Pedalpalooza 2005

Closed for the season

2005-11-03T15:09:00.001-08:00

This blog chronicled the wild and wonderful Pedalpalooza of 2005. Stay tuned for the launch of the Pedalpalooza '06 blog!

For more Portland bike fun check out BikePortland.org.

Update: Theater History ride video

2005-07-05T22:40:00.000-07:00

We're very lucky to have a guy like Clarence from BikeTV taking videos of bike fun around Portland.

Here's the link to his movie of Shawn Granton's Eastside Theater History Ride that took place on June 22nd.

Report: Bike-in Movie at Hawthorne Hostel

2005-07-05T22:25:00.000-07:00

Reported by Brian Scrivner:

At least 120 people enjoyed food, music, a short BikeTV show, and animated feature movie at the Hawthorne Hostel on Friday, after the Critical Mass "Memorial" ride.

The Bike-In Movie was again hugely popular, thanks in part to the Critical Mass (special Memorial edition) ride, which was in a way a part of a two-part event with Bike-In Movie. The Memorial Critical Mass (previously reported on) was well attended, spirited, and stopped at three sites for fallen cyclists:
- SE 37th & Taylor
- SE Belmont & 40th
- SE Stark & 49th

Later, the ride converged on the Hawthorne Hostel at SE Hawthorne & 31st, where veteran volunteer Karin, daughter, and friends had done a fabulous job of setting up seating and creating a mountain of popcorn. Many riders demanded "where's the food?", and though there was plenty of food donated it hadn't all been prepared. Maybe more volunteers next year? This was, like last year, a matter of lack of volunteer resources and the organizer having
a day job.

Once the sound system had been set up by the very competent Jasun (thanksagain!) with much help from Hosteller Talbot, it was possible to make an amped announcement for kitchen help, of which more than enough crowded the kitchen a minute later. Hot chai was brewed, chocolate milk (for the non-vegans) was stirred, veggies were baked, and a huge salad (which didn't
last long) was tossed. Tall Steve kept the donated 'dogs going all through the rest of the event on the giant gas BBQ. There was much more bread than even this crowd could eat.

During all this kitchen activity, Clarence, the producer of NYC TV show BikeTV, introduced and showed a Portland-filmed BikeTV episode. The audience then voted on their fav movie, rejecting AGAIN the film Kiki's Delivery Service for another film by Hayao Miyazaki, Porco Rosso. The crowd was entertained for the next hour and a half by the adventures of the ace
pilot flying pig, and courteously picked up the yard before leaving for any of several parties including a trampoline party way up north.

Apologies, but the raffle became a casualty of a lack of volunteer resources. There wasn't time to coordinate the food, borrowing equipment, etc. and also solicit and pick up raffle donations.

HUGE THANKS are due to the following, without whom the event would not have been possible:
- Most of all, the Hawthorne Hostel, for loaning the place, pitching in, letting us take over the kitchen, and tolerating our mess. Thanks especially to Talbot, who held a lot of things together, prepared some things days ahead of time, and during the event was very tolerant of this often-perfectionist organizer. Thanks to the many Hostel guests and employees who pitched in, some whose names I never got, especially the guests who washed the dishes and cleaned the kitchen before the movie was even finished.
- The very dynamic Jacque, who seemed to be three people as she secured donations, rounded up stuff, and contributed ideas and labor to the event.
- Lewis, for creating an event flyer with short notice when I still hadn't found a Graphics Slave the week of the event.
- Jasun, for loaning his projector and managing many technical aspects of the event.
- Karin, Tori, and friends, for showing up early and doing a tremendous amount of work setting up the yard and making popcorn.
- Brian S. (no, not me the other Brian S.) for loaning the mixing board which made it possible to tie together the sound and video, and for keeping the tunes going (from laptop computer if I'm not mistaken) pre-movie.
- Mykle for loaning the very nice amp/speakers.
- I'm sure I've forgotten some people, but you are not unappreciated!

Also, THANK YOU FOR THE FOOD:
- Java Dogs
- Organics to You
- Redwing Coffee
- Sunshine Dairy
- Tao of Tea

Bike Kiss-In photos!

2005-06-29T22:54:00.000-07:00

Here they are...the long awaited Bike Kiss-In photos!

