Oregon’s Bike Friendly Business Program

Here’s a sneak peek at one of the video projects we’ve been working on. Oregon is about to launch the nation’s first state-wide bike friendly business recognition program targeted specifically towards bike travelers. This is huge! With a new study that cites that bicycling contributes $400 MILLION dollars a year (a little more than a million dollars a day), Oregon is getting serious about making it even easier for people to come to the state and recreate by bike.

We’ve been tasked with interviewing businesses who are bike friendly (and have seen the economic rewards of welcoming cyclists) and creating a piece to inspire other businesses around the state. We’ve had a chance to sit down with business owners large and small, from a B&B in Salem to the VP of operations at Chris King to the head roaster at Stumptown. Although we’ve got a few solid interviews in the can, we really want to knock this video out of the park. It really is becoming a passion project. So if you’re a business in Oregon (specifically a lodging property, restaurant or retail) that is bike friendly, contact us for a possible interview!

And Now for Something Completely Different: The Dutchtub

Things have been a bit crazy at PLP headquarters. We are jumping headlong into a ton of different bicycle themed video projects (more on those later). One of the short pieces we just completed was a short web video for Clever Cycles to advertise their Dutchtub rental service. It was great to work with Clever Cycles and our friend Brock from The Sprocket Podcast who provided his voice talent and burgeoning acting skills. What we’re slowly learning about video (neither of us were trained in this field) is that it’s A LOT of work for just a few seconds, but you sort of have to accept that. We’ve essentially been giving ourselves a crash course in video production the last few months with Laura taking on the producer/interviewer/sound recordist role and with me as DP/camera operator/editor. Perhaps the most satisfying thing about this Clever Cycles spot (aside from the fact it was absolutely hilarious to film) was seeing the storyboards come to life.

2013-04-07 10.51.42 by russroca.com, on Flickr

I had a pretty clear vision of what I wanted it to look like (flat, 2D, tongue-in-cheek) and the visual setup for the punchline with Dean from Clever Cycles wearing a chef’s hat. To see it all come together was extremely gratifying (to make it flow in the edit was extremely time consuming ).

In typical Portland fashion it threatened to rain all day. We almost canceled the shoot, but it would have been too hard to reschedule everyone again so we just went for it. The weather held out as we shot all the b-roll of setting up the Dutchtub and getting it ready for Brock to step in. OF COURSE, a few minutes before we were about to start shooting Brock’s speaking parts on camera it starts raining! Once Brock was in the tub he was the warmest person on set while we were all in our rain jackets trying to complete the shoot. I had some scripted lines for the opening that we tried out and then just started to ad lib, feeding Brock lines. The one that made the edit (“Nine months out of the year, the weather in Portland, Oregon sucks..”) was actually the last line we tried and came out of the frustration of the rain that was soaking the camera equipment. Thankfully, it worked.

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Filming the closing sequence with Dean in the chef’s hat was hilarious. If you look really closely at the video, you can see Dean accidentally drop the shrimp in the tub. The ensuing laughter didn’t make the final edit, but I left in the falling shrimp as a little Easter egg for the eagle eyed. If this project has taught us anything in video production is it’s good to have a plan, but it’s also good to be able to break the plan if it feels right…and also, to bring an umbrella to cover the camera when it rains.

Technical: For the camera nerds out there, here’s what we used for the shoot. GH2, 20mm 1.7, 45mm 1.8, Genus Variable ND filter, Benro S4 Tripod, Zoom H1, Sennheiser MKE-400 and a Burley Travoy to carry all the gear to the site. When you buy the gear from the affiliate links it helps us keep doing these projects.

(Keep our adventures going and the site growing! If you’ve enjoyed our stories, videos and photos over the years, consider buying our ebook Panniers and Peanut Butter, or our new Brompton Touring Book, or some of the fun bike-themed t-shirts we’re designing, or buying your gear through our Amazon store.)

The Memory of Metal

Laura has been making headbadges for few years. She made them while we were traveling, literally carrying a bag of hammers while on tour. She’s made them on picnic benches in national parks, inside motels and on the dining room tables of homestay guests. When she first started, she never thought that it would allow her a glimpse into people’s lives. Here’s her insight on the unexpected bond that happens when she makes a headbadge.

To learn more about her headbadge work, check out her site or send her an email.

Video: Portland Tweed Ride

It’s been a little quiet on the site, but we’ve been busy! In the last few weeks we’ve been diving deep into all the mysteries of video production. We even got a great crash course from another film duo up in Seattle called Visual Contact. They were kind enough to come down on short notice with all their gear and spend hours asking ALL our questions. One of the insights we came away with from the National Bike Summit this past year is that bike advocates have to be better storytellers. So we’ve been honing our video storytelling skills with some some web videos for clients, but also a lot of fun self-assigned projects like this year’s Portland Tweed Ride.

