Wandering advocate stops in Portland

Kent and his bike.
(File photo)

Well-known endurance cyclist and bike advocate Kent Peterson, made a brief stop in Portland yesterday.

Peterson is the Commuting Program Director for the Bicycle Alliance of Washington and he’s on his “Wander Around Washington” — a 2-week, 1,100 mile sojourn to help get him acquainted with communities throughout the state.

Peterson is perhaps best known for his amazing feat of riding a singlespeed in the Great Divide Mountain Bike Race (the route covers 2470 miles with 200,000 feet of climbing) which led to his e-book, The Way of the Mountain Turtle.

Kent says his bike is, “not necessarily optimal, but it’s sufficient.”
(File photo)

After a meeting with bike planners in Vancouver, he pedaled across the river and I caught up with him for a few minutes in southeast Portland.

Kent said the reason for the ride was to learn about bike communities far away from the Seattle headquarters of his non-profit,

“This trip isn’t about, ‘hey, I’m the expert from Seattle…’, it’s more like, ‘hey, tell me about your town, what’s it like to ride here?'”

He spoke excitedly about the many interactions he’s had with people along the way: a guy in Spokane who he connected with someone in Bellingham; a dad and his kids at a BMX track in Walla Walla; and the many bike shop owners he’s talked with.

One of the most encouraging things he’s learned is that nearly every shop he’s visited reports a big growth in transportation, commuting, and utility cycling.

At about 100 miles a day, he’s had a busy schedule and wishes he had more time to report back on his blog and visit with locals. Unfortunately, some folks are feeling left out when he doesn’t pay them a visit,

“One of the unintended side effects has been people feeling slighted when I don’t stop by their town…but the logistics are tough and I only have two weeks!”

Right now, Kent is pedaling back to Seattle at his characteristic steady pace (about 10-12 mph). Once he gets back to the office, he hopes to take a week to digest everything he’s seen and heard.

To follow his adventures (now and in the future), check out his blog.