Report: Bike Kiss-in

2005-06-28T06:52:00.000-07:00

Last Friday's Bike Kiss-In was without a doubt the best of it's kind that Portland has ever seen. It inspired mini-kiss-ins afterward at various intersections, and looks to become a nation-wide phenomenon (look for an east coast Kiss-In ride report in the future).

23 couples rode from City Bikes Mothershop to the very visible 39th and Glisan traffic circle. We made Joan of Arc blush, I'm sure. Upon arrival, we dispersed ourselves among the circle, and commenced the spit-swapping in the name of bike love. Some couples held signs as
they made out, including:

Make love, not traffic
Honk if you're jealous
Lip lock, not gridlock
Bikes have more fun
If you rode your bike, you'd be kissing now

The weather held out long enough for everyone to make out for a goodtwenty minutes or so. At the end, we all gathered for a group photo-op and one-minute make out intensive. Then the clouds rained their congratulations upon us and the satisfied participants scattered
homeward.

Props to:

Alex for the idea
Carye, Timo and Jeff for spectacular signs and slogans
the many vegans on the ride (next time I promise I'll plan better and not buy gelatin-filled Altoids from the Circle K)
everyone who came to demonstrate bike love to the auto-driving, Friday evening masses; you're all hot.

I've got some tasteful photos that I'll post soon. All in the name of bike love,
Elizabeth

Report: Museum Tour 2

2005-06-27T15:11:00.000-07:00

Reported (and led by) Carye Bye:
6/24

Bicyclists: 8
Museums Visited: 5

On a busy Pedalpalooza Friday, one day from the fair, the Small Museums & Collections ride II squeezed in between BonB and the Critical Mass Memorial Ride.

The tour began at Laughing Planet Cafe on Belmont where half the group filled bellies with burrito fuel for this tour that would bring us to 5 museums scattered throughout the Eastside & Downtown Portland.

At 1 pm we headed to our first stop (2 blocks away) The Belmont Firehouse and Jeff Morris Memorial Museum. In fact this was a last minute add-in. Don Porth, the museum director, gave us a wonderful guided tour. Highlight: Trying out a smaller version of the fireman's pole - use your feet! Not recommended with shorts!

Next Stop: Movie Madness, - Mike's movie memorabilia at Belmont & 43rd. Luckily also at the last minute Mike agreed to tell us about his collection himself. We oohed & ahhed over Julia Andrew's sound of music dress, Orson Welles Touch of Evil Suit, Psycho Stunt Knifes, Blue Velvet's ear and more! Mike does such a great job putting up signs and photos showing the movie props & costumes from the films. But it was added bonus to hear him gush about his favorite movie dresses.

Then we bike-bombed from SE to the Hawthorne Bridge. We headed over to the Police Museum at the Downtown HQ building. After all our IDs were recorded (everyone handed them over - so we had no fugitives in the group) we headed up to the 16th floor to meet the museum director Lori who gave us a brief guided tour of police weapons, confiscated weapons (criminals are creative!), and Portland's First Traffic Light. Sadly the talking Macgruff,the crime dog, was taken off the floor for repair, after scaring a child with a mutating voice the day before.

From here, with 1 bicyclist less, we headed back over the Hawthorne Bridge to the "secret" Kidd's Toy Museum off of SE Grand. It's hidden in a non-descript gray business building with a little note on the door. The Banks, locks, and (scary) dolls amused us.

Now after 4 pm. All ditched but the leader +1; so the last two biked off down SE 3rd through produce row towards Stark's Vacuum Museum at Couch & NE Grand. On the way we made a pit stop at City Liquidators to check out 20,000 chairs in stock, and most importantly "The Stairway to Savings" to the Mysterious 3rd Floor room of chairs. Sadly the file cabinets have been taking over, and the furniture chute was closed up.

And finally the Vacuum Museum, which has 100 or so antique, vacuums, some with tags of explanation. Cool stuff, but would have been more appreciated with a guide. However, the staff of Stark's was very busy showing rosy-faced families how to buy new vacuums and how to use them on a variety of carpet surfaces. The scene in the store was almost more interesting than the discarded mummies at the back of the store.

