🚨 Please note that BikePortland slows down during this time of year as I have family in town and just need a break! Please don't expect typical volume of news stories and content. I'll be back in regular form after the new year. Thanks. - Jonathan 🙏
[The new Trek “Portland”] The City of Portland Office of Transportation has just announced that the official launch of their “Portland Go Platinum” campaign (website) will happen Thursday night at Bike Gallery‘s downtown location. The announcement will piggyback on the “Ride Portland” event being planned by Bike Gallery to celebrate the arrival of the new … Read more
Clicking through my feedreader today I came across a great post and inspiring photos by local cyclist and inventor Todd Fahrner. Taking advantage of a glorious break in the weather, Todd followed his neighbor to the store to pick up groceries with her two kids…all by bike. The trip was was made smooth and easy … Read more
[Then] [Now] One reason Portland is such a great biking town is that bikes have been a part of the landscape for well over 100 years. Case in point; in my office I’ve got a framed version of the “Cyclists’ Road Map of Portland” dated 1896 (more photos here). It’s a really cool map and … Read more
[An Ira Ryan frame at Chunkathalon] [via GravelTech] Ira Ryan has added his name to the growing list of Portland frame builders. Ira is one of the founders of Magpie Messenger Collective, is the reigning champion of the Trans-Iowa endurance mountain bike race, and apprenticed with Sacha White of Vanilla Bicycles.
[Sacha at last year’s show (photo credit )] Portland will be well represented at the 2nd annual North American Hand Made Bicycle Show. So far, four local frame builders will make the trip down to San Jose, California in March to display their creations alongside the best in the business. Last year, Sacha White of … Read more
Yesterday I got a call from one of my intrepid correspondents (thanks Dat!) that the downtown Bike Gallery has just received shipment of the very first Trek Portlands. Today I went down to investigate and sure enough, they’ve got two of them (a 52 and 54 cm) already in stock and they expect more to … Read more
[Sprockettes at BikeCraft] Just a little reminder that you can purchase the 2006 Sprockettes Calendar online for $5 (plus $2 shipping/delivery). This hot little item was a hit at BikeCraft but for all of you that couldn’t make it, now’s your chance to get one before they sell out. They make great gifts and you’ll … Read more
…unless they’re made by local biker and musician, Ben Salzberg. He makes these ingenious rear-view mirrors from spokes and beer bottle caps. Usually he just makes them for friends, but because he’s such a nice guy he’s agreed to make a bunch and bring them to tomorrow’s BikeCraft Faire. They’re the perfect gift for the … Read more
Noticed this flyer the other day at Citybikes. It’s a cool little invention called the Cycle Truck. Some local guy (I’ve emailed and haven’t heard back) is taking old cruisers and mountain bikes and outfitting them with a custom front rack set-up. Basically, he mounts the basket to the downtube – not your handlebars – … Read more
Just when you thought the list of bike crafters could not get any better… After some recent publicity a few more artists have emerged and have now been added to the roster. I know, I know, you must be thinking, “can there really be more artists making bike-themed stuff!?” and the answer is…yes! First, I’m … Read more
Just ordered new stickers (below). They’ll be available for sale at the BikeCraft Faire. I went through my first batch so quickly that I’ve decided I can’t give them away for free any more (sorry). I’ll still give some away around town, but officially they’ll be 3-for-a-buck from now on. Hope you like ’em! Check … Read more
[front cover] [back cover] I’m happy to share these images of the first-ever Sprockettes Calendar! The Sprockettes are Portland’s very own mini-bike dance troupe (check out my photos of them). They’ve performed all over Portland and next year they’re looking to spread their message of fun feminism through funky dance moves outside our borders. You … Read more