May 12, 2008
ORbike Member Profile: Heather Andrews
ORbike member Heather Watson starts her e-mail messages to people with an enthusiastic, "Aloha!" That's because Heather, who is new to Portland, moved here from Hawaii, where she loved participating in organized bike events and triathlons. "The very first time a crossed the finish line in my first triathlon, what an amazing feeling. All that hard work and determination paid off and even though I was in pain it felt sooo good, I wanted to do it all over again."
Heather's favorite bike event is one she had to leave behind in Hawaii, "I love riding the century ride on Oahu because we start at dark and when you ride over top of Diamond Head Mountain the sun is rising. It just lets you know it's gonna be a great day." We hope we can help Heather find many new favorite rides here in Oregon.
Heather was off touring the globe for three years and is excited to get back into riding. She says she is looking forward to Reach the Beach, an ORbike member event coming up on May 17th, where she hopes to meet other members out there on the ride. "I signed up with ORbike to meet some great people to ride with at local events and to find out all the different events and races going on here."
Join Heather (the taller one in the picture) and the hundreds of other ORbike members out there. Sign up today!
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May 1, 2008
Rider Profile: Unicycle to the Beach!
It's impressive to ride to the beach in the awesome Reach the Beach ride, but it's even more impressive to get there on a unicycle. Bah! Crazy, no one would do that, you say. Well, in fact several Portland unicyclists are taking the Uni Challenge for this year's event. I ran into Michael (aka MJ Freshy Fresh) at the Pre-ride Party at REI and he admitted he's one of the ambitious unicyclists, so I asked him to tell me more. Is it hard? Does it hurt? Are you insane?
ME: So why are you riding a unicycle to the coast?
MJ: The unicycle is has the highest fun-factor of any mode of transportation that I've found yet, so why not ride it to the coast?
ME: How does riding a uni differ from a standard bike?
MJ: It's way harder to ride but provides you more freedom, no handlebars, gears, brakes, etc. For this ride I'll be on a unicycle called a Coker, it's got a 3' wheel which helps you go faster.
ME: Are there any other unis riding, that you know of?
MJ: Yes, I think there are 2 other riders from our gang and they are braver than I! I'm doing the 50 mile but Max and Zeke are going for the 100 miler!
ME: What route are you doing and why did you choose that route?
MJ: I'm doing the Amity route. I think that's all the miles my body can take, a unicycle seat is rather invasive ya know?
ME: What kind of riding do you usually do and are you training on a uni?
MJ: I play unicycle polo weekly, I do some urban trails riding and some trail riding. Not much training, just riding for fun.
So if you see Micheal, or his other unicycle buddies, out there on the course, give them a high five!
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April 24, 2008
Calling all bike clubs
Oregon has a wealth of totally awesome bike clubs doing all sorts of neat tricks, and Cirque du Cycling on June 14th will bring them all together for the nation's largest bike pride parade. The parade takes place on Mississippi Avenue in Portland.
Cirque du Cycling, a Mississippi bike fair in support of Self Enhancement Inc., features a family ride, the parade and criterium with two-way racing.
For more info, to register to race or for the parade, see their website
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April 21, 2008
Introducing ORrun!
ORbike would like to welcome the newest member of our family, ORrun.com! ORrun has been a great resource for several years now, but we've just started a running-specific newsletter and blog through ORrun.com. In this newsletter you'll find the same great news you've come to expect from ORbike - except we won't be talking about bikes.
We'll cover everything from all the big marathons and triathlons to the plentiful fun runs/walks. We'll even keep you up to date on various training clinics, gear, and workout tips. But if running isn't your thing, we understand - continue to enjoy everything ORbike has to offer.
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April 10, 2008
Bikers Take Over the Theater
Thousands of bike enthusiasts won't be out on the streets riding this weekend - they'll be at the Clinton Street Theater watching bikes take over the silver screen for Filmed by Bike, the annual film festival featuring bike-themed shorts. And when they say short, they mean it: all movies are eight min. or fewer. Submissions are sent in from around the world, but the festival only happens in Portland.
Friday night is the Opening Night Throwdown (showings at 7 + 9) with beer, a raffle of over $2,000 in prizes (including some really nice roadwear from Rapha and a custom-made bike bag), a line snaking all the way down the block and tons of hootin' and hollerin'. But if boisterous bikers yelling at the screen isn't your thing...
...don't worry; the festival continues all weekend long with screenings at 5, 7, and 9pm on Saturday and Sunday. [ schedule ]
Sure you've probably seen a million BMX movies, trail riding and tricks, but Filmed by Bike is about so much more than all of that. What happens when you enter a relationship knowing the exact date you will end it? That's the Pull, a movie about two men who enjoy riding bikes together. Or how about a glimpse bicycle culture in Sweden, a bike-themed Zen proverb or a recumbent documentary? The festival also features animated shorts, mockumentaries and plenty of inspiring footage of people who love riding their bikes. There are no advance ticket sales so get there early to get in.
