Yesterday was quite a day.
In the span of about two hours, we learned of Michael Jackson’s death, planned a ride (and had a blast), did three TV interviews, got mentioned in The Oregonian, and even got noticed by the New York Times.
And this morning, the famous bike-blogger/comedian BikeSnobNYC came across that mention of our ride in the New York Times and couldn’t take it any longer. Disgusted by Portland’s biking spirit, he wrote (emphasis mine):
“Now, I realize Portland considers itself the home of “bike culture,” and I’m sure it’s a lovely place to ride a bike, but seriously–it’s enough already. Is there any news or pop cultural event around which the people of Portland will not form some sort of kitchy theme ride? [No.] Do they just sit around waiting for things to happen or for people to die so they can put on stupid outfits and jump on their bikes? Also, where do they find the time? This ride had already happened before the Times even managed to complete its report. And while the people of Portland apparently have plenty of time on their hands, they are less endowed when it comes to dignity.
I realize Portland is a very progressive place when it comes to riding bikes, but I can’t help thinking that they may have set the cause of cycling back to about the Michael Jackson x Mick Jagger “collabo” days. If I were not already a cyclist and I was headed to a bike shop to purchase my very first bicycle, and on the way I saw a bunch of people riding around dressed like Michael Jackson, I’d probably rethink the whole thing and start pricing motorcycles instead.”
Read his full post here.
Thanks for the laugh BikeSnob. Next time you visit Portland, drop me a line and we’ll do a super-kitchy BikeSnobNYC-themed ride.