Report: Bike n Boggle

2005-06-27T15:03:00.000-07:00

Reported by Carye:
6/23

Click here for photos

10 bike riders, 25 - 30? at ACME

The ride that started with a beer and ended with third place & a flat.

About 10 people showed up at Portland Mercury HQ (NE 22nd near Sandy) for the bike ride that took us on an odd route past the cemetery, and through a field, and down a hill to ACME in inner SE.

At the HQ we were immediately handed a PBR to get the party started. Zach from the Mercury was to lead the ride - When we got to the field which was Colonel Summers Park, Zach jumped the curb with his bike. A moment of confusion for most of us followed, about whether we should jump the curb too. I made a lame attempt.

At Acme, us hungry bikers headed straight for the spread of party food - we were told there would be appetizers. Soon after sitting down with our food, we were told that wasn't Mercury's food but we took it from the Reunion party. Oops. we ate it anyhow.

Then the games began. Four to five to a table. 7 or 8 boggle games. Justin Sanders of the Mercury reading the rules. We played 4 rounds of Boggle. The four top scoring players moved to the final round to compete for a beautiful engraved boggle trophy & air guitar. Also Kudos to the Mercury for making very snazzy Boggle score cards.

Report: Happy Hours for Cyclists

2005-06-27T15:00:00.000-07:00

Reported by Amy:
6/16 and 6/23

While it's hard to get a very good count, empty cups and anecdotal evidence reveal the following approximate count for the two Happy Hour events:

Stoppers and snackers: 50-60 each day
Gallons of liquids consumed: 4-5 each day
Thank yous and waves: 100s
"Get the %^&$ out of my way"s: 6-8
Wigs worn by event volunteers: 4
City council members stopping by: 1 (Randy Leonard)

Thanks to Jay Graves from Bike Gallery for providing Shifty Lube service on the Steel bridge esplanade, to Jeff B & helper for distributing lights on the Hawthorne, to Robert, Carie & Cody for transport help, and to Sang, Eli, Traveling Dan, Carye and Jeff on the tallbike for helping transport and serve!

Report: Atomic War Preparedness Ride

2005-06-26T23:59:00.000-07:00

Reported by Shawn Granton:
Ride date: June 23

Figures:

total riders: 50
riders all the way up Kelly Butte: most of that 50
riders all the way to Chez Bernard for the movies: about 20
men in dresses: 1
tall bikes: 3? 4?
gas masks: a few
hazmat suits: 2
authentic Civil Defense hats: 1
confused civilians: many
buttes climbed: one
wrong turns: one (sorry!)
bike collisions: one
total length of ride: 4 1/2 hours

For a full report visit the Urban Adventure League Blog!

Report: Eastside Theater History Ride

2005-06-26T23:25:00.000-07:00

From Shawn's Urban Adventure League Blog
Wed 22 June 2005

While the weather wasn't perfect for this Urban Adventure League ride (there was the imminent threat of rain for most of the ride's duration, and it actually DID rain for a moment), it didn't deter seventeen people from showing up at the starting point of Ladd's Circle at 6:30pm for this unique tour. Introductions were given, the zine for the ride handed out, and the bicycle ride headed south-eastward on Ladd Av towards the first destination, the Clinton Street Theater. I gave a brief history of the theater, and the crowd gawked at the new addition to the cinema--Portland's smallest brewpub (as of this week!)...

Click here to watch Clarence Eckerson's movie of the ride!
Click here to continue reading the full report!

Report: Gorge Ride

2005-06-23T15:29:00.000-07:00

Gorge Ride - 6/22/05

Reported by Kiran:

Brief showers did not keep 5 intrepid riders from MAXing to Gresham and riding to the Vista House on the Historic Columbia River Hwy (The easternmost point of Pedalpalooza).

Photos by Dat:
http://homepage.mac.com/datn/PhotoAlbum66.html

Stats:
Top Speed-39mph
Detours-1
HelmetCams-1
Muddy pints of $3 strawberries-2
Espresso Drinks-3
Flats-1
MAX trains-3
Buses-2 (flat recovery)

After caffeination in Troutdale the sun came out and riders who still had air in their tires opted for the extended return to Portland via marine drive.

Report: Bike to Tennis Ride

2005-06-22T11:20:00.000-07:00

Reported by Carye:

Bike To Tennis, Monday the 20th, 6:15 - 8:30 pm

8 bicyclists (3 men, 5 women) = 4 teams of doubles on two courts at Sellwood Park (We had the competive side - whoa Sara Stout sure can whoop it up with the fellas - and the not so competive side -- Isn't a cute white skirt enough? Joanna, where on earth are you putting those balls?)

Perfect warm sunny Summer evening, lovely ride on the East Esplande from Hawthorne Bridge to Springwater Corridor to Sellwood Park. After game drinks at Red & Black.

Cutest on the Court goes to Joanna Dyer. Meow!

Cutest Accesory: Sponge Bob Squarepants wrist band. Thanks Elicia

Worst Player goes to Carye Bye, that's me, who had plently of time to practice for her event, but did not.

4 out of 8 were new to PP/Shift events. Hooray!

Photos soon I hope!

-Carye

Report: Hash Ride

2005-06-22T09:58:00.000-07:00

Reported by Jim:

We had about 25 of portland's most fun riders band together to chase the hares last night. After about an hour of dead-ends, mindless hills and loops, we ended up at the park for some snacks. The snack kitty was refilled (thanks!) and next month's hash has a participant list waiting to go! wheee!

1 rider happened upon us at the start and stayed for the whole event.

See you next month! longer faster harder!
--Jim

Report: Shortest Night of the Year Ride

2005-06-21T10:16:00.000-07:00

26 traversed mt tabor

12 rode the springwater

10 climbed powell butte, listened to the guitar and harrmonica sounds of Ali; ate tasty pasta al pest and drank champagne

9 saw the sunrise at 5:30

8 are riding home on MAX right now

the shortest night of the year ride has been the longest of Pedalpalooza, lasting from 21:54 to 06:00.

Report: Framebuilding workshop

2005-06-20T23:59:00.000-07:00

60+ eager bike lovers descended upon a non-descript garage door near 38th and Belmont to get a glimpse at the magic of framebuilding from Sacha White, master craftsman of Vanilla Bicycles. Their wait was rewarded with compelling, behind-the-scenes information and cold PBR and Hansens (Vanilla Cola flavor of course).

The crowds were thick so Sacha and Ben ferried crowds of 10-15 at a time through the tour.

Sacha explained the intricacies of turning cold, hard, steel tubing into smooth, gorgeous, functional bicycles that are truly custom. I think it's great to know that in this day and age, there are still guys like Sacha...dedicated to his craft and good enough to do it full time (he's got a 1 year backlog).

Check out my Vanilla Workshop Slide Show!

Ride report: Museums & Collections Tour I

2005-06-20T23:54:00.000-07:00

Museums & Collections Tour I

10 enthusastic people for a mid-day Friday bike tour that came after Breakfast on the Bridges and Before the Bike Kiss-In.

Highlight: Running into Elvis

Details:
We met at Old Town Pizza, a few came early to eat lunch. Everyone was made to wear a sticker saying "I collect _____". One person collected Ugly Sweaters, another PeeWee Herman, and another antidotes, and we even had another local online museum director who collects BMX Bikes (200 or so) and has created an online BMX Bike Museum.

From there we walked to our first three locations: Oregon Jewish Museum, Nikkei (Japanese-American) Center, and Hobo's where tours for the Shangai Tunnels start on weeken eves. Then we biked to the Jeff Morris Fire Museum & Oregon Maritime Museum near the waterfront.

We continued the tour to SW Oak & 9th to visit the studio of my Bathtub Art Museum. Our 10 people +1 other guy squeezed into the elevator up to the fourth floor. In studio 405 I gushed enthusastically about my collection and museum surrounded by bathtub artifacts.

Then we stopped by Powell's Books to admire a collection of WEIRD BOOKS - "Baby Bear Squish You Flat: is still my favorite.

We continued the tour by stopping at the location of the first of the ONCE WERE museums: 24 Hour Church of Elvis. And here an amazing thing happened. Who happens to be walking past the former museum spot but ELVIS himself! Elvis the Saturday Market Impersonator that is, who also used to work at the museum!!! Half the group knew him so we asked him questions and learned about his current wrestling nights.