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March 28, 2008
Oregon Bike Summit
Join Oregon's entire cycling community working to make Oregon the nation's premier cycling state at the Oregon Bike Summit. You'll have the chance to connect with industry peers, learn from inspiring case studies, and engage with public policy issues over a broad spectrum of cycling-related topics including: transportation, recreation, tourism, industry and events.
Keynote speakers include Congressman Earl Blumenauer; Tim Blumenthal, executive director of Bikes Belong; and Hill Abell, board president of the International Mountain Bicycling Association (IMBA). There will be a number of breakout sessions geared toward specific topics ranging from event planning and creating successful partnerships to sustainable tourism, bike-friendly communities and how to affect policy at the local, state and national level.
The summit is April 4-5 at the Red Lion Hotel on Jantzen Beach in Portland. For more info, see their website.
Comments (0) | Posted by orbike at 10:18 AM | Permalink | TrackBack
March 15, 2008
Filmed by Bike: Get in Free
Filmed by Bike, the annual festival of bike-themed movie shorts, is April 11-13 at the Clinton Street Theater. The Opening Night Throwdown party is on the 11th and it has sold out all five years. Worried about getting in? There are a few options. And one option gets you in for free.
The screenings are all weekend long so if you are concerned about getting in on Friday, you can choose from six additional screenings on Saturday and Sunday. And if you want to get in free, you can volunteer. There are a variety of positions still open. See the website for more info.
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March 13, 2008
HAPPY BIRTHDAY, PUMP!
ORbike wishes the Portland United Mountain Pedalers a very happy birthday and a huge congratulations! This Portland-based mountain bike club is celebrating their 20th anniversary this month. Not only does PUMP do a great job of getting more people on bikes to explore Portland's trails, they're dedicated to maintaining the trails of Forest Park.
Here's the message from newsletter editor Amy Singmaster:
The Portland United Mountain Pedalers will celebrate its 20th anniversary on Sunday, March 30th, 2008, with a fun ride in Forest Park followed by a party at Lucky Labrador Brewpub, 1945 NW Quimby. All riders are invited, from relaxed to speedy - either way you will be sure to have fun!
Bob Crispin of the Mountain Bike Hall of Fame will ride the Northwest's first mountain bike, Tankagnolo, and riders are encouraged to ride vintage bikes and dress in vintage clothing to celebrate the start of recreational mountain biking in the city and the founding of PUMP. Admission to both events is free. The ride will be ending with good times at the Northwest Lucky Lab.
Riders will meet at the Lucky Lab at 1:00 p.m., break up into groups according to desire (fast, intermediate, slow, family) and go for a spin up Thurman into Forest Park. PUMP will regroup at Lucky Lab around 5 p.m. for our birthday party! Fun, games, a fix a flat contest and or course a birthday cake will be part of the festivities. Tankagnolo, the Northwest's first mountain bike, will be on display at the Lucky Lab along with other history of the mountain bike and PUMP.
PUMP was founded twenty years ago by Theo Patterson to prevent a mountain bike ban in Forest Park. Although very few singletrack trails in Forest Park are available to mountain bikes twenty years later, the twenty-nine miles of pathways and trails provide a rare mountain biking experience in the city limits of Portland.
PUMP advocates for recreational access on public lands, performs hundreds of hours of trailwork on trails in and around Portland, Tillamook, Mount Hood and Southwest Washington for the use of hikers, bikers and horseback riders and organizes rides and classes to train and educate mountain bikers.
PUMP hosts a Forest Park ride for all rider levels every Wednesday evening at 5:30 p.m. during daylight savings time, women's rides and Mountain Bike 101 classes. For more information on PUMP or the 20th birthday party, see the website or email susan [at] workforce-dynamics.com.
Comments (1) | Posted by orbike at 8:35 AM | Permalink | TrackBack
March 10, 2008
Seattle Bike Show Report
This past weekend was the Seattle Bike Expo. I don't have the official count, but the place was packed. At the VIP party on Saturday night they announced that over 5,000 people had come through the doors - way more than the previous years. Sunday was an equally packed house, but shorter hours, so I'd say at least 8,000 attended the festival this year. It was an impressive turnout. Check out these photos:
There were four huge rooms of exhibitors and no shortage of cool things to see. CompetitiveEdge.com was there to show off the Ironman Scale that measures body fat, total body water, muscle mass, physique rating, bone mass and other body features simply by stepping on a scale. This is not your traditional bathroom scale, that's for sure. They were offering free readings. I won't tell you what mine were, but let's just say I could stand to ride more often but I do drink enough water.
