Portland Bike Channel

Two Opportunities to Support Active Transportation in Milwaukie

Fri, 30 Aug 2013 22:59:11 +0000

<p>The City of Milwaukie is in the final stages of updating their citywide transportation plan – the Transportation System Plan (TSP) 2013 Update. In fact, the <a rel="nofollow" target="_blank" href="http://www.milwaukieoregon.gov/planning/transportation-system-plan-2013-update-draft">public review draft</a> was released this week!</p> <p>This document sets the trajectory for Milwaukie’s transportation future with the aim of transportation options and safe streets for everyone. The TSP includes proposals that will benefit all modes including bicycling, freight, driving, mass-transit, and walking.</p> <div id="attachment_32326" class="wp-caption alignleft" style="width:840px;"><img class=" wp-image-32326" alt="BTA_BluePrint_Monroe_v4-1024x682" src="http://btaoregon.org/wp-content/uploads/2013/08/BTA_BluePrint_Monroe_v4-1024x682.jpg" width="830" height="553"/><p class="wp-caption-text">SE Monroe as a Neighborhood Greenway (rendering by Owen Walz)</p></div> <p>Naturally, we are especially excited about the bike-related plans including the creation of low-traffic, low-speed neighborhood greenways. We have identified one of those future greenways, on Monroe Street, as <a rel="nofollow" target="_blank" href="http://btaoregon.org/blueprint/#greenways">one of 16 projects</a> in our Blueprint for World Class Bicycling and Milwaukie City Council have identified the project as <a rel="nofollow" target="_blank" href="http://www.oregonlive.com/milwaukie/index.ssf/2013/01/milwaukie_city_council_sets_go.html">one of 11 goals</a> for 2013.</p> <p>If you want to see safer streets in Milwaukie, the TSP needs your support. Try to attend at least one of these upcoming events:</p> <p><strong>Thu, Sep 5th 5:00pm</strong><br /> <a rel="nofollow" target="_blank" href="http://www.milwaukieoregon.gov/planning/tsp-update-public-meeting">TSP Update — Public Meeting</a><br /> Learn more about the TSP update.<br /> Milwaukie Presbyterian Church (2416 SE Lake Rd)</p> <p><strong>Tue, Sep 10th 6:30pm</strong><br /> <a rel="nofollow" target="_blank" href="http://www.milwaukieoregon.gov/planning/planning-commission-88">Planning Commission</a><br /> Support the adoption of the TSP update.<br /> City Hall Council Chambers (10722 SE Main St)</p>

With shouts and smiles, Breakfast on the Bridges expands to the Burnside

Fri, 30 Aug 2013 18:22:23 +0000

<div align="center"><a rel="nofollow" target="_blank" href="http://bikeportland.org/wp-content/uploads/2013/08/lance-becky-e1377886760605.jpg"><img src="http://bikeportland.org/wp-content/uploads/2013/08/lance-becky-e1377886760605.jpg" alt="" title="lance becky" width="540" class="aligncenter size-full wp-image-93263"/></a> <div style="font-size:.95em;">Lance and Becky Poehler attempt to find takers for a very large Voodoo Doughnut.<br />(Photos: M.Andersen/BikePortland)</div> </div> <p>The Burnside Bridge often goes unsung and unappreciated by bikers: Blame the slightly hairy merge with turning traffic on its west landing, or the awkward approach from the east. But as of today, the Burnside won't be going unfed.</p> <p><span id="more-93258"></span></p> <p>People biking west over the Burnside got a fun surprise Friday morning when a handful of bike lovers officially expanded Breakfast on the Bridges to the Burnside Bridge, with the help of donations from <a rel="nofollow" target="_blank" href="http://voodoodoughnut.com/">Voodoo Doughnut</a> and the loyal Breakfast on the Bridges sponsor <a rel="nofollow" target="_blank" href="http://www.trailheadcoffeeroasters.com/">Trailhead Coffee Roasters</a>.</p> <div align="center"><a rel="nofollow" target="_blank" href="http://bikeportland.org/wp-content/uploads/2013/08/free.jpg"><img src="http://bikeportland.org/wp-content/uploads/2013/08/free-e1377887070459.jpg" alt="" title="free" width="540" class="alignright size-full wp-image-93262"/></a> <div style="font-size:.95em;">Zavitkovski publicized the new tradition to passers-by with shouts as well as signs.</div> </div> <p>Lance Poehler and Paul Zavitkovski said they're planning to serve fresh-brewed coffee and free breakfast for bike and foot commuters on the grassy area just north of Couch Street from 7 to 9 a.m. on the last Friday of each month. The pair have listed the event in the <a rel="nofollow" target="_blank" href="http://www.bikefunfinder.com/">free Bike Fun Finder mobile app</a> that Poehler co-created earlier this summer.</p> <p>Poehler said he'd long been "jealous" of the Steel and Hawthorne bridges, where the volunteer bike-fun group <a rel="nofollow" target="_blank" href="http://shift2bikes.org">Shift</a> has committed the random act of kindness on last Fridays for more than 10 years.</p> <div align="center"> <div align="center"><noscript><a rel="nofollow" target="_blank" href='http://ads.neighborhoodnotes.com/openx/www/delivery/ck.php?n=af7d6d1f&cb=INSERT_RANDOM_NUMBER_HERE'><img src='http://ads.neighborhoodnotes.com/openx/www/delivery/avw.php?zoneid=107&cb=INSERT_RANDOM_NUMBER_HERE&n=af7d6d1f' border='0' alt=''/></a></noscript></div> <p> </div> <div style="float:right;padding-left:5px;padding-bottom:5px;font-size:.95em;"><a rel="nofollow" target="_blank" href="http://bikeportland.org/wp-content/uploads/2013/08/trailers.jpg"><img src="http://bikeportland.org/wp-content/uploads/2013/08/trailers.jpg" alt="" title="trailers" width="300" class="alignright size-full wp-image-93261"/></a> <div align="center">A pair of bamboo cargo trailers became<br />an A-frame publicizing the event. Poehler<br />said he also plans to hang a tarp<br />from the nearby street signs for the<br />event this winter.</div> </div> <p>Passers-by (the bridge carries about 1,000 per day in each direction) were pleased.</p> <p>"I have been a purveyor and enjoyer of Breakfast on the Bridges to the other bridges for many years, but this is the first time it's ever been on my bridge," said Francine Chinitz, an Ecova employee who said she sometimes goes out of her way to partake of the other breakfasts.</p> <p>"Wow, cool," said Paul Sari, an Iberdrola Renewables salesman who said he's crossed the Burnside Bridge every day for three and a half years but never known about Breakfast on the Bridges or Shift. "Just for fun?"</p> <p>Timo Forsberg, a Breakfast on the Bridges co-founder (and now Portland Bureau of Transportation employee) who showed up for the occasion, assured Sari that it was.</p> <p>Chinitz said her dream would be for the event to take place every Friday during the BTA's upcoming Bike Commute Challenge month. Poelher and Zavitkovski, who'd gotten up at 5:50 and 5:30 respectively to start brewing the coffee and setting up, weren't making any promises. (Their wives Becky Poehler and Caroline Zavitkovski, also joining the fun for the first day, weren't either.)</p> <p>Before heading in to work himself, Forsberg held a brief benediction to officially recognize Poehler and Zavitkovski's leadership by waving his coffee holder and awarding each of them a hand-colored Breakfast on the Bridges Superhero trading card. (Zavitkovski received "Jucie the Joyrider"; Poehler, "The Caped Crusader.")</p> <p>"May you live long and prosper," Forsberg told them.</p> <div align="center"><a rel="nofollow" target="_blank" href="http://bikeportland.org/wp-content/uploads/2013/08/timo-ceremony1.jpg"><img src="http://bikeportland.org/wp-content/uploads/2013/08/timo-ceremony1.jpg" alt="" title="timo ceremony" width="540" class="aligncenter size-full wp-image-93266"/></a> <div style="font-size:.95em;">Forsberg anoints the new bridge event with superhero trading cards.</div> </div> <div align="center"><a rel="nofollow" target="_blank" href="http://bikeportland.org/wp-content/uploads/2013/08/tardy-slip.jpg"><img src="http://bikeportland.org/wp-content/uploads/2013/08/tardy-slip.jpg" alt="" title="tardy slip" width="540" class="aligncenter size-full wp-image-93264"/></a> <div style="font-size:.95em;">Thanks, guys.</div> </div> <div align="center"> <div align="center"><noscript><a rel="nofollow" target="_blank" href='http://ads.neighborhoodnotes.com/openx/www/delivery/ck.php?n=a737f045&cb=INSERT_RANDOM_NUMBER_HERE'><img src='http://ads.neighborhoodnotes.com/openx/www/delivery/avw.php?zoneid=138&cb=INSERT_RANDOM_NUMBER_HERE&n=a737f045' border='0' alt=''/></a></noscript></div> <p></p> <p></p> <p></p> <p></p> <p> </div> <div class="feedflare"> <a rel="nofollow" target="_blank" href="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~ff/BikePortland?a=e448ZFKZvYc:FYfcRswGeTI:yIl2AUoC8zA"><img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~ff/BikePortland?d=yIl2AUoC8zA" border="0"></a> <a rel="nofollow" target="_blank" href="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~ff/BikePortland?a=e448ZFKZvYc:FYfcRswGeTI:D7DqB2pKExk"><img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~ff/BikePortland?i=e448ZFKZvYc:FYfcRswGeTI:D7DqB2pKExk" border="0"></a> <a rel="nofollow" target="_blank" href="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~ff/BikePortland?a=e448ZFKZvYc:FYfcRswGeTI:qj6IDK7rITs"><img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~ff/BikePortland?d=qj6IDK7rITs" border="0"></a> <a rel="nofollow" target="_blank" href="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~ff/BikePortland?a=e448ZFKZvYc:FYfcRswGeTI:gIN9vFwOqvQ"><img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~ff/BikePortland?i=e448ZFKZvYc:FYfcRswGeTI:gIN9vFwOqvQ" border="0"></a> <a rel="nofollow" target="_blank" href="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~ff/BikePortland?a=e448ZFKZvYc:FYfcRswGeTI:F7zBnMyn0Lo"><img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~ff/BikePortland?i=e448ZFKZvYc:FYfcRswGeTI:F7zBnMyn0Lo" border="0"></a> </div><img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~r/BikePortland/~4/e448ZFKZvYc" height="1" width="1"/>

'Grand Prix Erik Tonkin' kicks off cyclocross season this weekend

Fri, 30 Aug 2013 16:36:56 +0000

<div style="float:right;padding-left:5px;padding-bottom:5px;font-size:.95em;"><img src="http://bikeportland.org/wp-content/uploads/2013/08/crossflyerlead.jpg"> <div align="center">Detail of flyer for this weekend's opening <br />race in the Grand Prix Erik Tonkin series.</div> </div> <p>This weekend the Portland area's legendary cyclocross racing tradition will commence. The first big event of the year is the opening race of the <a rel="nofollow" target="_blank" href="http://sellwoodcycle.com/grand-prix-erik-tonkin/">Grand Prix Erik Tonkin</a> series, and it takes place this Saturday at <del datetime="2013-08-30T18:02:14+00:00">David Douglas High School</del> <a rel="nofollow" target="_blank" href="https://maps.google.com/maps?ie=UTF-8&q=david+douglas+park+vancouver+wa">David Douglas Park</a> just over the Columbia River in Vancouver. The race kicks off <a rel="nofollow" target="_blank" href="http://obra.org/schedule#august">a busy cyclocross schedule</a> that includes racing all over the region every weekend from now through the first week in December.</p> <p>Kenji Sugahara, the executive director of the <a rel="nofollow" target="_blank" href="http://www.obra.org">Oregon Bicycle Racing Association</a>, says he expects to see a membership spike in the coming weeks that could break a record (one that was set last year). "Cross has really been amazing for OBRA," Sugahara shared with us yesterday, "I'm hearing a lot of excitement for it this year." <span id="more-93215"></span></p> <div align="center"><img src="http://bikeportland.org/wp-content/uploads/2013/08/gepetlogo.jpg"> <div style="font-size:.95em;">Erik Tonkin is known for his hairy legs — a rarity at the elite level of cycling —<br>which explains the Sasquatch reference in the series logo.</div> </div> <p>David Saltzberg, the race promoter behind the GPET, says the series has grown considerably each year since it began in 2011. On a calendar that includes the famous Cross Crusade series — which includes the world's largest cyclocross race (in terms of participation) — finding a niche among 'cross enthusiasts is no small task. But Saltzberg says he's found success by establishing a different vibe at his races that you'll find at the Crusade. "We try to make our races a bit more Euro, with the focus on pure racing," he said. "Our courses tend to be a bit longer and faster [than the Cross Crusade]." </p> <p>While the Cross Crusade is known for its raucous, festival atmosphere, the GPET has a calmer vibe where the racing takes center stage. But that might change as it grows in popularity. While the largest Cross Crusade race has had over 1,400 racers, Saltzberg said he might just break 600 total participants tomorrow.</p> <div align="center"> <div align="center"><noscript><a rel="nofollow" target="_blank" href='http://ads.neighborhoodnotes.com/openx/www/delivery/ck.php?n=af7d6d1f&cb=INSERT_RANDOM_NUMBER_HERE'><img src='http://ads.neighborhoodnotes.com/openx/www/delivery/avw.php?zoneid=107&cb=INSERT_RANDOM_NUMBER_HERE&n=af7d6d1f' border='0' alt=''/></a></noscript></div> <p> </div> <div style="float:right;padding-left:5px;padding-bottom:5px;font-size:.95em;"><a rel="nofollow" target="_blank" href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/bikeportland/1516317712/" title="Cross_Crusade_#1-2007-79.jpg by BikePortland.org, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm3.staticflickr.com/2066/1516317712_947aa903ed_m.jpg" width="160" height="240" alt="Cross_Crusade_#1-2007-79.jpg"></a> <div align="center">Tonkin in action.<br />(Photo © J. Maus/BikePortland)</div> </div> <p>As for why his series is named after local racer Erik Tonkin, Saltzberg says that's a tradition that started three years ago. "The naming thing was sort of a joke at first, but it sort of stuck." "The idea," he says, "is to honor somebody who is involved in the cross scene in Portland. We're honoring them, and at the same time it's sort of a roast. We have fun with it."</p> <p>Other local racers that have had the honor include Molly Cameron and Tina Brubaker, both of whom are stalwarts always at the top of their fields while being excellent human beings and leaders off of the race course as well (just like Tonkin).</p> <p>For those who still haven't experienced the local cyclocross scene, OBRA's Sugahara says it's important to remember that, "Racing isn't just for the spandex crowd." "A wonderful and diverse community engaging in a healthy activity with tons of friends is an experience not to miss."</p> <p>One of the things that makes cyclocross such a great discipline is the strong community vibe that happens at the races. Race promoters usually route courses right through spectator areas, which makes watching the action easy and fun. Races are also big hang-outs for friends, families, and the dozens of teams that set up mini-camps along the course.</p> <p>For new racers, cyclocross provides an unbeatable entry-point into the competitive side of bicycling. One reason for that is the fields get so mixed on the short courses that, as Sugahara says, "You can't tell who's first or last and everyone cheers for everyone!"</p> <p><em>— <a rel="nofollow" target="_blank" href="http://www.obra.org">OBRA</a><br /> — <a rel="nofollow" target="_blank" href="http://cyclocross.gp/">Grand Prix Erik Tonkin</a><br /> — <a rel="nofollow" target="_blank" href="http://crosscrusade.com/">Cross Crusade</a></em></p> <p><em>Stay tuned for more cyclocross coverage throughout the season thanks to our official sponsor <a rel="nofollow" target="_blank" href="http://sellwoodcycle.com/">Sellwood Cycle Repair</a>.<br /> </em></p> <div align="center"> <div align="center"><noscript><a rel="nofollow" target="_blank" href='http://ads.neighborhoodnotes.com/openx/www/delivery/ck.php?n=a737f045&cb=INSERT_RANDOM_NUMBER_HERE'><img src='http://ads.neighborhoodnotes.com/openx/www/delivery/avw.php?zoneid=138&cb=INSERT_RANDOM_NUMBER_HERE&n=a737f045' border='0' alt=''/></a></noscript></div> <p></p> <p></p> <p></p> <p></p> <p> </div> <div class="feedflare"> <a rel="nofollow" target="_blank" href="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~ff/BikePortland?a=ZXIR8MjFjNY:8bdkjPRbTX0:yIl2AUoC8zA"><img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~ff/BikePortland?d=yIl2AUoC8zA" border="0"></a> <a rel="nofollow" target="_blank" href="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~ff/BikePortland?a=ZXIR8MjFjNY:8bdkjPRbTX0:D7DqB2pKExk"><img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~ff/BikePortland?i=ZXIR8MjFjNY:8bdkjPRbTX0:D7DqB2pKExk" border="0"></a> <a rel="nofollow" target="_blank" href="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~ff/BikePortland?a=ZXIR8MjFjNY:8bdkjPRbTX0:qj6IDK7rITs"><img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~ff/BikePortland?d=qj6IDK7rITs" border="0"></a> <a rel="nofollow" target="_blank" href="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~ff/BikePortland?a=ZXIR8MjFjNY:8bdkjPRbTX0:gIN9vFwOqvQ"><img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~ff/BikePortland?i=ZXIR8MjFjNY:8bdkjPRbTX0:gIN9vFwOqvQ" border="0"></a> <a rel="nofollow" target="_blank" href="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~ff/BikePortland?a=ZXIR8MjFjNY:8bdkjPRbTX0:F7zBnMyn0Lo"><img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~ff/BikePortland?i=ZXIR8MjFjNY:8bdkjPRbTX0:F7zBnMyn0Lo" border="0"></a> </div><img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~r/BikePortland/~4/ZXIR8MjFjNY" height="1" width="1"/>

What's happening at Portland Transport

Sun, 01 Sep 2013 19:30:28 PDT

Comments Off
The ability to add new comments is now turned off in preparation for our site conversion. Hold all those good thoughts for next week!
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Buckle Your Seatbelts!
To improve is to change; to be perfect is to change often.
- Winston Churchill

By that standard, Portland Transport is probably far from perfect. But we are changing!

