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I've got some exciting news about the continued evolution of the annual BikeCraft event.

You'll recall this year I formally handed over the event to Aaron Kaffen and Amos Hunter after running it for six years (sniff, sniff). Amos and Aaron took it to a whole new level and the event was really solid. Now they're moving forward on the next evolution of BikeCraft — turning it into a curated online marketplace.
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BikeCraft saw healthy crowds at its opening day. The event continues tomorrow with doors opening at 11:00 am.

Day One of BikeCraft 2011 is in the books. There was a great turnout today and many many fine things to browse and buy.

Below are some of the things that caught my eye. Remember, if you're just waking up on Sunday morning, you've got plenty of time to get down to 420 NE 9th and do some shopping. BikeCraft is open from 11 - 6pm and there's lots of good stuff left!

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Come meet Dezy and hear him
play his amazing Piano Bike at
BikeCraft on Saturday.
(Photos © J. Maus)

If you haven't figured it out by now, BikeCraft isn't just a holiday gift bazaar: It's a place where folks come out of the winter cold, catch up with friends, and enjoy that special, bike-infused flavor of Portland holiday cheer.

And to make it even better this year, the folks putting on the event have lined up some splendid diversions that will make for a perfect break from all the shopping.

Here's a full rundown of the live music and other attractions coming to BikeCraft this weekend: (more...)

This weekend!
(Photo: Adams Carroll)

When I first held BikeCraft on that snowy evening way back in December 2005, besides an excuse to bring people together and hang out with friends, my main goal was prove the following point: "Look at all this amazing bike stuff that's made by hand right here in Portland!"

In subsequent years I stayed mostly true to that, only allowing Portland-based vendors to participate (although last year we welcomed several from out-of-town). In the six years that have followed, I think we've proved the point quite well.

This year, my friends Aaron and Amos (who have taken the reins of the BikeCraft event) have lined up an impressive list of vendors from out of town. Here's a closer look at them... (more...)

There will be lots to see and do at BikeCraft. Start doing your homework now by perusing the current vendor list below.
(All photos © J. Maus unless otherwise noted)

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Check out the new BikeCraft website.

BikeCraft is getting bigger and better this year in more ways than one.

But before I announce the dates and venue (scroll down if you can't wait), I want to let you all know that I've officially handed over the event to someone else.

Since that magical snow night in January 2005, BikeCraft has had a special place in my heart. It still does; but this year, with some recent staffing changes (as in, I'm working solo at the moment), there was no way I could pull it all together.
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BikeCraft is over (sniff, sniff).
(Photos © J. Maus)

I realize I'm slightly biased, but I think our sixth annual BikeCraft went extremely well. We had a steady flow of pleasant crowds all weekend, new vendors that raised eyebrows, lots of sales, and most importantly everyone seemed to have a great time (even if it they did so while wearing gloves, scarves, jackets and hats — it was cold!).

Before I get into some vendor and product highlights, I want to thank everyone that helped us make it possible:

• BikePortland sales and business manager Jonathan "JR" Reed (once again) did a stellar job putting it all together. (Seriously, I wasn't really much help at all.)

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Jess and Kronda scored new
belts from Cycle Dog.
- Slideshow Below -

Day one of BikeCraft is in the books. Below are the rest of the photos from the show floor. If you missed the action today — or if you didn't get to see everything and need to come back — we'll be open tomorrow (Sunday, 12/5) from 10:00 to 6:00 at 15 NE Hancock. You can see the second batch of photos in the gallery or in the slideshow below... (more...)

BTA members and staff singing
"O Come All Ye Bicyclists."
- Watch the video below. -

One of the many treats at Day One of BikeCraft was a performance by the BTA Carolers. Our friends from the Bicycle Transportation Alliance (with help from Steph Routh of the Willamette Pedestrian Coalition), warmed up the venue with a performance of holiday songs. I snapped a quick video of their very fun rendition of "O Come all ye Faithful." Listen to the lyrics to see how they added a bit of bikey flair...

Stay tuned for more photos and coverage from BikeCraft. We're very excited for another day of vendors, music, treats, and holiday cheer. Join us tomorrow (Sunday) from 10:00 - 6:00 at 15 NE Hancock (one block north of Broadway/Williams). Stay tuned for full photo gallery from today and be sure to check our Twitter updates for snapshots from the vendor action today (and more tomorrow!).