Alchemy Goods showed off their well-made bike bags that use recycled materials, including seat belts. Bike shops showed off their favorite bikes, like the hand made Signal bikes presented by the Bike Gallery. Riding clubs showcased their annual rides and plenty of companies showcased the latest bars electrolytes and other nutritional products.
Ciivia, a newly-launched builder, creates high end, slick commuter bikes. That simple description doesn't do them justice. Cables are tacked into the frame; racks, while not integrated, are designed to streamline with the bike; dynamo lights come standard; fenders wrap for more tire coverage (and they match the frame) and the bike, overall, is really easy on the eyes. Jonathan Maus of BikePortland.org took a Civia for an extended test ride and had nothing but praise for this solid bike.
The Seattle Bike Expo is organized by Cascade Bike Club, an organization that is sort of a part Bicycle Transportation Alliance and part riding club. They host a daily ride nearly every day of the year, lobby for safer streets, teach adults to commute and offer programs for youth. And, apparently, they know how to pack waterfront cruise terminal with thousands of people.
Comments (0) | Posted by orbike at 8:39 PM | Permalink | TrackBack
March 6, 2008
Seattle Here I Come
This weekend is the Group Health Seattle International Bicycle Expo, organized by the Cascade Bicycle Club. The expo is a complete celebration of cycling, with exhibits and presentations. It's a great opportunity to see what big rides are planned for 2008. Oregon's own Joe Kurmaski, aka the Metal Cowboy, will be there for special activities and info in the new Expo Youth Zone.
It's going to be a busy weekend for Team ORbike. Three of us are headed up to staff a booth and check out the scene. If I get a chance to break away from the action for a moment, I'll check in with you all to let you know some of the coolest stuff I'm seeing out there.
If you happen to be free this weekend, head up to Seattle. It's $8 to get in for a day, $10 for two days, and kids get in free.
Comments (0) | Posted by orbike at 6:00 PM | Permalink | TrackBack
February 29, 2008
Reach the Beach Training Rides
The training rides schedule for Reach the Beach has just been published. For years, the American Lung Association of Oregon has partnered with the Portland Wheelmen Touring Club to help riders get in shape for the May ride to Pacific City. So it you're not quite feeling up for the 100 mile ride from Portland or the more challenging 110 mile ride from Corvallis, you've got some options. You could hope on the shorter routes, such as 26 miles from Grand Ronde, 55 miles from Amity or 80 miles from Salem. Or you could start training now! the ride is not until May 17th, so, really, you've got plenty of time to get get your legs (and rear) ready.
The training rides are free and they're a great way to get ready for riding miles on end. They range in difficulty so you can choose a ride that's right for you. Plus, many of the people on the training rides are veteran Reach the Beach participants so they can help answer questions you may have about the route. [ schedule ]
Comments (0) | Posted by orbike at 6:23 PM | Permalink | TrackBack
February 27, 2008
What are you Riding?
The weather has been sunny and it looks like we'll be graced with sun for a few more days. Team ORbike member Tom is getting out of dodge: riding his bike to the coast. Friends will accompany him part of the way, but for the bulk of the journey he's flying solo toward Manzanita.
So how are you spending these lovely days? Are you still adjusting your brakes and oiling the chain or have you been logging miles and hammering the hills?
Comments (2) | Posted by orbike at 10:53 PM | Permalink | TrackBack
February 19, 2008
Start your Summer Planning
Summer events are already rolling in to our calendar! I'm excited to see a lot of the favorites returning - and lots of new events too. No, we're not in the clear from the rain just yet, but that doesn't mean you can't start planning your summer fun now! There is no shortage of rides in Oregon and there will be days when you have to decide which event to do. In fact, if you are ambitious you can head out to something every weekend this summer.
Check out this cool event, the Urban Assault Ride on May 25, from New Belgium Brewing:
The Urban Assault Ride is funky bike scavenger hunt that involves street smart riding, obstacle courses, and a huge after party. Mental muscle is just as important as bike skills as teams of two choose their own course to checkpoints around the city.
The event is well known for its checkpoint obstacle courses where physical and mental obstacle courses must be completed before moving on. Kinda like American Gladiators with a demented cycling twist. Some checkpoints are listed prior to the event, others must be found during the event.
Participants can be 7 - 100 years - anybody can do it. Teams will ride a total distance of 20-25 miles (depending on the city). The first team to hit all of the checkpoint and cross the finish line wins! Then the party begins with free New Belgium beer and lots more two-wheeled shenanigans!