Then we checked out Powells Tech Book Computer Museum before stopping by the once was Old Town History Project (perhaps it just moved??) and once was American Adverstising Museum and learned the lesson that Small museums can come and go - so don't delay in visiting one.

The tour ended at Ground Kontrol, which I consider a "working museum" of wonderful 80s arcade games, Q-Bert being my favorite. Sadly I was late to get ready for the next event, so I left my tour there, but luckily later that night, Pez's Pub crawl went to Ground Kontrol too, so I got my Q-Bert fix after all (Supreme Noser of course).

Thanks to Jonathan for taking pics
Thanks to Timo & Santa Cruz Jeff for doing some last minute pre-checking for me and bringing their Church of Elvis souvenirs
Thanks to Jeff for talking about his experiences at two once were museums
Thanks to Elvis for happening to walk by exactly when we needed him.
And thanks to a great group. Your enthusiasm and interest made the tour a success. The weather was nice too.

Ride report: Father's Day Trailer Kids Park Tour

2005-06-20T23:27:00.000-07:00

Reported by Patrick:

Five adults and four kids (one tag-along, one bike mounted child seat, and two burley trailers) participated in the third annual TKPT. We left Wilshire Park at noon and rode to St. John's (by way of the Going Street bike/pedestrian bridge) to Columbia Park. Columbia Park was a new park for the whole group and we discovered (in the old northern section) a lovely old-growth, old fashioned park with high swings and lots of play structures. Around 3:00 we returned to the Alberta District and had some ice cream (at the place by La Sirenita). Eleven miles round trip.

Report: Bike Scavenger Hunt

2005-06-20T11:28:00.000-07:00

Total partcipants: 74!

from David Ross:
Check the report and photos on his blog.

from Carye Bye:

Kudos to David for putting on a really fun event!! I loved biking all over Portland on a lovely sunny Saturday looking for clues mostly to do with local murals, & public art. In the group I joined up with there was a French Aupair/ nanny who had just arrived a week ago, and with the ride taking us all around SE, Waterfront, Riverplace, Downtown, The Pearl, Laurelhurst, and Hollywood -- she had a fabulous introduction to Portland by Bike. And I was reminded that I have truely become a bike commuter in this town because I could easily decide how to get across town in the quickest, and most bikeable way.

Thanks again David (Ross) for making this event happen!

Report: Heritage Tree Ride

2005-06-19T22:24:00.000-07:00

Riders: 33

As reported by Emily:

We had wonderful weather for this ride this afternoon. 33 people were there at the start including a gaggle of kids a few people from my previous tours and lots of first timers, both to Heritage Trees and Bikes. Many thanks to Jeff Bernards and Shawn Granton for help with counts, corking and that group photo!

We truly did have a liesurely ride through the neighborhood and got to see all the trees in full folliage. We were able to see the distinctive bracts of the American Hop Hornbeam for which it is named and we had the bonus of a beautiful flowering Northern Catalpa which was not a Heritage Tree (yet).

One of the Neighborhood Tree Liasons for Irvington, who is also an arborist, came along on his red Schwinn Corvette and spontaneously offered a bonus walk of the distinctive trees in Laurelhurst park at the end of the tour!

A good time was had by all.

Click here to see Deepak Saxena's images.

Event report: Clown House Circus!

2005-06-19T09:28:00.000-07:00

Went to the clown house last night. It was lots of fun. Didn't stay too late cuz I had a 2 year old and a neighbor kid whose parents had no idea where I'd taken her...and we were on bikes without lights.

BUT, we stayed long enough to enjoy:

mud wrastlin'
flaming spool walking
lightbulb eating demonstration
original songs by Dingo the Clown and his cute sidekick (forgot her name but she was from Texaco...err, um, I mean Texas)
fire twirling
fire rescue by the clown house firefighters
general mayhem

I'm sure things got much more interesting after I left. Anyone have more photos or reports to share? I'd love to see some photos of the bike jousting. Feel free to email me or post to the Shift list.

Check the Clown House Slide Show!

Ride report: Midwest Represent!

2005-06-17T10:46:00.000-07:00

Reported by Ayleen:

MW-Represent was thoroughly educational! We had 35 people throughout the night and the recycling bin is overflowing with beer cans - lots of Milwaukee's Best.