Although it was wet and threatened rain all day, a healthy number of dapper looking folks came out and fun was had by all. I packed light and actually shot the entire video with one lens and a monopod for support! It was a great exercise in simplicity and seeing instead of relying on too much equipment.

The great irony of our current lives is that for all the advocacy of bike travel and tourism we’re doing, we’ve had very little chance to do any travel or touring ourselves. Sigh. It’s gotten to the point where we actually have to schedule in some bike adventure time. We are hoping to do some bike camping this weekend if the weather holds up (fingers crossed). Enjoy the video and if you’re interested in hiring us for some video work, send us an email!

VIDEO: Bicycles I Saw Today

Spring is (slowly) coming to Portland. With more sun means more bikes. I’ve been shooting some B-roll of bike footage for a few upcoming video projects. It’s always hard to just sit on footage, so I cut a few clips together to some music. No narrative. Just two videos from footage caught riding around the city capturing the fun of riding bikes.

Three Very Full Days at the National Bike Summit

Our first National Bike Summit is a wrap and, while we’re still digesting everything that we learned, we’re exceedingly glad that we attended. Beyond just our interest in what the League meant by this year’s theme of “Bikes Mean Business,” the Bike Summit provided us with the invaluable opportunity to connect with folks from around the US and Canada, and engage in many powerful conversations about the link between cycling and tourism.

The more we told our story to fellow attendees, the more we came to understand that cycling (and cycling infrastructure) is mostly still thought of as just a quality-of-life benefit for residents. It is a huge benefit for residents, and it can also be a powerful tourism asset. The more we discussed this concept with folks, we started to better see and understand our professional role in the bike tourism movement (hint: we’re really good at connecting the dots, helping people think about cycling in a new way, and marketing). This is exciting, and we’re really looking forward to following up on the conversations that were started over the last few days.

In the meantime, we wanted to share our (other) favorite parts of the Bike Summit. For us, what emerged throughout the event were two big themes: connecting cycling to a larger picture and telling the success stories. We wholeheartedly agree with both ideas and were excited to hear someone else state their importance. Speakers talked about the need for bike advocates to frame the issue of cycling in terms of its benefit to businesses or its connection to a thriving multi-modal transit system, instead of simply focusing on bike lanes as good for cyclists. We also heard about the need for advocates to step back from the wonky details and statistics, and start telling powerful stories (particularly what we like to call “conversion stories”) about how cycling is leading to positive changes.

Speakers also talked about how cycling is part of a much larger trend that is currently playing out in cities across the US. And there was a huge recognition of the fact that young people are choosing to drive less and are looking for walk-able/bike-able neighborhoods. In both cases, these are ideas we wondered if we would ever hear – that bike advocacy has actually been achieving great things and is now part of a powerful groundswell movement, and that people in positions of power are actually aware of and paying attention to the millennial generation – and it was gratifying to know that there is forward movement.

We also attended part of the Women’s Forum the day before the full summit, and were both extremely pleased by the way the discussion about “women on bikes” has matured beyond just cycle chic. The opening conversation between Georgina Terry and Natalie Ramsland was easily my favorite part of the entire conference, because it felt like a rare opportunity to sit in on a relaxed, information-sharing chat between these two amazing women, and I felt like I learned more about what-women-need-to-focus-on in that conversation than I might have in any other format.

Beyond the keynotes, breakout sessions, and networking, the Bike Summit meant a unique opportunity to simply socialize with people we hope to work with (or work more with) over the next few years. Everything from a bike tourism happy hour (organized by the incredible Ellee Thalheimer) to dinners out with folks from around the US to an absolutely crazy last-night dance party (yes, it’s pretty funny to see bike advocates take over a dance floor). And, in the end, it was this social time that was really what drew us in the first place, because this is when the real work gets done. When you can sit down with someone over coffee or a meal and hammer out ideas, or when you show up at a crazy dance party and demonstrate that you can look just as goofy as everyone else, this is when you become a part of the tribe.

The Bike Summit was exhausting in many ways, but we are surprisingly energized as we leave DC, and we’re looking forward to the (no doubt) enormous leaps forward in bike tourism over the next few years.

How Businesses can Attract Bike Travelers

In our travels, we’ve run into lots of businesses and communities that want to accommodate cyclists but don’t know how. It might be a community on a popular Adventure Cycling route or on one of Oregon’s new Scenic Bikeways and they want to give cyclists a reason to stop. While bike friendliness really comes down to just plain old good customer service, here are a few simple items that you could carry and market to cyclists.