After eight years running on the Movable Type platform and about five years talking about converting to Wordpress, we're going for it.

We'll be taking the site down over the Labor Day long weekend and converting to Wordpress. With more than three thousand posts to convert and import, this is going to take a little while :-)

But that's not the extent of the changes. There will be a new theme, new features and new authors. So buckle up...
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I Suspected...
The Business Journal is covering a report by Allstate Insurance that ranks Portland's drivers among the worst in the nation.

Given the spate of crashes with people walking and biking, not to mention a rash of driving into streetcars, I can't help wonder if we're getting worse...
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Job of the Week

Fri, 30 Aug 2013 15:55:01 +0000

<p>Just one new job posted to our <a rel="nofollow" target="_blank" href="http://bikeportland.org/jobs">Job Listings</a> this week; but it looks like a good one. Check out more details via the link below...</p> <ul> <li><a rel="nofollow" target="_blank" href="http://bikeportland.org/2013/08/27/job-pt-sales-chrome-industries-93083">Part-Time Sales </a>- Chrome Industries </li> </ul> <p><span id="more-93243"></span></p> <div align="center"> <p> </div> <p>For a complete list of available jobs, <a rel="nofollow" target="_blank" href="http://bikeportland.org/cats/jobs">click here</a>. If you'd like more information about the BikePortland Job Listings, <a rel="nofollow" target="_blank" href="http://www.bikeportland.org/contactus">contact us</a>, or visit the <a rel="nofollow" target="_blank" href="http://bikeportland.org/jobs">Job Listings page</a>.</p> <p>You can sign up for all the latest job listings via <a rel="nofollow" target="_blank" href="http://feeds.feedburner.com/BikeportlandJobListings">RSS</a>, <a rel="nofollow" target="_blank" href="http://www.feedburner.com/fb/a/emailverifySubmit?feedId=655852">email</a>, or by following us <a rel="nofollow" target="_blank" href="http://www.twitter.com/bikeportland">on Twitter</a>.</p> <div align="center"> <p> </div> <div class="feedflare"> <a rel="nofollow" target="_blank" href="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~ff/BikePortland?a=Lm5PNUttw2U:GbKOSbqYjPs:yIl2AUoC8zA"><img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~ff/BikePortland?d=yIl2AUoC8zA" border="0"></a> <a rel="nofollow" target="_blank" href="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~ff/BikePortland?a=Lm5PNUttw2U:GbKOSbqYjPs:D7DqB2pKExk"><img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~ff/BikePortland?i=Lm5PNUttw2U:GbKOSbqYjPs:D7DqB2pKExk" border="0"></a> <a rel="nofollow" target="_blank" href="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~ff/BikePortland?a=Lm5PNUttw2U:GbKOSbqYjPs:qj6IDK7rITs"><img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~ff/BikePortland?d=qj6IDK7rITs" border="0"></a> <a rel="nofollow" target="_blank" href="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~ff/BikePortland?a=Lm5PNUttw2U:GbKOSbqYjPs:gIN9vFwOqvQ"><img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~ff/BikePortland?i=Lm5PNUttw2U:GbKOSbqYjPs:gIN9vFwOqvQ" border="0"></a> <a rel="nofollow" target="_blank" href="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~ff/BikePortland?a=Lm5PNUttw2U:GbKOSbqYjPs:F7zBnMyn0Lo"><img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~ff/BikePortland?i=Lm5PNUttw2U:GbKOSbqYjPs:F7zBnMyn0Lo" border="0"></a> </div><img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~r/BikePortland/~4/Lm5PNUttw2U" height="1" width="1"/>

Gettin Gritty With Gravel

Fri, 30 Aug 2013 00:03:59 +0000

<h4><i>“I eat gravel for breakfast. Haha.”</i></h4> <p>You thought the goal was to find the smoothest pavement possible for endless miles of rumble-free bliss, but after a few spins through gravel you just might change your mind. Gravel’s all the rage these days, so we decided to dig into the nitty gritty of the grind and find out why. </p> <p>Who better to chat with than Jason Britton, who apparently eats it for breakfast. He’s also the Web Developer at <a href="http://sellwoodcycle.com/" target="_blank">Sellwood Cycles</a> who says he spends most of his waking moments “thinking about and planning bike adventures”</p> <div style="margin:25px;"></div> <h3>JASON BRITTON TALKS THE GRIT OF GRAVEL</h3> <p><strong>What’s the attraction to gravel? </strong><br /> For me, it’s really about the locale. Riding on gravel roads usually means that I’m off the beaten path and miles from the next town. The road conditions change, and the challenge of keeping my momentum going is something that motivates me. It’s like mountain biking on roads.</p> <p><strong>Where have you been on gravel?</strong><br /> I’ve ridden lots of places in Oregon, Washington, Idaho, and a bit in Southern California. The mountains behind my parents house outside of LA are filled with fire roads. Every time I visit, I explore more of the area that I took for granted growing up.</p> <p><strong>So what do you see out there that you wouldn’t otherwise experience?</strong><br /> There are lots of dead animals. Abandoned churches, schools, and houses. Time moves a lot slower on unimproved roads, and I enjoy the quiet. The scenery tends to be a bit more dramatic as well, especially when you’re 100 miles into a 127 mile route.</p> <p><strong>What would you consider your favorite gravel route?</strong><br /> Hands down <a href="http://velodirt.com/" target="_blank">Velodirt’s</a> <a href="http://velodirt.com/portfolio/the-oregon-stampede/" target="_blank">Oregon Stampede</a>. On a clear day you can see Jefferson, Hood, Adams, St. Helens, and Rainier from the top of Center Ridge Rd. The roads are quiet, the wildlife is abundant, and the terrain is beautiful. Drinking a cold beer with your feet in the Deschutes before climbing out of the river valley is one of the best feelings in the world.</p> <p><strong>What tips would you offer for success on gravel?</strong><br /> Stay loose on the bike. Pedal a light gear if possible and don’t be afraid to let the bike move under you. Road conditions change constantly, so move around to find the right line.</p> <p><strong>What your preferred gravel steed?</strong><br /> I prefer a steel road bike that accepts wider tires. I have a Kona Honky Tonk that I run 32c tires on. They are big enough to plow through the deep stuff, but round enough to be efficient on pavement as well.</p> <p><strong>There’s a lot of talk about riding gravel right now. Why do you think that is?</strong><br /> In my opinion, the gravel “scene” is more about having a good time with friends than anything else. Generally free, most races or events aim to bring people together for the sake of fun. I think that the combination of good people and something different is a big part of why it’s really taking off. And for the most part, you don’t need anything special to do it.</p> <div style="margin:25px;"></div> <h3>TIPS FOR ROCKIN GRAVEL</h3> <p>* Don’t death grip your bars. Hang on loosely and don’t be tempted to hover over your brakes.<br /> * Don’t brake.<br /> * Forward motion creates balance; ride through it.<br /> * Hold a straight line as best you can, sideways movements are what create skidouts.<br /> * Your rear wheel may slip, but don’t freak out – you are not going down (unless you freak out).<br /> * Take a deep breath and exhale forecefully as you go through a sketchy, rutty area. That exhale will get you through it like magic.<br /> * No fenders, especially if you’re on a wooded trail.</p> <div style="margin:25px;"></div> <h3>GETTING STARTED</h3> <p>Uphill is easier than downhill so start with a modest climb or flat route. Choose something not too deep or too long.</p> <p>A nice introductory route in Portland is the Salzman Rd. Trail through Forest Park, provided you can handle the 1,500 elevation gain that comes over the course of about four miles. The climb is consistent. but rarely over about a 4% grade. The road has pavement underneath with a light dusting of gravel on top making for a bit more stability than some gravel routes.</p> <div style="margin:25px;"></div> <h3>DO YOU RIDE GRAVEL?</h3> <p>Tell us what you think in the comments below.</p> <div style="margin:25px;"></div> <h3>PHOTO CREDIT</h3> <p>This article’s photo comes to us courtesy of <a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/gabrielamadeus" target="_blank">Gabriel Amadeus</a>, another fan of gravel and a talented photographer. See more of his work (and become jealous of his amazing bike adventures) <a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/gabrielamadeus" target="_blank">here</a>.<br /> <a href="http://orbike.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/08/gravel2.jpg"><img src="http://orbike.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/08/gravel2-1024x678.jpg" alt="gravel2" width="450" align="center" /></a></p>

Complaints about TriMet operators using phones behind the wheel plunge 85%

Thu, 29 Aug 2013 22:20:49 +0000

<div style="float:right;padding-left:5px;padding-bottom:5px;font-size:.95em;"><a rel="nofollow" target="_blank" href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/bikeportland/9144991160/" title="Riding Portland's urban highways-38 by BikePortland.org, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7325/9144991160_b9e68d92a6_n.jpg" width="320" height="213" alt="Riding Portland's urban highways-38"></a> <div align="center">TriMet requires its drivers to keep electronic<br />devices off and out of sight while working.<br />(Photo: J.Maus/BikePortland)</div> </div> <p>TriMet's total ban on the use of electronic devices while driving seems to be working, though some of the transit agency's operators still seem to flout the rule.</p> <p>The Oregonian's Joseph Rose opened his notebook Thursday to share <a rel="nofollow" target="_blank" href="http://www.oregonlive.com/commuting/index.ssf/2013/08/trimet_publicly_reminds_driver.html">a wealth of reporting about TriMet operators' use of electronic devices</a>, including the results of a public record request showing that the number of complaints received by TriMet about drivers and cell phones fell from 530, in the two years to 2009, to 80, in the two years to 2013.</p> <p>In 2010, as one of his first orders on the job, General Manager <a rel="nofollow" target="_blank" href="http://portlandafoot.org/w/Neil_McFarlane">Neil McFarlane</a> began requiring operators to <a rel="nofollow" target="_blank" href="http://www.wweek.com/portland/blog-973-no_more_cell_phone_use_for_trimet_drivers_on_the_j.html">keep their cell phones off and out of sight while on duty</a>. Matters came to a head when one passenger captured a video that seemed to show a driver with a history of past incidents <a rel="nofollow" target="_blank" href="http://www.katu.com/news/local/103101714.html">reading a Kindle while behind the wheel of a bus on Interstate 5</a>.</p> <p><span id="more-93232"></span></p> <p>TriMet has reminded drivers of this policy in the regular safety trainings that the agency launched in response to a fatal 2010 bus collision in Old Town. It repeated the rules in <a rel="nofollow" target="_blank" href="http://news.trimet.org/wordpress/wp-content/uploads/2013/08/Distracted-Driving-memo-8-13-13.pdf">a memo circulated to operators last month</a> and <a rel="nofollow" target="_blank" href="http://news.trimet.org/2013/08/trimet-reminds-operators-to-put-safety-first-stow-personal-electronic-devices/">publicized to the media Thursday</a>.</p> <p>"In 2012, we disciplined two operators for using personal electronic devices while driving," TriMet spokeswoman Roberta Altstadt wrote in the news release. "In the first seven months of this year, four operators have been disciplined for using a device behind the wheel."</p> <div align="center"> <div align="center"><noscript><a rel="nofollow" target="_blank" href='http://ads.neighborhoodnotes.com/openx/www/delivery/ck.php?n=af7d6d1f&cb=INSERT_RANDOM_NUMBER_HERE'><img src='http://ads.neighborhoodnotes.com/openx/www/delivery/avw.php?zoneid=107&cb=INSERT_RANDOM_NUMBER_HERE&n=af7d6d1f' border='0' alt=''/></a></noscript></div> <p> </div> <p>Earlier this month, Twitter user Pamela Chapel <a rel="nofollow" target="_blank" href="https://twitter.com/pamelajopdx/status/365265989828505600/photo/1">caught and shared</a> a photo of a TriMet driver she said was texting behind the wheel.</p> <p>As Rose <a rel="nofollow" target="_blank" href="http://www.oregonlive.com/commuting/index.ssf/2013/08/trimet_publicly_reminds_driver.html">reports</a>, TriMet's <a rel="nofollow" target="_blank" href="http://trimet.org/newbuses/">new 3000 and 3100-series buses</a> (including the one caught by Chapel's photo) come equipped with cameras and audio microphones pointed at the operator, something the agency has done over the objections of its workers' union.</p> <p>"We don't want them going on fishing expeditions," union President Bruce Hansen told The Oregonian. "We don't want them to go looking through whole days of video to find something that the drivers are doing wrong."</p> <p>Only "a few" operators are responsible for problems with electronic devices, Hansen said, and it wouldn't be accurate to paint all operators with that brush.</p> <p>Last month, a Spanish train operator talking on the phone with railway staff was involved in a <a rel="nofollow" target="_blank" href="http://www.cnn.com/2013/07/30/world/europe/spain-train-crash">high-speed crash that killed 79 people</a>. TriMet cited the example in its Aug. 13 memo to its own staff and in today's news release.</p> <div align="center"> <div align="center"><noscript><a rel="nofollow" target="_blank" href='http://ads.neighborhoodnotes.com/openx/www/delivery/ck.php?n=a737f045&cb=INSERT_RANDOM_NUMBER_HERE'><img src='http://ads.neighborhoodnotes.com/openx/www/delivery/avw.php?zoneid=138&cb=INSERT_RANDOM_NUMBER_HERE&n=a737f045' border='0' alt=''/></a></noscript></div> <p></p> <p></p> <p></p> <p></p> <p> </div> <div class="feedflare"> <a rel="nofollow" target="_blank" href="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~ff/BikePortland?a=b5clZ5dT8IU:4LD9F-JTYWE:yIl2AUoC8zA"><img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~ff/BikePortland?d=yIl2AUoC8zA" border="0"></a> <a rel="nofollow" target="_blank" href="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~ff/BikePortland?a=b5clZ5dT8IU:4LD9F-JTYWE:D7DqB2pKExk"><img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~ff/BikePortland?i=b5clZ5dT8IU:4LD9F-JTYWE:D7DqB2pKExk" border="0"></a> <a rel="nofollow" target="_blank" href="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~ff/BikePortland?a=b5clZ5dT8IU:4LD9F-JTYWE:qj6IDK7rITs"><img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~ff/BikePortland?d=qj6IDK7rITs" border="0"></a> <a rel="nofollow" target="_blank" href="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~ff/BikePortland?a=b5clZ5dT8IU:4LD9F-JTYWE:gIN9vFwOqvQ"><img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~ff/BikePortland?i=b5clZ5dT8IU:4LD9F-JTYWE:gIN9vFwOqvQ" border="0"></a> <a rel="nofollow" target="_blank" href="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~ff/BikePortland?a=b5clZ5dT8IU:4LD9F-JTYWE:F7zBnMyn0Lo"><img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~ff/BikePortland?i=b5clZ5dT8IU:4LD9F-JTYWE:F7zBnMyn0Lo" border="0"></a> </div><img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~r/BikePortland/~4/b5clZ5dT8IU" height="1" width="1"/>