COMPETITIONS

BEST COZY
tie : Melissa and Allison Parker

BEST MIDWEST SHIRT
Jennie Tower for her Rockford Speedway shirt that was signed across teh chest by the guy who won (by racing a mini school bus) the night she bought the shirt.

CREATIVITY
Hands down this goes to Carye Bye for her jello salad with a Minnesota flag and Gradma's Cowboy Cookies complete with Grandma's recipe. Oh, and Minnesota music! Sorry there were no more prizes at this point because someone stole the other prizes.

Yeah, someone stole two prizes and I found the wrapper for one of them in the bathroom the next morning. THAT WAS WEIRD.

GAMES

We didn't get around to playing Euchre because things were hectic.
We played with ducks.
We played Bocce in the rain until it got to be too much.

FOOD

Bratwurst, Cincinnati Chili (thanks Carie!), deviled eggs, the aforementioned MN treats, conies and more. YUM!

Thanks to everyone who came. We'll see you next year!

Ride report: R U Couv Curious?

2005-06-17T10:41:00.000-07:00

When: 6/12/05
Reported by Shawn:

Despite some confusion at the beginning of the ride, the 18 participants (14 riders and 4 organizers) of the R U Couv Curious ride had a swell-o-riffic time learning how to effectively cross the Columbia River to get to Vancouver, Washington.

A group met Kiran at the Rose Quarter stop on the Yellow Line at 11am, while I met another group at Kenton station at 11.30am. From the area around the Expo Center station, we traversed the maze of bike paths to get up across Oregon Slough into the Shoppers Paradise known as Jantzen Beach. We negotiated the "recommended" crossing across the island (which is very poorly designed and quite dangerous) to get to the foot of Interstate Bridge, where we zipped over the three-quarters of a mile crossing of the Mightiest River In The West. Narrow sidewalks, low "don't walk" signals, and bird poop by the metric ton(ne) be damned!

Once we reached the State Of Washington side, Suzan and Todd, our 'Couv liaisons, took us on an enjoyable loop of the central city, taking in the sights of the Columbia River Promenade, Pearson Airfield, Fort Vancouver, Uptown Village, and finally downtown. We stopped at Esther Short Park (the oldest park in the Northwest!) and headed over to the Farmer's Market for nourishment before our return trip "over the river".

After we were satisfied, we returned to the Beaver State, learned about the sneak way through Jantzen Beach (to avoid the dangerous "bike route"), and crossed through East Delta Park to get to the Paul Bunyan statue in Kenton (our protector!) We parted our separate ways and headed off to more bike fun.

Ride report: Pizza Ride

2005-06-17T10:36:00.000-07:00

6/14/05
Reported by Shawn:

Despite the weather turning to total crap immediately before and at times on this ride, the Pizza Ride managed to attract 24 hardy bicyclists, whose love of pizza overcamePortland's notorious rain.

The ride started at Wallace Park (NW 25th and Raleigh) at about 6.30pm and hit up two pizzerias in NW, Tributes and Escape from New York. We ordered pies in advance, and had them cut into 16 slices instead of the usual 8, so the riders wouldn't have to eat too much at one place. The first two stops whetted everyone's appetite, and we cruised downhill to Hot Lips in the Pearl. Once we arrived, the sky opened up, leading one rider to comment, "At least it's waiting to rain until AFTER we get to a stop!"

We chomped on some of Hot Lips organic, locally grown slices while waiting for the rain to slow down. On leaving, Timo got a flat and stayed to repair while the rest of Team Pizza headed east across the Broadway Bridge and then north up Williams to Pizza A Go-Go. After A Go-Go, we lost a few of the riders, as they had reached their pizza limit. But over 16 were still able to press on further north-eastward towards Bella Faccia on NE Alberta and 30th. We managed to pass the new mural going up in front of SCRAP, being painted by Bruce Orr (Mudeye Puppets) and Carla Forte!

By the time we got to Bella, the sun had set, so there was a special urgency to get things moving. Or maybe not. We took awhile at Bella, waiting for Team Timo (who eventually did arrive), and several of us obtained beers. Of note was the suggestive nature of Bella's front sign. The next time you go by there, take a close look.

