impromptu gig in a plaza in
Guadalajara while locals pedal
to generate electricity.
(Photo: Ginger Ninjas)
A bike-powered band that roams the globe on fully-loaded Xtracycles to bring the good word of a sustainable lifestyle to everyone that cares to listen. If that’s not the type of band many Portlanders can get behind, I don’t know what is.
The Ginger Ninjas — a band headed up by Xtracycle co-founder Kipchoge Spencer — will be riding through Portland this weekend and they’re looking for places to put on their “pedal-powered rock show”.
In case you haven’t noticed, Xtracycles (short for bikes that have an Xtracycle kit attached, which elongates the wheelbase and makes any bike into a “longtail” cargo carrying machine) have nearly become the Portland cargo-bike standard. Local shops can barely keep them in stock and it seems every week another family at my daughter’s school has dumped the mini-van for one.
The Ginger Ninjas take Xtracycles to the extreme. Last year they loaded up for a 5,000 mile journey from Northern California to Mexico City — nearly 100% human powered and with all their music gear in tow. During their shows, they have audience members pedal their bikes to generate electricity for their amps and mics.
This is a great band (I had the pleasure of hearing a pared down version of it live last year and it was very inspiring) and they’re hoping Portland will make them feel welcome. This Portland swing is due to a last-minute schedule change so they’re looking for contacts and hook-ups for volunteers and places to play. They can set-up their show anywhere, so things like parks and farmer’s markets are ideal.
If you can help connect the band to venues and/or want to help promote local shows, drop a line to Cara at gingerninjas@gmail.com. The band will be in Portland from Friday (5/22) to Sunday (5/24).
Stay tuned to the BikePorltand Twitter feed and/or Page Two for show times and locations.
To get inspired by their bikes and their music, check out this great, four-minute video from the Ginger Ninjas’ 5,000 mile bike tour to Mexico: