The Rose City Rollers (Portland’s all-female roller derby league) open their season this Saturday night at the Expo Center. But for me, the most exciting thing on the schedule has nothing to to with roller skates. I’ll be there for the “mini-bike extravaganza” planned for half-time.
What’s a mini-bike extravaganza? According to Handsome Dave (the man behind the madness) he’s putting together a half-time show that includes the Sprockettes, the Zoobombers, and the Dingo Dizmal Clownarchy.
A few days ago, a BikePortland.org reader noticed his stolen bike listed on Craigslist. Eager for revenge on the suspected thief he contacted the seller. Turns out the seller was a nice guy who had unknowingly bought the bike through the Police on eBay.
Turns out that the State of Oregon maintains a website at OregonSurplus.com that sells “state and federal surplus property”. Here’s more from their site:
Renowned bike funnist Reverend Phil recently found his beloved “Duff#5” (full story here) and was moved to write this touching ode:
She has returned to me.
Let it ring from the depths of the Shanghai Tunnels to the heights of Council Crest.
Let it ring from every bridge, from the Freemont “bikelane” to the Hawthorne gravel path.
Let it ring from cherubic babes in Burleys to pink ‘n black minxes on minis.
Let it ring for those stuck in traffic yearning to escape, and those flowing though traffic as escape.
Let it ring and ring true in the pounding chest of every being for whom the independence of self-mobilization is exhilaration incarnate.
[UPDATES: A reader has posted the cease and desist letter from Specialized. See it here. (PDF)
*Specialized responds.]
North Portland based Mountain Cycle and global bike giant Specialized Bicycle Components of Morgan Hill, California are locked in a disagreement that neither side is backing down from. At issue is Mountain Cycle’s use of, “Stumptown” which has been the model name for their cyclocross bike since 2003.
The City of Portland Office of Transportation has just announced that the official launch of their “Portland Go Platinum” campaign (website) will happen Thursday night at Bike Gallery‘s downtown location. The announcement will piggyback on the “Ride Portland” event being planned by Bike Gallery to celebrate the arrival of the new Trek “Portland” model.
Here’s something I could really use…Tori Bortman has started a mechanic school in her basement. An experienced mechanic (most recently at North Portland Bikeworks) and teacher, Tori is offering both structured courses and one-on-one tutoring. According to Tori:
“…there seems to be a need for folks who are looking to learn how to care for their bike but may be intimidated or lacking the time to go to one of the local shops. This is an opportunity to offer people a personal setting to learn mechanics where they can get the most attention and learn at their own pace.”
Thanks to everyone who has donated so far to help pay my way to DC for the National Bike Summit. I’m looking forward to joining my friends at the BTA and spreading the word about how an independent advocate can use the web to build, nurture, and connect a bike community. Jessica at the BTA is already networking on my behalf, trying to set up meetings and introduce me to other advocates. It will be a great experience for me and one that will have a big impact on my ongoing work here on BikePortland.org.
It was an amazing morning of bike love here in Portland. We had a great turnout at both Breakfast on the Bridges: Driver Donut Edition (photos), and the “I Share the Road” rally (photos). The sun even came out to lend its endorsement to the proceedings. And I’m sure it didn’t hurt that the events were plugged last night on KATU-TV (thanks Anita!) and in an article on the front page of the Oregonian this morning.
Someone just emailed me a link to Phil Stanford’s column in the Portland Tribune. They got an interview with the guy that beat up Randy. Turns out his nickname is “Gater” and he’s an ex-boxer! Here’s an excerpt:
“Gater says he was on his way to work that morning when this guy – who’d been keeping the bus from passing him for several blocks – up and stopped in the middle of the Hawthorne Bridge. … At which point, Gater, who happens to be an ex-boxer, got off the bus and told him to move it. … When he didn’t, Gater says, he threw just one punch, and not a very good one at that. … As for the police, Gater says, he’s not particularly concerned, since by his calculations the statute of limitations expired Monday.”
The City of Portland will hold a rally tomorrow morning to “recommit community support for all modes of transportation” and officially launch the “I Share the Road” campaign. According to the official statement (PDF here) from the Office of Transportation, the joint effort has brought together a diverse group including; the Mayor of Portland, and heads of the American Automobile Association, the Bicycle Transportation Alliance, TriMet, Portland Public Schools, Willamette Pedestrian Coalition, Portland Police Bureau, Elders in Action and others.
Along with the rally at Waterfront Park, the City will take the following immediate actions:
Just a quick note…one of Kryptonite‘s top tech guys is in town and I’m meeting him for dinner tonight. Do you have any questions you’d like me to ask him? I plan to touch base about the latest in bike security and hear what they’ve learned about lock design since the Bic Pen Fiasco. It should be interesting, but thought I’d see if you guys have anything in particular you’d like to know (especially the messengers out there who know a thing or two about locks).
According to Kryptonite, Portland is one of their biggest markets.
While I’m on the topic, the Oregonian covers the Sara Stout Stolen Bike Saga in the paper today. Astute readers will remember my coverage on this back in October.
