Portlandia - Bike Hacks Style

I made a trip to Portland recently and not only did I witness some great bike culture, I was met with a pleasant surprise.  While killing some time in a local establishment I picked up a copy of the Portland Mercury and it just so happened to be the "How To" Bike Issue.

One feature was entitled "How to Talk Bike." 

The feature seems to have been inspired by the Dictionary of Bike Commuter Slang started on this very site.

I can't be positive, but I have to think this is the first time Bike Hacks has actually appeared in print.  As I mentioned, bike culture was visible everywhere I went.  This person decorated their front basket with an old chainring and pinwheel. 

Way back in middle school I remember trying to go through a drive-thru on my skateboard and being told I that service was only provided to those in cars.  That was a very long time ago (let's just say Miami Vice was a new hit show) and it is obvious that times have changed because at this Burgerville they actually welcome bikes in the drive-thru. 

Rain and Portland go hand-in-hand and I saw more than a few bucket panniers.

Taking all of the pictures made me thirsty and a beer sampler at the Bridgeport Ale House on Hawthorne is just want the doctor ordered. 

There were tons of bikes on Hawthorne, including this tall bike. 

And when I dropped in to a local market to pick up a needed item my jaw dropped when I saw the beer selection . . . this was just half of it. 

In Portland they do radical things like allocate spots formerly dedicated to cars to bike racks. 

Saddle bags are quite common, but most that I see are the standard black canvas sort of bags.  I am not sure, but this one may very well have been made of hemp. 

While cruising around downtown I ran into a Chrome store.  I walked in and found out they had only been open for a couple of weeks and were actually having a party that evening to celebrate. 

By the time I walked out a recumbent had pulled up, and since it is Portland you just know that one trailer was not enough.  It was fortuitous that I was able to capture a keg being wheeled in for the opening party.  Beer and bikes . . . no wonder people rave about Portland. 

And on the way out of town I encountered yet another article on bikes, this one in the Oregonian.  This one was on a GPS security device to help track down bikes that are stolen. 

If you have never been to Portland, and you like bikes and beer, I highly recommend a trip.  Others with Portland advice, stories, or recommendations are welcome to chime in. 

 

Comments

[Leo Horishny]

Kudos Matt and it was meant to be that you were in town and got to read that particular issue, I must say.

[Will]

Thanks for all the photos! I love seeing home through others' eyes. Let me know the next time in town; I'd love to chat over a pint. Cheers!

[Pdxpaul]

Did you see any of Stumptown's famous levitating bikes at Burgerville? We love to hover above cars.