Portlander Mike Cobb is no stranger to impressive bicycle feats. Whether it’s winning a trackstand competition with a broken arm while being pelted with water balloons, or coming home with three medals from the 2009 Cycle Messenger World Championships in Tokyo, or by simply pedaling a 700-pound capacity cargo trike at his former day job — this man is a professional.
“somewhere in Spain.”
(Photo by Paul Freedman)
His latest gig? A six month, 4,500 mile, pedal-powered trek through 12 countries as the on-call mechanic for the Pleasant Revolution World Tour. Using a mix of boats, trains and bikes, Cobb joined a rolling crew of 18 people as they played gigs (powered by pedal generators) four times per week. With 12 musicians and five bands among the crew carrying all their gear by bike, Mike stayed very busy keeping everything rolling smoothly down the road.
With money from a few paid gigs, a lot of busking, and a bit of sponsorship money, Mike and the Pleasant Revolution crew camped and played their way through England, the Netherlands, Germany, Austria, Czech Republic, Hungary, Slovakia, Slovania, Croatia, Italy, France, and Spain.
Mike just got back to Portland a few weeks ago and he sent over some photos from the trip. What an amazing experience it must have been. Check out the photos below, with captions by Mike himself…
(Photo by Paul Freedman)
(Photo by Paul Freedman)
(Photo by Paul Freedman)
(Photo by Paul Freedman)
(Photo by Wolfgang “Höfi” Höfler)
Thanks for sharing this trip with us Mike! Unreal.
Learn more at PleasantRevolution.net.
Thanks for reading.
BikePortland has served this community with independent community journalism since 2005. We rely on subscriptions from readers like you to survive. Your financial support is vital in keeping this valuable resource alive and well.
Please subscribe today to strengthen and expand our work.
Two winters ago I was DRIVING a huge load of gear south on MLK near Fremont. I hit every light to SE and the whole time I saw this cyclist in my rear view mirror catching up on me. Mike passed me with a grin on his face and passed dozens of other cars on the road…and he was on his single speed.
I heard that Mike was later racing Class B Cross- on a fixed gear!
Aside from his mad riding skills, Mike is a great guy. I love to read your success stories, Jonathan.
Simply, amazing! Cheers Mike!
I think I’m having my first man-crush.
mike, as always, rules. hes a total monster on the bike, a fantastic mechanic, and a great guy.
pure awesome!
Welcome back Mike. This man has made many bike deliveries for Trailhead … at record speed to be sure! All rolling on a fixed gear *with* a trailer full of coffee. Solid.
Yay Mike! Cobbworks Oyster Buckets are still the best!
What 3 medals at the Worlds?
And they don’t really give out medals. These are messengers. You win prizes…. Sometimes a belt.
Sorry to be a doubter but….
I have to ask.
trackstand, cargo race, backwards circles
Sometimes prizes AND medals, like Seattle 2003 and NYC 2005: http://m.flickr.com/#/photos/mikecobb/5781742055/sizes/m/
(moving today and stumbled upon my favorite medal ever)
Thanks Jonathan. Thanks y’all! It’s very good to be back. Dabby – you are correct. 1st, 2nd, 5th.
Hi from your favorite Aunt in China. It was great seeing photos and reading about your “world tour”… what’s next?
Mike! It was a pleasure and an honor to tour with you! Best wishes to you and I will definitely be dropping in to say hello next time I pass through Portland!
Hey Mike,
Thanks for fixing my bike so many times, tying my frame back together, welding, spoke after spoke after spoke and all the lessons on how to do it my self. You are amazing.
Auntie Colette: designing and building cargo bikes! Thomas: would love to see you.
Laughter: thank-you for the kind words.