August 30, 2007
Space Age Motorhome Demolished
Just after I reported on Brian's "engineering masterpiece" as some call his space age bicycle motor home, the bike was vandalized. I went over to the bike this morning (it's down the street from my house) and was really hoping the rumors of a torn-apart bike wouldn't be true, but unfortunately the bike is in shambles. Brian calls this bike home, and some of his clothing and his few personal items were strewn about the sidewalk.
I haven't been able to get a hold of Brian to find out more. Stay tuned to this site and to BikePortland.org for updates on the situation.
Comments (2) | Posted by orbike at 8:31 PM | Permalink | TrackBack
Bike Repair Blog
Just over a year ago I profiled a then-new blog all about bike repair. I wasn't sure it would last, thought it might fizzle out, but a recent quick peek at the site revealed that it's still going strong. Now, I'm no mechanics, so I can't verify that the advice this dude gives is excellent advice, but it does look concise and well explained.
So next time you've got some free time, or if you're stumped during a repair project, cruise through his blog. He occasionally posts demonstrative videos as well.
Comments (0) | Posted by orbike at 2:20 AM | Permalink | TrackBack
August 29, 2007
This Steed Needs to Get Rolling
Brian and his bike have traveled up and down the coast, going as far as Mexico. The space-age looking bike, designed and built by Brian, is light weight and aerodynamic. But unfortunately it is not rolling so smoothly right now. Brian, who calls this bike home, is in need of a front moped wheel and some parts to get the bike back in working order so he can hit the open road. For some weeks now, Brian has been immobile in NE Portland. ORbike wants to help him get moving! We made a $200 donation to his cause, and we're hoping you can send some love his way too.
You can find Brian parked most days around Ainsworth and Grand, near the Walgreens and one block east of MLK. A bunch of bikers ponying up a few dollars will go a long way to helping Brian get on his way. If you don't see him in that spot, check a block to the east and to the west as I've also spotted him in the vicinity.
Brian has been coming through Portland on his awesome steed for several years. Read more about him on BikePortland.org.
Photo by Bob Crispin
Comments (1) | Posted by orbike at 8:03 PM | Permalink | TrackBack
August 28, 2007
Portland Century: Portland's Premier Cycling Event
The lines... very short. The course... beautiful and well marked. The finish line dinner... plentiful and delicious. The Portland Century, the ride that was overwhelmed with cyclists last year, was this year well prepared. The Portland Century stood tall this year and presented itself as Portland's much-needed premier cycling event. "My only comment," said weatherman Dave Salesky, "is don't change a thing."
I know many of you were waiting with baited breath to hear the outcome of this year's ride, and the overwhelming response from riders was that they absolutely loved it. Coming soon: a photo gallery and more response from riders.
Did you ride? What did you think?
Comments (23) | Posted by orbike at 2:12 AM | Permalink | TrackBack
August 25, 2007
Rider Profile: Jaskirat Wild // 100
Jaskirat Wild is one of the most enthusiastic Portland Century riders. "I'm super- excited about the ride!" she says. "Thanks to the people who are putting this on!" Jaskirat is looking forward to biking further than she ever has before. She has been a vegetarian for 17 years, but says "I'm excited for the dinner and I'm actually going to try the salmon."
On a normal day, Jaskirat rides about 10 miles on her commute from NE Portland to OHSU where she's a neuroscientist. "I study how meditation affects the brain, and how it can be used to reduce stress."
Jaskirat is a big fan of Portland. "I love how people are committed to all things local, and really support small business and farming."
Comments (0) | Posted by orbike at 10:40 AM | Permalink | TrackBack
Congrats, Mark Ginsberg!!
Full details about the Health Net Portland Twilight Crit will come shortly, but we here at ORbike want to take this moment to send a HUGE congrats out to local racer, bike lawyer, bike advocate and dad Mark Ginsberg who so deservedly won the Master's race. I could fill entire web pages with good things to say about the admirable work Mark has done to promote and advocate for cycling in Portland. Cheers, Mark!
