If you’re running around looking for a nice little gift for the bike lover on your list, below are a few things to keep in mind. To make this a bit more fun, how about you chime in with what’s on your wish list in the comments?
I’ve kept my suggestions to things that are inexpensive and available in Portland (it’s the 20th already!).
B-Shares from B-Line PDX – $20
I’m so proud of our local, pedal-powered delivery company B-Line PDX. They’ve really nailed their business model and they’ve gotten a lot of positive attention that’s very much deserved. One of the coolest things they do is a new program called B-Shares. Available for purchase online, B-Shares is a crowd-funded program that gets surplus food to people who need it most; and it’s all done with human power. Enough said.
Mach Schnell Goggles from Portland Design Works – $15
When our friends at Portland Design Works first shared their Mach Schnell Goggles with us back in June 2009, they were just a prototype. Now, the fashionable utility of these foldable goggles can be yours for a mere $15. You can find Portland Design Works products in many Portland bike shops.
Merino Wool
I’d be remiss if I didn’t share this secret: Since the kind folks at Icebreaker gave me a t-shirt before Cycle Oregon 2009 (which I wore the entire week without washing!), I’ve been a believer. Socks, undies, base layers, sweaters, summer, winter, or fall — merino wool is hard to beat for riding in Portland. I love it because I barely ever wash it, it stays smelling fresh, it doesn’t get sweaty, and it looks swell. My two favorite merino sources in Portland are Icebreaker (1109 West Burnside Street) and Clever Cycles (908 SE Hawthorne).
Bipedal, By Pedal! #2: Confidential Mad Libs – $4
Local zine legend and owner of Microcosm Publishing, Joe Biel, has a knack for making transportation activism interesting, fun, and sometimes funny (he’s the guy who made the Martinis in the Bike Lane documentary). Biel’s latest zine, Bipedal, By Pedal! #2: Confidential Mad Libs – $4, is an ingenious handling of hundreds of internal police documents about Critical Mass in Portland. He’s uncovered police spies that infiltrated Critical Mass meetings, lots of fear and hysteria about crazed bike “anarchists,” and more. If you’re in Portland, swing by his store at 636 SE 11th for a copy or buy it online.
OK, that’s enough of my picks (I could go on and on)…
Are you hoping for a special bike gift this year? If so, what wishes are dancing around in your head?
Thanks for reading.
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Until I find a job the only thing I’m giving out for the holidays is hugs and smiles.
I would be thrilled to find a set of helmuffs on Christmas morning.
I can definitely see the appeal in affordable, foldable goggles. However, it appears they come with giant vertical blind spots just like in a car. Seems like they could easily be done away with resulting in a far superior product.
These are not recommended for riders who use only one eye.
I’m holding out for a Renovo frame. Bubinga & Maple.
Santa brought me one two years ago…hickory & sapele. I love it only slightly less that he who gave it to me! Best wishes!
I’d be thrilled with a nice (yellow) Showers Pass Men’s Touring rain jacket, and a pair of rain pants (that fit, and allow me to ride).
a nice new rain jacket would be great! my current jacket is not as waterproof as i’d like…although it’s really not meant to be waterproof. my actual rain jacket is too huge to comfortably ride in, and actually lets in more water around the neck area.
I’d just be happy with the gift of time… time to ride, that is!
I’d like a brand new NEXT mountain bike with rear suspension, gigantic welds, and a chrome pain job. I am not kidding.
Give the gift of bike rides! Purchase gift certificates to any of the Good Sport Promotion fundraising rides and you can give the gift of a full day of riding, supporting a non-profit organization, dinner, a beer garden, lunch, full support, gorgeous routes and much more!
Choose from fun, quirky urban rides or gorgeous distance events.
DETAILS: http://tinyurl.com/orbike2010
Very proud of my boy Roberto and B-Line bringin’ the B-Shares to the people. If you’re hoping for a $250 jacket, then your gifters can probably afford 20 bucks for a B-share.
i am itching for a yoga mat with bicycle printed on it…