It was almost 10pm by the time we left Bella Faccia. 12 hardy souls stuck through to the Final Stop of the ride, heading due south towards southeast. We made a small "bomb" down the Alameda Ridge at Regents Dr, and used the super-secret "Schuyler's Alley" to get over to NE 28th and Broadway. Ah, Schuyler's Alley, the great democratizer, since even the tallest person will be made short at some point.

Despite a run-in with a pissed off SUV driver on 28th, we were in high spirits for the last stop, Stark Naked Pizza, on SE Stark at 28th. Even though we had quite a bit o pizza in us, we scarfed down that last one in no time. Eventually, it was time to end our pizza affair, and the remaining dozen all went their separate ways into the night, completely full. Unfortunately, we didn't get to Stacatto Gelato for the after-ride desert of cannolis, due to all of us being too full and it being too late to catch Stacatto open.

Oh yeah! We had ballots to rate each pizzeria and find out which one is best. The outcome of the poll will be the subject of an upcoming email, but right now I can say that both Bella Faccia made strong showings and Escape managed to disappoint.

And a recap by the numbers:
Miles rode: 9 (estimate)
Time of total ride: 4 1/2 hours (6.30pm to 11pm)
Total number of riders: 24
Number of riders who stuck it out till the end: 12
Pizzerias hit: 6
Amount paid for all the pizza per rider (for the riders who hit all 6 spots): $7.40
Flat tires: 1
Utili-kilts: 1
Pizzed, I mean pissed off SUV drivers: 1
Alameda Ridge Bombs: 1

Ride report: H.O.B. Nob

2005-06-16T13:19:00.000-07:00

Reported by Allan:

The HOB Nob (high occupancy bike ride) was a splendid success. The stats:

People -
11 riders, 2 of which were children

Bikes -
1 triple with a piccolo trailer (I guess that makes it a Quad)
3 tandems, 1 of which was a Chunker, 1 with a kiddie seat and a Burley
double trailer
1 single bike with a piccolo trailer
1 single bike with a cargo trailer
1 single bike with a handlebar basket

Destination Goodies -
5 kinds of cookies
1 carrafe of pipin' hot tea

Those that care to do the math can see we had plenty of spare capacity.
As for the route, its a secret. You'll have to come next year. It was a
real test of HOB handling skills and had lots of fun and interesting
stops along the way.

Alpenrose Action

2005-06-16T11:54:00.000-07:00

I know, I know, it's not on the official Pedalpalooza calendar...but it's bikes and it's fun! Check out my slide show of the track action!

More on Cycle the Well Field Ride

2005-06-15T00:52:00.000-07:00

Update by Mara: check out her photos . She also posted something on her blog.

PBAC meeting

2005-06-14T23:11:00.000-07:00

I counted 27 people at tonight's Portland Bicycle Advisory Committee (PBAC) meeting.
Some topics discussed:

Division/Ladds/Seven Corners redevelopment project.
Bikestation
Freight master plan
Hawthorne Bridge rumble strips

Coffee and baked goods were also consumed.

Report: Midnight Mystery Ride

2005-06-14T14:10:00.000-07:00

Date of ride: 6/10/05

(Update: Just heard from Ayleen that this ride set a new MMR World Record!)

Number of riders: 88

I wasn't on the ride but I've heard the following:

Ended up as a ZooBomb with bike fun ensuing at that kiddie playground up at Washington Park.

Click here for some photos.

If anyone has a more detailed report, drop me a line maus.jonathan[a]gmail.com, hit the Shift List...or leave it as a comment.

UPDATE: Found this good recap on the Sweet Chocolate Malted Blog

Report: Transportation Geeks Ride

2005-06-13T22:48:00.000-07:00

(reported by Ms. Elicia Cardenas)
Date: 6/13/05
Riders: 26
Click here for the slide show

We went on a short ride through Southeast. The good geeky students all recieved worksheets to help identify the various bike facilities and traffic calming devices, and got to put a star on each item viewed. They also got stickers proclaiming such geek jewels as "I own the MUTCD" and " I have 823-SAFE on speed dial."

Of course, the ride leaders were appropriately attired in safety vests and stickers reading "I got booted from Alice B." And our interns were clearly marked.

