facilitating group
experiences, managing risk and tour logistics while providing for a
positive, inclusive, and rewarding educational/adventure experience.
Desired Experience and Abilities:
-- Experience in face-to-face tabling at universities and expositions.
We are particularly interested in finding someone who has worked for
PIRGs or other similar canvassing operations where direct outreach
and tabling was utilized.
-- Very well organized - this position involves juggling several
different tasks simultaneously, and it is absolutely critical that
you are able to juggle a lot at once.
-- Computer proficiency - basic windows applications, Microsoft Office,
internet research and significant email communication. If you are
looking to apply for this position, this is an absolutely critical
skill. You must be proficient and able to *very* quickly manage
large amounts of data, online communication and research.
-- Desire to travel -- some of the events are located out of state,
and you may be asked (and paid) to travel to conferences and events.
-- Excellent phone manner and proactive approach to recruitment and
relationship building. Ability and understanding of social networking
is a huge plus.
-- Desire to work together with passionate individuals with diverse
view points in coordinating a high quality, adventurous, educational
and truly unique event.
-- Group leading experience - Experience as a guide, educator or outdoor
leader is a plus, but not required.
-- Ability to work independently, set and meet goals, and adapt as
needed. This is a startup organization, and the situation is very
fluid -- you must be able to adapt to change.
-- Dedicated to investing a year of hard work for the promise of a
better future. There is potential for continued full time employment
in a leadership role after this summer.
The Ideal/Dream Applicant will have significant sales or outreach
experience, proven history of multitasking, be bike savvy, WFR /
First Aid certified, an outdoor leader, with a background in social
change activism and:
. A Jack/Jill of all trades, bike savvy, WFR certified, outdoor leader,
sales/outreach superstar, with a background in sustainability and peace
and justice activism.
. Knowledge of and interest in Oregon's many organic farms, permaculture
sites, sustainable businesses, environmental education facilities and
Native American communities.
Compensation:
$8/hour - 30 hours a week with generous recruitment bonuses. Mostly
organic, vegan food is provided while working in the office. Fun /
productive office environment with a great deal of flexibility.
Potential exists for a full time, competitively compensated
position with benefits.
To apply please send cover letter and resume to Vladislav Davidzon at
vladislav@davidzon.com ASAP.
Comments (0) | Posted by orbike at 2:19 PM | Permalink