Comments (0) | Posted by orbike at 7:48 AM | Permalink | TrackBack
August 24, 2007
US National Crit Champ is Racing in Portland
Kirk Obee, the 2007 US National Criterium Champion, is one of the Team Health Net racers coming to the Health Net Portland Twilight Crit this Friday in the North Park Blocks. Kirk is a three-time United States national champion. In 1997, he captured the USPRO Championship in pursuit; followed in 2001 to become the USPRO Criterium Champion. In 2007, he again won the USPRO Criterium Championship in Downers Grove, IL, while finishing second overall in the race to Canadian Martin Gilbert.
Also on the roster from Team Health Net this Friday are Doug Ollerenshaw, Roman Kilun and John Murphy. Other racers are coming from all over the US and Canada. Watch out, North Park Blocks!
Comments (0) | Posted by orbike at 10:00 AM | Permalink | TrackBack
SS Pussycat : The Fountain Ride
The SS Pussycat is an annual Portland alley cat open to women and transgendered riders only. The ride meets at the Jamison Square Fountain at noon on Saturday. It's not just about speed, racers can also opt to be judged on their spirit (and take an entirely different course). Costumes are encouraged for this approx. two-hour ride. Prizes this year are awesome and include a four hour frame building workshop with Sacha White of Vanilla Bicycles for the winner and a friend, a full bicycle fitting from Michael Sylvester of Bicycle Fitting Services, a Chris King headset, a Timbuk2 messenger bag from Team Estogen, Deller Designs cycling hats and more. The organizers are hoping to award a prize to just about every participant.
Admission is $5 plus, curiously, a plastic water bottle that racers will need for some of the on-course challenges. If you're a trans rider, Veloshop will comp your entry.
Sounds like tons of fun to watch or race. Men are encourage to come watch, cheer and volunteer. For more info, contact Bethany Berson, postbethany [at] hotmail.com .
Comments (0) | Posted by orbike at 9:42 AM | Permalink | TrackBack
August 23, 2007
Rider Profile: Stasia Honnold // 100
Car-free cyclist ("Have never owned one, never will," she says) Stasia Honnold is one of the brave souls who has signed up for the full century on the Portland Century, but she's not intimidated by all those miles. "I end up bike commuting anywhere from 20-40 miles a day, depending on how many stops and random side trips I take, so if I'm going to do a recreational ride I basically want to go as far as possible to make it interesting. I also did the 100 miles last year and it rocked. There's nothing like a hundred miles to make you feel like you really earned the post-ride dinner!"
Stasia, a seventh grade English teacher, is exited to return her second Portland Century. "My favorite part of these rides is meeting all the other awesome people out there. I love to find people going my pace. There's something about the fact that you're both biking that makes it easier than ever to strike up a conversation with a stranger."
Stasia says her favorite place to take a long ride is the Gorge, and last weekend she tackled Larch Mountain. She also loves riding through Riverview Cemetery, on the 205 path to Marine Drive and through Washington Park. "But really," she say, "as long as I'm on a bike I'm happy."
Stasia likes that the Portland Century is all about Portland. "I really, really, really like how normal it is to bike here, and how easy. I love that I can tell people I don't have a car and they think it's admirable, not absolutely crazy. I love Portland's continuous work to make the city accessible by and safe for alternative transportation, whether it's bike, bus, max, whatever. And unrelatedly, I love how people care about things being local and organic. Yay for conscious living!"
If you're not yet signed up, you can still sign up online, at Saturday's pre-ride check in, or at the event on Sunday. For more info, see the Portland Century website.
REGISTER
Comments (1) | Posted by orbike at 9:09 AM | Permalink | TrackBack
August 22, 2007
Racer Profile: Doug Ollerenshaw
The Health Net Portland Twilight Criterium comes to the North Park Blocks this Friday. This cool event is a chance to watch pro racing right here in Portland. You stand in the middle of the park blocks and the racers speed around the streets that ring the park- so close you can feel your arm hairs flutter. It's totally free and super fun.
Professional racer Doug Ollerenshaw lives in Portland and he'll be racing in the Crit. He races for Team Health Net, the top team in the US for the last three years (and they're looking really good for this year). I interviewed Doug on the KBOO Bike Show back in July, and I recently caught up with him again to talk about the upcoming Crit.