All the students learned how to correctly identify a speedbump, a traffic circle, good vs. bad street crossing treatments, and what the MUTCD stands for. They also recieved Metro BikeThere maps for their troubles.

Participants wishing to win a final attendance prize should bring their completed worksheet to the Multnomah County Bike Fair and find Ms. Cardenas or Mr. Limaye.

Thanks to everyone who cares about geeky transportation issues. See you all at the BAC meeting tonight! Also thanks to Jonathan for the lovely slideshow.

-Ms. Cardenas

Bike polo at Alberta Park

2005-06-13T14:41:00.000-07:00

The best moment of the day came on the final goal of my first-ever game. It was a fast break and I received the puck, tapped in the goal, and proceeded to crash through the cones and into the fence. Blood was spilled. I was baptized. It was good

Check out my Bike Polo slide show!

These guys are masters of the mallet.

Kick Off Parade Slide Show

2005-06-13T12:47:00.000-07:00

UPDATE: Check the video (from Ed S. at the Big Time TV blog)

Check out my slide show from the rockin' Kick Off Parade!

This one was completely accidental, I didn't see the graffitti till i got home! (it says, "Smash the State" I think.)

Ride Report: Cycle the Well Field

2005-06-13T12:36:00.000-07:00

(reported by Randy)

Twenty five cyclists turned out on a cloudy Saturday morning to ride 16 miles on a combination of bike paths, bike lanes and shared roadway in the City's well head protection area, including segments of the I-205 and Marine Drive bike paths, and Airport Way. The ride started and ended at the TriMet Parkrose-Sumner transfer center and so was accessible via the MAX redline train and several bus lines. Snacks and drinks were provided at Metro's Blue Lake Park, and participants learned about the City's well field, groundwater protection program, and the Columbia Slough watershed at several stops along the way. Several showers dampened the ride, but the heavy rain held off until after the ride was over.

Ride report: Taco Ride

2005-06-13T12:00:00.000-07:00

(reported by Ben Salzberg)

It rained cats and dogs right at the time to gather for the ride, eliminating all but the hardiest cyclists. We still had 9 taco enthusiasts along for the ride, and visited several excellent stops:

Cha Cha Cha (Hawthorne)
Uruapan II
Super Torta

We didn't get down to San Felipe... maybe we can do a southlands reprise and hit the way out spots. Or a downtown/inner east side...

Astronomy ride looks like clouds, wah!

Report: Dinnertime Mystery Ride

2005-06-13T11:56:00.000-07:00

as reported by the Cougars:

* Riders: 28

Mystery Destination:
former homesite of George Washington Shaver, pioneer of steamship navigation

Special Thanks:
Ethan and Kellie for making dessert crepes with all the fixin's

Ride Synopsis:
From Bikehenge we pedaled south on 18th, under Hwy 26, then along the mixed-use trail that runs along the Sunset through town. At 12th street we turned North, took a lane and had a fast downhill coast to Whole Foods. The foodless contingent stocked up on chicken salad, vino, noodle salad, more vino, crusty bread, and yet more vino.

From Whole Foods we wound our way through the Pearl district taking some ped path short-cuts, crossed the Broadway Bridge, and stopped at the grassy knoll opposite the Rose Garden parking lot. A few intrepid souls entertained themselves climbing the stockade and rock pile. Good times and hearty picnicing ensued. Thanks to everyone that made it out.

Pedalpalooza Essentials

2005-06-13T11:09:00.000-07:00

from Kiran Limaye:

Check the list below before you go to any of the
remaining 73+ events.

pp Essentials

10. Coffee/yerba mate/stimulants of choice
9. Properly inflated tires
8. Virgin helmet
7. Cell phone securement to bike/body
6. PP/SHIFT T-shirt
5. Rehydrating salts/ electrolyte solution & water
4. sunscreen (days); birth control (nights)
3. PP calendar & maps
2. On-bike recycling bin or basket
1. B-vitamins

Come to the Transportation Geek's ride tonight at 6 if
you need help with any of the above.

World Naked Ride

2005-06-13T09:58:00.000-07:00

Update: According to some reliable sources, there were around 170 riders.

The Folz family, cold and bold.