Way back in February I wrote about a new bike club in Portland called the Community Exchange Cycle Touring Club.
Since then this upstart club — led by Steven Kung — has been very busy. They’ve been leading weekly rides, hosting bike repair clinics at their Community Exchange Bike School (2503 SE Division), working with local schools, recycling used bikes back into the community, and have been active as volunteers at many events.
Next Saturday (10/7) they’re pulling out all the stops for their World Exotica Concert and Dance Party. The event will feature special guest emcees, a host of live music and a raffle with over $500 in prizes. All proceeds from the event ($15 cover charge with $5 off with costume or potluck contribution) will go toward the club’s many service projects.
Check out the event website for all the details.
Here’s more about the club from volunteer Aaron Tarfman:
The Community Exchange Bike School / Community Exchange Touring Club has been providing a combination of free bike repair instruction and incredible bike trips for the past 8 months. Steven Kung is the mastermind behind the program and his mission is to promote global peace through cross-border and cross-cultural exchange bicycle tours.
To that end Steven has obtained space at 2503 SE Division and procurred dozens of tools and supplies for the use of attendees who want to get back on the bike. People who come to the Bike School recieve hands-on training in bike repair, maintanance, and damage prevention by UBC trained bike mechanics. In addition to the well created repair space, Steven also hosts two weekly bike rides exploring bike-friendly routes in Portland. Riders have enjoyed such beautiful spots as Hagg Lake, Mt. Hood, Clackamette Cove, Hagg Lake and the Oregon Coast.
The group has very much honored the mission of creating cross-cultural exchange with the wide variety of cultures involved in the group. I have been honored to learn about India, Taiwan, China, and Germany to name a few. Recently Exchange Cycle Tours has opened a moderate cost weekday bike clinic and volunteers have been helping to set up bikes which are available for purchase.
There is also the World Exotica Dance Party coming up next weekend. There’s so much happening with this club that I can barely keep track of it all. The website is in the process of being revamped and new signs are on the way.
For those of you who are interested in learning more about Exchange Cycle Tours or just want an incredible event, you are welcomed with open arms to our dance party.
Thanks for that update Aaron. It seems like this is quite an ambitious club that is very deserving of community support. I hope you’ll all consider going to this awesome party!
