Bike mechanic in Oregonian photo spread

Tori Bortman, bike mechanic.
Image scanned from Oregonian

Local bike mechanic and bike polo promoter Tori Bortman made her way onto a full-page photo in a recent special section of the Oregonian that profiled how 40 Portlanders make their living.

You might remember Tori from a story I did on her last year. In addition to being a mechanic at the downtown Bike Gallery, Tori runs Gracie’s Wrench, a private bike repair school she runs from her home.

I’ve heard from alumni that the classes are great. I hope to take them myself and report back on the experience. If you’re interested, drop her an email at gracieswrench[at] gmail[dot]com or call (503) 460-2374.

In addition to teaching, Tori is also the lady behind Polo for the People, a beginner-friendly bike polo series that happens every week throughout the summer at Alberta Park in northeast Portland.

Cycle Oregon day 2 - Starkey camp scenes

And finally, I can’t resist sharing this photo from my archives. It shows Tori rocking out and getting down and dirty during at the bike rodeo during Cycle Oregon last year.

Sorry Tori! Congrats on making it into the paper.

Jonathan Maus (Publisher/Editor)

Jonathan Maus (Publisher/Editor)

Founder of BikePortland (in 2005). Father of three. North Portlander. Basketball lover. Car owner and driver. If you have questions or feedback about this site or my work, feel free to contact me at @jonathan_maus on Twitter, via email at maus.jonathan@gmail.com, or phone/text at 503-706-8804. Also, if you read and appreciate this site, please become a supporter.

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Dat
Dat
17 years ago

there is a original photo on flickr.

http://www.flickr.com/photos/theoregonian/431357522/

janis
17 years ago

You are SO awesome Tori! I loved taking her class…gives me a sense of independence to know that I can work on my own bike.

You ROCK! Cheers, janis

bArbaroo
bArbaroo
17 years ago

Tori Rocks!

JeffH
JeffH
17 years ago

Awesome! It’s great that Tori is getting public recognition for her work.

sh
sh
17 years ago

OMG! Viva Tori!
Not only is Bortman a great instructor, an apple fritter afficionado, and a super-stylie one on the skirt scene, she’s also the cutest wrench in town (don’t tell her i said that though).

Plus, she got a new bike, so she’s probably gonna be fast this year too — Bortman, i’m going ridin’ right NOW.

Mark Friesen
17 years ago

If you want to read the story, here’s a much better link that doesn’t split the story into a zillion pages:

http://blog.oregonlive.com/oregonianextra/2007/03/the_city_that_works.html

beth h
17 years ago

Tori rocks my universe.
Mmmmwah, girl!

Ayleen
17 years ago

And one other accomplishment under Tori’s already-full belt: She is also one of the four hosts of the KBOO Bike Show. In fact, Tori will be hosting the next program on April 4th which will feature Brett Flemming, General Service Manager for the Bike Gallery and Owner and proprietor of Efficient Velo tools. Brett will be on hand to answer all your mechanical questions.

Think Car Talk, only about bikes, and much cooler.

Alison
Alison
17 years ago

You go, Tori!

Congrats on some well-deserved recognition. As a woman mechanic you are a true inspiration. As a great person, you’re simply a lot of fun and I’m happy to share this great town with you.