Photo Focus: An homage to tall bikes

A Bike Wedding Parade

Gabe Tiller pulling his just-married friends in Southeast Portland.
(Photos © J. Maus)

Over the years, I’ve photographed many of Portland’s unique tall bikes and the wonderful people who ride them. I dove into the BikePortland photo archives and pulled out some of my favorites…

Clownhouse tallbike race

Dingo the Clown racing in the backyard of the
former Alberta Clownhouse back in 2005.
Bridge Pedal 2009 -15

Shot at Bridge Pedal, this guy looks ready for a road race.
Bike Fashion Show_ride and afterparty-82

Minis also make fun tall bikes.

This thing is built like a tank.

Yikes!

This couple got married on a tall-bike tandem at Sunday Parkways 2010…
Sunday Parkways 09 -102

… and here’s the same couple one year before they were married!
pedalpalooza - Bike Porn 2-6.jpg

Having some fun outside a Bike Porn screening.
Seen in Portland-3.jpg

The imitable Dutch.
Tall Bike exhibit

That’s four frames if you’re counting.
Bike Fashion Show_ride and afterparty-95

Skye Blue of the Irondelles looking quite marvelous on the waterfront.
Albert Clown House

Rolling down Alberta Street.
Mult. County Bike Fair!

Joust!
bikes at Earth Day

Gabe Tiller’s Captain America.
Last Thursday on Alberta

Looking slick and fast.
Family Bicycle Transportation Day - Oregon Manifest-12

The whimsical handiwork of Portlander Robert Stapleton puts a smile on everyone’s face.

Enjoy the weekend everyone. If you missed any of this week’s stories, browse the headlines here.

Jonathan Maus (Publisher/Editor)

Jonathan Maus (Publisher/Editor)

Founder of BikePortland (in 2005). Father of three. North Portlander. Basketball lover. Car owner and driver. If you have questions or feedback about this site or my work, feel free to contact me at @jonathan_maus on Twitter, via email at maus.jonathan@gmail.com, or phone/text at 503-706-8804. Also, if you read and appreciate this site, please become a supporter.

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sysfail
13 years ago

Some pics from Dropout Bike Club. We also have our month Freak Bike ride 3rd Friday of every month, which is tonight…weehee

http://www.flickr.com/photos/bikeportland/4720248532/

DC
DC
13 years ago

Never seen one in real life, how do they stop and not fall over??

Adams Carroll (News Intern)
Reply to  DC

You either just hop off or try to not stop. You can also use street poles, trees, and other stuff to lean against.

Gabriel Nagmay
13 years ago

Here is my sweet ride: http://bit.ly/fb1WO9

And a new one that I am building from scratch:
http://twitpic.com/11t6rh

Jay R.
Jay R.
13 years ago

What, no tallcumbent?

travesty
travesty
13 years ago

Thanks! enjoy the photos a great deal!

I prefer to apply the brakes on my tall bike, swing my leg over however is necessary for that frame (step thru is easier) and climb down the frame. The other methods also work.

Robert Stapleton
Robert Stapleton
13 years ago

The lady you see riding one of my steeringwheel bolt together talls (she owns 2) is Pinky the juggler. She is a very talented person and also the inventor of the VRS system for deaf people,it allows them to communicate by phone.Google Pinky VRS for more info or to get in touch with her if you need a unicycling juggler for a gig.

CaptainKarma
13 years ago

Arrgh….too…much….gasp…..sunlight….in those pictures…..it burns…..

Robert Stapleton
Robert Stapleton
13 years ago

Tallbikes are truly WONDERFUL !!! If you can handle riding a regular bike without wobbling you can ride a tallbike. I agree with travesty the stepthrough top frames are easiest to get on and off of (much safer and quicker too).I build small step bars on the side of mine.A-hold onto the bars with both hands.B-right foot on step bar.C-push off for some momentum (movement is your friend) get rolling.D-stand up on the step bar and put your left foot on the left pedal.E-push your body up,right leg through the frame,right foot on pedal,butt on seat and your now experiencing one of the greatest feelings you can have as a bicyclist !! It’s NOT about getting attention,it’s NOT about trying to be cool or fit into some group,It’s about FUN !!!! It rekindles that feeling of fun and freedom and yes a little bit of danger that you experienced when you first rode a bike as a kid.It’s the BEST!!! Try it !!!

Kevin Wagoner
Kevin Wagoner
13 years ago

Here are a few good tall bike pictures of the Irondelles.

http://www.flickr.com/photos/kevinwagoner/sets/72157621966148843/

Jack
Jack
13 years ago

On numerous occasions I’ve been asked in all seriousness, “What’s the purpose?” in regards to my tall bike.

When I say, “It’s fun.” it seems to catch a lot of people off guard; as if it’s not a valid reason for doing something as an adult.

Robert Stapleton
Robert Stapleton
13 years ago

Yeah Jack I get the same thing when out and about on mine.Makes me feel a little sorry for those folks,it’s a sad thing when adults shut out the ability to enjoy things for the pure fun of it. I really like it when I see things like the (now married) couple in these pictures.Look at those great smiles,those two get it !! They definitely understand that silly fun is enhancing their relationship not taking away from it. Tallbike LOVE !!! FANTASTIC !!!!

Tansy Ragwort
Tansy Ragwort
13 years ago

And we wonder where Portlandia gets its inspiration.

adam
adam
13 years ago

that is great! I could not decide that year if I liked the clown house wedding or the mt tabor wedding more – so I just figured I liked them all.

esther c
esther c
13 years ago

It does totally look like fun to this middle aged lady. Whenever I see anyone on one they always seem to be smiling. Also opportunities for interacting with strangers which is usually good.

rev
13 years ago

purty! tanx j-man

Mark Allyn
13 years ago

The 2nd photo (the one at the clown house) and the 6th photo (the one with the person sitting on the handlebars are my favorites of this set!

Keep up the good work!

Mark

Robert Stapleton
Robert Stapleton
13 years ago

esther c should go hang out with the Irondelles !! How’s your welding skills esther ?