Comments (0) | Posted by orbike at 4:42 PM | Permalink | TrackBack
Brown Bag Lunch in Portland - Bike Lanes
Portland Department of Transportation's Bicycle Brown Bag series is a nice way to spend lunch in you're in the downtown area on you rlunch area. These free lunches happen once a month.
This month, the topic is Portland's First Bicycle Paths, 1896-1899. Historian Eric Lundgren will discuss early efforts to fund and build safe routes for cyclists. From do-it-yourself to public funding, a lot of effort went into making the area's first bike paths happen.
Bring your lunch, hang with other cyclists and enjoy this afternoon lecture followed by discussion.
Comments (0) | Posted by orbike at 12:11 AM | Permalink | TrackBack
February 11, 2008
The Best Worst Day!
It's the end of a long, rewarding day - but I'm just stopping in quickly to report that today's Worst Day of the Year Ride was the best it has ever been. Sure, it rained a little in the morning, but that was at about 6:00am, well before riders started queuing up. So as for that record of sunny skies every year except a little rain at the end for the course last year? It held true! The sun came out during the finish line just as everyone was enjoying 100% scrumptious chili and potato corn chowder provided by Laughing Planet. Seriously, I've never tasted bike ride food like that before (except maybe the gourmet finish line at the Portland Century, but that ride is in a league of it's own).
Over 2,000 riders showed up, cruised the city streets, drank hot drinks along the way and, perhaps most importantly, strutted their stuff in outrageous costumes. Maybe the exclusively-designed limited edition Worst Day of the Year Ride reflector from Fun Reflectors, a prize for costumed riders, was an incentive. But I doubt it. These gussied up folks were in it to win it - prizes or not.
What's that? You didn't make it out there for the ride today? You're crazy. You must go next year. You must.
Photos and more info to come.
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February 9, 2008
A Peek at NAHBS
Hover over to pause - refresh page for a new mix
Today was the opening of the North American Handmade Bike Show in Portland. This traveling festival happens once a year and brings under one roof some of the world's most hardworking and talented framebuilders. I wasn't able to stay for very long, and that's a crying shame. There were so many beautiful bikes, displayed even more beautifully and the Convention Center was completely abuzz with enthusiasm. On the other side of the Convention Center was the Golf Show, and let me tell you, our side was much hotter.
Though builders have been making a living creating custom bikes for years (many doing it solidly since the '70's), the number of framebuilders in Oregon/SW Washington has grown significantly in the last few years. There were at least 10 of them at the show exhibiting their finest.
This is just a synopsis as I have to run to get ready for all the fun Worst Day of the Year Ride action, but consider heading out to the show - it's pretty sweet. There's no shortage of simply gorgeous bikes to geek out and freak out on, and there are workshops too.
Comments (0) | Posted by orbike at 1:57 AM | Permalink | TrackBack
February 8, 2008
The Hottest Worst Day
The Worst Day of the Year Ride is sold out! Last year there were 1,500 riders and this year they capped the ride at 2,000 riders. The event it not until this Sunday, but last night at midnight they hit that 2,000 mark.
Congratulations to those of you who are going on this incredible wintertime adventure! Be sure to write back to us and let us know how it goes. We want to hear all about that yummy food, especially the finish line by Laughing Planet Cafe. I heard they've been hard at work in their kitchen all week preparing the made-from-scratch soup and chili for the masses.
So if the ride is full up how do you still get in? There are a limited number of volunteer positions available. See the website for details.
Comments (0) | Posted by orbike at 6:17 PM | Permalink | TrackBack
February 6, 2008
NAHBS Brings on the Fun
This weekend is the North American Handmade Bicycle Show, a touring show that visits a different city every year. Portland is hell-bent on ensuring the out-of-towners see the very best that Portland has to offer so on top of the convention's after-parties, Portlanders have organized additional activities. The most comprehensive list of what's happening when during this jam-packed weekend is on the BikePortland.org website. See details here.
There will be workshops for builders, casual riders and competitive riders. Maybe you want to catch the alley cat on Saturday. Maybe you're riding the not-to-be-missed Worst Day of the Year Ride on Sunday. Or you can just spend all day geeking out and freaking out on some of the world's most beautifully-constructed bikes. See? Plenty to do.
You can read more about NAHBS in the most recent ORbike newsletter. By the way, if you're not receiving our newsletter, you should be. Sign up through the front page of our website.
Comments (0) | Posted by orbike at 9:02 AM | Permalink | TrackBack
February 5, 2008
Rider Profile: Gus Fant
Gus Fant is riding in the Worst Day of the Year Ride, but says that a little rain won't scare him off. "I ride in the rain," he says, " because if you don't you won't get much riding in." And Gus knows all about getting riding in - he usually clocks about 3,000 miles per year, and aims for 4,000.
