April 28, 2006
Reach the Beach Packet Pickup Party
Morning of a 2,000 person road ride, who wants to wait in line? That's why for Reach the Beach we put together an early packet pick up. Day of, you're ready to ride. Oh, but we took it a step further when we planned this year's Packet Pickup Party at the downtown REI!
Join us this Sunday, 4/30 from 7-9 pm for an evening of great food, health information, coffee by Nossa Familia, new products from Clif Bar and... well, there's much more but you'll just have to come down and see for yourself.
If you are not yet registered for Reach the Beach you can register at the event on Sunday.
Comments (1) | Posted by orbike at 8:53 AM | Permalink | TrackBack
April 27, 2006
This is so Cool - Find your Route
I've been following the progress of the Bicycle Trip Planner created by byCycle.org and was particularly impressed when I entered a start/finish in an odd area and it gave me a great route. Then things got better. ByCycle teamed up with Metro for additional support and now Jonathan Maus has incorporated a shorcut into his blog BikePortland.org! It's so easy to type in your start/finish and get a sensible bike route. Great idea, Jonathan. This is so cool!
The folks behind the project say , "The byCycle Trip Planner is a free online tool to help both new and seasoned cyclists plan safe trips through the city. The Trip Planner is currently available for the Portland, OR, and Milwaukee, WI, metro regions. We are working on integrating other regions, and have a long term goal for the system to be able to route between cities." Good work!
Comments (3) | Posted by orbike at 8:14 AM | Permalink | TrackBack
April 26, 2006
Summer Means Monday Night Racing
Monday night racing is almost here! When summer rolls around, it's time for racing at Portland International Raceway (PIR). Beginners and experienced cyclists will love this popular weeknight race series that organizers say is one of the most popular in the nation. The traffic-free course hosts Monday night masters and women's racing May 1st through August.
There are even experienced racers standing by to provide guidance and answer questions if you need help. All that’s required is a helmet, a road bike and a sense of adventure.
[ Read more ]
Comments (1) | Posted by orbike at 7:29 AM | Permalink | TrackBack
April 24, 2006
Best Route: PDX to the Coast
Russell Cohen is from Long Island but this summer he's coming to Oregon and he needs your help. Russell and his 13-year-old daughter Aliyah are riding tandem from Portland to San Francisco. Russell's curious to know what is the best route from Portland to the Coast.
Russell has toured a fair bit, both solo and tandem, but together with Aliyah he's never gone more than 74 miles. Aliyah has done a lot of day rides and is pretty excited for the trip.
Please post your route suggestions here.
[ picture is of the family last summer riding in Tucson ]
Russell got the idea to tour with his daughter after riding from San Francisco to LA three years ago with his son. He calls it "The Bar Mitzah Tour" in honor of his son's Bar Mitzvah.
So what's he looking forward to? Russell says, "I have done San Fran south several times and have always wondered what the coast was like up your way, but most of all, want to share the feeling I get from touring with Aliyah."
We wish the Cohens the best of luck and plan to stay in touch with them along their fun family journey.
Comments (7) | Posted by orbike at 10:04 AM | Permalink | TrackBack
April 23, 2006
Bike Swap Meet
I've got more details on the Bike Swap Meet. This season opener is May 14th at Free Geek (1731 SE 10th Ave). The swap is 3-7 and the entertainment and dance party is from 8-12. A space to sell is only $10 and you can call Dave to reserve (503.753.8766). This swap is a fundraiser for Fundraiser for the Multnomah County Bike Fair.
Entertainment includes Johnny Punchclock, Show me the Pink, The Spokes and dance troupe the Sprockettes.
Comments (1) | Posted by orbike at 5:53 PM | Permalink | TrackBack
April 21, 2006
Get Lit + Earth Day
Jeff Bernards, an Alice B. Toeclips Award winner, has been coordinating the Shift Get Lit free bike lights program for three years now. He was recently awarded a grant to expand into helmets as well. Jeff will be at the City Repair's Earth Day celebration in Sellwood Park to pass out lights and helmets.
Jeff is calling out to the "bike gods" to shine upon him. He's hoping for good weather and some volunteer assistance. Working with Jeff is a great opportunity to meet cyclists and do a good deed. If you've got a little time to spare on Saturday, contact Jeff: 503-774-5659.
Comments (0) | Posted by orbike at 9:48 AM | Permalink | TrackBack
April 20, 2006
Roam Film Premiers at Clinton Street
Fat Tire Farm presents another one of their great film nights at the Clinton Street Theater. this year they are premiering the new film "Roam" from the creators of "The Collective", a group based in British Columbia. Their new film is hailed as some of the very best cinematography ever, and not just in the extreme sports realm. With cameras on wires and amazing filming feats, the crew has captured some truly brilliant shots. You'll feel like you're right there, on your bike.
