(Photo: J. Maus/BikePortland)
It’s been 10 years since the Oregon Handmade Bicycle Show burst onto the scene. I can still recall the buzz and optimism in that room. There was a collective realization that we had something special here. Today the show is stronger than ever and organizers have announced a new location, new vendors, and a lot of new reasons to check it out.
A lot has changed in our local bike building scene since 2007 (my, what an understatement), but one thing that has remained the same is this: Portland is still considered one of the global epicenters of handmade bikes. It’s right up their with craft beer and our renowned gourmet food industry.
This year the big show is August 12th and 13th at Cathedral Park Place, a large studio space near the St. Johns Bridge just up from the Willamette River.
The folks behind this show are the Oregon Bicycle Constructors Association (OBCA), a nonprofit trade group that supports and promotes Oregon-based bike builders. They’ve put together an impressive exhibitor list that’s a mix of some of Portland’s familiar names, a few new faces, and supporting local component manufacturers and suppliers. Also new this year is a partnership with maker-space ADX Portland to help with planning and The Oregonian has stepped in as an official media partner. “The OBCA worked hard this year to freshen up the show for a run at another 10 years,” reads the announcement.
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In addition to a chance to meet builders and ogle their bikes, the show will also feature: brazing demonstrations by veteran builder Dave Levy of Ti Cycles; a bike-inspired photo exhibition; free bike registration with Bike Index; a drop-in sewing workshop (handmade bags are also a big industry in Cascadia); and of course plenty of fine craft beer from Hopworks, Baerlic, New Belgium, and Widmer to keep you cool.
Here’s the current vendor list:
Hi-Fi Sound Cycling Components
It all kicks off Saturday the 12th at 10:00 am with a ride to the venue from Elevator Cafe & Commons at SE 10th and Main. Show times are Saturday (8/12) from 10:00 to 7:00 and Sunday (8/13) 11:00 to 4:00.
Tickets are $10. Links to tickets and the Facebook page can be found -bike-show/2017-08-12″>on the BP Calendar. Stay tuned for updates by following the OBCA on Twitter, Instagram and Facebook.
— Jonathan Maus: (503) 706-8804, @jonathan_maus on Twitter and jonathan@bikeportland.org
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