in San Jose, CA.
(Photo © Jonathan Maus)
Bike industry bigwigs, exhibitors from all over the world (including 11 from Portland), after-parties, loads of media outlets, hordes of custom bike fans, and some of the most beautiful two-wheeled creations ever seen are coming to the Oregon Convention Center February 8-10th.
It’s the North American Handmade Bicycle Show and all signs point to an event that is sure to leave an indelible impression on our city.
Local builders are scurrying around, putting the finishing touches on their show bikes and plans have been hatched for a variety of after parties and even a debut art exhibit created just for the show.
(Photo: Renovo Bikes)
So far, nearly 200 exhibitors have signed up. Among them is an impressive list of homegrown Portland talent that includes several names from new builders you’ve likely never heard of.
Take Renovo Hardwood Bicycles for instance. This company, based in Southeast Portland, makes hollow, monocoque frames out of fine hardwoods. Or how about Courage Bicycle Manufacturing? They’re another new local builder that just came on my radar last week. And then there’s Signal Cycles, the North Portland-based framebuilding business started by art school alums Matt Cardinal and Nathan Meschke.
In addition, seven other Portland builders (and one manufacturer) will represent. They are,
Tony Pereira will show.
(Photo: Pereira Cycles)
- Chris King Precision Components
- Ahearne Cycles
- Ira Ryan Cycles
- Terra Nova Cycles/Strawberry
- Pereira Cycles
- Vertigo Cycles
- Sweetpea Bicycles
- Hufnagel Cycles
- The Vanilla Workshop
Yes folks, Portland’s bike industry is alive and vibrant as ever (on that note, check out this Marketplace story that aired last night on NPR).
The show will be amazing, but much of the action will happen far outside the Convention Center walls, the folks at Wieden and Kennedy, a global ad agency based in Northwest Portland, will make sure of it.
Unlike some shows, where attendees rarely stray from the beaten convention-center-hotel path, a few creative and ambitious people from W+K got together to create an art exhibit that will showcase a rich side of Portland’s bike culture; teams.
the Teams of Portland exhibit.
(Photo: Team Beer)
Teams of Portland showcases nine local teams, their uniforms, the people behind them, and the places they ride and like to hang out. A website has been created that features photos and videos and W+K will host an opening night party. (See the W+K blog for more info).
Matt Bracken, from legendary custom bike company Independent Fabrications, called this morning with news that IF will team up with Veloce Bicycles (3202 SE Hawthorne) for an after-show party on Thursday night (2/7).
Then, on Saturday night (2/9), local bike industry sales rep Michael Kloeppel will host a party at Plan B (SE 8th and Main). The party will feature a prize raffle with all ticket proceeds benefiting BikePortland.org (have a pint, win some stuff, and support this site!).
For more information about the show, including the schedule of seminars and a full list of exhibitors, see the official website.
Also, stay tuned to BikePortland.org for all the insider show news, photo galleries, builder profiles and more.
North American Handmade Bicycle Show
February 8-10 (*Note: Friday the 8th is open to industry members only)
Oregon Convention Center (777 NE MLK Jr Blvd)
Admission: $15 pre-sale online or $18 at the door. Multi-day passes and other ticket information here.