A reader just pointed out to that the New York Times has mentioned Portland’s bike scene yet again in their Saturday edition.
The first time is was all about our “cult-like” allegiance to cyclocross racing and now they cite a new report from Atlanta that says our “pedestrian and biker friendly” city is the main reason for our top-five standing in the “battle” to attract “rare and desirable” 25-34 year olds to our city.
“Cyclcross fans’ race-day festivities rival those of Nascar and die-hard college football fans.”
-from the New York Times article
The buzz about Portland’s vibrant cyclocross scene got much louder today when the venerable New York Times published an article on last week’s USGP race in Hillsboro.
Times reporter Oakley Brooks took advantage of the muddy conditions and rabid fans to introduce the “burgeoning pro tour for the sport of cyclocross,” to the world.
[11/26: Update – Here’s the story]
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The front page of this Sunday’s Oregonian will feature a story about Portland’s bicycle industry.
The cover story and photo essay will report on how Portland has become a hotbed of activity for bike-related businesses; from frame builders and clothing designers, to major manufacturers like Chris King and Sapa Inc.
The story will also cover the PDC‘s efforts to help develop this burgeoning sector of our local economy.
Is there room for two big-time stage races in the Pacific Northwest in the same month?
Just last week I reported about a multi-million dollar funding request for a major new stage race to be based in Portland.
Acclaimed movie director Gus Vant Sant — who won was nominated for an Academy Award for Good Will Hunting — has tapped the Zoobombers for an upcoming performance piece with the BodyVox dance company.
Van Sant and the Zoobombers will be guest artists at First Impressions V. 5, a show that runs from December 7-16 at the BodyVox Studio (1300 NW Northrup).
Zoobomb ringleader “Handsome” Dave wouldn’t divulge too much info about the performance, so you’ll have to show up to find out what happens when you mix the talents of Gus Van Sant with guys that like to ride mini-bikes down hills.
For more info call BodyVox GM Una Loughran at (503) 229-0627.
This is just a note that over the next few days I will finally be ditching my current host for greener (and local!) pastures.
Since the big server disaster I had last month, I’ve been using a temporary solution and now I’ll be transferring everything over to a new host.
I hope it all goes smoothly, but there’s always the chance of some bumps in the road.
Everything should (hopefully) be OK by Monday. Think good thoughts.
I know it’s cheesy and cliche, but I couldn’t resist.
Here’s the bike stuff in Portland that I’m most thankful for. I encourage you to share yours if you’d like.
Dabby, (a veteran Portland messenger and regular commenter) just sent me an interesting bit of news.
The Washington Area Bicyclists Association, an advocacy group in DC, has worked with the Washington DC Department of Transportation to amend their law to explicitly allow fixed gear bicycles to be used without separate hand brakes.