Bike shop news roundup

Thu, 29 Aug 2013 19:32:31 +0000

<div style="float:right;padding-left:5px;padding-bottom:5px;font-size:.95em;"><a rel="nofollow" target="_blank" href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/bikeportland/9621897459/" title="ebike store sign by BikePortland.org, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm6.staticflickr.com/5456/9621897459_6cfbee0e62_n.jpg" width="320" height="213" alt="ebike store sign"></a> <div align="center">The eBike Store has moved.<br>(Photos © J. Maus/BikePortland)</div> </div> <p>I've got several bits of local bike shop news in my brain and my inbox, so I figured it's a perfect time for another roundup...</p> <div style="font-size:1.14em;"><strong>Congressman Earl Blumenauer turns attention to bike shops today</strong></div> <p>Portland's representative on Capitol Hill is in Portland today focusing on bike shops' impact on the local economy. After a tour sampling a few shops, he plans to convene a 'Bike Shop Roundtable' at VeloCult. According to a Blumenauer aide, about 12-15 local bike shop owners will be there. "It's meant to be a check-in with different bike shops and businesses around the city, a discussion of Portland's budding cycling economy, and an opportunity for the businesses themselves to discuss issues, federal or otherwise, they might be facing," said the aide. I plan to be there and will bring back a full story, so stay tuned!<span id="more-93223"></span></p> <div style="font-size:1.14em;"><strong>New shop coming to north Portland</strong></div> <div style="float:right;padding-left:5px;padding-bottom:5px;font-size:.95em;"><img src="http://bikeportland.org/wp-content/uploads/2013/08/shops_gladyslogo.jpg"> <div align="center"></div> </div> <p><a rel="nofollow" target="_blank" href="http://gladysbikes.com/">Gladys Bikes</a> is the name of a new shop coming to North Portland this fall. Owner Leah Benson is keeping mum on many details until she's closer to opening in October, but from the photos she's been posting <a rel="nofollow" target="_blank" href="https://www.facebook.com/gladysbikespdx">to Facebook</a>, it looks like Gladys Bikes will be a very solid addition to the neighborhood. </p> <div style="font-size:1.14em;"><strong>The eBike Store set to open at new location</strong></div> <p>The eBike Store, formerly located on N Alberta and Vancouver, is putting the finishing touches on a new location in the Piedmont neighborhood. Owner Wake Gregg has been working for months on renovations to a former chop-shop on the northwest corner of Albina and Rosa Parks Way (across the street from Peninsula Park). Gregg lives just a few blocks from the new store. I spoke with him this morning and — despite a struggle with the City of Portland over various permitting issues — he is excited to be just one week away from officially opening to the public. The new eBike Store has already transformed the corner, and, as a nearby resident myself, I can say the neighborhood is welcoming this shop with wide open arms! Good luck Wake and we can't wait for opening day.</p> <div style="font-size:1.14em;"><strong>Portland bike shops on About.com</strong></div> <p>Local writer (and top-notch cyclocross racer) Josh Liberles posted a solid run-down of what he refers to as "<a rel="nofollow" target="_blank" href="http://portlandor.about.com/od/outdoorsfitness/a/Portlands-Top-11-Bike-Shops.htm">Portland's Top 11 Bike Shops</a>." You might be surprised at what shops he included, and which ones he didn't. It was interesting to me that two of Portland's largest shops — Bike Gallery and Bike n' Hike — didn't make the list, while several smaller shops did. Perhaps the trend of bike shops becoming welcoming community spaces is starting to change public perception of what makes a good shop?</p> <p>That thought brings me to the next item on our list...</p> <div style="font-size:1.14em;"><strong>Wall Street Journal notices cafe, community trend</strong></div> <p>Today's Wall Street Journal <a rel="nofollow" target="_blank" href="http://online.wsj.com/article/SB10001424127887323407104579036743377325268.html">featured a story</a> on the growing national trend of bike shops becoming community gathering places. We've seen this phenomenon occur locally for years now, especially in the success of VeloCult, so it's great to see that it's catching on around the country. The WSJ reported that a National Bicycle Dealers Association survey of 4,000 establishments found that 12% have coffee bars, 11% offer spinning classes and almost 5% serve beer. </p> <p>Speaking of beer...</p> <div style="font-size:1.14em;"><strong>Western Bike Works now offers beer, outdoor seating</strong></div> <div style="float:right;padding-left:5px;padding-bottom:5px;font-size:.95em;"><img src="http://bikeportland.org/wp-content/uploads/2013/08/wbw.jpg"> <div align="center"></div> </div> <p>Western Bike Works at NW 17th and Lovejoy has recently started offering a full beer selection at their in-store <a rel="nofollow" target="_blank" href="http://www.westernbikeworks.com/corsa-cafe-article">Corsa Cafe</a>. The shop has also converted a few parking spaces in front of their store into outdoor customer seating, complete with flowerbeds and a sun umbrella. Inside the shop you'll find couches, tables, and a cafe serving baked goods, beer, and a full coffee selection.</p> <div style="font-size:1.14em;"><strong>Clever Cycles' largest sale ever starts today</strong></div> <p>Clever Cycles is having <a rel="nofollow" target="_blank" href="http://clevercycles.com/blog/2013/08/28/back-to-school-sale/?utm_source=Back+to+School+SALE&utm_campaign=082913&utm_medium=email">a back to school sale</a> that starts today and goes through September 15th. It's their largest sale ever and they're offering some great deals on everything in the store, including complete bikes from brands like Handsome, Surly, WorkCycles, and more. Clever knows how to put on a sale, so my advice is to get their early if you want to get the good stuff.</p> <p><em>— Read more local bike shop coverage <a rel="nofollow" target="_blank" href="http://bikeportland.org/tag/bike-shops">in our archives</a>.</em></p> <div align="center"> <div align="center"><noscript><a rel="nofollow" target="_blank" href='http://ads.neighborhoodnotes.com/openx/www/delivery/ck.php?n=a737f045&cb=INSERT_RANDOM_NUMBER_HERE'><img src='http://ads.neighborhoodnotes.com/openx/www/delivery/avw.php?zoneid=138&cb=INSERT_RANDOM_NUMBER_HERE&n=a737f045' border='0' alt=''/></a></noscript></div> <p></p> <p></p> <p></p> <p></p> <p> </div> <div class="feedflare"> <a rel="nofollow" target="_blank" href="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~ff/BikePortland?a=czUsC1pzmOo:En3tV9vdEgA:yIl2AUoC8zA"><img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~ff/BikePortland?d=yIl2AUoC8zA" border="0"></a> <a rel="nofollow" target="_blank" href="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~ff/BikePortland?a=czUsC1pzmOo:En3tV9vdEgA:D7DqB2pKExk"><img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~ff/BikePortland?i=czUsC1pzmOo:En3tV9vdEgA:D7DqB2pKExk" border="0"></a> <a rel="nofollow" target="_blank" href="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~ff/BikePortland?a=czUsC1pzmOo:En3tV9vdEgA:qj6IDK7rITs"><img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~ff/BikePortland?d=qj6IDK7rITs" border="0"></a> <a rel="nofollow" target="_blank" href="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~ff/BikePortland?a=czUsC1pzmOo:En3tV9vdEgA:gIN9vFwOqvQ"><img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~ff/BikePortland?i=czUsC1pzmOo:En3tV9vdEgA:gIN9vFwOqvQ" border="0"></a> <a rel="nofollow" target="_blank" href="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~ff/BikePortland?a=czUsC1pzmOo:En3tV9vdEgA:F7zBnMyn0Lo"><img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~ff/BikePortland?i=czUsC1pzmOo:En3tV9vdEgA:F7zBnMyn0Lo" border="0"></a> </div><img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~r/BikePortland/~4/czUsC1pzmOo" height="1" width="1"/>

Changes on SE 14th near Sellwood school improve bike access

Thu, 29 Aug 2013 17:13:27 +0000

<div align="center"><img src="http://bikeportland.org/wp-content/uploads/2013/08/14thlead.jpg"> <div style="font-size:.95em;">Bicycling is allowed in both directions, while driving is only allowed southbound.<br />(Photo: Matthew Arnold)</div> </div> <p><span id="more-93202"></span><br /> The Portland Bureau of Transportation has made some significant changes to SE 14th Avenue in Sellwood just in time for the new school year. </p> <p>For three blocks on SE 14th between SE Bybee and Duke, PBOT has made the street into a one-way for driving (southbound) and two-way for bicycling with a new bike lane in the northbound direction. Prior to the change, 14th was a relatively narrow street that provided key north-south access for Llewellyn Elementary School. According to Gabriel Graff, the operations and safety manager at PBOT's Active Transportation Division, the school is over capacity and doing something to improve access on the crowded street has been on the city's to-do list for many years. "The school is over capacity and the neighborhood has a bumper-crop of kids," Graff shared with us yesterday, "And the principal at Llewellyn has been requesting this for almost a decade now."</p> <div align="center"> <div align="center"><noscript><a rel="nofollow" target="_blank" href='http://ads.neighborhoodnotes.com/openx/www/delivery/ck.php?n=af7d6d1f&cb=INSERT_RANDOM_NUMBER_HERE'><img src='http://ads.neighborhoodnotes.com/openx/www/delivery/avw.php?zoneid=107&cb=INSERT_RANDOM_NUMBER_HERE&n=af7d6d1f' border='0' alt=''/></a></noscript></div> <p> </div> <div style="float:right;padding-left:5px;padding-bottom:5px;font-size:.95em;"><img src="http://bikeportland.org/wp-content/uploads/2013/08/llewmap.jpg"> <div align="center">Blue line shows where new bike lane has been installed. </div> </div> <p>One reason Llewellyn was eager for changes to SE 14th is because the amount of kids and parents biking and walking to the school has skyrocketed in recent years. According to PBOT, a 2009 survey of parents found that bicycling made up 14.3% of all trips at the school. In 2012, that number had shot up to 24.8%. Llewellyn's biking rise was cemented this year when they earned first place in the Walk + Bike Challenge Month competition. </p> <p>Graff says PBOT is constantly looking for opportunities to make these type of changes near schools. "If we're able to get the property owners bought in on the project, we've found that they're inexpensive and can really work. It serves pedestrians too. Traffic will now be slower and more predictable." </p> <p>It's great to see PBOT taking this creative approach to street design. The "Except Bicycles" signage like they've used here — and streets where driving is only allowed in one direction, but bicycling can be done both ways — is a very common practice throughout the Netherlands and Copenhagen. </p> <div align="center"> <div align="center"><noscript><a rel="nofollow" target="_blank" href='http://ads.neighborhoodnotes.com/openx/www/delivery/ck.php?n=a737f045&cb=INSERT_RANDOM_NUMBER_HERE'><img src='http://ads.neighborhoodnotes.com/openx/www/delivery/avw.php?zoneid=138&cb=INSERT_RANDOM_NUMBER_HERE&n=a737f045' border='0' alt=''/></a></noscript></div> <p></p> <p></p> <p></p> <p></p> <p> </div> <div class="feedflare"> <a rel="nofollow" target="_blank" href="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~ff/BikePortland?a=CTrDgDMEgCM:m7ZQFOdj58Y:yIl2AUoC8zA"><img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~ff/BikePortland?d=yIl2AUoC8zA" border="0"></a> <a rel="nofollow" target="_blank" href="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~ff/BikePortland?a=CTrDgDMEgCM:m7ZQFOdj58Y:D7DqB2pKExk"><img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~ff/BikePortland?i=CTrDgDMEgCM:m7ZQFOdj58Y:D7DqB2pKExk" border="0"></a> <a rel="nofollow" target="_blank" href="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~ff/BikePortland?a=CTrDgDMEgCM:m7ZQFOdj58Y:qj6IDK7rITs"><img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~ff/BikePortland?d=qj6IDK7rITs" border="0"></a> <a rel="nofollow" target="_blank" href="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~ff/BikePortland?a=CTrDgDMEgCM:m7ZQFOdj58Y:gIN9vFwOqvQ"><img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~ff/BikePortland?i=CTrDgDMEgCM:m7ZQFOdj58Y:gIN9vFwOqvQ" border="0"></a> <a rel="nofollow" target="_blank" href="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~ff/BikePortland?a=CTrDgDMEgCM:m7ZQFOdj58Y:F7zBnMyn0Lo"><img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~ff/BikePortland?i=CTrDgDMEgCM:m7ZQFOdj58Y:F7zBnMyn0Lo" border="0"></a> </div><img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~r/BikePortland/~4/CTrDgDMEgCM" height="1" width="1"/>

Watermelon Recovery Rita

Thu, 29 Aug 2013 16:20:49 +0000

<p>This summer we’ve been talking a lot about the benefits of watermelon as a recovery drink. So we thought it would be fitting to include a recipe for watermelon as a recovery <strong>Drink</strong>.</p> <p>Salt, for rimming the glass (optional)<br /> Ice (1/2 pint glass full)<br /> 1 1/2 ounces tequila (blanco, 100 percent agave)<br /> 1 ounce freshly squeezed lime juice<br /> 2 oz blended or mashed watermelon<br /> 1/2 ounce Cointreau</p> <p>Mix the ice, tequila, lime juice, watermelon and Cointreau in a shaker or glass and shake until well chilled.</p> <p>Pour into a fresh glass rimmed with salt (optional) and filled with ice.</p> <p>Remove your bike shoes, peel off those sweaty socks, put your feet up and have someone serve this to you immediately for maximum refreshment and recovery.</p>

