[Owner Shad Johnson.] The other day, while looking for the BMX Museum, I happened upon a new bike shop in Northeast Portland called Goods. Goods specializes in high-end BMX parts, frames, and clothing. The shop was started about a year ago by 10-year Portland resident Shad Johnson. While Shad says there’s a great BMX scene … Read more
[Gary Sansom, curator.] Over 20 years ago, 40 year-old Northeast Portland resident Gary Sansom was a top BMX racer. Like many guys his age (including me), he grew up wanting to be a BMX superstar. Eventually (also like many of us) he grew up, got a “real job”, and got on with his life…but his … Read more
[Dave Johnson, President] You wouldn’t know it from the outside, but up on MLK Blvd. (at Jessup Street), behind an IT company called Netropole, is an online retailer of bike apparel called Veloclothes.com. I recently paid them a visit to find out more about the company. Dave Johnson, a major bike enthusiast, is the owner … Read more
[New bike lane on Vancouver!Photo: BTA] Some very exciting news announced by Jessica Roberts of the Bicycle Transportation Alliance (BTA). A major new bike lane has been striped on Vancouver Ave., from Russell Street down to Broadway. This completes a “missing link” in the bike network that is part of the BTA’s larger goal of … Read more
Despite some scary and somber times last October, I’m happy to report that bikey shenanigans and mayhem are alive and well at the Alberta Clown House. Last night was the first warm and dry Last Thursday celebration of the year and the Clowns and all their friends took full advantage. The Mud Pit of Doom … Read more
[Event flyer] I love street fairs. Besides meeting people and hanging out, closing streets to motorized traffic just makes me happy. This Saturday (10-5pm), the City of Portland, Kaiser, the Concordia Neighborhood and the Fox Chase Business Association, will kick off summer street fair season with The Northeast Spring Thing. In addition to a ton … Read more
The Portland Office of Transportation Options is in high gear. They’re in the midst of the Northeast Hub Project, a comprehensive program that aims to encourage walking and biking in Northeast Portland. Yesterday I gained clearance to the top-secret Hub headquarters to check out the operation. Transportation Options are the folks behind many of the … Read more
Bike polo is one of the most challenging and fun things you can do on two wheels. I played last summer with the Axles of Evil crew and it was awesome. Blood was spilled and although I barely held my own against their mallet mastery, it was a hell of a good time. I spilled … Read more
[Coming to Bagdad Theater.] Bike Gallery is throwing their weight behind a fundraiser for the Glenhaven BMX and Skate Park. The park, scheduled to be built later this summer, will be located in Northeast Portland (82nd and Siskiyou). On June 8th Bike Gallery will host a showing of, “Joe Kid on a Sting-Ray: The History … Read more
[Greeting card by Redbird Studio] The other day I went to the opening of Tour de Crepes on Alberta Street. This is the new joint opened by a supporter of the bike community and devoted cyclist, Brenda Drain. The visit confirmed that Alberta Street is perhaps the most bikey in the city. Besides being home … Read more
[Painting by Tiago.Art imitates life.] I checked out the Last Thursday Artwalk on Alberta last week. I was hoping to see the Clownhouse in all its glory, but unfortunately the rain kept them from most of their fun. The yard was empty of craziness (don’t worry, it will come later), but the house itself was … Read more
The City of Portland has just submitted “Notices of Intent” for four major projects they hope will receive funding through the Federal Highway Administration’s Transportation Enhancements program. Three of these projects, totalling over $5.6 million dollars, would vastly improve our bikeway and trail network.