Still, it's no small feat for Gus to be riding in the Worst Day of the Year Ride. This 65 year old is a member of the Tacoma Wheelmen Bicycle Club and he'll be coming down from Tacoma for the ride. Several of the other club members will also be riding.
Gus is a veteran Worst Day of the Year Rider: he has been on five rides. So why does he love it? "It is probably the most social ride I experience during the year," he says. "With the frequent stops on the Worst Day of the Year Ride find it rather relaxing to just take my time and enjoy the ride and visit with riders. Also I take pleasure in supporting the Community Cycling Center as I strongly believe in what they are all about."
One of his favorite aspects of the ride is seeing parents and kids riding together. "I also enjoy seeing other beginning cyclists who express their doubts about completing the ride at the start and then when you see them at the finish line the joy they show from completing the ride."
Speaking of the finish line, what's it gonna be for Gus with he hits those yummy Laughing Planet Cafe soup options? "I'm just not sure although I'm kind of partial towards chili."
Registration closes at midnight on February 7th but the ride will sell out at 2,000 riders. Don't miss out, sign up now!
[ Register ]
Comments (0) | Posted by orbike at 2:57 PM | Permalink | TrackBack
February 4, 2008
ORbike Member Profile: Chris McCraw
During the summer of 2007, ORbike member Chris McCraw hopped on his bicycle in Austin, Texas, and didn't stop until he reached Anchorage, Alaska. So it's no surprise this 31-year-old Portlander is a huge fan of local bike events.
So why did he join ORbike? "ORbike seemed like a good gateway into meeting bikey people and doing bikey things," he says. "Plus, I figured I'd get my money's worth via event discounts and supporting the furtherance of the culture I love."
MEMBERSHIP INFO / JOIN NOW
Chris is a 50-mile-a-week kind of a guy who rides his bike for errands and for pleasure. This year he's really looking forward to riding Seattle to Portland and biking to Mt. St. Helens with friends to camp and climb.
Chris is an experienced rider. He once had to tear free his helmet from the underside of a freight truck - thankful that he escaped the accident unharmed. He enjoys riding a bike because it allows him to be present in the environment through which he is traveling - soaking in the sights and sounds. "I feel like I'm participating actively in my travels rather than just having them happen to me."
Join Chris and become an ORbike member today. You'll get discounts on events all season long and membership pays for itself in no time.
Comments (0) | Posted by orbike at 8:07 PM | Permalink | TrackBack
January 24, 2008
Bike Heroes
The Alice B. Toeclips is the Bicycle Transportation Alliance's way to award bike heroes across Oregon who are doing amazing work on behalf of cyclists. This year, 39 people were nominated, including Mark Ginsberg, who is nominated every year and has yet to win. We're rooting for Mark. He's a dad, an attorney specializing in bike law, a long-time local advocate and BTA supporter and in 2007 he won the Men's Masters series at the Portland Twilight Criterium.
Here's the full list of nominees:
Sam Adams, Portland City Commissioner
Hal Ballard, Washington County Bicycle Transportation Coalition founder
Bill Barber, Planner
Eleanor Blue, Advocate, activist and organizer*
Jim Bombardier, Inventor
Kacia Brockman, EnergyTrust workplace organizer
Bruce Buffington, NW Bicycle Safety Council founder
Cross Crusade, Race organizers
Kim Curley, Commute Options (Bend) outreach coordinator
Cycle Oregon
Jay Dean, Community Cycling Center teacher and volunteer
Karl Dinkelspiel, Portland Development Commission workplace organizer
Ann Donaca-Sullivan and Patty Verzani, "Lose the Training Wheels" founders
Mary Fellows, Bike commuter and activist
Jim Fox, Bike commuting coach
Susan France, leader of Oregon Randonneurs
Roger Geller, City of Portland Bicycle Program Manager
Mark Ginsberg, Attorney-at-Law
Norrene Godfrey, Team Rubicon captain, cancer and bicycling activist
Paul Gribbon, Willamette River CSO Tunnel Program Manager
Don & Sally Hopkins; Bill & Gail Bonniksen; Scott's Cycle & Fitness, sponsors of bike giveaways in Salem schools
Mel Huie, Metro parks planner
Steve Jorgensen, Bend Parks and Recreation planning manager
John Joy, Scappose trail advocate and volunteer
Greg, Antonia and Curtis MacNaughton, model biking family
Brian Manning, Youth bike instructor
Jonathan Maus, Reporter**
Robert Pickett, Portland Police Officer
Floyd Prozanski, Oregon State Senator
Tom Ralley, Volunteer for youth bike programs
Teri Redwolf, Bike commuting coach
Susan Remmers, Executive Director, Community Cycling Center
Stephanie Routh, president of Umbrella, Portland bicycle activist
Bill Stites, Advocate, activist and organizer
Sara Stout, Bicycle and car-free activist
Scott Weber, Providence St. Vincent Medical Center workplace organizer
Margaret Weddell, Bicycle advocate, educator and attorney
Jon Zeliff, Central Point Police Department Chief
* Eleanor Blue sits on the Alice Awards Committee and is therefore not eligible to win an award this year.
