The people, clubs, and culture that make up Portland’s bike scene.
[Chris and an old friend.] While at the Chris King Tour de France party last night, I heard someone mention that a guy rolled up on a bicycle made by Chris King himself. In all my years in the bike industry, including a stint as a King employee, I was surprised I’d never heard about … Read more
[At Saturday’s GeekFair.]Photo: Josh Knisely The Sprockettes, Portland’s very own mini-bike dance troupe, have finally hit the big time. They will be the subject of an upcoming segment on the national NPR show Day to Day. The producer was down from Seattle over the weekend to get audio for the story at a Sprockette’s performance. … Read more
[Top tube detail.] Last night I pedaled out to St. Johns to visit Portland’s oldest bike shop and catch a glimpse of the 2006 ArtBike. I really like this program (organized by Portland Open Studios) because it combines art and bikes while encouraging people to ride. While at the party I ran into Dean Cannard … Read more
[2006 ArtBike artist and detail.] Tomorrow (7/13) Portland Open Studios and Weir’s Cyclery are having a special party to roll out the 2006 ArtBike. The ArtBike is part of a unique cycling and art event created four years ago by Portland Open Studios’ organizer and artist Bonnie Meltzer and Weir’s Cyclery. Portland Open Studios is … Read more
[Expert jouster at ’05 Organ Donor Invite.] The highlight of the recent Multnomah County Bike Fair (MCBF) were the jousting competitions. This year they even had a few unicycle jousters. In case you missed it (or if you didn’t get enough of it) I present a few video clips from the day’s action… Instead of … Read more
[After first day of painting.]Photo by Sara Stout After months of gathering community feedback (which included a mural tour by bike), and jumping through a few hoops for the permit, paint is finally flowing on the new Share the Road mural. This new mural is being painted on the side of the Hawthorne Auto Clinic … Read more
Meet 38 year-old Mike Colhour. He runs a successful scrap metal recycling business by bike. He rides around the neighborhood, collecting scrap metal and plastics from dumpsters and from the side of the road. He’s been doing this for 10-15 years all over Vancouver and Portland. He recycles all kinds of stuff including glass, wire, … Read more
Hundreds of cyclists packed City Hall last night to bask in Portland’s rich artisan bicycle culture at the first-ever Made in Portland Bicycle Show and Art Exhibition. The crowds were thick and the energy and good times flowed like the free Widmer beer. The bike show was the epicenter of the event. The marble floors, … Read more
[Drawing by Shaun Deller.] Yesterday I stopped by City Hall to check in on preparations for tonight’s Made in Portland Bike Show and Art Exhibition. I hope you can join us (it’s from 5-8PM) because we’ve put together an unprecedented gathering of bicycle-inspired art. Here are a few teasers. David “chops” Darby has three gorgeous … Read more
[Club founder, chops.]Photos by dropoutbikeclub It’s not every day I get to tell you about a brand new bike club, especially one as interesting as Dropout. The Dropout Bike Club wants to spread the love and fun of mutant and freak bikes (like tall bikes and choppers) to everyone. They’re sort of a kinder, gentler, … Read more
[By Tiago Denczuk.] The Made in Portland: Bicycle Show and Art Exhibition is really shaping up (download event flyer). In addition to nine Portland-based independent bike builders, I just confirmed that Chris King Precision Components will attend. Chris King (based in Northwest Portland) makes the world’s best hubs and headsets (they were used by a … Read more
[Lance at the ’05Livestrong Ride.] Lance Armstrong is scheduled to appear at the grand opening of the new 24HR Fitness Center in Tualatin tonight. The new fitness center is a specially branded, “Lance Armstrong” location. Word is that he’s expected to show at 5:30 at 13900 SW Pacific Hwy in Tualatin. I planned to show … Read more