Out of the Box

Work Bikes & Pedicabs in NYC

1950s British Bicycle TV Commercial

Oregon Handmade Bicycle Show:Evidence of a Bicycle Renaissance

There's a renaissance happening in the world of bicycles. Perhaps even a new Golden Age. Portland, Oregon is at the center of it. Why Portland? My theory is Portland offers a combination of vibrant bicycle culture and consumer demand, combined with the availability of cheap shop space, that allows creative individuals to set up small custom manufacturing businesses. From the people I've spoken with, becoming a frame builder requires taking a vow of poverty. Like musicians and artists, only a handful make a decent living. Cities like Austin are home to a thriving local music scene because of this same availability of affordable practice space and plenty of demand. Here in Seattle, most 20-somethings I meet seem to work as software developers at Amazon. I believe Seattle's high cost of living and lack of cheap industrial work spaces is putting a damper on the development of artisan businesses. Eugene, Oregon also contributed its fair share of handmade bicycle builders.

The show was clear evidence of a Renaissance in the art of the handmade bicycle. Although a custom bike costs way more than a stock "Made in Taiwan" number, the more I look at them, the more I am convinced they are reasonably priced. These bikes have SOUL! Each is a reflection of the designer/artisan builder. Even the most expensive custom bicycle costs way less than the cheapest car. I am looking forward to the day when I can have one made for me by one of the constructors I met at the show.

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The culture of the Oregon Handmade Bicycle Show is not about racing, carbon fiber, or the latest aerospace technology. Spandex was rarely seen in the great hall. These builders are moving the bicycle back to its place as a beautiful form of sustainable personal transportation. Notice the front and rear racks, upright handlebars, and cargo carriers — perfect for carrying groceries, kegs of beer, and babies.

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Click here to see more photos from the show

Fat or Fit?Bert Assirati, World's Strongest Man.

We're impressed by feats of physical strength and skill here. While roaming the vast universe of the web, I came across this photo set. It's one of my favorites (c.1938). This is Bernardo (Bert) Asserati (1908–1990), who in addition to being a long-distance cyclist, was an English professional wrestler who became a multiple time British Heavyweight Champion. Assirati was one of the strongest and toughest wrestlers around. He was known for displaying various feats of strength, including setting a British record in 1938 by lying on his back, and pulling over at arms length a 200 lb. barbell. At a very stocky 5' 7" and 240 lbs, Assirati was one of the heaviest men to perform the iron cross!

Bert Assirati's 1938 Feats of Strength

• Could lay on his back on the floor, and pull over at arms length a 200 lb. barbell, to set a British record.
• Could squat 800 lbs. unofficial World record.
• Could squat with one leg with a 200 lbs. barbell on his shoulders.
• Could squat continuously for half an hour while supporting 235 lbs.
• Could perform three one arm pull-ups, at bodyweight of 240 lbs.
• Could hold a one-hand stand when weighing 266 lbs.
• Could do a crucifix on the rings when weighing 266 lbs.
• Could do a military press of 160 lbs. with one arm.
• Could perform a back somersault while holding a 56 lb. block weight in each hand.
• Could perform back somersaults, or flip-flaps, while weighing 266 lbs.
• Long distance cyclist.
• Champion strand puller.
• Could carry a piano a long distance on his back.
• Could carry a telegraph pole a long distance on his back.

Happy Halloween:Is that a good bike or a bad bike?

Demonstration to Support Completion of the Burke-Gilman Trail Missing Link Now!

When: Tuesday, Oct. 27, 5:30 p.m. — 6:30 p.m.
Where: Shilshole Ave, N.W.,
opposite 17th Ave. N.W.,
just west of the Ballard Bridge
(look for the people with the blinking lights!)

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The Burke-Gilman Trail runs more than 18 miles from Shilshole Bay in the City of Seattle to the City of Bothell where it intersects the Sammamish River Trail. The BGT is a paved, off-road facility over its entire length with the exception of an on-road segment in Ballard.

For years, several industrial businesses along the unfinished Shilshole Ave. Missing Link in Ballard have fought completion of the trail through abuse of Seattle's notorious "endless process".