You can check out Roam both nights at the Clinton Street Theater at 7:00. Tickets are $8 at Fat Tire Farm or $10 at the door. There will also be plenty of giveaways and swag at the event.
Comments (1) | Posted by orbike at 9:13 AM | Permalink | TrackBack
Volunteer and get a summer of free events!
Reach the Beach, a 2,000 person-strong benefit for the American Lung Association of Oregon, is a great summer opening bike ride to a *huge beach party in Pacific City*. 285 volunteers are needed to make the event happen and to promote clean air in Oregon along the way.
SPECIAL ROLE
We have a special offer for our truck driving volunteers. You get a free ride pass to The Night Ride (cycling), Beat the Burnside (running) and the one other ride I can't yet mention (cycling) as well as a t-shirt and Nike cap. Truck driving volunteers drive from Portland to Pacific City and back. No special skills required other than being a skilled driver. You'll be bringing supplies to the beach and bicycles back from the beach. To sign up, just see the website.
Comments (0) | Posted by orbike at 9:10 AM | Permalink | TrackBack
April 18, 2006
Cool Jump Video from Sea Otter
The Eugene Freeriders just posted this cool jump video from Sea Otter. Don't let the initial spills and frustrated riders persuade you to hit the player's stop button - the jumps get better.
Comments (1) | Posted by orbike at 10:20 AM | Permalink | TrackBack
April 17, 2006
Chris King Cooks Breakfast for the Velodrome
Mike Murray is organizing a clean up day for the Alpenrose Velodrome in preparation for this season.
"Just a reminder that the clean up day for the velodrome will be May 6. We will start at 10:00 am and go until we are done. We need help to be ready for the upcoming busy track season. Be prepared to carry signs, clean buildings, paint buildings, railings and the track, lots of things that can be done.
As a special incentive the good people from Chris King are going to come out and cook us a pancake breakfast.
Hope to see lots of you there - Mike Murray"
Comments (0) | Posted by orbike at 9:08 PM | Permalink | TrackBack
April 13, 2006
Do Bikey Bunny Things This Weekend
What is it with bunnies and bikes? I don't know, but this weekend you've got options.
Chasing the Rabbit is a mt bike race in Grants Pass on 50% logging and 50% singletrack. There's also an easter egg hunt for the kids. Proceeds from the race will benefit Pistis, a non-profit cycling ministry. April 15.
Bunny on a Bike is a fun, three-year-old, unsupported urban ride. This year's theme is Bunnies on Bridges and they'll cross many of the bridges. Free, all ages, and bunny costumes are expected. April 16.
Comments (0) | Posted by orbike at 11:32 AM | Permalink | TrackBack
Writers Sought for Cycling Book
[ From the OBRA list ]
Publishing house Casagrande Press in Seattle, Washington, is seeking submissions for its forthcoming book, Cycling's Greatest Misadventures. The press is looking for quality nonfiction stories about riding disasters, comical mishaps, pranks, crashes, bad judgment calls, misfortune, contest meltdowns, strange injuries, loss of wit, critical conditions, bike trips gone wrong or "non-riding episodes" that surround the cycling experience:
well-written stories that tell a good tale, reflect a culture, and develop
the depth of the characters involved. The call is open to writers and riders
of any level and any kind of bicycle, i.e., racing bikes, road bikes,
mountain bikes, bmx bikes, beach cruisers, etc.
Writers will be paid upon publication if their story is selected. The press
will pay on a per-word basis for previously published stories and will pay a
higher per-word rate for stories that have not previously been published.
The deadline for submission is September 30, 2006. Stories will not be
returned.
Please send your story submissions to:
Casagrande Press
4316 36th Ave W # C
Seattle, WA 98199-1333
Or via e-mail at: casagrandepress@aol.com
Comments (0) | Posted by orbike at 8:20 AM | Permalink | TrackBack
April 12, 2006
Recap of the Roubaix on Cobblestone
Bill Nothstein, over at the Oregonian Bike Blog, wrote up a great report on the Roubaix race, a 165 mile race over 27 sections of cobblestone. George Hincapie crashed hard.
Comments (0) | Posted by orbike at 7:50 AM | Permalink | TrackBack
April 10, 2006
2006 US Gran Prix of Cyclocross schedule
The 2006 US Gran Prix of Cyclocross schedule has just been announced, and of course it's coming to Portland.