**Jonathan Maus won an Alice Award in 2007 and is not eligible to win again.
The awards dinner is in March. For more information see the BTA website.
Comments (0) | Posted by orbike at 9:07 PM | Permalink | TrackBack
January 12, 2008
Filmed by Bike Trailer
Filmed by Bike, Oregon's festival of bike-themed movie shorts, just debuted a fun little movie trailer for the 2008 festival season. It just hit the streets! Check it out here:
Comments (1) | Posted by orbike at 12:56 AM | Permalink | TrackBack
December 24, 2007
Best of 2007
Competitor NW just recently published their list of the best of 2007 - as chosen by readers. Check it out, do you agree? What were your favorite rides and events? Topping the list are Oregon favorites Reach the Beach (an ORbike member event), Mt. Bike Oregon (another ORbike member event) and the Portland Marathon.
[ Read the list ]
Comments (13) | Posted by orbike at 3:23 AM | Permalink | TrackBack
December 20, 2007
Jury Nominations
Filmed by Bike, the festival of bike-themed movie shorts, is looking for jury members to work on selecting films for the 2008 festival. Jury members are typically bike and film enthusiasts from Oregon and Washington.
The deadline for jury nominations is January 1. You've got just enough time to think of who would make an awesome jury member, or to convince your friends to
nominate you!
[ More info ]
Comments (1) | Posted by orbike at 12:10 AM | Permalink | TrackBack
November 14, 2007
Bike Lights from Percolators : BikeCraft III
BikeCraft III, the annual craft fair hosted by BikePortland.org. The event is Thursday night at the Lucky Labrador Brew Hall, NW 19th and Quimby, from 6-10pm.
This is a great opportunity to hang out with other bike enthusiasts while perusing truly creative bicycle works of art and craft.
[ more info ]
Comments (1) | Posted by orbike at 10:26 AM | Permalink | TrackBack
November 1, 2007
A Renewed Vision for the CCC
The Community Cycling Center got its start as a community resource center in the most authentic of ways. Brian Lacy, a cyclist with mechanic skills, was fed up with seeing children on the street without supervised activities and without functioning bikes. He decided to combine those two needs with his skills by bringing a repair stand out onto the sidewalk and offering to fix the kids' bikes if they would stick around to watch and learn. That was over 13 years ago. The Community Cycling Center now has a large building (that's still not large enough), a community bike shop, 2,000 volunteers and programs that serve hundreds of kids every year. And after all this growth, the staff decided that maybe it was time to stop, take a breath assess where they were headed and how they should get there.
This intensive visioning process resulted in a refined mission statement, a renewed commitment to the community, a huge open house party and great hope for future growth. So what is their mission now?
The mission now states that "The Community Cycling Center broadens access to bicycling and its benefits through our hands-on programs, volunteer projects, and neighborhood bike shop. We believe bicycles are a tool for personal empowerment and a vehicle for social change." Instead of their former system of providing programs to youth and happening to have one adult program, the CCC has solidified their commitment to the entire community. "Getting kids on bikes is great" says Director of Development Alison Hill-Graves. "But getting the entire family on bikes is even better."
The CCC provides clubs and camps for kids and classes and clinics for adults. They integrate paying workshop attendees with low-income scholarship-funded participants to bring the community together in a learning environment. They will also be assessing what the community really wants and needs and working to create new programs. They will be providing programs for women and hope to develop programs for teens.
Alison says their open house was "a new chapter in the future of the CCC." 2007 was their most financially successful year in the bike shop. They're financially stable and have reserve funds to help them get through the winter season, a time that's always difficult for bike shops. "We're stronger than we've ever been" Alison says.
This article is part of ORbike's ongoing coverage of the Community Cycling Center's Holiday Bike Drive.
Comments (4) | Posted by orbike at 6:02 PM | Permalink | TrackBack
October 31, 2007
Yeah, this is Cyclocross
Halloween cyclocross, does bike life get any better? Kegs, costumes, cow bells, racing and hundreds of really fun people. If you've been out at the races lately, you've probably noticed the three-wheeled videographer Dan Kaufman. Dan, of CrankMyChain, has been documenting the races as part of his online video series on bike culture. The tricycle to allow him to ride along with the fun while shooting footage. This latest video (see below) was shot at the Halloween cyclocross race at the Astoria fairgrounds. You can check out more of Dan's work on his website.
