While I’ve been in the trench warfare of flat tires and greasy chains, I’ve been wondering about the larger picture, keeping a look out for industry, market, and technology trends. I’m not talking about wishful thinking about what I’d like to see happen; I mean, I’d like to wake up to Jessica Alba in a thong cleaning my drivetrain, but that’s not very likely. I’m talking about forecasting what will happen in the next two years.
The wheels of progress never stop turning at SDOT, who managed to get some green gravely material down in a couple of locations this week after months of anticipation. We’ve posted about the green lanes before, it’s great to see they’re making their way into the real world. I rode down to take a look this morning, and I can confirm it’s really, really green.
with a raffle for Crumpler’s Headaitchs and a Raygun Famous Winebar. Free beer, food food, bike talk, Mark’s V club-life MC’ing skills, and I’m predicting a damn good time.
Sign up on Upcoming so we know who’s coming and can make sure we’ve got enough beer!
I managed to cajole a friend into taking some snaps from the Sustainable West Seattle fair this Saturday. It’s clear from the evidence that West Seattle is sustaining more than it’s fair share of cycles, including of the cargo, electric and kid variety, let alone the electric cargo fuzzy dice category. Great day for a fair, sounds like wonderful time was had by all.
Bike Hugger got its start in part because of all the bike culture I noticed as I traveled around on business, speaking at conferences, and vacations. These bike connections continue today and just this week at Web Design World where I met Planet Propaganda. We talked blogs, social media, and the work they’re doing with Gary Fisher.
Traveling a lot leads to airport fatigue and there’s nothing more refreshing than seeing a bike exhibit!
The goal of the exhibit is to offer a glimpse into the role bikes play in the lives of Oregonians – racing, replacing a car, riding up and down mountains, or just riding for the joy of it. The exhibit is organized by the Port of Portland, Sweetpea Bicycles, the Regional Arts & Culture Council and the Portland Development Commission.
PDX is my fav little airport and many of Webvision’s attendees will see the exhibit as they arrive.
Based on the popularity of this post, Byron created a bike bags Flickr group. Pop in and upload photos of your setup—if you’re inclined, write a few words describing it and why it works for you (if you don’t have a Flickr account, you can sign up for free to share your photos). Byron loaded the Hugga Bag and has photos of the Raygun coming….
I walked down to the market to retrieve my girlfriend’s bike, and I saw this messenger bike. Normally I wouldn’t have taken notice of a bike this beaten down, but I just had to appreciate how harsh this machine’s life must have been.
Notice the bludgeoned and dismembered Dura Ace STI still in situ. I’m pretty sure that the derailleurs were just screwed into a set position, and the rear brake was disconnected. The Chris King rear cassette hub might be the last thing salvageable on the bike. The owner didn’t even bother locking the bike at all while he went inside. I salute his cavalier attitude towards equipment maintenance and security… I just hope I am never, ever, ever invited to estimate or enact any repairs to that bike.