• October 7 – 8th Gloucester, Massachusetts
• November 4th Longmont, Colorado
• November 5th Boulder, Colorado
• November 18th Lacey, Washington
• November 19th Portland, Oregon
“We are very proud of what we have accomplished thus far with the U.S. Gran Prix of Cyclocross – the premier ‘cross series in the United States,” said Bruce Fina, Marketing Director, U.S. Gran Prix of Cyclocross. “By partnering with g4 Productions, we are leveraging their professional event production and promotion experience to help us take the sport of cyclocross to the next level in America.”
[ from Cycling News ]
Comments (0) | Posted by orbike at 12:42 PM | Permalink | TrackBack
April 7, 2006
In the Mud at Sea Otter
After 30 straight days of rain, the Sea Otter Classic in Monterey presented exhibitors with a field of mud to hang out in. Thanks rain. Luckily for the Oregonians that headed down there, they've got the rain tolerance necessary to still have a good time. Our own Randy and Porter from Mt. Bike Oregon are down there now letting people know what a great event Mt. Bike Oregon is going to be this August. Porter reports that yesterday was sunny and 80 degrees and the mud is starting to dry out, but the paving stones Randy bought for then to stand on are still coming in handy.
Read more from Cycling News on the hot new gear on display at Sea Otter.
Comments (0) | Posted by orbike at 12:44 PM | Permalink | TrackBack
April 6, 2006
Promote Clean Air + Lung Health - Volunteer for Reach the Beach
The American Lung Association of Oregon(ALAO) is working hard for clean Oregon air and to promote lung health and research with their 2,000 person-strong benefit ride Reach the Beach. Maybe you're not up for a ride all the way to Pacific City, maybe you've got friends who don't ride or maybe you just want to stand around and make a difference off the bike. Perfect! Hundreds of volunteers, whatever your personal reason, make it possible for the 2,000 riders to be on course raising funds for the ALAO.
Volunteers get free lunch, a commemorative hat and a free pass to join us at the gigantic beach party in Pacific City. May 20th. See website for details on volunteering: www.ReachTheBeach.org.
Comments (0) | Posted by orbike at 11:03 AM | Permalink | TrackBack
April 5, 2006
Ride Leaders Needed for Earth Day
Every year the City Repair Project hosts an Earth Day celebration in a different part of the city. This year they're celebrating in Sellwood Park and they want people to come by bike. To make that fun and easy, they've scheduled ride starts at 13 different points. They're looking for ride leaders to help head up those rides.
For more information or to lead a ride, contact Steven Kung at BikeEarthDay@CityRepair.org.
Comments (0) | Posted by orbike at 12:45 PM | Permalink | TrackBack
April 4, 2006
KBOO Bike Show - Focus on Bike Art
The KBOO Bike Show tomorrow morning will focus on the artistic side of bike culture with live music by the Trash Mountain Boys and an interview with filmmaker and owner of Microcosm Publishing Joe Biel.
The show airs live on KBOO 90.7 fm or streamed at kboo.fm from 9-10 am. You can also check out the podcast through iTunes or Portland Transport.
For more information, see the recent post on the Shift list.
Comments (0) | Posted by orbike at 8:57 PM | Permalink | TrackBack
Improve your Karma - One Race at a Time
"Smack" over on the Team Ugly Stick blog gave a good report on this year's Mudslinger.
In addition, he says "That Mike Ripley puts on one heck of a race. Excellent support, a well-marked course, and a very respectable pile of schwag. For those of you who don’t realize just how much work it takes to get people to give you free stuff to give away at your race, it was impressive....Mike said it was a labor of love, and he means it. It’s not like you can make a good living doing that sort of thing. But you do get some really good karma."
Erik Tonkin (S and M) took first place.
Alice Pennington (Desalvo) dominated the Womens Pro/Expert division.
Comments (0) | Posted by orbike at 12:35 PM | Permalink | TrackBack
April 3, 2006
Like Free Stuff?
Filmed by Bike is the nation's largest festival of bike-themed film shorts and it happens right here in Portland. If you volunteer, you can get in for free. A handful of volunteers are still needed.
You'll get free entry into both screenings (so you can watch the show without having to work). In addition to seeing great little bike films and vying for killer raffle prizes, Filmed by Bike is opportunity to hang out in a room with quite possibly the most diverse group of cyclists to be in one place at one time.
See the website for details on volunteering.
