The people, clubs, and culture that make up Portland’s bike scene.
34 year-old Matt Cardinal has had two life-long passions; bikes and art. He’s been drawing and riding as long as he can remember. I first saw Matt’s chalk drawings at the downtown Bike Gallery during the Trek Portland launch party. Ever since then I’ve been trying to connect with him and learn more about his … Read more
[Doug’s new ride.] Like many serious bike racers, Doug Ollerenshaw always dreamed of racing in Europe. Last month he finally got his chance. He traveled to Belgium with his Team Health Net/Maxxis teammates for his first and long-awaited foray into European racing. It was a harsh introduction. His first race, the Trophee des Grimpeurs,was a … Read more
[The newlyweds ontheir new tandem.] Tonight I attended a special event at the Alberta Street Clown House, the wedding of Roadkill Racoon and Reddish Raddish (their real names are Carol Banner and Morgan Nilsen). I have to admit, when I first heard about this I thought it was just another excuse for a party and … Read more
[Art Nouveau, Vanilla-style.] Back in November, I posted about a poster that Sacha White of Vanilla Bicycles was creating with local artist Dan Gillsdorf. Now that the print is finally done, I’ve been waiting for Sacha’s permission to publish more details. After first offering it to Vanilla owners, he has given me the green light … Read more
On Saturday me and my ladies rode over to Alberta Street to check out the annual Art Hop. The picture-perfect day attracted all sorts of folks riding all sorts of bikes. And, as usual, I couldn’t keep my eyes (and my camera) off them. I noticed some old favorites in action like the Clownhouse’s Spin … Read more
[Officer Darke Hull.] Officer Darke Hull of the Portland Police Bureau Traffic Division is one of six Portland officers to have been recently certified as a Pedestrian and Bicycle Crash Investigation expert. The certification came after a rigourous, 5-day course offered by the Institute of Police Technology and Management (IPTM). I met with Officer Hull … Read more
Lately I’ve been seeing more and more bikes being used by Portland’s homeless population. I’ve started to get to know a few of them and hear their stories and experiences about their nomadic, rolling existence. Sometimes I won’t meet the owner of the bike, I’ll just observe its load and marvel at the bungee cording … Read more
Last Sunday was Dumpster Dave’s Bike Swap Meet at Free Geek in Southeast Portland. The sun was hot and the so were the deals. There were all sorts of crazy bikes and interesting people on display. I set up a table and joined the fray alongside Joe Biel of Microcosm Publishing. I saw lots of … Read more
As I reported back in March, a group of community activists and artists are working on a new “Share the Road” mural that will soon adorn the side of Hawthorne Auto Clinic (4307 SE Hawthorne) in Southeast Portland.
Portland’s bike-loving beer guru and Oregonian reporter John Foyston (seen here at the Puppet Parade Bike Move), mentioned a new brewpub in his “Brew News” column today. Here’s the bikey bit from his column:
I recently found out that each month, during the First Thursdays celebration, Commissioner Sams Adams‘ office has a celebration around a different theme. They’ve chosen July as bike month and they want to showcase the Portland bike scene. Beyond just Sam’s office, the goal is to get other Commissioners on board, reserve the atrium and … Read more
Local artist, cyclist, historian, and general renaissance man Shawn Granton has just unveiled the much anticipated Pedalpalooza poster. The official poster will be done up right by Stumptown Printers but isn’t ready just yet. In the meantime, Shawn sent me a hi-res version that I strongly recommend you print it out, stick in your cubicle … Read more