BikeCraft: Come for the handmade gifts; stay for the other stuff

Come meet Dezy and hear him
play his amazing Piano Bike at
BikeCraft on Saturday.
(Photos © J. Maus)

If you haven’t figured it out by now, BikeCraft isn’t just a holiday gift bazaar: It’s a place where folks come out of the winter cold, catch up with friends, and enjoy that special, bike-infused flavor of Portland holiday cheer.

And to make it even better this year, the folks putting on the event have lined up some splendid diversions that will make for a perfect break from all the shopping.

Here’s a full rundown of the live music and other attractions coming to BikeCraft this weekend:

— On Saturday (12/3), Dezy “The Pianobike Kid” Walls (remember him?!) will delight you with his infectious mix of singing and playing. He’ll be pedaling and playing from 2 to 3:00 pm.

The BTA Carolers at last year’s event.

— On Sunday (12/4), local ukelele band Honky Tonk Prison (led by BikeCraft co-owner Amos Hunter himself) will play at 3:30. Come hear their hits like, “Tonight the Bottle”, “I See the Want to in Your Eyes,” and “To Heck with Ole Santa Claus.”

— Also on Sunday will be a special appearance by the BTA Carolers at 2:00 pm. This wonderful group is made up of staffers and volunteers from the Bicycle Transportation Alliance. Their bikey versions of classic Christmas carols — like Climate Change is Coming to Town and Deck the Roads with Tons of Cyclists — are sure to warm your heart (get to lyrics so you can sing along here!)

Ace instructor Tori Bortman will
share winter maintenance tips.

— Tori Bortman of Gracie’s Wrench will offer bike maintenance demos. Tori will share some nifty two-minute tricks that will have your bike singing like a Christmas caroler all winter long.

— The Filmed by Bike Lounge will be open all weekend. Inside the lounge, you can watch films from Filmed by Bike, grab previous event DVDs for cheap, or just hang out with friends and have a beer. A Bike Concierge from PDX By Bike will be on hand to answer all your questions about getting around Portland on two wheels or to help with gift ideas for that bike lover on your list that’s hard to shop for (starting with a copy of their excellent zine).

But wait, there’s more!

While you watch and listen, you’ll be able to enjoy a variety of food and drinks including;

• Kettle corn from Pedal Kettle
• Mexican food from Taco Pedaler
• Yummy falafel from the one and only Fat Kitty Falafel
• Coffee from Ristretto Coffee Roasters
• Free, make-your-own trail mix from Whole Foods Laurelhurst
• And of course beer from the Metrofiets Beer Bike, which will be serving up Hopworks Survival Stout and Amnesia Desolation IPA

BikeCraft is open from 11:00 am to 6:00 pm both days this weekend (12/3 – 12/4) at the gorgeous Sandbox Studios (420 NE 9th Ave).

Check out BikeCraftPDX.com for the latest details, vendor list, and more. And remember, it’s free to get in, but bring cash for food, drinks, and other purchases (some vendors won’t take credit).

(Note: BikePortland is the presenting sponsor of BikeCraft 2011. Yeah!)