Just goes to show... around these parts, we don't just ride our bikes to ride our bikes. We take it to the extreme, we really know how to have fun. Cyclocross? This is how we do it here:
Comments (2) | Posted by orbike at 8:03 PM | Permalink | TrackBack
October 24, 2007
Coffee Jerseys
You know it's good coffee if the company has their own 100% wool jersey, right? Well, maybe that's a bit of an exaggeration, but Nossa Familia's jersey is stylish enough to match their robust, smooth coffee. Founder Augusto Carneiro is a bike enthusiast who happened to grow up on a coffee farm in Brazil and now imports his family's coffee to Portland. That's the short version of the great story.
Nossa Familia's coffee was a very welcome bright-and-early addition to many of the Oregon bike events this past season, like Reach the Beach, Portland Century and Cycle Oregon. I just got their latest newsletter and it turns out they have a pretty great retro-style 100% wool jersey.
Comments (1) | Posted by orbike at 5:50 PM | Permalink | TrackBack
October 22, 2007
The Freakanomics of Bicycling
Turns out that cyclists are 12 times more likely than car drivers to suffer a fatal accident. But then again, walking is 23 times more dangerous than driving. And on top of all that, a Danish study found that people who do not bike to work suffer a 39% higher mortality rate than those who do. And the more people out there on the road, the safer we all are. This comes from an interesting tid-bit on
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October 12, 2007
The Age of Discovery - Cyclocross Style
Cross Crusade is offering a chance to win a round trip voyage to the World Championships in Treviso, Italy, but you have to earn it. The Age of Discovery quest starts today.
They'll provide the map, you follow the course and look for fragments of other explorers' bikes or The Grail itself. The course may be ridden at any time, in any direction and in segments as frequently as desired. New fragments will be distributed on the course over the duration of the contest. Fragments may also be found where a cross is marked on the map. The Grail is out there somewhere now! The contest ends on December 2nd at the Cross Crusade Series Awards Celebration.
The finder of The Grail will win a round trip ticket to Italy to see the '08 World Cyclocross Championships. Anyone who finds fragments is eligible for free swag at the awards dinner, but you must race at least one Cross Crusade race to participate.
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October 11, 2007
Cross Crusade Breaks All Records
Last Sunday 1,078 racers descended upon the Alpenrose Dairy for the first race of the Cross Crusade cyclocross season. Breaking last year's record of over 750 racers, the event again established itself as the largest one-day cyclocross race in North America and solidified its designation as the largest participatory cyclocross bike racing series in the world.
The men's elite race climaxed with battle a between Shannon Skerritt of Vanilla Bicycles/Stumptown Coffee and Erik Tonkin of Kona/YourKey.com with Shannon taking an inside line right after the last set of barriers to secure the win. On the elite women's side, Wendy Williams of River City Bicycles took the win over Kristi Berg of Redline Bicycles.
Promoter Brad Ross is stoked about the attention. "We have truly become one of the hotbeds of cyclocross in the world" he said.
Next race is at Horning's Hideout in North Plains. See website for details.
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September 14, 2007
MMMM, Pedal-Powered Smoothies
Kyr Westwind is the mastermind behind Sprocket Smoothies, a pedal-powered mobile smoothie production, and this Sunday she's bringing her set up to Bike to the Future. Kyr has a Miyata modified with an Extracycle extension. Anyone can pedal to make the smooties, and Kyr is always willing to step in if need be, but this weekend Sprocket Smoothies will be powered by the students of Sunnyside Environmental School. During the school day, these students spend time learning about environmental practices and working on projects such as school gardens, composting and a solar fountain. And they love the idea of making yummy peach and yogurt smoothies while riding a bike.
Register for Bike to the Future online before Friday at midnight and you'll save $10, or you can register at the start line on the morning of the ride.
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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.
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August 24, 2007
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 .
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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)
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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.
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July 20, 2007
Free Pizza for Bikers
Now through the end of the month, you can get a free slice of cheese pizza at Pizza A Go Go on Williams in N. Portland. I've written a few times about Williams being a bustling bike route. In order to redeem the free slice, their ad says, just show your "sweat and helmet". And bring the ad, which you can find in this week's Mercury.