It's huge! It's fun! It's happening
right now!
- Slideshow Below -
(Photos © J. Maus)

The 6th annual BikeCraft holiday gift fair is up and running. Below is a sampling of the amazing arts, crafts, and gifts that are on display. We are here all weekend (15 NE Hancock, north of Broadway off of N. Williams) from 10am to 6pm. In addition to lots of cool goods and people and holiday cheer, we also have beer from Hopworks, kettle corn from Pedal Kettle, soup from Soupcycle, treats and eats from Whole Foods, and much more... (more...)

Nice huh? See more from Portland-based
Truce Designs at BikeCraft (Sunday only).

I'm about to head down to 15 NE Hancock to help JR and a crew of volunteers put the finishing touches on the BikeCraft venue (the big event starts tomorrow at 10:00 am). Before I sign off for the day, I wanted to share a few final notes...

New Vendors!
— Local bag maker Truce Designs. Luke's bags are made from recycled materials (like old sails) and they have a waterproof "floating drop liner" which make them great for biking in Portland. NOTE: Truce will only be vending on Sunday.

— Also coming out to share his skills is John "Dutch" Paglia of Body by Bike (Facebook link). Dutch is a chiropractor who makes house calls and offers mobile bodycare from his tall bike. He'll be giving free, 10 minute massages throughout the day. (more...)

This pretty much sums up BikeCraft.
(Photos © J. Maus)

This weekend is our 6th annual BikeCraft holiday gift fair and you'll be kicking yourself if you don't come and check it out.

For the first time, we'll have the doors open for two days to accomodate your busy schedule. Swing by 15 NE Hancock (just north of Broadway and right off Williams) anytime this weekend between 10 am and 6pm to be a part of the BikeCraft magic. As if you needed more convincing, I've prepared a short list of why you should be there... (more...)

A stained glass chain ring from Sara Collins.

Last week we shared the first of 30 vendors who will be at the sixth annual BikeCraft holiday gift bazaar (December 4-5th). Since then we've had more artisans sign up to be a part of what's shaping up to be the best BikeCraft ever. Learn a bit about each of them below and see the fully updated list of 39 vendors here. (more...)

Geoff Franklin in his shop. (Photos © Russ Roca)

Walnut's new bike luggage, featuring handcrafted leather and cedar panels.

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Inner tube necklace by Barbi Touron.

If you're not excited for BikeCraft yet, you should be! This is going to be a monumental gathering of bicycle-inspired artisans that you will not want to miss. We just announced sign-ups last week and we already have about 30 or so vendors. (Note: We are still accepting registrations!).

Below is a list of who has signed up so far (along with their description of their products): (more...)

[Note: We announced vendor sign-ups for BikeCraft just last week, and we've already got over 30 amazing artisans ready to share their creations with you. This is the first in our Meet Your Maker series of BikeCraft vendors that will give you a closer look at the makers behind the products. The audio slideshow below was created by new BikePortland contributor Russ Roca.]

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A scene from 2009 BikeCraft.

Some very super big news from BikePortland Headquarters... The sixth annual BikeCraft holiday gift bazaar is set for December 4th and 5th and our new venue this year is the Portland Design Works Mothership at 15 NE Hancock.

We're really excited about this year's event. We've got a brand new venue (a new space just off N. Williams bikeway and one block north of Broadway that was formerly the Department of Skateboarding skatepark), we're open for business two full days, and we've got some very talented new artisans to share with you.
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This weekend is the big Pedal National Bicycle Show at the Oregon Convention Center. There will be lots to do and see, but I wanted to remind everyone that BikePortland is hosting a special section for local BikeCrafters. We've reserved two exhibitor booths and will host six local artisans and business owners who will share their wares with all in attendance.

Here are the six BikeCrafters you can meet at the show (and a look at the excellent, Portland-made, bike-inspired items they'll be selling): (more...)

Mayor Adams has a laugh with Ian Stude.
-Slideshow below/Gallery-
(Photo © J. Maus)

Adams Carroll: BikeCraft V has come and gone. More than 50 talented crafters and artisans rolled their wares into Sandbox Studio. They shared handmade jewelry, prints, bike accessories, apparel, and much much more. A huge turnout kept the vendors busy and the large, light-filled warehouse bustled with action all day long. (more...)

The Zine Trike, ready to roll. (Photo © Elly Blue)

Among many exciting new crafts and crafters debuting at BikeCraft tomorrow is a new offering from a familiar company.

The Zine Trike is the newest addition to the fleet of local bookseller and publisher Microcosm Publishing. (more...)