Doug has taken part in the Crit every year since it began. "Unfortunately," Doug says "I've never done particularly well in this race. The first time I did it I crashed twice and barely finished. I've only managed mid-pack finishes the other times. It's such an exciting event though, I'd really love to change that this year." Doug has been racing all summer and he says the season has gone reasonably well so far, "I've mainly ridden in support of teammates, and the team's had a lot of success this year. As for personal results, they've been a little slim. But some of the biggest races of the year are still coming up. A week later I'll be doing the professional road nationals in Greenville, NC, racing against guys like Levi Leipheimer and George Hincapie. One week later still, I'll be finishing the season at the seven-day Tour of Britain, going from London to Glasgow. It should be a great way to finish off the year."
Pro racer, what does that really mean? "Technically, anyone who is a member of a Union Cycliste International registered professional team is a professional cyclist. There are approximately 150 professional road cyclists in the US. What it means in practice is lots of travel and dedication to the sport, in return for little pay. Professional cycling is not a rich sport, especially in the US. Nonetheless, the competition is very good." Doug says he loves racing for Team Health Net, and not just because they're a top-ranking team. "There are so many details to be attended to," he says, and Health Net covers them all. "Whether it be booking air travel, maintaining the bikes, or mixing water bottles - Health Net takes care of it so we can just focus on the racing."
So after all that traveling, Doug's about to return to his home turf. "I'm looking forward to getting to race in front of so many friends and family. I spend most of my time racing in front of complete strangers, so to hear my name being screamed all around the course is certainly special. And the Portland crowd is so rowdy, so excited to be watching the race, it just makes for an incredible atmosphere. Bike racing in the best bike town in the US just makes a perfect fit. It's really a lot of fun to be a part of."
And though there will be eight-10 professional cyclists racing against amateurs, Doug says you aren't likely to see much more than a small difference in the riding skill. He's proud to brag about the many skilled amateur locals.
This year the Crit has a new course in the North Park Blocks. Doug happens to live nine blocks away and he says he is definitely familiar with the area. "I think it'll be another great course for spectators and racers alike. It'll be flatter than the old course by the art museum, which should lead to safer and more exciting racing. I think it'll be a great race."
Doug wants ORbike readers to come on down to watch the race. "Bring friends!" he says. "The louder and more excited the crowd is, the better the racing becomes. As riders, we really thrive off the energy of the crowd. And even if you've never seen a bike race before, come check it out. A criterium is a great opportunity to learn about race tactics, simply because you can see so much of the course. It's so much more complex than a first time spectator might suspect, but that only makes it more interesting to watch. Plus, there's beer and music. What better way could there be to spend a Friday night?"
Best of luck, Doug, we'll be cheering you on!
(photo by Mike Beavers)
Comments (2) | Posted by orbike at 9:25 AM | Permalink | TrackBack
August 20, 2007
Rider Profile: Char Rowe // 25
Char Rowe, a 32-year-old native Oregonian, is one of the hundreds of people participating in the Portland Century. "I only recently discovered how much fun bike riding is," she says. "So I'm riding the 25 mile Portland Century this year to explore more bike friendly paths in the Portland area."
But last weekend Char and a friend went out for a distance ride to see how she could handle it, and she's considering an upgrade to the 50 mile route.
Char is excited to be a part of the event. "I look forward to seeing the city and surrounding neighborhoods from a different perspective."
Char represents the diversity of Portland Century riders, she's not hardcore. "I would classify myself as a vacation/seasonal bike rider, but I hope to finish this year's 25 mile ride knowing I will sign up for the 50 mile next year."
Char has lived in Portland for the last three years and views biking as an integral part of its culture. "I like the appreciation of healthy and sustainable lifestyles."
Good luck out there, Char!
Comments (3) | Posted by orbike at 11:39 AM | Permalink | TrackBack
August 18, 2007
MBO Report: Wish you Were Here!
Favorite trails? Depends.
Wish you were here!
Comments (6) | Posted by orbike at 9:06 AM | Permalink | TrackBack
August 15, 2007
Portland Traffic and Transportation Class
I recently got a message from Bicycle Coordinator Roger Geller about the Portland Traffic and Transportation class. I took this excellent (free) class a few years ago and found it fascinating.