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July 9, 2007
Another Vancouver Pile-Up
Yesterday I witnessed yet another pile-up of bikes on Vancouver Ave. in Portland. It started with most of us leaving the city via the Broadway Bridge. It quickly became evident we were all making the same left turn onto Vancouver. While waiting at that light, we picked up a few more riders. By the time we heading up Broadway, there were 15 of us, jostling for position as the light changed, speedies in front, conversationalists in back, mid-range riders in the center. It didn't take long for us all to spread out, but it was nice to have, on this popular bike route, a moment of a random big group of us all riding together.
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July 6, 2007
What are you Wearing to The Night Ride?
The Night Ride is Saturday, what are you wearing? The costume contest this year is going to be off the hook. They're giving away Amtrak Cascades tickets, passes to the Hottest Day of the Year Ride and Filmed by Bike DVDs. Biggest, brightest, best group costume and best pun are the judging points. Come prepared to strut your stuff!
Online registration is closed, but you may still register at the event or tonight at the Lucky Lab Brew Hall (NW Quimby at 19th) from 4-7 pm during Packet Pickup.
This ride is a benefit for the BTA, so it's not to be missed.
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June 19, 2007
Volunteer at the Bike Fair
The Multnomah County Bike Fair takes a cycling spoof on the traditional American county fair. Think bike-trailer pulls instead of tractor-trailer pulls. The fair is completely free but it runs on volunteer powers. Volunteer Coordinator VJ Beachamp reports that they still need your help. "Volunteers will be in the heart of the action, setting up the fair, greeting folks entering the midway, helping with t-shirt sales, beer garden, music stage, smoothie booth and more," Vicky explains. "We'll have sunscreen and some snacky bits for volunteers, and folks on the last shift will get pizza." To volunteer, contact vickijean [at] gmail.com.
But be forewarned! If you're looking for a mellow, family friendly bike parade event, this isn't quite it. Sure, there are decorated bikes, and sure there are thousands of bike enthusiasts, but you'll also witness the knock-down-drag-out antics of the Figure Eight Derby and Tall Bike Jousting competitions.
The Multnomah County Bike Fair is this Saturday from 2-7pm at Col. Summers Park in Portland, NE 20th and Belmont. Is it worth a trip to Portland just for the fair? Uh, I'd say ABSOLUTELY YES, unless you fall into the faint-of-heart sect.
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June 12, 2007
Forums to Gather Bike Plan Data
The City of Portland's Office of Transportation wants feedback residents to help shape the city's Bicycle Master Plan. There will be three public forums this month. The first was last Tuesday. The next two are from 5-8 pm on June 12 at 1120 SE 5th, Room C and June 14, at 5210 N. Kerby in the Jefferson High cafeteria.
Portland is knows as one of the nation's most bike friendly cities. Portland has earned Gold Status from the League of American Bicyclists and numerous awards from Bicycling Magazine. Portland is hoping to acheive the League's Platinum Status through input from citizens. Platinum Status will assist the city in gaining respect nationwide, provide leverage to continue funding for successful bike programs and overall it is a rewarding acheivement for decades of hard work.
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June 9, 2007
Love Invades Portland
Pink: a (love) courier service is both a real life courier service and a site-specific art installation. Pink got started in Austin, Texas when a team of volunteer artists and cyclists, under the creative vision of conceptual artist Jaclyn Pryor and with funding from a private foundation, converted an empty downtown storefront into a small and temporary factory to create love notes. In the course of two short weeks, 2007 people visited pink, wrote love notes roled tightly and stuffed into bottles, and watched as pink-clad love couriers delivered them, by bicycle, throughout the city.
Pink is now on tour! They'll be in Portland June 9th-June 23rd, as part of Pedalpalooza festival. Their shop, where you can go to write a love note, is called the Love Factory it is located downtown at 318 SW Taylor.
Best of all...
...It's free!
Each bottle is decorated with a hand stitched letter of the person's first name. Notes can be romantic or friendly. Jaclyn says that in Austin a lot of the notes were sent from one coworker to another, just a gesture of encouragement or thanks.
In order to make this ambitious project happen, the Love Factory needs volunteers. I can think of almost no better way to spend a day than to deliver love notes and make people's days! For more info on volunteering, see the Pink website.
A tech volunteer will be mapping the notes, where they go and if recipients send a note after receiving one. As an artist, Jaclyn likes to work big. She is attracted to the idea of artwork that spreads through the community and takes on a life of its own.
Look out Portland, the love is about to spread!
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June 8, 2007
Join the ORbike Team! Promote Cycling in Oregon
What is more fun than talking about bikes all day? Not much! If you like meeting new people and sharing your enthusiasm for cycling, you should join our team for a summer of fun promoting bicycle events!
ORbike is dedicated to promoting cycling in Oregon. We provide online event registration, the state's most comprehensive calendar of all bike events and discounted events and freebies to ORbike members. We have a job opening for an outreach team to work outdoors at large events to