Guest Post: How I learned to love the Bike Commute

Thu, 29 Aug 2013 15:31:33 +0000

<p> </p> <p><em><a rel="nofollow" target="_blank" href="http://www.bikecommutechallenge.com"><img class="alignleft size-medium wp-image-32264" alt="TheBCC_Poster_small" src="http://btaoregon.org/wp-content/uploads/2013/08/TheBCC_Poster_small-300x204.jpg" width="300" height="204"/></a>Good Morning! The BTA’s annual autumnal classic, <a rel="nofollow" target="_blank" href="http://bikecommutechallenge.com/">the Bike Commute Challenge</a>, is right around the corner! <a rel="nofollow" target="_blank" href="http://bikecommutechallenge.com/accounts/register/">Are you signed up yet?</a></p> <p>Over the next month, we will bring you profiles, photos, and stories of offices throwing down the gauntlet and challenging each other to see who can <a rel="nofollow" target="_blank" href="http://twitter.com/intent/tweet?hashtags=bikemore" title="Last Chance on Tickets to Bikes, Brews and Bluegrass!">#bikemore</a> during the month of September. </p> <p><em><em>If you or your office would like to be featured in our coverage of the Bike Commute Challenge, please <a rel="nofollow" target="_blank" href="mailto:aaron@btaoregon.org?subject=I have a story for the Bike Commute Challenge!">let me know</a>; we’d love to share your story. </em></em></p> <p>We’re getting things rolling with a fantastic story from first-time bike commuter Janna Allgood, who shares her story of beginning her eleven mile bike commute from her home in Southwest Portland to her job with <a rel="nofollow" target="_blank" href="http://bikecommutechallenge.com/team/4018/">Washington County</a> in Hillsboro.</em></p> <p><em>-Aaron, Bike Commute Challenge Program Coordinator</em></p> <p> </p> <p><img class="size-medium wp-image-32257 alignright" alt="SONY DSC" src="http://btaoregon.org/wp-content/uploads/2013/08/janna_hillsboro-lndmark-2.ws_-300x200.jpg" width="300" height="200"/>Until recently, whenever I tried to convince someone about the benefits of commuting by bike, I’d want to run and hide. I’m the Sustainability Program Educator for Washington County and September’s Bike Commute Challenge was just one more opportunity for me to take a guilt trip.</p> <p>I wasn’t a bike commuter. I had my reasons, just like all commuters who still haven’t had the chance to attempt their trip to work with a bicycle:</p> <ul> <li><b>I thought biking was for kids:</b> I felt considerably older than the people I would pass on my drive to work.</li> <li><b>I didn’t think I was athletic: </b>I have all the aches and pains that any baby-boomer has. Each creaky joint made me feel I’d be vulnerable on a bike.</li> <li><b>What do I do about hair, makeup and clothes? </b>I’m pretty high maintenance in this category.</li> </ul> <p>Despite what appeared to be justifiable challenges to me, I couldn’t tolerate communications to colleagues that were laced with enthusiasm but lacked conviction. <strong>I had to give bike commuting a try.</strong></p> <p>Talking to experienced bike commuters, I learned that I could be a bike commuter without having to bike the entire way round trip. <a rel="nofollow" target="_blank" href="http://trimet.org/howtoride/bikes/index.htm">Many bike commuters combine their trips with mass transit.</a> Thus I hatched my plan to take my bike on MAX in the morning, and bike home after work.</p> <p>A few recreational rides tested my physical readiness for my 12-mile ride from Hillsboro to Southwest Portland. But nothing prepared me better than the spinning class at my gym. A terrific workout, it strengthened my legs and left me feeling like I could fly down flat roads and charge up hills.</p> <p><img class="alignright size-medium wp-image-32258" alt="SONY DSC" src="http://btaoregon.org/wp-content/uploads/2013/08/janna_max.ws_-200x300.jpg" width="200" height="300"/></p> <p><a rel="nofollow" target="_blank" href="https://maps.google.com/maps?ll=45.523452,-122.676207&spn=0.263628,0.568542&gl=us&t=m&z=11&lci=bike">I learned that route planning is essential. A big part of my drive to work is Highway 26; Google Maps instead suggested a bike route down Baseline Road.</a> And I found a few more detours which allowed me to linger on quiet, neighborhood streets avoiding traffic.</p> <p>Storing toiletries and extra clothes in a locker room has never been my cup of tea. But I could commit to bringing in one set of bike clothes for my weekly ride home after work. Slowly I had worked my way up to my maiden voyage.</p> <p>My husband helped me hoist my bike onto the TriMet bus bike rack the first time. After a short ride to Sunset Transit Center, I took the elevator down to the platform to wait for the next westbound MAX train. I had no reason to worry that I wouldn’t be able to raise the bike up to the hook by myself. Thirty minutes later, I wheeled my bike off the train in downtown Hillsboro.</p> <p>The ride home was the real surprise. Oddly, I found myself looking forward to my bike commute all day long. Easing out onto the street in the afternoon sun, I felt a combination of excitement and self-accomplishment. I had finally joined the bike commuter ranks.</p> <p>Each time I passed a landmark and checked my watch, I was amazed at how quickly I got there: Cornelius Pass Road, SW 185<sup>th</sup>, Costco, Nike. The ride took an hour and twenty minutes—four times longer than my drive to work. But I actually saved time because I didn’t need to visit the gym that night.</p> <p>Nowadays, I share with others the obvious benefits of bike commuting: it doesn’t require gasoline, it doesn’t pollute the air and it’s an economical alternative to driving.</p> <p> </p> <p style="text-align:center;"><img class="aligncenter size-medium wp-image-32270" alt="SONY DSC" src="http://btaoregon.org/wp-content/uploads/2013/08/janna_hillsboro-lndmark.ws_-200x300.jpg" width="200" height="300"/><img class="size-medium wp-image-32259 aligncenter" alt="SONY DSC" src="http://btaoregon.org/wp-content/uploads/2013/08/janna_max2.ws_-200x300.jpg" width="200" height="300"/><img class="size-medium wp-image-32261 aligncenter" alt="SONY DSC" src="http://btaoregon.org/wp-content/uploads/2013/08/janna_riding.ws_-200x300.jpg" width="200" height="300"/></p> <p>…<strong>But here’s the dirty little secret about bike commuting that no one ever tells you—it’s really fun!</strong></p>

ODOT considers repairs to pavement on shoulders of Highway 101

Thu, 29 Aug 2013 01:07:32 +0000

<div style="float:right;padding-left:5px;padding-bottom:5px;font-size:.95em;"><img src="http://bikeportland.org/wp-content/uploads/2013/08/odot_101.jpg"> <div align="center">ODOT managers inspected Highway 101 pavement <br />conditions on Monday.<br>(Photo: ODOT)</div> </div> <p>A regional manager with the Oregon Department of Transportation (ODOT) has responded to a paving issue that was brought to the agency's attention last week because of its impact to bicycle safety. ODOT Region 2 Manager Sonny Chickering says he is already looking into taking corrective measures to repair the dangerous seam left behind from a paving overlay project on several miles of the Oregon Coast Bike Route. Chickering also forwarded <a rel="nofollow" target="_blank" href="http://www.oregon.gov/ODOT/HWY/REGION2/Pages/U.S.-101-Bicyclist%27s-concern.aspx">a new page on the ODOT website</a> that addresses this issue directly. </p> <p><a rel="nofollow" target="_blank" href="http://bikeportland.org/2013/08/23/odot-in-hot-seat-with-bike-orgs-for-dangerous-oregon-coast-repaving-job-92886">As we reported last Monday</a>, Jeff Smith, a 30-year veteran of the Portland Bureau of Transportation, was riding the Oregon Coast Bike Route on Highway 101 south of Florence when he was "gobsmacked" at what he called an "inept" repaving job. He emailed ODOT (and cc'd dozens of his contacts) a photo and description of several miles of the highway where a new layer of pavement extended only half-way into the shoulder. The new layer of pavement left behind a rough ledge running right in the middle of the bicycling area.<br /> <span id="more-93191"></span></p> <div align="center"> <div align="center"><noscript><a rel="nofollow" target="_blank" href='http://ads.neighborhoodnotes.com/openx/www/delivery/ck.php?n=af7d6d1f&cb=INSERT_RANDOM_NUMBER_HERE'><img src='http://ads.neighborhoodnotes.com/openx/www/delivery/avw.php?zoneid=107&cb=INSERT_RANDOM_NUMBER_HERE&n=af7d6d1f' border='0' alt=''/></a></noscript></div> <p> </div> <p>A few days later, we shared that <a rel="nofollow" target="_blank" href="http://bikeportland.org/2013/08/26/odots-dangerous-paving-work-is-widespread-goes-against-state-guidelines-92957">this method of re-paving runs afoul of ODOT's own pavement design guide</a> (and a bike-centric paving policy change that went into effect in August 2011). We also shared reports of similar paving practices on highways throughout the state. </p> <p>Chickering promised a response by today, and he has delivered. In an email addressed to Smith, Oregon Coast bike advocate Ken Dennis, and myself, Chickering laid out his plans to address the issue.</p> <div class="callouts"> <p class="callout">"These repairs would likely involve repaving of the shoulders so that a smooth and uniform surface is available to non-motorized modes of travel."<br /><em>— Sonny Chickering, ODOT Region 2 Manager</em></p> </div> <p>"We have confirmed that the pavement surface along the shoulders is not uniform in appearance or texture," Chickering wrote in the email. He then referenced the 2011 Pavement Design Guide and pointed out that the Highway 101 paving project in question, "Regrettably, was not completed in according with the standards contained in the new policy."</p> <p>In defense of this particular re-paving job, Chickering said it was done during the summer of 2011, which is "about the same time" the new pavement design guidelines went into effect. He also admitted that prior to April 2011, "when, based on considerations for bicycle safety, the policy was changed," repaving only half-way into the shoulder was "considered acceptable as a cost saving measure by ODOT."</p> <p>As for next steps, Chickering reports that the ODOT Office of Maintenance is working to identify options for short-term repairs that can be implemented before an already scheduled repaving project is set to happen in 2015. "These repairs would likely involve repaving of the shoulders so that a smooth and uniform surface is available to non-motorized modes of travel."</p> <p>"If affordable," Chickering says, the repair work could be completed before the end of this summer. We expect to hear another update from Chickering in the middle of next week.</p> <p>In closing, Chickering directly addressed the disconnect many people have pointed out between these paving practices and ODOT's very strong pledges to respect bicycling at the same level as driving. "As you pointed out, ODOT has made a concerted and very public commitment to providing a transportation system that accommodates and encourages the use of all transportation modes. Correction of the nonconforming work in this section of US 101 will be a significant step toward achieving that goal."</p> <p>We'll keep you posted once we learn when the pavement repairs will take place.</p> <p><strong>UPDATE, 9:20 am on 8/29</strong>: In a follow-up email, I asked Chickering whether or not he planned to share his experience with other regional managers so that ODOT could take a state-wide look at this issue. Here's his response:</p> <blockquote><p>"I have personally spoken to Region 3 Manager Frank Reading, who has responsibility for Hwy. 101 from the Lane County line to the California border, and I know that several of my peers have been copied on e-mail or contacted directly or indirectly by various internal and external stakeholders. I do intend to provide all the Region Managers an update on this issue at our next regularly scheduled leadership team meeting in September."</p></blockquote> <p>I also asked him to clarify whether or not the Highway 101 paving in question was done before or after the new policy was put in place. Here's his reply:</p> <blockquote><p>"The paving project in question occurred after the new paving policy was approved. We should not have performed the work in accordance with the prior policy, so the cost of correction will be borne by ODOT."</p></blockquote> <div align="center"> <div align="center"><noscript><a rel="nofollow" target="_blank" href='http://ads.neighborhoodnotes.com/openx/www/delivery/ck.php?n=a737f045&cb=INSERT_RANDOM_NUMBER_HERE'><img src='http://ads.neighborhoodnotes.com/openx/www/delivery/avw.php?zoneid=138&cb=INSERT_RANDOM_NUMBER_HERE&n=a737f045' border='0' alt=''/></a></noscript></div> <p></p> <p></p> <p></p> <p></p> <p> </div> <div class="feedflare"> <a rel="nofollow" target="_blank" href="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~ff/BikePortland?a=spB17R8-iiI:sXKAwIFY0uc:yIl2AUoC8zA"><img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~ff/BikePortland?d=yIl2AUoC8zA" border="0"></a> <a rel="nofollow" target="_blank" href="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~ff/BikePortland?a=spB17R8-iiI:sXKAwIFY0uc:D7DqB2pKExk"><img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~ff/BikePortland?i=spB17R8-iiI:sXKAwIFY0uc:D7DqB2pKExk" border="0"></a> <a rel="nofollow" target="_blank" href="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~ff/BikePortland?a=spB17R8-iiI:sXKAwIFY0uc:qj6IDK7rITs"><img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~ff/BikePortland?d=qj6IDK7rITs" border="0"></a> <a rel="nofollow" target="_blank" href="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~ff/BikePortland?a=spB17R8-iiI:sXKAwIFY0uc:gIN9vFwOqvQ"><img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~ff/BikePortland?i=spB17R8-iiI:sXKAwIFY0uc:gIN9vFwOqvQ" border="0"></a> <a rel="nofollow" target="_blank" href="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~ff/BikePortland?a=spB17R8-iiI:sXKAwIFY0uc:F7zBnMyn0Lo"><img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~ff/BikePortland?i=spB17R8-iiI:sXKAwIFY0uc:F7zBnMyn0Lo" border="0"></a> </div><img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~r/BikePortland/~4/spB17R8-iiI" height="1" width="1"/>