Thousands of casual cyclists and bike commuters use this road in its current unsafe hazard-ridden rutted condition. All Seattle citizens deserve safe infrastructure. While public safety should be non-negotiable, these NIMBY (Not In My Back Yard) business-owners are threatened by change, and continue to file frivolous lawsuits to stall completion of the very project for which they already agreed to a compromise solution.

Join a quick "flash" action to declare collective support for completion of the Burke-Gilman Trail Missing Link  — from Fred Meyer to the Ballard Locks.

Who/What: A gathering of ALL TRAIL SUPPORTERS, be they walkers, skaters, strollers, bicyclers, moms, dads, kids, grannies, for a  show of support honoring the trail and the decades of hard work it took to get to this point.

How: Walk, bike, run, skate, glide

What Else?: B.Y.O."Blinky" red light if you've got one, and bring your bikes, strollers, walkers, wheelchairs, dogs and skateboards.

Cool orange "WE ARE THE MISSING LINK" T-shirts for the first 100 participants (donations accepted).

After-party nearby at Dutch Bike Seattle, 6:30pm, 4421 Shilshole Ave. — just east of the Ballard Bridge. Beer and NA drinks will be provided. We will have a grill set up so bring your grillables.

This action supported by Sustainable Ballard, Friends of the Burke-Gilman Trail, Totcycle/Kidical Mass, Feet First, Groundswell NW, Seattle Likes Bikes, Cascade Bicycle Club, Undriving.org, CoolMom, Spokespeople, SCALLOPS, Urban Sparks, Sunset Hill Community Association, Washington Liveaboard Association, and thousands of Seattle citizens.

Oregon Handmade Bicycle Show:Portland 10/31-11/1

My son Max and I will be taking Amtrak (with bikes) to Portland for the Oregon Handmade Bicycle Show, to be held over Halloween weekend, Saturday October 31st and November 1st, 2009. I'll be writing a follow-up post with photos early next week.

The event will feature up to 40 exhibitions. Veterans and new talent from across the nation will display their work side by side, in a celebration of the handmade bicycle. Additionally, seminars and speakers have been scheduled for attendees interested in learning more about manufacturing, design, industry and general bicycle culture.

Click here for more info

Vintage Bike Safety Film: Drive Your Bike

The adult reminds me of Nixon, and as such I don't trust him.

The Audacity & Graceof Trials Bike Rider Danny MacAskill

Danny MacAskill is a brilliant Trials Bike rider from Scotland. If you haven't already seen this video clip, it's absolutely incredible. On his website, Danny says, "The response I've had to the video has been amazing! I never expected to get anywhere near the reaction it has. I hoped that other riders would like the video, and maybe a few riders outside trials, but when people started contacting me about interviews for TV and things it was crazy." Danny is NOT a daredevil. He is a skilled acrobat on a bike.

Intermission:The Nicholas Brothers in Stormy Weather

This has nothing to do with bicycle culture. A nice cup of coffee and the Nicholas Brothers just seems like a great way to start the day.

The 500,000 people on bicycles each dayin Copenhagen are not necessarily"cyclists" or "environmentalists".They merely choose to ride because ofsafe, quick infrastructure.

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Join Cascade Bicycle Club as Mikael Colville-Andersen explores Copenhagen's journey toward establishing
the bicycle as a feasible, acceptable form of transport,
as well as the importance of marketing
"bicycle culture" to the city's residents.

Wednesday, Oct. 28, 7 p.m.
Seattle Nordic Heritage Museum

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The result of 30 years of traffic and urban planning is that the bicycle has been demystified. It is no longer merely a piece of sports equipment for enthusiasts  — it has become a democratic tool that has liberated the people of Copenhagen from cars and created the foundations for one of the world's most liveable cities.

Mikael Colville-Andersen is a filmmaker, photographer, and journalist who is also Copenhagen's leading bicycle culture ambassador. For more than three years he has been documenting Copenhagen's unique bicycle culture in photographs and films. Colville-Andersen's firm Copenhagenize Consulting advises cities, towns, and organizations on bicycle culture, infrastructure, and urban planning, based on best practices from Denmark and Europe and featuring a unique focus on the anthropological aspects of getting more people to choose the bicycle.

This is a free event, and no reservations are necessary. For more information, contact Charlotte Lehmann at 206-789-5707 x.21.

This event is co-sponsored by International Sustainable Solutions and the Cascade Bicycle Club.

1899 Edison Film: Bicycle Trick Riding #2