Floor Pump
Most cyclists will be carrying some sort of portable mini pump. While these work for quick on-the-road repairs, nothing beats a good floor pump to get tires back to pressure. The floor pump should accommodate both Schrader and Presta Valves (ideally without having to fiddle with the head) and a working and accurate gauge is a plus. Having a set of tire levers for the supremely unprepared would be an added bonus.
Business Type: Lodging, Visitor’s Center

Flat Tire Patch Kit
Again, most cyclists will be carrying a patch kit, but if they are on the road long enough they may run out. This has happened to us on occasions when we’ve hit a string of flats and used up all our patches AND spare tire. They are relatively inexpensive and you could either sell complete kits or individual patches. There are tons of patch kits out there but the best kind is the Rema TipTop. The scalloped edges hold on to a tube best.
Business Type: Lodging, Visitor’s Center

U-Lock
Many traveling cyclists, whether they are touring or are in town for an event ride, probably won’t carry a good lock, due to weight and bulk. Because of this, you’ll often see cyclists eating at establishments with outside seating or where they can constantly monitor their bike. Having a U-Lock to rent or borrow would provide piece of mind and would also encourage cyclists to explore more businesses in town, since they don’t have to constantly guard their bike. It’s important to have a lock with appropriate security for the area. Generally, a combination U-lock would be good to offer since they are more secure than cable locks and there are no keys to lose!

River City Bicycles offers an indoor bike rack with a series of cable locks for customers to temporarily lock up.

Some cyclists about to do some serious eating at this diner. Chosen primarily because we could monitor the bikes.

Business Type: Lodging, Visitor’s Center, Restaurant

Repair Stand:

Repair stand clamp arms cleverly bolted on to the outside of Halcyon, a bike shop in Nashville, TN, for customers to work on their bikes. They are unbolted and brought in every night.

A great Cadillac option to offer would be a repair stand. Having a bike off the ground makes it easier to clean and fix drivetrain issues. It could also be used by cyclists who fly in for an event ride and have to assemble or disassemble their bike. We’ve seen repair stands offered in many different ways, from off-the-shelf solutions like a collapsible Park stand, to some homemade DIY solutions like at Bike Camp at Twin Bridges, MT. This design merely has two prongs that stick out and support the top tube. This will work for most standard diamond frame bikes, but would be problematic for folding bikes (that is where a clamping system would come in handy).
Business Type: Lodging, Visitor’s Center, Airport, Train Station

Simple DIY bike stand in Twin Bridges, MT.

Maps
Cyclists rely heavily on maps. If you’re near an Adventure Cycling route, post a copy of the local maps on a board. If you’ve got a local cycling club or even just a handful of riders, have them create a few maps of local rides and display it near the counter.

More than Just Stuff
These are all small but additive cues that lets a cyclist know that you are a bike-friendly business. In the same vein, having a few inexpensive bicycle repair items can go a long way to reach cyclists. They are as much marketing materials in-and-of themselves as they are practical tools. Purchasing a $40 pump for cyclists and advertising it on your website, will provide more ROI than a $300 print ad. For us, if two hotels offered the same services and same prices, but one of them had a repair stand or a pump, we would choose the bike-friendly one even if we weren’t going to use the pump at all. Just the mere understanding that the business views cyclists as valuable to cater to would win us over. Being bicycle-friendly is actually fairly simple. It’s no more difficult than offering good customer service. If you would like to hear more about our experience with bike-friendly communities as bike travelers, email us here.

Profile: Ocean Air Cycles

“This bike is not a touring bike,” Rob tells us. Designed in the garage workspace of his Ventura apartment and made by framemakers in Portland, OR the Rambler is the brainchild of Rob Perks of Ocean Air Cycles. With an engineering background, Rob has designed a bike that he always wanted for himself. Something utilitarian that would make mundane daily commuting tasks and errands fun as well as having the ability to take on mixed terrain and even go on bike overnights.

The Rambler is a low trail bike whose frame is built around Paul Racer brakes and 650b tires. The Paul Racers are more than just a bit of bike eye-candy for Rob, but are a key component to bicycle (so much so that he sells his frames with the Paul’s included). They have superb stopping power, good modulation and can accommodate wide tires with fenders. The fork has a low trail design so they are optimized to carry front loads without adverse affects.

While we were in Ventura, we got a chance to spend a few days with Rob and throw our legs over some Ramblers. For me, it was the first time I’ve actually ridden a low trail fork bike even though I’ve been reading their advantages on the pages of Bicycle Quarterly for years. I got to ride a Sunflower Yellow Rambler set up as a porteur bike with swept back bars and front rack. Although I couldn’t do a proper apples to apples comparison with my other bikes, since we didn’t really have a chance to dial in the fit, I could get a flavor for the bike.