'Nerds vs Jocks' and more fun rivalries on the way in Bike Commute Challenge

Wed, 28 Aug 2013 23:46:23 +0000

Portland’s $134 million monument to me

Wed, 28 Aug 2013 22:24:44 +0000

<p><em>Join us in welcoming lifestyle columnist Cathy Hastie to BikePortland. Cathy is a former contributor to <a rel="nofollow" target="_blank" href="http://portlandafoot.org">Portland Afoot</a> and we're excited to bring her perspective to our pages. Her first article is about <a rel="nofollow" target="_blank" href="http://news.trimet.org/2013/08/portland-milwaukie-light-rail-bridge-naming-committee-members-announced/">a certain local civic engineering project that still needs a name</a>. And it turns out, Cathy has an idea...</em></p> <div style="float:right;padding-left:5px;padding-bottom:5px;font-size:.95em;"><img title="lifestyle columnist Catherine Hastie" alt="lifestyle columnist Catherine Hastie" src="http://portlandafoot.org/wp/wp-content/uploads/2013/04/cathyhastie_thumb.jpg" width="244" height="184" align="right" border="0"/> <div align="center">Lifestyle columnist Cathy Hastie.</div> </div> <p>The <a rel="nofollow" target="_blank" href="http://www.portlandbridges.com/photoimagefiles/portland-statues-and-plaques-d300crw01152-s.jpg">solemn elk</a> in the middle of Southwest Main street; the <a rel="nofollow" target="_blank" href="http://farm3.staticflickr.com/2534/3830788488_2ac36f5939_z.jpg">diminutive bronze of former mayor Vera Katz</a> smiling upon Eastbank bikers; the <a rel="nofollow" target="_blank" href="https://www.google.com/search?q=portland+paul+bunyan">plaid-shirted effigy of Paul Bunyan</a> at North Denver and Interstate: despite these few commemorative statues, many of them celebrating non-humans, Portland is not a city overflowing with monuments.</p> <p>So would it surprise you to know that there is a new $134 million monument under development in our fair City of Roses as we speak? A massive landmark built to commemorate and celebrate a local hero?<br /> <span id="more-90096"></span><br /> You might cite the recent cacophony of commercial development as an excuse for missing it. But it is impossible to overlook, rising 180 feet into the heavens and stretching more than 1,700 feet long. Its skeleton is starting to fill a highly-prized spot of natural beauty on the Willamette River. Its massive foundation, like the hindquarters of a muscular sphinx, reflects the power and importance of the Portlander it honors. Its four elegant towers capture the heraldry of the offering, exalting this most revered citizen of our fine city. Who among us has tirelessly enacted feats of courageous and incredible ingenuity to merit this amazing, costly, time-consuming labor of love?</p> <p>Humbly I will admit: it is a monument to me.</p> <p>But I am willing to share.</p> <p>After all, the monolith commemorates and celebrates my low-car lifestyle and I am but one of thousands of like-minded Portlanders who dedicate their lives, 15 minutes at a time, to cutting back on greenhouse gases, improving their own health and the health of others, and making ours a more interesting and enjoyable city with their two-wheeled transportation choices. Over 90,000 people here eschew the single-occupancy car as they move themselves from home to workplace. These people are no less than heroes because they are making a difference right now, today. Good intentions are a step in the right direction, but action deserves recognition – big recognition.</p> <div align="center"><a rel="nofollow" target="_blank" href="http://portlandafoot.org/w/Willamette_River_Bridge"><img title="TriMet's yet-to-be-named bridge" alt="TriMet's yet-to-be-named bridge" src="http://portlandafoot.org/wp/wp-content/uploads/2013/04/willamette-bridge.png" width="556" height="260" border="0"/></a></div> <p>If you haven’t guessed by now, my monument is indeed an object both symbolic and functional, in the form of a <a rel="nofollow" target="_blank" href="http://portlandafoot.org/w/Willamette_River_Bridge">bridge</a>. It spans the Willamette River just south of OMSI, aptly connecting my inner Southeast neighborhood with all the cool places I want to experience in the South Waterfront district. This beautiful civil work is a testament to my lifestyle choices: biking and walking, riding the bus and commuting via transit. It is the largest bridge in the country dedicated to non-vehicular traffic. As a 20-year no-car commuter, I accept the honor of this giant tribute built just for me (and 90,000 of my no-car commuting friends).</p> <p>My bridge will be <a rel="nofollow" target="_blank" href="http://www.oregonlive.com/commuting/index.ssf/2013/04/trimet_begins_building_portlan.html">the first new bridge across the Willamette since my birth</a> (almost). Very fitting! Trimet calls it the Portland-Milwaukie Light Rail bridge, but a permanent name has not yet been chosen. I’ll let TriMet know when I decide if I prefer the "Catherine Hastie Bridge," or simply "Cathy’s Bridge." We’ll fix the paperwork in due time.</p> <div style="float:right;padding-left:5px;padding-bottom:5px;font-size:.95em;"> <div align="center"></div> </div> <p>In the meantime, I salivate at its majesty as I ride by the construction site each morning. I can’t wait to pedal across my bridge to some hot new future restaurant below the aerial tram, or to a doctor’s appointment at OHSU. The bridge will give me a direct route to Portland State University and my job in downtown Portland. It will carry the MAX Orange Line, TriMet buses, and hopefully the Portland Streetcar. A future MAX station at OMSI will even connect me to Clackamas Town Center - a place I might someday visit if I could get there without fighting 8-lane traffic and wandering lost through the ocean-sized parking lot.</p> <p>Alas, I will be hungering for those bridge crossings for a few years – the bridge isn’t planned to be open for "traffic" until 2015.</p> <div align="center"> <div align="center"><noscript><a rel="nofollow" target="_blank" href='http://ads.neighborhoodnotes.com/openx/www/delivery/ck.php?n=af7d6d1f&cb=INSERT_RANDOM_NUMBER_HERE'><img src='http://ads.neighborhoodnotes.com/openx/www/delivery/avw.php?zoneid=107&cb=INSERT_RANDOM_NUMBER_HERE&n=af7d6d1f' border='0' alt=''/></a></noscript></div> <p> </div> <p>I am proud to play my honorary role in this grand project. Our region is yet again on the cutting edge of forward-thinking transportation planning. This beautiful structure will not only add another connection between vital areas of commerce and recreation, but it will allow my two friends from Clackamas County to get to their downtown jobs cheaply, efficiently and without the stress of traffic jams and exhaust. Who knows? Maybe I will make a few more friends from Clackamas after it is built. "Build it and they will come" has never been more apt.</p> <p><a rel="nofollow" target="_blank" href="http://portlandafoot.org/wp/wp-content/uploads/2013/04/crossing-PMLR-bridge.jpg"><img style="background-image:none;float:left;padding-top:0px;padding-left:0px;margin:0px 6px 6px 0px;display:inline;padding-right:0px;border:0px;" title="crossing PMLR bridge" alt="crossing PMLR bridge" src="http://portlandafoot.org/wp/wp-content/uploads/2013/04/crossing-PMLR-bridge_thumb.jpg" width="354" height="196" align="left" border="0"/></a>This connection will allow people to get where they need to go peacefully, breathing deeply and enjoying the loveliness of the sun reflecting off the water. I couldn’t have asked for a more fitting commemoration. I don’t mind being the figurehead, but really, the honor is ours, my dear biking, busing and walking friends. This bridge proves that our tenacity, our motivation and our dedication can make a difference! This monument is for all of us – from forward-thinking planners and elected officials in the 70s, brainstorming the very core of a smartly developing city; to sog-proof die-hards braving the wind and weather today; to 5-year old Lucy, the future face of Portland commuting, who, seated on the polished longboard seat of her mother’s cargo bike, rides to school every day.</p> <p>I am magnanimous. After the ribbon-cutting, I will let you all ride your bikes across my horizontal obelisk. In fact, let’s have a big party! We’ll call it the Catherine Bridge. Everyone knows a Catherine, so we can all claim a little bit of this important modern-day pyramid in honor of livability and conscientious commuting. We’ll inaugurate it with a bipedal benediction of a million feet, anointing it in the sweat of grinding gears and creaking crankshafts.</p> <p>Because of me and my world-class monument, Portland will never look the same again.</p> <div align="center"> <div align="center"><noscript><a rel="nofollow" target="_blank" href='http://ads.neighborhoodnotes.com/openx/www/delivery/ck.php?n=a737f045&cb=INSERT_RANDOM_NUMBER_HERE'><img src='http://ads.neighborhoodnotes.com/openx/www/delivery/avw.php?zoneid=138&cb=INSERT_RANDOM_NUMBER_HERE&n=a737f045' border='0' alt=''/></a></noscript></div> <p></p> <p></p> <p></p> <p></p> <p> </div> <div class="feedflare"> <a rel="nofollow" target="_blank" href="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~ff/BikePortland?a=Iy-CoPoX1Xw:5QemL4htP0k:yIl2AUoC8zA"><img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~ff/BikePortland?d=yIl2AUoC8zA" border="0"></a> <a rel="nofollow" target="_blank" href="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~ff/BikePortland?a=Iy-CoPoX1Xw:5QemL4htP0k:D7DqB2pKExk"><img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~ff/BikePortland?i=Iy-CoPoX1Xw:5QemL4htP0k:D7DqB2pKExk" border="0"></a> <a rel="nofollow" target="_blank" href="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~ff/BikePortland?a=Iy-CoPoX1Xw:5QemL4htP0k:qj6IDK7rITs"><img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~ff/BikePortland?d=qj6IDK7rITs" border="0"></a> <a rel="nofollow" target="_blank" href="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~ff/BikePortland?a=Iy-CoPoX1Xw:5QemL4htP0k:gIN9vFwOqvQ"><img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~ff/BikePortland?i=Iy-CoPoX1Xw:5QemL4htP0k:gIN9vFwOqvQ" border="0"></a> <a rel="nofollow" target="_blank" href="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~ff/BikePortland?a=Iy-CoPoX1Xw:5QemL4htP0k:F7zBnMyn0Lo"><img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~ff/BikePortland?i=Iy-CoPoX1Xw:5QemL4htP0k:F7zBnMyn0Lo" border="0"></a> </div><img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~r/BikePortland/~4/Iy-CoPoX1Xw" height="1" width="1"/>

Portlander designs low-cost bikeshare station for apartment buildings

Wed, 28 Aug 2013 20:17:17 +0000

<div style="float:right;padding-left:5px;padding-bottom:5px;font-size:.95em;"><a rel="nofollow" target="_blank" href="http://bikeportland.org/wp-content/uploads/2013/08/kiel-with-pillar.jpg"><img src="http://bikeportland.org/wp-content/uploads/2013/08/kiel-with-pillar-420x480.jpg" alt="" title="kiel with pillar" width="320" class="alignright size-large wp-image-93110"/></a> <div align="center">Kiel Johnson with his custom-built creation.<br />(Photo courtesy Kiel Johnson)</div> </div> <p>The price of bikesharing adds up fast when 10 bikes and a solar-powered parking dock cost $45,554. It'll take an estimated $3.4 million for Portland's forthcoming public system to get enough hardware to <a rel="nofollow" target="_blank" href="http://bikeportland.org/2013/08/21/where-should-portlands-bikeshare-stations-go-ten-maps-that-might-help-92639">cover the central city with 75 docks</a>.</p> <p>But what if Portland had a <em>private</em> bikesharing system, too?</p> <p>That's the thought that was keeping Southwest Portland resident (and <a rel="nofollow" target="_blank" href="http://bikeportland.org/2010/09/14/bike-trains-take-off-six-schools-on-board-national-tv-and-more-39411">noted</a> <a rel="nofollow" target="_blank" href="http://bikeportland.org/2011/11/16/bike-train-lessons-is-subject-of-free-talk-thursday-62201">local</a> <a rel="nofollow" target="_blank" href="http://bikeportland.org/2011/04/25/alice-awards-put-spotlight-on-cyclings-superheroes-52018">biking</a> <a rel="nofollow" target="_blank" href="http://bikeportland.org/2013/08/13/friends-of-barbur-asks-for-signatures-to-support-fixing-narrow-bridges-92134">advocate</a>) Kiel Johnson up at night. So he spent the last six months inventing one.</p> <p>"Basically, I came up with this idea and couldn't sleep for a week because I kept on thinking about it," Johnson said. "So I was like, okay, I have to build this, or I'll never be able to sleep."<span id="more-93067"></span></p> <p>Last week Johnson, a small business owner with a history/economics degree from Lewis and Clark and no previous experience in product design, finished his prototype: a four-foot-tall steel pillar with a wireless battery-powered Internet connection and custom-fabricated, keypad-activated locks for two shared bikes. It attaches to a standard <a rel="nofollow" target="_blank" href="http://portlandafoot.org/w/Bike_staple">bike staple</a>. Johnson's goal is to sell it to apartment buildings for $1000 to $2000 per station, with two bikes included. He'd charge a service fee of maybe $100 per month to maintain the bikes and the station.</p> <p>Residents could then use the bikes whenever they'd like: for a grocery run, a commute, a ride along the river.</p> <p>Johnson monitors it all using a homebuilt spreadsheet and an iPhone app designed to work with home security systems. He's already started testing the station at his own apartment building in the South Waterfront.</p> <p>"I put up the flyers on Friday and have gotten 5 people to sign up so far," Johnson said this week.</p> <p><strong>The Zipcar of bikesharing?</strong></p> <div style="float:right;padding-left:5px;padding-bottom:5px;font-size:.95em;"><a rel="nofollow" target="_blank" href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/bikeportland/7001381113/" title="Capital Bikeshare-2 by BikePortland.org, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7086/7001381113_9ca6a7e96c_z.jpg" width="320" alt="Capital Bikeshare-2"></a> <div align="center">Higher-cost systems like Alta's Capital Bikeshare<br /> are far more sophisticated.<br />(photo: J.Maus/BikePortland)</div> </div> <p>Alta-style bikesharing functions like <a rel="nofollow" target="_blank" href="http://portlandafoot.org/w/Car2go">car2go</a>, the floating-fleet service that lets you pick up and drop off cars anywhere within a given area. Johnson's bikesharing concept, by contrast, is like <a rel="nofollow" target="_blank" href="http://portlandafoot.org/w/Zipcar">Zipcar</a>: each bike would remain associated with a certain location, and attract a certain user base.</p> <p>As with car2go and Zipcar, Johnson thinks such a system could coexist with other bikesharing such as the public <a rel="nofollow" target="_blank" href="http://www.portlandoregon.gov/transportation/57983">Portland Bike Share</a> or the Intel-based <a rel="nofollow" target="_blank" href="http://openbikeinitiative.com">Open Bike Initiative</a>.</p> <p>"I'm not really trying to compete necessarily against anybody, but just offer some alternatives," said Johnson, who has a day job <a rel="nofollow" target="_blank" href="http://bikeportland.org/2013/05/14/business-booms-for-bike-valet-in-south-waterfront-86715">running the Go By Bike shop and bike valet</a> at the base of the Aerial Tram. "I know there's been a lot of discussion about the equity with the bikeshare. And I think this could be one way to provide bikeshare to people that don't live downtown or in the central area."</p> <p>"A cool thing too is that you could have different kinds of bikes," Johnson added — that's why he's planning to add a trike to the prototype at his own apartment building. "There's a lot of elderly people that want to ride a bike but are uncomfortable with the balance aspect."</p> <div align="center"> <div align="center"><noscript><a rel="nofollow" target="_blank" href='http://ads.neighborhoodnotes.com/openx/www/delivery/ck.php?n=af7d6d1f&cb=INSERT_RANDOM_NUMBER_HERE'><img src='http://ads.neighborhoodnotes.com/openx/www/delivery/avw.php?zoneid=107&cb=INSERT_RANDOM_NUMBER_HERE&n=af7d6d1f' border='0' alt=''/></a></noscript></div> <p> </div> <p>Johnson hopes his prototype will help him figure out whether customers will return it promptly without paying for the service themselves — something he knows would add much more complexity to the system.</p> <p>"In an ideal world, I'd like to keep it all free for people," Johnson said. "An apartment building would buy one of these stations and then it would be free for their residents to use."</p> <p><strong>Auto parking replacement</strong></p> <div style="float:right;padding-left:5px;padding-bottom:5px;font-size:.95em;"><a rel="nofollow" target="_blank" href="http://bikeportland.org/wp-content/uploads/2013/08/lock-structure.jpg"><img src="http://bikeportland.org/wp-content/uploads/2013/08/lock-structure-420x560.jpg" alt="" title="lock structure" width="320" class="alignright size-large wp-image-93124"/></a> <div align="center">Johnson shows how his digitally opened<br />lock works with an on-site U-lock.<br />(photo courtesy Johnson)</div> </div> <p>Bringing an independent product like this to market would be difficult. But Johnson may have an ace in this hole: A new city law that gives apartment builders a big incentive to offer bikesharing stations at their buildings.</p> <p>This spring, the City of Portland began allowing new apartment projects to <a rel="nofollow" target="_blank" href="http://www.portlandoregon.gov/bps/article/443436">reduce their on-site auto parking by up to 25 percent if they offer on-site bikesharing instead</a> (PDF). A bikesharing "dock" with eight bikes and 16 locks exempts a development from including three auto parking spaces — but at $45,000 per Alta dock plus enough space to store the dock, the cost savings aren't huge. (Each auto parking space adds <a rel="nofollow" target="_blank" href="http://www.portlandoregon.gov/bps/article/420062">$20,000 to $55,000</a> to the effective cost of a building, depending on whether it's above or below ground.)</p> <p>A comparable set of bikesharing stations from Johnson, however, might cost just $15,000. Johnson added that his stations could easily be painted to match a building's color or a business' branding.</p> <p>"The bikeshare idea — there's just so much opportunity now, especially with all this new technology that's being developed," Johnson said. "I just think it's a matter of time before somebody figures out a way to make it cheaper. I don't know if this is the cheapest option. ... In this trial, I want to sort of see how it works and what happens."</p> <p>The result, he hopes, will be a city where it's easier for ordinary people to experiment with getting around by bike without owning one of their own.</p> <p>"I used to not really be into bikes at all, and then I went to Copenhagen and went on <a rel="nofollow" target="_blank" href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Copenhagen_City_Bikes">the bikeshare there</a>," Johnson said. "It was being able to ride in such a bike-friendly city on a bike opened my eyes to the potential of what bikes could really do to change the urban environment and make cities a better place."</p> <p><em><strong>Update, 2:40 pm:</strong> We just received figures from the City of Portland that better break down the projected hard and soft costs of bikesharing. I've changed some of the numbers above to reflect this.</em></p> <div align="center"> <div align="center"><noscript><a rel="nofollow" target="_blank" href='http://ads.neighborhoodnotes.com/openx/www/delivery/ck.php?n=a737f045&cb=INSERT_RANDOM_NUMBER_HERE'><img src='http://ads.neighborhoodnotes.com/openx/www/delivery/avw.php?zoneid=138&cb=INSERT_RANDOM_NUMBER_HERE&n=a737f045' border='0' alt=''/></a></noscript></div> <p></p> <p></p> <p></p> <p></p> <p> </div> <div class="feedflare"> <a rel="nofollow" target="_blank" href="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~ff/BikePortland?a=eAHdkZke7Yc:4KgvrgbKWLA:yIl2AUoC8zA"><img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~ff/BikePortland?d=yIl2AUoC8zA" border="0"></a> <a rel="nofollow" target="_blank" href="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~ff/BikePortland?a=eAHdkZke7Yc:4KgvrgbKWLA:D7DqB2pKExk"><img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~ff/BikePortland?i=eAHdkZke7Yc:4KgvrgbKWLA:D7DqB2pKExk" border="0"></a> <a rel="nofollow" target="_blank" href="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~ff/BikePortland?a=eAHdkZke7Yc:4KgvrgbKWLA:qj6IDK7rITs"><img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~ff/BikePortland?d=qj6IDK7rITs" border="0"></a> <a rel="nofollow" target="_blank" href="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~ff/BikePortland?a=eAHdkZke7Yc:4KgvrgbKWLA:gIN9vFwOqvQ"><img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~ff/BikePortland?i=eAHdkZke7Yc:4KgvrgbKWLA:gIN9vFwOqvQ" border="0"></a> <a rel="nofollow" target="_blank" href="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~ff/BikePortland?a=eAHdkZke7Yc:4KgvrgbKWLA:F7zBnMyn0Lo"><img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~ff/BikePortland?i=eAHdkZke7Yc:4KgvrgbKWLA:F7zBnMyn0Lo" border="0"></a> </div><img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~r/BikePortland/~4/eAHdkZke7Yc" height="1" width="1"/>

Last Chance on Tickets to Bikes, Brews and Bluegrass!

