Bike “concierge” offers pick-up, drop-off service
Posted by Jonathan Maus (Editor) on September 8th, 2008 at 12:36 am
new Portland Sag Wagon business.
In the realm of bike touring, you’ve got fully-supported options (like Cycle Oregon) on one end, and on the other, you’ve got the D.I.Y. option (load up those panniers, grab a map and hit the road).
But what if you fall somewhere in the middle?
North Portland resident Allan Folz thinks a lot of people do; so he’s combined his love of bike touring, thrown in a bit of entrepreneurial gusto, and launched Portland Sag Wagon.
Folz, a former software engineer and owner of a shiny new Freightliner Sprinter, says his new business is “a shuttle concierge service” and is meant for the person who needs, “a little logistical help at the start and finish of their ride.”
Here’s how it might work:
- You’re planning a trip to the Portland area to sample our fine riding (the gorge, the coast, or the mountains await!);
- You ship your bike to Folz and then hop on an airplane;
- Folz receives your bike, unpacks it and then builds it up;
- Folz picks you up from the airport and then shuttles you and your party (his rig seats 10) to the start of your ride;
- When you’re done, he picks you up, shuttles you back to the airport, and then boxes up and ships your bike to you.
The cost is $1 per mile and $25 per bike. Folz calls it, “a cost-efficient option” and says he thinks the service will also appeal to skiers, hikers, kayakers, surfers and other, “self-supported tourists.”
(Photo © J. Maus)
If you’re thinking about a self-supported, multi-day bike tour Folz can offer advice based on plenty of personal experience.
In 2006, he and his wife Carie and their 2 year-old son Cody rode through Laos and Cambodia and Folz has completed numerous other bike journeys throughout Portland and up and down the West Coast.
– See some of Allan’s ride ideas and learn more about this great new service at PortlandSagWagon.com.
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September 8th, 2008 06:44
This is a great idea! I'm bookmarking his web page because I know I'll be able to use this service.
September 8th, 2008 10:54
Allan is a great guy. I didn't think he'd be retired for long. I'm sure this will be a valuable and useful service. Nice work. Good luck Allan!
September 8th, 2008 11:13
Sounds like a good service... I hope he does well!
I'm curious, what about those of us who are going oneway (say doing the STP)?
All The Best!
September 8th, 2008 12:30
This is a great service idea. Perfect for those who want to start a tour near the west coast.
I was looking for such a service to start my Trans-Am on the east coast, flying into Richmond, VA. I just ended up starting at Astoria and riding west.
As It was..local UPS in Richmond was borking bikes so bad I just rode to DC and shipped it Amtrak.
Good luck.
September 8th, 2008 12:46
He might want to also advertise on the various web sites for thru-hikers on the PCT. They often find themselves in the middle on no-where and need rides into metropolitan areas to re-supply and recharge. A classic route is from bridge of the gods into PDX and back.
September 8th, 2008 12:50
Thanks everyone, and thanks Jonathan.
To answer the one-way question, that's totally fine and even expected for a number of itineraries. Riders only pay for the miles they are shuttled. If one wants to be dropped off in Umatilla and ride back into Portland (or vice-versa) on their own power, that's great. And that's the freedom of self-supported touring -- you get to make your own itinerary. My goal is to make more of the PacNW more accessible to more cyclists by helping to take care of the start/finish logistics.
Somewhat ironically many developing countries are superior to the US for self-supported bike tourists because their economies support decent intercity bus service and the operators don't treat bicycles as frivolous toys below their dignity of effort. But I digress. :-)
September 8th, 2008 12:56
Great idea! Solves the logistics of an Oregon Coast ride, or any one-way ride for that matter. I hope you are truly successful at this!
Steve
September 8th, 2008 13:50
Congrats on: one, the new business, and two, as important, your escape from high tech. Any escape from the corperatel life is a grand plus !!! I have made that escape and rejoice in it every day, even if I have a bit less cash!!
Best of luck on the new venture.
Tankagnolo Bob
September 8th, 2008 14:37
Congrats Allan. Great to see more North Portlanders heading out into the bicycle small business world. ...and my... that is a shiny new Freightliner emblem... nice shot. :)
September 8th, 2008 21:46
AWESOME! Nice one Allan!
September 9th, 2008 10:46
10 positive comments in a row on bikeportland! You must be doin' something right, Allan. Best of luck with it. Maybe I'll leave the Urban Growth Boundary someday with your help.