BikePortland

BTA director goes global

Buffered Bike Lane with a bike symbol and arrow pointing forward

Of all the magazines I get, the only one I make a big effort to read each week is The Economist. The Economist is one of the most well-respected publications in the world and it is available on newsstands across the globe. So what does this have to do with bikes?

Well, I was perusing my latest issue when lo-and-behold the name Evan Manvel jumped out at me. Upon closer inspection I was stunned to see a letter to the editor from none other than the Executive Director of our very own Bicycle Transportation Alliance. Here’s the letter:

[Coming to Bagdad Theater.]

Bike Gallery is throwing their weight behind a fundraiser for the Glenhaven BMX and Skate Park. The park, scheduled to be built later this summer, will be located in Northeast Portland (82nd and Siskiyou).

On June 8th Bike Gallery will host a showing of, “Joe Kid on a Sting-Ray: The History of BMX” at the Bagdad Theater (3702 SE Hawthorne). According to Bike Gallery rep Barb Grover, every cent of the money raised will go to the park:

The Tour of Georgia is the biggest professional bike race in North America. The six stage race draws the top teams and cyclists in the world. Among them is Portland’s very own Doug Ollerenshaw, a member of the Health-Net Maxxis team.

A few months ago I rode along with Doug on a training ride around Sauvie Island. Now, due to the wonders of his new GPS-enabled cycling computer, we can all ride along with him at the Tour of Georgia. Check out this link for a list of rides (including a recent training ride up on Skyline Blvd.) and click around to view all sorts of neat information including his heart rate and elevation charts.

The third annual Bunny on a Bike ride was the most fun I’ve had on a bike all year. Imagine 150 people dressed like bunnies riding around the City, ringing bike bells, taking over lanes on bridges and stopping for live music and dance routines by the Bunny Cheer Squad.

[Yes, I’m a dork.]

The first ever Bike to Blazers ride was a big success. About 30 or so brave souls ventured out on a stormy day and enjoyed a bright and sunny ride along the Esplanade from the Lucky Lab to the Rose Garden to watch a TrailBlazers game. We had three families join us and everyone had a good time.

At the arena, we were treated to indoor bike parking and free Zach Randolph bobble-head dolls (which were more popular than I expected). Jeff Bernards and a volunteer from the Livestrong Ride helped me staff a Bike Info table right near the main entrance. We gave away loads of free bike maps (thanks PDOT!), BTA brochures, and stickers.

The bike stars shined bright at the fourth annual Filmed by Bike film fest that went down on Friday at the Clinton Street Theater. 550 people packed two shows (250 were turned away!) and the fest brought out everyone from a Metro Councilor to the Belligerante biker gang.

According to festival director Ayleen Crotty, the fest was “a raging success” and she’s already considering taking the show on the road to other cities in need of bike movie love.

[Submitted by “DWK”]

stolen specialized crossroads womens bike. this bike was stolen from nw 20th & kearney in a locked bike area. the front tire also was locked but the bike minus the front tire was stolen. it is blck & red size 17″ w/ std seat post.(no suspension as the

original seat post was stolen.)

Stolen: Jamis road

[Posted by “glennalanb”]

on Monday, 04/10/06, thieves broke into our house and stole (among other things) my silver/black 2003 Jamis Quest road bike. If the theives haven’t switched out the saddle and pedals yet it might be easy to spot because they’re both red (Selle Flite Gel saddle and red exus look-compatible pedals). Bike is size 57.

Serial number #1G2A03634

Thanks for keeping an eye out for it–the red saddle makes it easy to spot under almost anyone’s butt.

Bike to Blazers 2006 update

We’re set to have a great time Saturday night at the Bike to Blazers Ride. I just heard that we’ve sold about 40 tickets so far. That means we’ll not only have a fun group but it also means we’ve raised $200 for the Get Lit program! That money will make our streets safer for everyone by providing free lights for visibility-challenged cyclists.

There’s still plenty of time to buy tickets. The online ordering is closed, but our friend Lisa at the Blazers is standing by to take your order. Call her at (503) 963-3966 to get your tickets. Here’s a brief rundown of the ride…

[Submitted by “therev”]

I got a rear flat tire and locked my yellow Miyata bike w/ very obvious blue-black handlebar wraps outside the Science 2 building at PSU yesterday around 5 pm. I came back for it today @ 1 pm and it was gone. I had it locked with a cable and keyed master lock through the rear wheel and frame. There was no sign of the lock/cable. It also had a cateye light and a crank brothers pump w/ pressure gauge. I am so broke, there is almost no way I can afford another bike. This sucks. Any info: brettd@pdx.edu. Should I contact any other bike shops/websites where it might be sold?

Alberta Street gets even more bike art

[Greeting card by Redbird Studio]

The other day I went to the opening of Tour de Crepes on Alberta Street. This is the new joint opened by a supporter of the bike community and devoted cyclist, Brenda Drain.

The visit confirmed that Alberta Street is perhaps the most bikey in the city. Besides being home to icons of the Portland bike scene like the Community Cycling Center and the Alberta Clownhouse, more bikey businesses and art are popping up all the time.

While I was eating a very tasty crepe on the patio of Tour de Crepes, I looked up and noticed a new mural right next door. I smiled when I saw a self-portrait of Dingo the Clown and his friend Frank atop their tall bikes (see photo).

[Meet your new Sheriff (maybe).
Click to enlarge]

Last week, the Willamette Week ran a photo of Multnomah County Sheriff write-in candidate Paul Van Orden holding a helmet. Since then, several people have emailed and called me saying this guy is the real deal and that I should interview him. I eventually heard from Paul himself. He sent this photo of him and five of his bikes (he owns eight).

The photo is great, but there’s a big difference between being a bike geek and making an impact on Portland cyclists from within the Sheriff’s office. I figured, if this guy really stands a chance of winning (which apparently he does) the bike community should know specifically, in writing, how he felt about several important issues. So, I sent Paul some questions that I hoped would shed light on how he sees bicycles in the mix of law enforcement and safety issues.

BTA director goes global

BMX park benefit coming to Bagdad

Ride along with Portland pro at Tour of Georgia

Bunnies on bikes run amok

Bike to Blazers 2006 recap and photos

Filmed by Bike a “raging success”

Stolen: Specialized hybrid

Stolen: Jamis road

Bike to Blazers 2006 update

Stolen: Yellow Miyata

Alberta Street gets even more bike art

Sheriff hopeful wants to ride into the job

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