Wed, 28 Aug 2013 01:46:08 +0000

<p><img class=" wp-image-32187 alignright" alt="Unknown-1" src="http://btaoregon.org/wp-content/uploads/2013/08/Unknown-1.jpeg" width="223" height="145"/>This Thursday the 29th we’re leading <a rel="nofollow" target="_blank" href="https://secure.commonground.convio.com/bta/2013sauvieislandride/">a ride to the bountiful Kruger’s Farm on Sauvie Island</a> to enjoy some local brews, live bluegrass and the last days of summer! Captured by Porches Brewing will be donating a portion of the night’s beer sales to the BTA, and the nationally renowned Jackstraw bluegrass band will be preforming some of their best northwest mountain music tunes!</p> <p><img class=" wp-image-32150 alignright" alt="cbp_logo" src="http://btaoregon.org/wp-content/uploads/2013/08/cbp_logo-300x300.jpg" width="210" height="210"/>Don’t miss out on this awesome night of bikes, brews and bluegrass! Your ticket gets you admittance to the show, a beer token, and a guided leisurely ride to and from the farm! BTA member price is only $10.00! Non member is $20.00. Sign up to be a new member and we will give you $5.00 off the annual membership price and let you ride for the member price, a smokin’ deal!</p> <p>We will be meeting at the New Seasons on Rosa Parks and Interstate at 4:00 pm Thursday August 29th, and we’ll head back around 8:00pm.</p> <p>Only two more days to <a rel="nofollow" target="_blank" href="https://secure.commonground.convio.com/bta/2013sauvieislandride/">sign up</a>! Join us in the fun: <a rel="nofollow" target="_blank" href="https://secure.commonground.convio.com/bta/2013sauvieislandride/">Get your ticket</a> now!</p>

The “Easy Button” is here, it’s called Walk+Bike Day

Tue, 27 Aug 2013 15:00:31 +0000

<p>“Take care of all the details you can, then for the rest… just wing it!” – me</p> <div style="float:right;margin:5px;"><img src="http://farm6.staticflickr.com/5506/9542714231_1866596858.jpg" style="width:300px;"/></div> <p>August has been crazy, September is lookin’ busier, and I’m guessing you are in the same boat. </p> <p>So here’s what I propose: Take the easy way to get back to school and sign up for <a rel="nofollow" target="_blank" href="http://www.walknbike.org">International Walk+Bike to School Day</a>! </p> <p>You can choose your own adventure – will you be an Inspirational Spark, a Super Star, or the Incredible Hulk?</p> <p><strong>Adventure #1: Make Walk+Bike to School Day super simple! You are an Inspirational Spark.</strong></p> <p>Step 1: Sign up your school for <a rel="nofollow" target="_blank" href="http://www.walknbike.org">International Walk+Bike to School Day.</a></p> <p>Step 2: Receive your incentives mailed to your school.</p> <p>Step 3: Put a couple flyers up in the halls and in the office at school (included in the incentives box)</p> <p>Step 4: Get to school a bit early on October 9<sup>th</sup> and pass out the incentives to kids you see walking and biking (included in the incentives box).</p> <p>Step 5: Take yourself out to happy hour the next chance you get! You deserve it.</p> <p> </p> <p><strong>Want to take it to the next level? Great! You are a Super Star.</strong></p> <p>Step 1: Sign up your school for <a rel="nofollow" target="_blank" href="http://www.walknbike.org">International Walk+Bike to School Day.</a></p> <p>Step 2-3: See above</p> <p>Step 4: Go to a staff meeting and PTA meeting to recruit adults to help lead walking school buses and pick a couple meeting spots a within a quarter mile or so from the school.</p> <p>Step 5: Promote the meeting places to families, let them know that they can park near one of the meeting places and walk with their kids into school.</p> <p>Step 6: Set up a table out on front of the School on October 9<sup>th</sup>, get some coffee donated for tired parents, and pass out incentives (included in the incentives box) to the kids that walk and bike!</p> <p>Step 7: Treat yourself to a massage! You deserve it.</p> <p> </p> <p><strong>Ready for the pinnacle? You are the Incredible Hulk of walking and bicycling.</strong></p> <p>Step 1: Sign up your school for <a rel="nofollow" target="_blank" href="http://www.walknbike.org">International Walk+Bike to School Day</a> or the <a rel="nofollow" target="_blank" href="http://fireupyourfeet.org/">Fire Up Your Feet October Challenge</a>.</p> <p>Step 2-5: See above</p> <p>Step 7: Contact the school board and local officials. Invite them to your event.</p> <p>Step 8: Send out a press release!</p> <p>Step 9: Talk to the PTA about creating a “sustainability” chair person that will work year-round to promote a active, healthy, and sustainable school culture.</p> <p>Step 10: Contact <a rel="nofollow" target="_blank" href="mailto:lynnemutrie@comcast.net">Lynne Mutrie </a>about taking the next steps towards a Safe Routes to School Action Plan.</p> <p>Step 11: Implement your amazing October 9<sup>th</sup> event!</p> <p>Step 12: Call <a rel="nofollow" target="_blank" href="mailto:leeanne@btaoregon.org">LeeAnne Fergason</a> (503-226-0676 x26). I’d love give you a huge hug (I’m a hugger).</p> <p> </p> <p> </p>

Putting the ‘Brew’ in ‘Bikes, Brews, & Bluegrass’

Mon, 26 Aug 2013 15:00:10 +0000

<p>Join us for our ride to Kruger’s Farm Thursday, August 29th for our guided ride-<a rel="nofollow" target="_blank" href="https://secure.commonground.convio.com/bta/2013sauvieislandride/">Bikes, Brews, & Bluegrass</a>- and get captured by the amazing beer from Captured by Porches Brewing while enjoying live music and farm stand bounties!</p> <hr /> <p>Captured by Porches Brewing is the sole beer provider for Kruger’s Farm. Why, You may ask? Because they’re local, delicious and all around awesome!</p> <p><img class="wp-image-32150 alignright" alt="cbp_logo" src="http://btaoregon.org/wp-content/uploads/2013/08/cbp_logo-300x300.jpg" width="168" height="168"/></p> <p>Captured by Porches was established in 2002 as “an eclectic home brew club.” Those involved in the brewing process would frequently find themselves captured by the porch out front of the brewer’s home. With a tasty brew in hand and in the midst of great company, being captured by the comfort of the porch gave way to a collection of special moments with friends and family.</p> <p>Dylan Goldsmith found his passion for brewing after many years of enjoying similar hobbies like cooking, baking, inventing new recipes and figuring things out. He started out searching for stainless equipment on Craig’s List and in garage sales. Slowly small batches of five gallons turned into ten, fifteen, and twenty gallon brews. All the while his hope for large scale brewing sat and waited in the form of a 75 gallon stainless dishwashing machine shell and two forty gallon kettles in his garage collecting dust. Eventually his momentum peaked and Dylan was offered the opportunity to brew at Clinton Street Brewing. After a couple of years gaining experience and wrestling with financial difficulties in trying to attain their own brewing space in accordance with the City and Portland and ODOT, Dylan and his wife found a great spot in the Historic St. Helens to put down roots and get to brewing. Check out their history, mission, and seasonal beers on their website at capturedbyporches.com!</p> <p>Captured by Porches ales are always unfiltered and naturally carbonated, and all of their beers are made with regionally grown, locally malted organic grain, and are always vegan. Captured by Porches is dedicated to helping their community and giving back whenever they can. They have donated to several non profit and charitable organizations in the past and are gracious enough to be donating a portion of beer sales to the Bicycle Transportation Alliance the night of August 29th!</p>

Bike Documentary Variety Show

Fri, 23 Aug 2013 14:38:45 +0000

<p><a href="http://filmedbybike.org/2013/08/20/summertime-bike-documentary-fest/" target="_blank">Filmed by Bike</a> is partnering with <a href="http://nwdocumentary.org/" target="_blank">NW Documentary</a> for an evening of bike documentaries, beer, live music, a photo booth, <a href="http://www.pedaltalkshow.com/" target="_blank">Boaz from Pedal Powered Talk Show</a> + more.</p> <p>It’s kind of like a big-ole summertime party inside the Mission Theater. Because that’s how NW Doc and Filmed by Bike like to hang out together.</p> <p>Ukelele band Honky Tonk Prison will play live, Culinary Cyclist author Anna Brones will speak, a series of films will be shown on the big screen.</p> <p>With support from <a href="http://streetfilms.org" target="_blank">StreetFilms</a>, Filmed by Bike is showcasing three segments of documentary films on different themes. In between each, Boaz will moderate a rapid-fire Speed Q+A – so fast there’s only time for one or two questions from the audience.</p> <p>You’ll be kept on your toes and inspired as Filmed by Bike showcases what’s happening in biking culture, art and infrastructure all around the globe – and discussing how it all relates to PDX.</p> <p>You won’t want to miss this bicycle themed variety show extravaganza.</p> <p>This program is part of NW Doc and POW Fest’s Documentary Summer Series at the Mission Theater.</p> <h2>MORE INFO</h2> <p>McMenamins Mission Theater, 1624 NW Glisan<br /> Sunday, 8/25, show starts at 6pm!<br /> Tickets: $7 – Minors allowed with parent/guardian</p> <p><a href="http://filmedbybike.org/2013/08/20/summertime-bike-documentary-fest/" target="_blank"><strong>Website >></strong></a></p>

Bikes, Brews, and Northwest Mountain Music? Yes Please!

Thu, 22 Aug 2013 15:00:02 +0000

<p><img class="alignleft size-full wp-image-32186" alt="Unknown" src="http://btaoregon.org/wp-content/uploads/2013/08/Unknown.jpeg" width="230" height="153"/><a rel="nofollow" target="_blank" href="https://secure.commonground.convio.com/bta/2013sauvieislandride/">Tickets are on sale now</a> for <strong>Bikes, Brews, & Bluegrass</strong> which include admission to see Jackstraw in concert, a token for a beer from Captured by Porches, and a guided ride to and from Kruger’s Farm!</p> <p>Join us Thursday, August 29th at the New Seasons on Interstate. We’ll ride to Kruger’s Farm on Sauvie Island to enjoy some good old Northwest Mountain Music! </p> <hr /> Before Portland was recognized for being a roots music hot spot in America, Jackstraw was working hard to put Portland on the map by building a foundation for the roots community through their hard-worn picking and lonesome harmonies. Inspired but not only the grey rainy climate of the forested Northwest, but also by southern tradition, Jackstraw has proved to be one of the Northwest’s best bluegrass bands. <p><a rel="nofollow" target="_blank" href="http://btaoregon.org/wp-content/uploads/2013/08/IMG_3218_crop-300x199.jpg"><img class="alignright size-full wp-image-32185" alt="IMG_3218_crop-300x199" src="http://btaoregon.org/wp-content/uploads/2013/08/IMG_3218_crop-300x199.jpg" width="300" height="199"/></a></p> <p>Often referred to as “northwest mountain music,” Jackstraw’s tunes have been entertaining the country since 1997 when rhythm guitarist Darrin Craig and lead player Jon Neufeld met mandolin picker David Pugh and Bassist Jesse Withers at a Portland guitar store, Artichoke music. As they say, the rest was history. Sixteen years later the band has six records and has toured throughout the United States.</p> <p>In addition to participating in Jackstraw, members of the band are involved in Portland’s local music scene. Guitarist Jon Neufeld plays in the Decemberist’s acoustic side project, Black Prairie, and Darrin Craig, David Pugh and Jesse Withers all play with highly regarded bands.</p> <p><img class="alignleft size-full wp-image-32187" alt="Unknown-1" src="http://btaoregon.org/wp-content/uploads/2013/08/Unknown-1.jpeg" width="279" height="181"/>Bluegrass is redefined through their cutting edge take on the classic sound which they have been developing for years on tour across the country. “This is bluegrass that belongs in a dusty honky-tonk, country twang as rooted in Bill Monroe as George Jones, an old-timey sound for a new age.”</p> <hr /> Join us <strong>August 29th</strong> for <strong>Bikes, Brews, & Bluegrass</strong>.<br /><a rel="nofollow" target="_blank" href="https://secure.commonground.convio.com/bta/2013sauvieislandride/">Get your ticket</a> now.

10 Reasons to Attend the Annual Member Meeting

Tue, 20 Aug 2013 21:39:14 +0000

<div style="float:right;clear:right;margin:5px;width:200px;padding:5px;border-left-width:2px;border-left-style:dotted;border-top-width:2px;border-top-style:dotted;"><strong>Annual Member Meeting</strong><br /> Thursday, Aug 22nd, 5:30pm<br /> <a rel="nofollow" target="_blank" href="https://maps.google.com/maps?q=portland+art+museum&fb=1&gl=us&hq=portland+art+museum&cid=0,0,17109454431333304429&t=m&z=16&iwloc=A">Portland Art Museum</a> Sculpture Garden<br /> FREE for BTA Members<br /> Please <a rel="nofollow" target="_blank" href="https://secure.commonground.convio.com/bta/2013btaannualmembermeeting/">RSVP</a></div> <p>The BTA Annual Member meeting is coming up this Thursday, August 22nd at 5:30pm in the Portland Art Museum Sculpture Garden. </p> <p>Below are the top 10 reasons why we think you should attend.</p> <p><img src="http://btaoregon.org/wp-content/uploads/2013/08/Screen-shot-2013-08-20-at-2.35.32-PM1.png" alt="Annual Member Meeting" width="620" height="219" class="aligncenter size-full wp-image-32201"/></p> <p>10. You’ll meet new friends who care deeply about bicycling in the Portland-Metro region.</p> <p>9. You can meet Leah Treat and learn what her priorities for a balanced transportation system look like. Bring your favorite questions about bicycling!</p> <p>8. You will learn about the vision for the future in the <a rel="nofollow" target="_blank" href="http://btaoregon.org/bluepint">BTA’s Blueprint for World Class Bicycling</a>.</p> <p>7. You have a chance to win door prizes.</p> <p>6. You can order a bulgogi burrito from the <a rel="nofollow" target="_blank" href="http://koifusionpdx.com/">Koi Fusion truck</a>. Yummalicious.</p> <p>5. You can also taste the delightful beverage choices from <a rel="nofollow" target="_blank" href="http://hopworksbeer.com/">Hopworks</a>.</p> <p>4. You’ll want to cheer loudly for our Volunteer of the Year awardees.</p> <p>3. You can ogle bicycles and decide which one will be your next purchase.</p> <p>2. You have a chance tell the BTA what we are doing right and what we need to do more of.</p> <p>1. You’ll be part of the movement for safe, streamlined streets, joining thousands of your friends and neighbors who want to make it easier to get around!</p> <p>This is a member exclusive event. Entrance is FREE and we will have some food and beverages available for purchase. PLUS when the party wraps up, all attendees can get $10 off their admission to the Portland Art Museum’s Cyclepedia exhibit.</p>

A Tuesday has never been so great!

Tue, 20 Aug 2013 15:00:18 +0000

<p>Tuesday = A Win-Win</p> <p>Come to the<strong> Volunteer Orientation and Social on September 3rd!</strong></p> <p><strong>Where: at the BTA Office</strong> (618 NW Glisan, suite 401)</p> <div class="wp-caption alignright" style="width:310px;"><a rel="nofollow" target="_blank" href="http://btaoregon.org/wp-content/uploads/2013/08/kids-e1375915318356.jpg"><img alt="kids" src="http://btaoregon.org/wp-content/uploads/2013/08/kids-300x225.jpg" width="300" height="225"/></a><p class="wp-caption-text">Make sure more kids look like this!</p></div> <p><strong>When: Tuesday, September 3rd. Drop in anytime from 4:30pm-6pm</strong> and chat with BTA staffers (like LeeAnne and Nicole) and other volunteers about the great opportunities we have for you to invest in the community and the next generation of bikers!</p> <ul> <li>Sign up to ride with awesome kids. (Win!)</li> <li>Set aside time to wrench on bikes for kids. (Win!)</li> <li>Learn about more opportunities to make our community awesome. (Win!)</li> <li>Eat Pizza. (Double Win!)</li> </ul> <p><em id="__mceDel"><a rel="nofollow" target="_blank" href="https://secure.commonground.convio.com/bta/2013fallvolunteerorientation/">Please RSVP</a> so we know how much pizza to order.</em></p> <p><a rel="nofollow" target="_blank" href="http://btaoregon.org/2012/12/story-time-ride-with-kids-on-a-community-ride/">Read more about Riding with Kids</a> or <a rel="nofollow" target="_blank" href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/30755332@N04/5230228354/">watch this video</a> about one of the great shifts you can sign up for at the Volunteer Orientation and Social.</p> <div id="attachment_32123" class="wp-caption alignnone" style="width:310px;"><img class="size-medium wp-image-32123" alt="bored kids" src="http://btaoregon.org/wp-content/uploads/2013/08/bored-kids-300x199.jpg" width="300" height="199"/><p class="wp-caption-text">Save these (stock photo) kids! Teach them to ride! </p></div> <p> </p> <p> </p> <p> </p>

Keep Your Bike Safe: Register it With the BTA

Mon, 19 Aug 2013 15:15:20 +0000

<p>We recently rolled out a new service for our members: bike registration. </p> <p>When you visit us at a service station we will take a picture of your bike, write down the pertinent information (including serial number), and then email it to you so you have a digital copy in your inbox. We also will keep all of the information with your name in our database. That way you don’t even have to find the email we sent — just give us a call and we’ll give you all your bike’s info.</p> <p>This service is free for all current BTA members, and non-members can still take advantage of the program for a small fee.</p> <p>Check out our <a rel="nofollow" target="_blank" href="http://btaoregon.org/calendar">event calendar</a> for upcoming opportunities to register your bike!</p> <p><img src="http://btaoregon.org/wp-content/uploads/2013/04/service-station-11.jpg" alt="service station 1" width="600" height="155"/></p>

Walk+Bike to School Day is coming! Register now for free goodies.