Comments (0) | Posted by orbike at 2:01 PM | Permalink | TrackBack
April 2, 2006
Family Touring Report : Part 4
Part 1 | Part 2 | Part 3
Part four in our series on North Portland residents Carie and Allan Folz traveling by bike in Indochina with their two-year-old son Cody:
Cyclists travel on their stomachs so any retrospective must cover the food situation. First the prices are cheap, but to be honest not what one might consider incredibly so. Excepting the one dinner we had at a French restraunt owned and operated and frequented by French ex-pats, we never spent more than $10 for the three of us a meal. Most were $5-7. A very few were sub-$5.
As for our favorite meals, nominations were received, secret balloting was conducted, the votes have been officially tallied by Price-Waterhouse. The results are as follows:
* In the category refreshing drink diring a cycling break: 7-up
* In the category refreshing drink with a meal: Mirinda (like Orange Crush but smoother & less sweet)
* In the category refreshing drink before or after dinner: pineapple shake
* In the category savored elixer to start day: "white" coffee in the Bolaven (see IRR 7)
* In the category deep-fried market snack food (deep-fried being the only kind of market food we trusted): a 4-way tie among all participants -- battered bannanas, waffle-thingies, round balls of batter something on a stick, and tappioca pudding disks (technically the pudding disks were poached, not deep-fried).
* In the category breakfast, ambience: the 'American' (2 eggs, 2 toast, 2 bacon, 2 sausage, juice, & coffee) at Thong Bay guesthouse in Luang Prabang. It rated for serving patio-side to our private bungalow which we could then watch the locals doing their morning chores in the river below while we ate.
* In the category breakfast, to start a long day of riding: bannana pancakes at any of the Indian restraunts found incongruously in all the major destination cities.
* In the category breakfast, maybe we should sell everything and immigrate: the scrambled eggs with real European cheese and crossiant at the Scandanvian Bakery in Vientiane. (This place also gets a special honorable mention for having real soft-serve ice-cream.)
There were not categories for dinner. There were excellent meals that must be savored in their recounting. By far the best, in its own realm was the French restraunt in Vientiane. We had a plate of 8 types of house pate' for appetizer. Entree Allan went with the duck stew while Carie chose the duck raviolis in cream sauce. For Cody there was what the menu listed as "kid's pizza" for $3. After it arrived I suspected there was a translation error and it should have read "Kids' pizza" or maybe even more clearly "pizza for all the kids", it was easily a 10 inch pie. Wine was a 1/2 carafe of house red. Dessert was a rum infused sponge cake with honey drizzle. This meal cost $30.
Among the local's restraunts, easily #1 for the trip was at the Tad Lo waterfalls. There we had this awesome grilled fish and spicey spring rolls. For dessert we had baked bannanas in cream. All were to die for. Finally the Lucky Number 9 in Pakse had the best Laap (Laap is the traditional Lao meat relish dish) in the country, and we tried a bunch. Most often the Laap was under-seasoned. Condiments are supplied on the table and we guess the locals know how to make it suit their tastes, but for us it was a bunch of mystery sauces of unknown bacterial content. We generally erred on the sparse side which made for some boring laap. Except for at Lucky Number 9. The seasoned it wonderfully as part of the cooking process. It was excellent. Made all the so-so laap we had in searching this one out worth it. In fact, after Lucky Number 9 we called it mission accomplished and stopped ordering laap. Finally in Vang Vieng at the Organic Planet Cafe Allan had the best curry stew he swears he has ever had, and now expects ever to have this side of the eternal.
As for some typical prices, bottled water was 20 cents a liter. Soda was 20-40 cents (varied a lot with location) for a 12 oz bottle. For some reason, soda in aluminum cans, which we never bought, usually cost double the bottle price. Baguettes are 20 cents for 6" loaves. Croissants would be 40 cents, when available (mostly just in Luang Prabang and Vientiane plus 1 place in Vang Vieng and 1 place in Pakse had 'em). Jam and butter packets for the bread would be 10-15 cents each (the contrast with the U.S. here is kind of funny... 2 lousey pieces of toast is usually 50 cents to a dollar in the US and the butter/jam packets are all you want). Eggs were 10-20 cents each fried, scrambled, or hard-boiled didn't matter. About a cup of cooked rice was 20 cents. Coffee prices varied the most from 30-50 cents for a small cup. Only one location gave free refills. Dinner entrees were usually 1.50-2.00.
So that's the culinary skinney. Part 2 we hope to have the more useful, "what one taking a trip overseas and considering Laos would want to know."
Lots of Bikey Love,
Indochine Cougars: Allan, Carie, & Cody Lao
Comments (3) | Posted by orbike at 12:22 PM | Permalink | TrackBack