“Watchdog” blog hopes to keep tabs on TriMet

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Ira Flowers is a local film producer and daily TriMet user. He hasn’t owned a car for the past 10 years and rides the bus twice a day to and from his office.

He recently got in touch to tell me a story about an experience his girlfriend had with a TriMet bus driver:

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Full account of citizen initiated complaint process

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Cyclist Mike Reuter was the first person to utilize a little-known legal procedure known as the Citizen Initiation of Violation Proceedings. This legal process allows crash victims to take the law into their own hands. It was first brought to light by Portland lawyer Ray Thomas and I posted about it back in January.

Back on April 6th of this year Reuter successfully used this procedure to issue a citation to a driver that hit him back in September 2005 yet was never charged with wrongdoing at the time of the crash.

In order to help other people that might find themselves in a similar situation, Reuter has provided a detailed account of his experience. I have published it below.

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Portland presence in NYC messenger ‘zine

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MESS is a new magazine from New York City that covers the messenger scene. The zine is written by veteran bike couriers with over 30 years experience riding in the streets of New York, DC, Houston, Minneapolis, and of course Portland.

In clicking around their website I noticed a familiar name on the byline of several articles, BillDozer. I don’t know this guy personally, but I know he used to be very active in the Portland messenger scene. He also happens to be a talented writer. I especially like this opinion piece he wrote titled, In Praise of Riding Like a Jerk.

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Stolen: Two Kleins

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[Posted by “beswick”]

Klein Quantum II and Klein Attitude Comp:

Klein Quantum II (1997) is green to blue fade paint. Has Look HSC3 carbon fork, Shimano 600 parts, Vector Pro wheels, Cinelli Nerve bars, Ritchey stem. Has a deep scratch on the right seat stay near the rear brake.

Klein Attitude Comp (1996) is a bright metallic orange color with yellow Klein lettering, Marzocchi Bomber Z2 fork (metallic lime green), White industry crankset, Thomson post, silver King headset, 8 speed XT parts, Gripshift Xray shifters. Oury grips. Was stolen without it’s wheelset.

These bikes were stolen from the back of my car in NE Portland June 2005. Yeah, I know it was a while ago but I’m still looking for my girls.

Please email beswick1@gmail.com with any info. Thanks for looking!

Stolen: Schwinn Moab

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[Posted by “greengirl”]

My bike was locked outside the Ecotrust Building (721 NW 9th Ave) on May 23rd around 9AM. Apparently the Krypto cord was no match for a pair of bolt cutters. It was gone by 6PM. It is red and white, Judy shox, mounts for light and mileage counter, looks great and rides great. I will pay a reward! Please help! 503-816-9778 my name is gina.

Vanilla Bicycles unveils limited edition print

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[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 to share it with you.

According to Sacha, the print was inspired by his affinity for the work of French artist Alphonse Mucha (1860-1939). Here’s more about the original work from Sacha:

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PUMP board member to attend World Mountain Bike Conference

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Roger Louton, board member of the Portland United Mountain Pedalers and Western Oregon state representative for the International Mountain Bicycling Association, will attend the 2006 IMBA Summit/World Mountain Bike Conference this June in Whistler, BC.

According to their website, the Conference, “will be a global gathering of mountain bike advocates, trailbuilders, land managers, tourism professionals, ski resort managers and members of the bike industry.”

Roger has been active in negotiations with Portland Parks and Recreation officials about local mountain bike issues, especially bicycle access to Forest Park singletrack trails. I asked Roger a few questions about the Portland mountain biking scene and what he hopes to accomplish at the Conference:

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Stolen bike bought from thief, returned to owner

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A few days ago I was hanging out on my street talking to a neighbor. Suddenly, riding toward me on a strange bike with a huge grin on his face was a friend of mine, known as West Cougar. When he got closer, I noticed the bike was a green Kronan (a Swedish military bike similar to the ones used out at the Nike Campus) and I instantly realized why he was smiling.

This bike was recently posted on the Stolen Bike Listings and West Cougar had just bought it off some guy on the corner for $150!

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Stolen: Purple Specialized

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[Posted by “isobel”]

Unlocked (Duh!) but with Krypton lock in mounting bracket on frame. Purple womens Specialized 21 speed bike with carrier and with rear fender only. Has white sticker on frame of bike saying something like “Pedalling in a Revolution.” An early ’90s model. Stolen from Col Sumner’s Park during Kickball game evening of Monday 15th May 2005.

Name: Isobel Hockett

email: veen49@wa-net.com

phone: 503-282-9196 home

Stolen: Women’s Giant

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[Posted by “annea”]

Heartbroken and broke: Please help me find my Bike. I have a disability and do not drive. This my only form of transportation. My Bike is a WOMEN’S MOSS GREEN–FERRAGO GIANT 17L New 2004-2005 model. There are mounts for both a light and a mileage counter on the top of the handle bars. The seat, handlebars and back fender (plastic) are all black. There is a Bike Gallery Sticker located near the V shape of the frame. The tires are new aluminum city tires. My Bike was stolen on Saturday May 13, 2006 between 5:30pm and 10:30pm. It was stolen from SW 6th and Washington, in front of Starbucks. My bike was dual locked with a Kryptonite U-lock and cable set, newly purchased from the Bike Gallery in April. The cable was cut clean. The U-lock was laying in 2 pieces beside the cable. Both were left at the scene. There is a REWARD being offered if found. The color and model are both somewhat unusual. The serial number is GR418554. My Cell phone # is 503-422-3770 or email me at: anne.applegate@pcc.edu.

Contest announced to name Mt. Tabor Race Series

Mt. Tabor Circuit Race

[Racing in Mt. Tabor.]

The Mt. Tabor Race series is a Portland institution that goes back over 50 years. The 1.3 mile roller-coaster circuit through Mt. Tabor Park is cherished by hundreds of local racers each year for its challenging hills, technical corners, and natural beauty.

Event promoter Clark Ritchie has just announced a contest to come up with a slogan or motto for the legendary race. The author of the winning slogan will receive a $25 gift certificate to River City Bicycles. He says it’s only open to OBRA members but if you come up with something really good maybe he’ll make an exception.

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Memorial Day Weekend packed with bike events

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Hopefully this rain lets up, because there are some great events planned for this weekend.

North American Cycle Courier Championships

***Reference to an upcoming messenger event has been deleted by request of organizers.***

If you prefer packing your gear over fixed gears, then the Community Exchange Cycle Touring Club has a ride for you. They’re doing a three-day, self-supported bike camping trip leaving from Southeast Portland. I checked out the route and it looks like it should be a beautiful ride. Not to mention, it’s being led by the capable and knowledgeable Aaron Tarfman. More info here.

Still not excited? How about some human-powered vehicle racing? That’s right, the Oregon Human Powered Vehicle (OHPV) club is putting on their 7th annual Human Powered Challenge at Portland International Raceway. What’s a human powered vehicle? Think recumbent and then picture it with full aerodynamic fairings and then think pure, unadulterated speed. I really hope the track is dry for these guys!