Thu, 15 Aug 2013 15:00:55 +0000

<p>Register your school <strong>today</strong> for <a rel="nofollow">International Walk+Bike to School Day</a>, October 9th!</p> <p>Top 5 reasons to sign up your kid’s school to participate in Walk+Bike to School Day:</p> <p>5) When I ask kids what they love about biking, they say “the wind.” (kids are awesome)</p> <p>4) Walking and biking is way more fun than <a rel="nofollow" target="_blank" href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=o-50GjySwew">prancercise</a> (that depends on who you ask!)</p> <p><img class="size-medium wp-image-32128 alignright" alt="IMG_0557" src="http://btaoregon.org/wp-content/uploads/2013/08/IMG_0557-300x225.jpg" width="300" height="225"/></p> <p>3) You get free goodies mailed to your school in a big goodie box including posters, stickers, shoelaces, flying disks, and a Nutcase Helmet. (yeehaw! Goodies for the first 250 schools!)</p> <p>2) 60% of kids don’t get any exercise outside of school. (What?!?!?)</p> <p>1) More kids walking and biking means a better future for <strong>ALL</strong> of us.</p> <p><a rel="nofollow">Sign up today </a>and walk and bike your way to <strong>elementary school glory!</strong> Join the growing group of adults that respond to “Hey! It’s the Bike Lady (or Guy)!” <a rel="nofollow">Do it, and do it now</a>. You will never regret the time you spent encouraging kids to walk and bike, we promise.</p> <p><img class="size-medium wp-image-32129 alignleft" alt="photo-1" src="http://btaoregon.org/wp-content/uploads/2013/08/photo-1-300x300.jpg" width="300" height="300"/></p> <p>For extra credit, you can sign up for the <a rel="nofollow" target="_blank" href="http://or.fireupyourfeet.org/about/fire-your-feet-or">Fire Up Your Feet month long challenge in October</a> to encourage walking and biking all month long!</p>

Cascade to Crown

Thu, 15 Aug 2013 15:00:06 +0000

<p>The Third Annual Cascade to Crown Bicycle Ride on <strong>September 15</strong> offers a full day of fun for the entire family. New this year, the ride will offer a chance to ride the brand new connector of the Historic Trail and Historic Highway. This exciting new stretch of the historic highway creates a serene path for bikers and hikers along a section that used to force riders out onto I-84. This ride is an excellent opportunity to be one of the very first people to ride the new segment, which has been years in the making. The four routes – 62, 48, 28, and 10 miles – are designed for all levels, from young children and first time riders to serious cyclists. </p> <p>Along the route, you will find yourself in the midst of the most gorgeous section of the roadway, passing by notable falls such as Horsetail Falls, Oneonta Falls, Bridal Veil Falls, Latourell Falls and of course the grand Multnomah Falls. Sixty-two and 48 mile course riders will pedal all the way to the panoramic Crown Point Vista House for the most spectacular photo moments and breathtaking vistas.</p> <p>After the ride, a day of family fun activities takes place in the park, with a children’s playground, barbecuing and the Columbia River Sternwheeler. Proceeds benefit the Parkinson’s Resources of Oregon, a non-profit organization.</p> <h3>MORE INFORMATION</h3> <p><a href="http://www.CascadetoCrownRide.com" target="_blank">Website</a> | <a href="http://2013cascadetocrown.eventbrite.com/" target="_blank">Registration</a> | <a href="http://cascadetocrownride.com/info/" target="_blank">Routes + Maps</a></p>

Your Two-Wheeled Escape: Bike Touring 101

Thu, 15 Aug 2013 14:23:56 +0000

<p>The dry weather season in Oregon is a wonderful time of year to head out of town and explore the best Oregon has to offer. If leisurely pedaling your days away on under-explored roads with destinations like parks, swimming holes or hot springs interspersed with local culture and the excuse to eat high-calorie meals along the way sounds like fun, bike touring is for you. When you travel by bike, you’ll quickly get to know locals as you immerse yourself in the culture, landscape and beauty of Oregon.</p> <p>There are two basic ways that most cyclists approach touring: hauling it all or “credit card”. The first assumes you’ll be carrying a tent, cooking supplies, food and anything else you might need on the road. This optional opens you to more flexibility and destinations – the potential to ride in remote, low-traffic areas. You’ll also be subjected to whatever the great outdoors throws at you – on the bike or off. But hey, that’s part of the charm.</p> <p>The second is a little lighter on the bike but at the expense of the pocketbook: you’ll only have to carry clothes and toiletries because you’d stay in accommodations and mostly eat your meals out. On the flipside, you’ll be limited to riding to destinations that have lodging and food to offer along the way, areas that tend to have busier routes than the quiet camping option. Some people prefer the convenience, others remote the nooks and crannies of our fair state. If you’re fortunate and choose your route well, you’ll find both.</p> <p>Of course, there is a ton of room in between those two extremes and one of the greatest lessons of bike touring is that there are no “wrong” options. It’s completely your trip, your way – whether that’s solo, with friends or venturing out with the entire family.</p> <p>Bike touring is easy, though many people feel hindered by the need for fancy gear or a special bike. This is simply not the case, especially if you’re touring in fantastic weather (which minimizes the need for lightweight weatherproofed gear). </p> <p>The beauty of bike touring is that anyone can do it on almost any bike – yes, even the one you already own and have been racking miles up on all summer. Even if you’ve never toured unsupported before it’s easy to convert the bicycle you’re riding now for anything from overnight touring in the Cascades to hitting the long, beautiful and often unexplored roads surrounding Portland.</p> <p>At minimum, you’re going to need a bike that can accept a rear rack to hold panniers. Don’t be fooled into thinking you can carry any sort of back pack – event the healthiest backs can’t handle that for long rides.</p> <p>Once you’ve hit the road a few times, you’ll have a better sense of what gear works for you and you can slowly start to purchase the pieces you want for the sweetest ride.</p> <div style="margin:25px;"></div> <h3>WHERE TO START</h3> <p>If you’ve never bike toured before, it’s best to check your rig and your legs with a short test-run tour. This is a great way to work out the kinks and decide what you’ll really need to be carrying and what you can sacrifice to save a few pounds of weight on the climbs. Near Portland, you’ve got lots of options for an overnight or two with manageable mileage, including Oxbow Regional Park, Barton County Park, Stub Stuart State Park, Vernonia City Park, Champoeg State Park and many more within about sixty miles or less of Portland. </p> <div style="margin:25px;"></div> <h3>CHOOSE YOUR TWO-WHEELED WEAPON</h3> <p>Keep in mind with any option that you’re going to be carrying a lot more weight than you usually do, so it’s likely that you’ll want some very easy gears and good brakes to help you stop with all that momentum.</p> <p><strong>ROAD BIKES</strong><br /> Depending on how fancy it is, you can attach a trailer to most any road bike and a few can even take racks. Most road bikes have higher (harder to pedal) gearing which make it more challenging on the climbs. If you’re not sure if yours will be easy enough, take it into your bike shop and ask what your options are to make it more touring friendly.</p> <p><strong>TOURING BIKES</strong><br /> Technically, this is a type of road bike, but specifically constructed to take weight with front and rear racks, keep your load low for stability and has plenty of room for fenders. They also some equipped with low gearing to help you haul up those hills. If you fall in love with touring, this is a wise investment to make because the space to mount fenders allows the bike to double as a fabulous winter rain bike. If you’re buying new, consider disc brakes which stop better – wet or dry – than any other brake available.</p> <p><strong>HYBRIDS OR OLDER MT. BIKES</strong><br /> This style of bike is a nice option because you can easily mount racks and fenders and you’ll have very low gears for the climbs. Older mountain bikes without front or rear suspension work best for pedaling efficiency, rack mounting and stability. Their wider tires allow you to get really far off the beaten path and give gravel road touring a whirl (it’s all the rage these days).</p> <p>You’ll want to buy a slicker tire to ensure you’re making the most of your pedal stoked. Visit your local bike shop to inquire about your options.</p> <div style="margin:25px;"></div> <h3>GEARING UP</h3> <p>How you carry what you carry is definitely a personal preference. Over time, you’ll develop yours. Keep your supplies well organized for easy access that eliminates the frustration of foraging every time you need a snack, map or your sweatshirt. You’ll definitely want to pack light. Choose clothing items with versatility and lightweight fabrics that pack down small. Use stuff sacks to compress the air from apparel – these are a low cost investment that goes a long way. You’ll find them at outdoor and camping stores.</p> <p>Do a quick image search for “bike touring” and you’ll see a variety of set ups. Many of them showcase bikes completely loaded down with gear – but don’t let that scare you. You can travel much lighter. The only reason to travel wish so much gear is if you’re going for more than a week, you don’t have compact clothing (light weight wool!) or you’re a needy-nervous person afraid to leave stuff behind.</p> <p><strong>RACKS</strong><br /> Rear racks are usually the preferred method by beginning travelers because of convenience and stability. However, carrying weight over your rear wheel can increase flats and spoke breakage. Some folks spread the weight out by using a front rack as well. To attach the rack, your bike may come with eyelets that the bolts thread into or you can use rubber coated hose clamps (readily found at hardware stores) around your frame to support it. If you use this method, make sure the clamps are very secure. </p> <p><strong>PANNIERS</strong><br /> Panniers are bags that attach to the sides of your rack keeping your weight low and increasing stability. Consider borrowing a pair or purchasing an inexpensive set to get started. You can also strap your gear to the rack, but you’ll find that it’s difficult to ensure it doesn’t shift around and weight carried high can be very unstable, making it harder to steer. Panniers are really your best option.</p> <p><strong>TRAILERS</strong><br /> Trailers are a good option for people with traditional road bikes that don’t easily take racks. Because they attach to the frame or through the center of the rear axle, they easily connect to any bike and keep weight off your rear wheel. They also have less wind resistance than a rack but can be a hassle when climbing hills and might be difficult to handle at high speeds.</p> <p>If you’re new to touring, have a trailer and are on a budget without panniers, give the trailer option a try on a short overnighter. Some people prefer trailers, but most opt for panniers.</p> <div style="margin:25px;"></div> <h3>TIPS FOR SETTLING INTO YOUR RIDE</h3> <p><strong>TAKE CARE</strong><br /> Always make sure your bike is fully tuned up well before you leave. If any parts are replaced, this gives them time to settle in and for any secondary problems to arise. A trip being cut short by mechanical troubles is never fun – and you may be out in the middle of nowhere when a problem sets in.</p> <p><strong>GETTING TO THE BOTTOM</strong><br /> Test your saddle over long miles. Day one is usually a little sore, day two is more sore, and by day three you might jfind that your body has settled into the saddle groove and you’re relatively pain free. Every body is different, but bike shorts with padding (chamois) will certainly help ease soreness.</p> <p><strong>OVER THE HILL</strong><br /> Consider the number of gears you’ll need. Much of the Pacific Northwest is mountainous and you’ll be adding 25-50 pounds of weight to your ride. Your gearing choice can make the difference between riding and pushing your bike up those hills and can protect you from injury. </p> <p>If you’re not a hill climber, choose your route carefully to avoid unnecessary climbing. But out in rural regions, often there’s only one route to get you through.</p> <p><strong>FENDERS</strong><br /> Hey, it rains here! Nobody wants to spend all day in the wet, but fenders can make a soggy day much more bearable. Keep yours on if you’re touring at an iffy time of year. The slight weight increase is worth it.</p> <p><strong>TIRES</strong><br /> A wider tire (over 1” or 28c) can make for a smoother, more stable ride. Investing in a Kevlar tread is your first defense against flats – but before you head out, make sure you know how to change a tube and always keep your tires aired up to maximum pressure.</p> <p><strong>WATER</strong><br /> You won’t always have access to water at regular intervals, so plan to carry extra with you. Install 2-3 water bottle cages, or carry a high capacity bladder bag.</p> <p><strong>HANDLE IT</strong><br /> Handlebar bags make it easy to get to snacks and store maps. They range from fancy to handmade with an array of features. I found my last one in a used bike shop for a dollar!</p> <p><strong>CHECK IT OUT</strong><br /> When you’re on the road, oil your chain and air up the tires daily. This gives you a chance to look the bike over and make sure all looks sound and keeps your ride smooth.</p> <div style="margin:25px;"></div> <h3>PREP YOUR TOOLKIT</h3> <p>Here’s the minimum of what you’ll want to have on hand for any roadside mechanicals.<br /> • 2- 3 tire levers<br /> • Hand pump (preferably with a hose for easy inflation)<br /> • 2 tubes – out of box and tightly wrapped in saran wrap for ultimate shrinkage<br /> • Patch, glue and emery cloth – (essentially a patch kit without the box to save space)<br /> • Duct tape (1 ft wrapped around a small piece of cardboard)<br /> • Tire boot<br /> • Presta-to-Schrader valve adapter<br /> • A master link or replacement pin for chain repair<br /> • A multi tool w/all the bells and whistles<br /> • Zip ties<br /> • Emergency spoke replacement<br /> • Spare batteries<br /> • 4” crescent wrench</p> <div style="margin:25px;"></div> <h3>FINDING YOUR ROUTE</h3> <p>Finding a route is part of the fun of planning a bike tour. There are several online mapping programs like Ride with GPS and Map My Ride. You can check out the routes of other people or create your own. These programs help you see elevation and terrain so you can choose the best route.</p> <p>If you’re ever unsure about the safety of a road, check the area’s transportation department to see if a bike map exists, or ask for advice. Outside the city you won’t find bike lanes, but you might be fortunate to discover an off-road path or a designated riding area, like the fantastic <a href="http://rideoregonride.com/rides/scenic-bikeways/" target="_blank">Oregon Scenic Bikeways</a>.</p> <p>Choose your route carefully. Roads are often few and far between. If you wind up on a dangerous stretch, it could take 10 miles before you find a turn off. Take your time selecting your course, and ask around for advice. If you’re riding through a popular region or to a known destination, other people have certainly already found the best route.</p> <div style="margin:25px;"></div> <h3>ADDITIONAL RESOURCES</h3> <p>Now that your bike is ready, it’s time to do a little in-depth research to ensure you’re well prepared.</p> <p><strong>CYCLE WILD</strong> A Portland non-profit with a mission to reconnect people to nature via the bicycle. They organize group trips in the Portland “rideshed” as well as touring education and support. <a href="http://www.cyclewild.org" target="_blank">WEBSITE >></a></p> <p><strong>PATH LESS PEDALED</strong> Check out gear reviews and touring tips from veteran bike tourers Laura Crawford and Russ Roca. <a href="http://pathlesspedaled.com/">WEBSITE >> </a></p> <p><strong>CYCLING SOJOURNER</strong> This inspiring book and blog detail Portland author Ellee Thalheimer’s bike touring adventures – including rides around Portland – that make great beginner tours. Cycling Sojourner is filled with inspiration to see more of our great state on two wheels. <a href="http://cycletouringoregon.com/posts/" target="_blank">WEBSITE >></a></p> <p><strong>BICYCLING 101</strong> This website offers touring options, advice and opinions. Another great resource for what to bring and creative ways to convert your bike. <a href="http://www.bicycletouring101.com/index.html" target="_blank">WEBSITE >></a></p> <p><strong>RIDE OREGON RIDE</strong> Travel Oregon’s bicycle subsidiary website offers ride suggestions, routes, accommodations, points of interest and even gives you a social network to connect with other riders. <a href="http://rideoregonride.com" target="_blank">WEBSITE >></a></p> <p><strong>CYCLE OREGON</strong> This organization offers supported large-scale multi-day group rides, but you can check out the past routes (with maps!) for great destinations throughout the state. <a href="http://www.cycleoregon.com/week-ride/past-rides/" target="_blank">WEBSITE >></a></p> <div style="margin:25px;"></div> <h3>TELL US ABOUT YOUR ADVENTURE!</h3> <p>Where are your favorite places to travel by bike? What do you pack for the journey? Send us a postcard for your change to win our summertime Wish you Were Here postcard contest. [<a href="http://orbike.com/wish-you-were-here/" target="_blank">more info</a>] </p> <hr /> By Tori Bortman with additional support from ORbike Editor (and bike touring enthusiast!) Ayleen Crotty</p> <p><span style="color: green;"><em>Tori Bortman is a bike mechanic, educator, consultant and the owner of</em> <a href="http://gracieswrench.com" target="_blank"><strong><em>Gracie’s Wrench</em></strong></a>. </span></p>

Join the BTA for a day of Bikes, Brews and Bluegrass!

