The people, clubs, and culture that make up Portland’s bike scene.
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
[Mural detail. Photo Carye Bye] The Community Cycling Center (CCC) in Northeast Portland has announced a mural project. According to the CCC’s Alison Hill the mural will be painted on the west facing wall at 1700 NE Alberta Street and will depict a children’s pedal-powered costume parade. A local artist, with funding by the Regional … Read more
I can’t think of a more fitting end to Pedalpalooza than thousands of people coming together at Saturday’s Multnomah County Bike Fair at Colonel Summers Park. At the peak of the day, fair organizers counted 1250 bicycles scattered throughout the park! Despite a sweltering sun the competitions rocked and all the booths were packed with … Read more
[Good times at last year’s Bike Fair.] It’s the last day of Pedalpalooza and all eyes turn to the big and wonderful Multnomah County Bike Fair. Today is your chance to observe and participate in bike fun culture at its finest. Where else can you watch clowns ride tall bikes, meet the Sprockettes, compete in … Read more
[Photo by Dat.] I’m excited to announce the Made in Portland Bicycle Show and Art Exhibition coming to City Hall on Thursday July 6th from 5-8PM. Join us in a celebration of our artisan bicycle industry as we showcase Portland’s independent, custom builders and artists. As I reported last month, this event is part of … Read more
[Zoobombers on Burnside.] Highway 26 leading into downtown Portland is a traditional route sometimes used by Zoobombers. They call it “the Hellway” and it is simultaneously feared and revered by many. While it’s usually legal to ride bikes on Highway 26, because of a sewer construction project, currently the Hellway route is off-limts. In early … Read more