Calling all transportation activists! Learn how the city that works, works! And how you can affect change in your neighborhood. Work with decision and policy-makers, planners, scholars and engineers to better understand how to get your neighborhood transportation project going. This interactive Portland State University class is open to all Portland citizens and full scholarships are available to qualified applicants.
Go to www.gettingaroundportland.org and look under the "What's New" section or contact Scott Cohen at 503-823-5345 or scott.cohen@pdxtrans.org. The class will take place at PSU's downtown campus, Thursday evenings, 6:40 - 8:40, beginning September 27th. the class is led by Rick Gustafson, transportation planning consultant and former Metro executive officer, and the class is comprised of presentations by local experts and an extensive tour of Portland.
Comments (0) | Posted by orbike at 9:35 AM | Permalink | TrackBack
August 13, 2007
Heading Back to Oakridge
Another Mt. Bike Oregon weekend is coming up and I'll be heading down there. I'm looking forward to four days spent relaxing under the tree canopy, hanging out with dirty, tired mt. bikers and, sure, chilling in the beer garden every night.
There are still a few spots left for this dream weekend getaway. If you like riding, and you want to just ride, and not worry about anything other than riding, then come on down to Mt. Bike Oregon. You ride, they take care of the rest. I can't emphasize that enough. You ride. They shuttle you, cook your food, provide nightly entertainment and FREE BEER, clinics, mechanical support and demo bikes/an expo from top bike manufacturers. Everything is included, you don't have to pull out your wallet all weekend long. But if you can't make it, tune in to ORbike for photos from the trails and camp, stories of riders and all the fun you're missing.
If you decide to come last minute, just show up in camp, but check the website first. The front page will have a notice when the event is full.
More info | Register
Comments (0) | Posted by orbike at 9:14 AM | Permalink | TrackBack
August 8, 2007
Chicago - Here I Come!
I'm about to head to Chicago for a wedding and I'm excited to spend some time in the city, observing all their bike advances. I grew up in the suburbs of Chicago and spent a lot of time in the city, but it was never much of a bike town.
For years, Mayor Daley, in office since 1989 and a bike commuter, has been encouraging Chicagoans to bike on the many miles of bike path he has funded. It's all part of Daley's goal to turn Chicago into the greenest city by 2008 (that's coming right up, and I'm not sure how close they are - they've had a steep hill to climb).
For the longest time I didn't notice a change. Sure, along the waterfront, like any busy city, people rode bikes, walked and enjoyed the view. But beyond that recreational area, cyclists were few and far between. And then, that last time I spent an extended time there I saw it: the indication of a solid, developed cycling scene.
While waiting for a light to change, a bike commuter rolled up next to me wearing street clothes... but also wearing cleats. To me, that's when you know a city has it's cycling rhythm down. You don't necessarily want to suit up to ride, but you can't resist the increased efficiency of cleats. You know how to easily get around by bike, but you know how to do it without Lycra (don't get me wrong, Lycra has a time and a place).
So I'm looking forward to heading back and seeing new advances. I just wish I could convince all my Chicago friends to get out of their cars and onto their bikes. We could cruise all over the city together. My five-year-old nephew Collin just got a bike for his birthday. Maybe he and I will go for a ride.
Comments (0) | Posted by orbike at 9:24 AM | Permalink | TrackBack
August 3, 2007
Portland Century - The Full Century
I don't know what it is about centuries, but there's something very rewarding about completing a full 100 miles. It's a nice, round number; a solid benchmark. On the Portland Century, there are three routes, 25, 50 and 100, but it is the full century that affords you the greatest views, most spectacular route and gorgeous scenery.
But all that beauty comes at a small price:
climbing. It's hard to get in a nice 100 mile route without at least a little climbing. And on this route, it's well worth it. You'll wind against tree farms on some of the most quiet rural routes, along fern-lined wooded roads, capture startling views of Mt. Hood, dip into Eagle Fern Park, climb up to Roslyn Lake on more rural roads, and eventually cruise alongside the Columbia River on Marine Drive back into Portland.
You can view the entire route, and the elevation profile, here.
This is an ORbike Member Event. If you're an ORbike member, you'll get a discount on registration and a free massage at the finish line.
Comments (0) | Posted by orbike at 8:29 PM | Permalink | TrackBack