Wed, 14 Aug 2013 15:00:52 +0000

<p><img src="http://btaoregon.org/wp-content/uploads/2013/08/cbp_logo-300x300.jpg" alt="cbp_logo" width="300" height="300" class="alignright size-medium wp-image-32150"/>Join the BTA for a <a rel="nofollow" target="_blank" href="https://secure.commonground.convio.com/bta/2013sauvieislandride/">guided ride to Kruger’s Farm on Sauvie Island</a> on Thursday, August 29th! </p> <p>Riders will be able to enjoy a brew from <strong>Captured By Porches Brewing</strong>, and Captured By Porches will be donating a portion of the night’s beer sales to the BTA! Fruit will be available for picking and the farm stand will be open until dusk offering a bounty of fresh fruits and vegetables for purchase. Pizza, hotdogs, and burgers will be available as well and feel free to pack a picnic!</p> <p>The excitement doesn’t end there! </p> <p>Riders will also be covered for admittance to a summer concert! <strong>JackStraw</strong> will be entertaining the crowd with bluegrass tunes from 6:30pm to 9:30pm. We will meet at the New Seasons on N Rosa Parks and Interstate at 4:00pm on Thursday, August 29th. The group will leave promptly at 4:30 after everyone has had time to grab some water/picnic snacks from New Seasons. Ride leaders will be leaving the farm at 9:30pm, but you are welcome to stay out as long as you want.</p> <p><a rel="nofollow" target="_blank" href="https://secure.commonground.convio.com/bta/2013sauvieislandride/">BTA members get a discounted price</a> of just $10, non-members can join the ride for only $20. If you sign up for a yearly membership with the BTA we will <strong>give you a $5.00 discount on your membership</strong>, plus you can ride for the BTA member price! That ends up saving you $15 over all, plus you’ll have access to a huge list of <a rel="nofollow" target="_blank" href="http://btaoregon.org/benefits">member discounts and benefits</a>. Tickets include admittance to the concert, a beer token, and a guided ride to and from the farm.</p> <p>Come take part in a day of Bikes, Brews and Bluegrass before summer is over! </p> <p><a rel="nofollow" target="_blank" href="https://secure.commonground.convio.com/bta/2013sauvieislandride/">Register for the ride</a> to secure your spot!</p> <p> </p>

Scraper Bikes

Tue, 13 Aug 2013 15:44:54 +0000

<p>The Oakland Scraper Bike Movement was started by a kid who couldn’t afford a car with fancy blinging rims – but that didn’t stop him from creating a movement that’s now known across the world. Watch this video about Baby Champ and the revolution he’s created out of what he had available and tons of ingenuity. One important point the video doesn’t mention: Baby Champ makes all the school-age kids in his project maintain a 3.0 GPA or higher in order to come to his club and workshops.</p> <h3>WATCH THE VIDEO</h3> <p><iframe src="http://player.vimeo.com/video/61603754?title=0&byline=0&portrait=0&color=c9ff23" width="450" height="350" frameborder="0" webkitAllowFullScreen mozallowfullscreen allowFullScreen></iframe></p>

Washington County: Come learn the Rules of the Road!

Tue, 13 Aug 2013 15:00:38 +0000

<div id="attachment_32146" class="wp-caption alignright" style="width:241px;"><a rel="nofollow" target="_blank" href="http://btaoregon.org/wp-content/uploads/2013/08/2013.09.05.rthomas-flyer.jpg"><img class="size-medium wp-image-32146 " style="border-width:1px;border-color:black;border-style:solid;margin:3px;" alt="Hope to see you on September 5th for Ray Thomas' presentation!" src="http://btaoregon.org/wp-content/uploads/2013/08/2013.09.05.rthomas-flyer-231x300.jpg" width="231" height="300"/></a><p class="wp-caption-text">Hope to see you on <strong>September 5th</strong> for Ray Thomas’ presentation!</p></div> <p>Curious about your rights as a road user? Always wanted a definitive answer about a burning question you have on traffic safety? Interested in meeting more folks from across the region who are participating in the <a rel="nofollow" target="_blank" href="http://bikecommutechallenge.com/">Bike Commute Challenge</a>?</p> <p>Bicycle/pedestrian legal specialist (and good friend of the BTA) <a rel="nofollow" target="_blank" href="http://www.stc-law.com/rthomas.html"><strong>Ray Thomas</strong></a> will be giving a presentation in downtown Beaverton at <strong>4:00pm</strong> on <strong>Thursday, September 5</strong> on “Rules of the Road.” </p> <p>Thomas is no stranger to Oregon traffic law; he (literally!) wrote the book on the subject. Event attendees will leave with a free copy of the Eighth Edition of Ray Thomas’ “<a rel="nofollow" target="_blank" href="http://www.stc-law.com/pedal-power.html">Pedal Power: A Legal Guide for Oregon Bicyclists</a>,” as well as an opportunity to ask questions about how Oregon traffic law has been interpreted, how to bike and walk safely and legally across the region, and what to do in case of a collision.</p> <p>Ray Thomas’ presentation is brought to you by <a rel="nofollow" target="_blank" href="http://pswcc.org/">Partners for a Sustainable Washington County</a>, the <a rel="nofollow" target="_blank" href="http://www.wta-tma.org/">Westside Transportation Alliance</a>, and the Bicycle Transportation Alliance as part of our initiative to promote the Bike Commute Challenge. (<em><strong><a rel="nofollow" target="_blank" href="http://bikecommutechallenge.com/accounts/register/">Are you registered yet?</a></strong></em>)</p> <p>The event is being held on the 3rd floor of the Beaverton Round Executive Suites, located in the Beaverton Round at <a rel="nofollow" target="_blank" href="https://maps.google.com/maps?q=12725+SW+Millikan+Way,+Beaverton+OR+97005&ll=45.489953,-122.807729&spn=0.008905,0.021114&hq=12725+SW+Millikan+Way,+Beaverton+OR+97005&radius=15000&t=h&z=16">12725 SW Millikan Way</a>. Ray’s talk is free and open to the public, and is held in advance of the Bicycle Transportation Alliance’s upcoming <a rel="nofollow" target="_blank" href="http://bikecommutechallenge.com/">Bike Commute Challenge</a>. The Round is accessible by TriMet via the Blue and Red MAX Lines (<a rel="nofollow" target="_blank" href="http://trimet.org/go/cgi-bin/cstops.pl?action=entry&Loc=9823">Beaverton Central Station</a>) and is walking distance from TriMet bus lines 20, 52, 53, 54, 57, 58, 61, 76, 78, and 88 arriving at <a rel="nofollow" target="_blank" href="http://trimet.org/go/cgi-bin/cstops.pl?action=entry&Loc=9821">Beaverton Transit Center</a>.</p> <p>Check <a rel="nofollow" target="_blank" href="http://www.co.washington.or.us/events/eventdetail.cfm?customel_dataPageID_1415=794996&clicked=1&day=5&month=9&year=2013&calType=">Washington County’s event page</a> for more information, or contact <a rel="nofollow" target="_blank" href="mailto:Janna_allgood@co.washington.or.us?subject=Question about Ray Thomas Presentation">Janna Allgood</a> for further help.</p> <p>Looking forward to a good time and an informative discussion; hope to see you there!</p> <div></div> <p> </p> <div></div> <p><a rel="nofollow" target="_blank" href="http://www.co.washington.or.us/events/eventdetail.cfm?customel_dataPageID_1415=794996&clicked=1&day=5&month=9&year=2013&calType="> </a></p>

Postcard: Touring Teachers

Thu, 08 Aug 2013 15:25:58 +0000

<p>ORbike reader Mara Dale and a bunch of other bike-loving teachers went on a tour together this summer that brought then to Glacier Point Road Ride 2013 Yosemite National Park. This is their postcard from the road.<br /> <a href="http://orbike.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/08/Screen-Shot-2013-08-05-at-8.19.58-AM.png">View full size image >></a></p> <hr /> You can win big! Send us your postcards from the trail (digital or physical) and share your summertime bike adventures (near and far).</p> <p><a href="http://orbike.com/wish-you-were-here/" title="Wish You Were Here CONTEST!"><strong>MORE INFO >></strong></a></p>

Celebrate Portland on the Portland Century – August 18

Thu, 08 Aug 2013 14:10:19 +0000

<h3>FALL IN LOVE WITH PORTLAND</h3> <p>Fall in love with Portland all over again on Portland Century August 18, a pampered ride through Portland and it’s western fringes. The support is top notch and the new routes are inspiring. </p> <p>Declare your love for Portland by riding the Portland Century! Gather up a group of friends, family, coworkers and neighbors for a memorable day. You’ll cruise along the best routes as you relax into your saddle and take in the best scents, sounds and sights of the surrounding region.</p> <p>The Portland Century is the pinnacle of the summer riding season – definitely not to be missed.</p> <div style="margin:25px;"></div> <h3>EAT AND RIDE</h3> <p>The day begins with breakfast and fresh Nossa familia coffee and only gets better from there. Rest stops are positioned about every 15 miles apart and are overflowing with delicious treats, nutritious snacks and lunch. At the finish line, a gourmet feast is served up under the shady tree canopy of the Portland State University Gardens alongside a complimentary beer and wine garden serving Hopworks beer.</p> <div style="margin:25px;"></div> <h3>GEMS AT THE FRINGES OF WESTERN OREGON</h3> <p>Both Portland Century routes promises to take you on a memorable journey, but for the full experience, sign up for the 100 mile course and get ready for an adventure through the quaint towns on the outskirts of Portland, little known gems just outside our urban core. </p> <p>Gales Creek is an unincorporated area famous for being the last stagecoach stop on the way to Tillamook. It sleeps in the foothills of the Cascades with a rich landscape.</p> <p>Gaston is a tiny town of around 650 people and home to several notable wineries, including Elk Cove with its sprawling vineyard and gorgeous grounds.</p> <p>Midway is an unincorporated rural community that got its name from being the halfway point between Hillsboro and Sherwood. The area is known for its large plant nursery businesses. There is a 1912 one-room schoolhouse, which closed in 1946 and has been preserved as a private residence. It has served as a lodge for the Odd Fellows and Rebekahs civic clubs. </p> <p>Nestled in Oregon Wine Country, between the Cascade Mountains and the Oregon Coast Range, lies the town of Banks. Surrounded by beauty on all sides, Banks strives to be an environmentally-sensitive city respectful of the nearby farms and forest. With a population of 1,777 it is one of the larger towns you’ll pass through on this segment of your Portland Century journey.</p> <div style="margin:25px;"></div> <h3>ABOUT THE ROUTES</h3> <p>The Portland Century is a luxurious ride, not a race. Settle into your saddle, stop to take pictures, chat with your riding buddies and enjoy a day as you immerse yourself into the landscape. Choose the course that’s right for you and enjoy the day.</p> <p><strong>100 Mile</strong><br /> Distance: 68.5 miles<br /> Elevation gain: + 3947<br /> Climbing Difficulty: Easy to Moderate*<br /> Avg Distance between Rest Stops: ~18 miles<br /> Includes a lunch stop</p> <p><strong>70 Mile</strong><br /> Distance: 68.5 miles<br /> Elevation gain: 3947<br /> Climbing Difficulty: Easy to Moderate*<br /> Avg Distance between Rest Stops: ~18 miles<br /> Lunch Stop: Yes</p> <p><strong>50 Mile</strong><br /> Distance: 50.6 miles<br /> Elevation gain: + 3461<br /> Climbing Difficulty: Easy to Moderate*<br /> Avg Distance between Rest Stops: ~12 miles<br /> Plenty of snacks, no lunch stop</p> <p><i>*Climbing difficulty is a sliding scale is based on the following criteria: Easy: Gently rolling terrain with few short hills. Moderate: Has rolling short steep hills or moderate, sustained climbs. Difficult: Has longer, steeper hills or extreme terrain with frequent steep hills and long sustained climbs.</i></p> <h3><a href="http://portlandcentury.com" target="_blank">MORE INFO >></a></h3>

Fast and Furious Friday

Wed, 07 Aug 2013 17:12:53 +0000

<p>Sure, you’ve seen the Tour de France on the TV, but have you ever witnessed racing up close and in person? So close that you feel the racers’ tailwind flutter your arm hairs?</p> <p>What are you doing this Friday night?</p> <p>Cirque du Cycling on Friday evening (August 9) offers front row viewing for some of the coolest racing in town. This is definitely where you want to be on Friday.</p> <div style="margin:25px;"></div> <h3>FUN FOR THE WHOLE FAMILY</h3> <p>The day kicks off with a Kids’ Zone, bike decorating and music followed by a short neighborhood ride. Plan to bring the kiddos and arrive early to make the most of it.</p> <div style="margin:25px;"></div> <h3>SHOP, BROWSE, DINE</h3> <p>Mississippi Avenue is filled with cool local shops, plenty of dinner options, food carts and more. Make a day of it and enjoy the creativity of Mississippi Avenue.</p> <div style="margin:25px;"></div> <h3>BEER GARDEN BUTTON HOOK</h3> <p>This year’s newly revised race course features a “button hook” turn at the top of the Mississippi hill. Racers will crank up the hill, make a thrillingly tight turn, then zoom back down. Prost! is hosting a beer garden smack dab at the pinnacle of the turn for the very best race viewing in the heart of the action.</p> <div style="margin:25px;"></div> <p><a href="http://orbike.com/the-bicycle-circus-is-coming/" title="Cirque du Cycling">MORE INFO >></a></p>

Free Tailoring and Tuneups Tonight

Tue, 06 Aug 2013 23:30:53 +0000

<p>Tonight (August 6) at the Wonder Ballroom, Levis (yes, the denim company) will be providing repairs for worn out bags, denim blowouts and other mishaps that have occurred as a result of your rugged, adventurous lifestyle (or just standard wear and tear to any brand of gear). Their mobile bike shop team will also offer to apply reflective tape to leg straps and garments. </p> <p>There will be live music and on-site mechanics. The bike shop services include bar wrapping, brake pad adjustments, lubing and tweaking, reflector and bell installations, tire inflation and flat replacements. </p> <p>This is all part of Levis’ efforts to promote their new clothing line geared toward men who ride bikes. They do not have a complimentary line for women. When asked why women were left out of this line of rugged clothing made to suit a biking lifestyle, a Levis representative simply said, “It’s something we’re considering and looking into currently.” </p> <p>We find it more than a little disconcerting that Levis would plan an entire clothing line for cyclists, but leave women out of the picture. Women all over the world ride bikes, and here in Oregon women have been at the forefront of our area’s robust biking culture, advocacy and infrastructure movement.</p> <div style="margin:25px;"></div> <h3>MORE INFO</h3> <p>Wonder Ballroom<br /> 128 NE Russell St. – Portland [<a href="https://maps.google.com/maps?q=128+NE+Russell+St.+-+Portland&hl=en&sll=45.543408,-122.654422&sspn=0.27604,0.64476&hnear=128+NE+Russell+St,+Portland,+Multnomah,+Oregon+97212&t=m&z=16" target="_blank">map</a>]<br /> Bike Shop 5pm – 9pm<br /> Concert: 8pm doors open, 21+</p> <p><a href="http://levisportland.splashthat.com/" target="_blank">MORE INFO >></a></p> <div style="margin:25px;"></div> <h3>WATCH THE VIDEO</h3> <p><iframe width="450" height="315" src="//www.youtube.com/embed/pAEjmt4NIx8" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen></iframe></p>