Although they met at Interbike and were in the midst of ongoing discussions, the Portland Oregon Visitor’s Association (POVA) did not expect Messe Friedrichshafen’s big announcement to bring a major bicycle trade show to Portland in September of 2007. In a conversation today with POVA’s VP of Sales, Michael Smith, I learned that the two … Read more
[Photo: Brian Ellin] Yesterday Hillsboro (a few miles West of Portland) played host to the US Gran Prix of Cyclocross (USGP). By all accounts, the rain-soaked course did little to dampen the spirits of the racers and the spectators. In fact, the challenging conditions were welcomed by many. In a report on VeloNews.com, USGP series … Read more
The Community Cycling Center has just announced their annual Bicyclist Safety Mini-Grant Program. These grants (up to $5,000) are available for projects that, “promote the safety of bicyclists in Oregon.” Last year, these grants helped fund the Share the Road Mural, a Shift helmet giveaway, and the popular Get Lit program. The grants are available … Read more
[Doubtful] With each passing day, the likelihood of Messe Friedrichshafen (the company behind Eurobike) following through with their announcement to bring a major bicycle trade show to Portland grows slimmer. With only ten months left until their alleged show, they still have not confirmed dates, approached exhibitors, or even given it a name. Even as … Read more
“Not a lifestyle, not for fitness: it’s an experience. People like the idea of riding a bike just as they like the idea of going to the park, farmer’s market, lake, picnic, outdoor music/arts, festivals or chatting with neighbors. Unfortunately most people don’t do it as often as they would like.”-from Shimano Coasting marketing materials … Read more
[Austin and NatalieRamsland of SweetpeaBicycles] Austin and Natalie Ramsland — the husband-wife duo behind Sweetpea Bicycles — will open up their framebuilding studio on Saturday night. They’ll have frames on display (in various states of completion) and Natalie (she builds the bikes) will be happy to answer questions about her craft. It’s also a great … Read more
[Ron Buel of Riverfront for People wants tobury the East Bank freeway.] About a month ago I had lunch with Ron Buel of Riverfront for People. He had an idea to share with the bike community and wanted to get some feedback. I quickly found out that this wasn’t just any old idea… Buel is … Read more
[A scene from lastyear’s BikeCraft event.] I’ve finally confirmed a location and date for BikeCraft II. It will happen in the atrium of City Hall in downtown Portland on Thursday, December 7th. BikeCraft is an event that showcases handmade, bicycle-related arts and crafts made in Portland. For more information check out the BikeCraft page I … Read more
[Expect more big crowdsat Hillsboro this weekend.] This Sunday the eyes of the cyclocross world will be set on Hillsboro Stadium (just a few miles west of Portland). Racers and media from all over the country will compete in the sixth race of the US Gran Prix of Cyclocross. The series has made previous stops … Read more
[It was great while it lasted.] The law requires that all cyclists have a front light and a rear reflector. A little over one year ago, the Traffic Division of the Portland Police Bureau began giving out free lights to bicyclists who were stopped for violating this law. The program was spearheaded by then Commander … Read more
“I would like to see a world-class bike racing event in Portland.”-Commissioner Adams Last night at City Hall, a sub-committee formed as part of the bicycle industry task force, met to discuss the potentials and pitfalls of creating a major bike racing event in Portland. The meeting got off to an exciting start when City … Read more
ODOT needs to hear from cyclists about how they should spend a big pot of money set aside for “Transportation Enhancements”. This money must go to projects, “that strengthen the cultural, aesthetic, or environmental value of our transportation system.”