(Photos © J. Maus)
This morning I swung by Pioneer Courthouse Square to partake in a grand Portland tradition — the Bike to Work Breakfast.
The crowd wasn’t too big this year (I think as biking becomes more normal, events like this lose their appeal to some); but that just meant more hot and fresh pancakes, egg and toast combos, bagels, coffee, and free bike repairs (thanks Bike Gallery!) for those who did show up.
The event was also a great chance to chat with folks. After all, Pioneer Square isn’t known as “Portland’s living room” for nothing.
I bumped into Portland Police officer Cage Bird (yes, that’s really his name). Officer Bird works the night shift patrolling downtown and was just headed home to Vancouver. “I just finished my shift,” he said, “So I figured I’d stop and fuel up.”
I also met Elliot Aughenbaugh. Elliot just started biking in March and he was in line for some free bike repair. “I’ve jumped in feet first,” Elliot said about his new biking habit, “I’m so new I don’t even know how to work on this thing.”
Jennifer Rosa just moved to Portland from Seattle about a month ago. She’s been biking for about two years now (read how it’s changed her life on her blog). Rose biked around the city up in Seattle too, but says riding is “a lot better” here. I loved hearing her perspective.
“In Seattle, I couldn’t get anyone to ride with me, they were all to scared because of all the cars and the hills,” Rosa said. “In Seattle, I’d always have to yell at people… I haven’t had to yell at anyone here… It’s been amaaazing! I’m in heaven!”
Markell, a self-employed Northeast Portland resident who I spotted in line for some new brake pads, is far from new to biking. 48 years old, he says he’s biked all over the city for “40-some years” and he’s thankful that biking is much more accessible today than it used to be.
(I wouldn’t have believed it if he didn’t show me the silver hair under his cap.)
If you didn’t go this year, make a note to join us next time. I know Bike to Work events don’t quite hold the charm here in Portland like they might in other towns, but how often do bikes get to take over Pioneer Square?
Thanks to the City of Portland for the hospitality this morning.
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.
Dude, all these are such great, interesting, diverse folks! They would fit in nicely with our My NYC Biking Story series: http://www.streetfilms.org/tag/my-nyc-biking-stories/
But of course that would need to be called My Portland Biking Story….
Would have loved to go… Being hurt SUX 🙁
Jonathan did you see Sam Adams there? I know he rarely bikes but fresh pancakes, egg and toast combos, and bagels surely should have gotten him out.
How did I miss this?
I stopped by on my way to drop off my ballots and go to work — would have eaten breakfast too, except for my oatmeal that was in my bag all ready to eat. I appreciate that they do these events, especially the service tent. When you’re a new biker, getting over the fear of saying “I think something’s wrong with my bike; I need help” seems to be the biggest mental hurdle. (At least it was for me.)
Knew it was coming and yet totally forgot.
The bagel and coffee I had were delicious. When is Breakfast on the Bridge?
I stopped by to take a look when they were just setting up. About the only people there were homeless folks appreciating the free bagels and coffee. I didn’t want to wait since I had to get in to work and figured that most of those folks could use the food more than I could anyways.
Sorry I missed it this year. Even so, hearing about it from co-workers did get me motivated to get the bike repaired and back on the road for this morning’s commute. Early morning sunlight and dry weather helped, too.
Too many people on bikes in the pictures NOT wearing (or a visible presence of having) a helmet.
When are people going to realize that a helmet could potentially save your life.
Wish I went. Nothing like pancakes and a day of riding.
I thought about it – but was running late, and already full of breakfast shake (though it was no pancake and egg breakfast)! But I’m happy that some stopped by and were well fed!
I knew about but had to ride the other way to the east. So could not get free cakes: (
Officer Byrd has quite a bike racing resume…Maybe he should be PPBs (and Bike Portland’s) candidate to fill Officer Pickett’s rather large shoes.