(Photos © J. Maus)
Bike Newport, an independent bike shop based in Newport, Oregon has been named the winner of a 2010 National Bicycle Travel Award by the Adventure Cycling Association.
Bike Newport has received the Sam Braxton Bike Shop Award for “incredible services and amenities that they offer bicycle tourists on the Pacific Coast Bicycle Route.” This is the first time since the awards were first given in 2003 that a shop on the West Coast has taken home the honors.
beacon for road-weary tourists.
We’ve mentioned Bike Newport owners Daniella and Elliott Crowder several times here on BikePortland. In addition to running an excellent bike shop, they are tireless bike advocates. They attended the 2010 National Bike Summit in Washington D.C. and they are also members of the Oregon Bicycle Tourism Partnership. The Crowders also host major event rides at their shop and are highly involved with the local bike advocacy efforts in the town of Newport.
above the showroom.
Bike Newport is not just a successful business that has spurred a nascent local bike scene, but it serves as an oasis for bike tourers on one of the world’s most famous rides — the Pacific Coast Bike Route. When I stopped by the shop back in March, the Crowders gave me a tour of the amenities: An upstairs lounge with several big couches, cable TV and wifi, laundry facilities, a fully-stocked bathroom and shower, and free coffee.
With hospitality like that, they had over 600 bike tourers sign their guestbook in In the summer of 2010 alone.
the Pacific Coast Bike Route.
Daniella Crowder wrote us via email today and said that they are “thrilled” with the award, especially after Adventure Cycling told her they received a record amount of nominations.
“We love what we do and get to meet the most interesting people who are traveling all over the world and happy to give them a little respite, great service, and some of the comforts of home along their journey.”
Their success, she says, is due in part because the city of Newport is committed to becoming a bike-friendly tourist destination (which unfortunately is the opposite of nearby Lincoln City). Newport’s new Mayor-elect, Mark McConnell (a rider himself) met with the Crowders during his campaign to learn more about the needs of people who bike in Newport and to see how he can be more involved.
Congrats Daniella and Elliott. Keep the momentum strong out in Newport and thanks for inspiring other shops and advocates across Oregon!