I noticed immediately the difference in how the front end steered, especially with the weight of my handlebar bag. The wheel didn’t flop around as much even at slow speeds and I could ride no-handed with the bike and a load. The steering was predictable but not a snoozefest. We took the bikes out for about an hour ride up and down the coast and even did a little urban CX carrying bikes over tracks and riding on some railroad ballast. While not exactly a long mixed terrain ride, the bike steered nicely especially during slow speeds over rough stuff. Rob regularly takes his Rambler out on nearby dirt roads and even some mountain bike trails, usually getting strange looks from other riders.

With the bike designed and his first batches coming in, it is a matter of pounding the pavement to sell the Rambler. Its a bit of a chicken and an egg scenario where he feels more people would buy the bike if there were more testimonials of people riding the bike, but for that to happen he needs to sell more bikes, etc., Rob and his wife Allison are starting to do the bike show circuit, trying to get the bike out in the public. To help support the framebuilding and market the bikes, Rob also creates some soft goods; sewing frame bags, making leather wallets and designing shirts and musset bags trying to source materials and labor in the US. It was obvious to us that Rob was passionate about his products From the short time we rode The Rambler, we could see the niche they fill – a USA made, all-rounder, with low trail, and 650b wheels for long rides, light touring and everything in between.

Times are a bit lean as he tries to sell more frames to make more frames, but he believes that if he can get people to ride his bike that they’ll be converted. When we left Ventura he was contemplating which bicycle shows to attend in the coming year to maximize his efforts. He had a few painted frames in his garage awaiting decals and some finishing work. In the next few days they would be shipped out to the first owners of Ramblers in the world. Like the roads the Rambler was designed for, the summit is always barely within sight, but the route is twisty and uncertain at times and all that Rob can do is pedal on one measured stroke at a time.

How to Box Your Bike at LA Union Station in 18 EASY Steps

(From the comments, this post needs some clarification. You only have to box the bike from Union Station if you are taking an interstate train. For example, The Coast Starlight. The Surfliner from San Diego to SLO has roll-on services. Also, if you have a folding bike you can take it on as carry-on.)

I admit, the title is a bit of hyperbole, but not by much. We’ve taken our bikes on Amtrak from LA Union Station several times for bike tours and take it for granted that we know how to navigate the Byzantine maze to do it. So as a public service, I took some photos to make it a little easier for other would be bike-train travelers.

After a brisk ride from Sunland to North Hollywood, we took the Redline to Union Station. From the platform we made our way to the elevator (which fits two loaded bikes pretty well).

You enter the grand and historic LA Union Station, where you can now get some coffee from Starbucks, a sandwich at Subway and other sundries at Famima! A Market.

After getting your tickets either from the blue ticket machines or an Amtrak employee behind the glass, it’s time to find the hidden passage way to the luggage area to box your bike.

If you are facing the Amtrak counter, go stage right. You’ll see the Hertz and Budget car rental stations. Walk towards them….

Then make an immediate left. You’ll see a little yellow hallway and there will be elevators to your left which again accommodate two loaded bikes. Go to the second floor.

When the elevators open you’ll be in a funny white room. Take the unmarked door to the left with the glass window. It should be open.

Now, proceed down the narrow hallway until you see a door with the magic brass button.

Push it. A voice should tell you that the door is open. Enter.

You will enter an open warehouse type space. Walk towards the office type room by the bay doors. An Amtrak employee will give you a box to pack your bike. It will cost you $25 for the box and handling, which is a good deal when compared to flying with a full-sized bike. (To disassemble your bike for the bike box, check out our boxing video.)

If you have cash on hand, then you’re done. If you have to pay for the bike box via credit card, the fun is not over yet. The baggage area doesn’t have a credit card machine, so you have to go back down to the Amtrak ticket counter and pay there….THEN, you have to back to the luggage area and show proof of payment.

Congratulations, you’ve now successfully discovered the secrets of boxing your bike at LA Union Station. Now take all your bags back down through the maze and wait for your train. To be fair, the woman in the baggage area was very helpful and even taped our bike boxes together. This is a big improvement over several years ago when some people just stared at us with wonder. She told us that a lot of people were taking their bikes on Amtrak these days. It seems like others have caught on to the joys of multi-modal travel, now if only bike facilities on trains would catch up!

California Dreaming: Photo Recap

It seems like just last week when we were boarding the train from Portland to San Luis Obispo, CA to start our escape to some California sunshine! But alas, time flies. We’re on Amtrak again headed north back to Portland. We are working on a few more posts about the places we visited and the people we met, but for now some photo highlights!

We started our trip doing some epicurean wine tasting in the hills of Paso Robles.