1950s pinup model Bettie Page passed away yesterday at the beautiful age of 85.
That news inspired BikePortland reader Erin Greeson to send in the photo below:
Bettie Page mudflaps.
Month: December 2008
Would you take the lane on I-5 to cross the Columbia?
Pretty tight, but it’s better than riding
on the highway — isn’t it?
(Photo © J. Maus)
on the highway — isn’t it?
(Photo © J. Maus)
Anyone who has attempted to ride across the Interstate 5 bridge over the Columbia River between Oregon and Washington knows that it’s not for the faint of heart.
The bikeway/sidewalk is barely wider than a cargo trailer and there’s an incline and descent to deal with while big rigs rumble past on one side and the river looms large on the other.
Sneak preview of new crafters for BikeCraft V
Now that BikeCraft’s over, we’re already thinking about next year — more space, more time, more days, and more amazing bike-related crafts are in the works.
My one big regret from this year is that we had to draw the line at 35 (!) crafters, for fear of not having space for any actual shoppers and revelers.
Here is a sampling of a few of the crafters and artists who got in touch after we hit that line. I’m hoping they’ll all be at BikeCraft V in 2009…in the meantime, enjoy this quick look:
Snow on the way: A slideshow to keep you riding
Bring it on!
– Slideshow below –
(Photos © J. Maus)
– Slideshow below –
(Photos © J. Maus)
There’s snow in the forecast around Portland this weekend; but that doesn’t mean you’ve got to leave the bike at home.
The last snow day I can recall was back in March, and from people I’ve talked to, they remember that day with fondness. Now, I realize snow is a big headache for some folks and that it causes PDOT all sorts of maintenance issues, etc…, but for those Portlanders who go by bike, it also brings something to be cherished — quiet streets with very few (and slow-moving) cars.
A snowy bike commute definitely presents some challenges, but with the type of minor snowfall we tend to get, it’s no reason to leave the wheels at home. On that note, I’ve put together a little slideshow of past snowstorms to keep you inspired…
New Yorker mag goes green for Christmas
A reader (thanks Blair!) sent in this fantastic illustration titled, “Green Christmas” that graces the December 15th New Yorker magazine cover:
Jobs of the Week from the BTA and Yakima
The job market might be dim these days, but there were two bright spots posted on the BikePortland Job Listings this past week.
The Bicycle Transportation Alliance has a high-level opening and Beaverton-based Yakima Products Inc. is looking for some holiday help.
Here are the listings:
- Finance Director — BTA
- Temporary Seasonal Consumer Service Rep, FT — Yakima Products, Inc.
Utility, cargo bike importer opens retail shop on Hawthorne
Joe Doebele’s new retail shop (not the building
in this photo) is now open
for business on SE Hawthorne.
(Photo © J. Maus)
in this photo) is now open
for business on SE Hawthorne.
(Photo © J. Maus)
Joe Bike, a new retail shop that sells imported (and then modified) utility and cargo bikes, is open for business on Hawthorne Blvd.
We reported on owner Joe Doebele’s business back in October when he announced he’d import the legendary Flying Pigeon brand bikes from China.
A trio of treat stops beckon on tomorrow’s commute
Santa Lucia surrounded by admirers.
(Photos © J. Maus)
(Photos © J. Maus)
If you commute by bike from North/Northeast Portland across the Steel Bridge (or if you don’t mind going out of your way for a bit of fun), you’ll be happy to know that tomorrow, there are several places you can stop and partake in the proud Portland tradition of free donuts.
Opening party for new bike shop, tour company on N. Williams
Just got this notice from the guys at Metropolis Cycles and Pedal Bike Tours (we did a little profile of them when they opened last month):
On Friday, December 12, come help us celebrate the opening of our shop at 2249 N Williams with prizes, food, drinks and lots of bike talk.
Grab a donut on your ride to work at our mobile donut dispenser (a cardboard table loaded with pink boxes) at N Flint and N Page from 7:30-9:00 AM.
Elly’s East Coast Road Trip; Part One
After six (eventful!) weeks on the staff here at BikePortland HQ, I am headed out into the world beyond the Portland bike bubble.
This Monday afternoon I board Amtrak’s Empire Builder, and three days later will disembark in our nation’s capital, where my east coast tour begins.
I’ll be out east for a month, hanging out with my family, meeting up with old friends, and checking out the bike scene in cities from New Haven to DC.
BikeCraft wrap-up and slideshow
Last night’s BikeCraft event was fantastic. The turnout was massive, everyone seemed to have good time, and Portland was introduced to an impressive and inspiring array of artisans who shared their arts, crafts, and other wonderful things.
On that note, I present the slideshow below:
From Iraq to BikeCraft
Joe Lontai at BikeCraft.
(Photo © J. Maus)
(Photo © J. Maus)
I’m working on a slideshow and a report about last night’s BikeCraft event. It was a thrilling night in many respects for both Elly and I, but I want to share a particularly touching moment.
Back in April 2006, I shared a story about Joe Lontai. Joe was a BikePortland reader serving a tour of duty in Iraq. He sent an email along with a photo of himself on a spinning bike in the Iraqi desert.
He was wearing a battle helmet, an Army-issue bullet-proof vest, and lycra shorts; he was training for the Seattle-to-Portland Classic.