National Bike Summit 2011: What are we Asking For?

Once again, Congressman Earl Blumenauer (D-OR) kicked off the opening convocation of the National Bike Summit by asking the question: “How many people, right this moment, in America, are stuck in traffic on the way to a health club to ride a stationary bike?” And once again, he brought a standing room only crowd of advocates, transportation officials, shop owners, industry leaders and legislative aides to their feet to offer thunderous appause.

Over 700 individuals are in attendance at the League of American Bicyclists' 11th annual National Bike Summit this week to meet with their elected representatives and discuss a number of America's troubles--climate change, energy dependence, the obesity epidemic, air pollution and congestion mitigation--that can be addressed with a suprisingly simple solution: the bicycle. Indeed, with reported 4:1 ratio of investment dollars (meaning for that every dollar spent on bicycle or pedestrian transportation improvements, 4 dollars are returned back to the communities from which they originate), one would be hard pressed to find other low-cost, high yield strategic transportation investments that foster healthy people and healthy communities.

Photo, above: left to right: New York City DOT Commissioner Janette Sadik-Khan, Congressman Earl Blumenauer (D-OR) and League of American Bicyclists President Andy Clarke discuss what inspires them in their work.


Yet the atmosphere this year is cautious and protective at best. With a new Congress fiscally focused and looking to make major cuts to bugets across the board, advocates are charged with the task of educating new members of Congress (96 newly inducted in the last election, 35 of whom have never held public office beore) about what transportation options entail, and establishing or building good working relationships. "We're not making a big sexy ask this year, like the ACT Act or a big transporation re-authorization bill," states Andy Clarke, President of the League. Rather, delegates will meet with their local representatives to request they support continued dedicated funding for bicycling and walking programs in 3 target areas:

1. Transportation Enhancements

2. Safe Routes to School

3. Recreational Trails Programs


Photo, left: Oregon state delegates gather before visits to Capitol Hill on Thursday.
According to the League of American Bicyclists, "Just 1.5 percent of federal transportation dollars currently support biking and walking, although these two modes represent 12 percent of all trips in the U.S. Bicycling and walking improvements are relatively inexpensive, highly cost-effective investments that create significantly more jobs per dollar than road repair and upgrades; they also boost local small businesses and increase real estate values."

Armed with packets full of facts and figures regarding how and where dollars are spent in each local district for transportation enhancements, Safe Routes to School and both surface and natural trails programs, the motto of this Summit might well have been dubbed, "keep it local, stupid." Indeed, the Bikes Belong Coalition cites Minnesota as one prime example. Cyclists spend $481 million annually in the state. Before a local trail was put in, hospitality sales tax collected was $250,000; AFTER the local trail was built, bringing in increased bicycle tourism, food traffic to shops, hotels and restaurants, and a place parents could bring their children, the hospitality tax collected shot up to $4.7 million. As Gary Sjoquist, Advocacy Director for Bikes Belong points out, "BIKES MEAN BUSINESS."

Photo, right: Gary Fisher, in blue, a strong leader in the bicycle industry, is present to advocate on behalf of road users and trail users alike.

In addition to reminding elected officials that supporting bicycling and walking programs means supporting local businesses, fueling local economies and building healthy, sustainable communities, advocates making their visits on Capitol Hill today (Thursday, March 10th) re-stated Congressman Blumenauer's plea to his fellow representatives: "Don't cut what you haven't visited."

Portland-based International Cycling Apparel Retailer Announces Relocation and Expansion

Despite uneven economic terrain, bicycling industry sales steadily continue to climb

Soon, 642 SE Stark St. will be welcoming another member of Portland’s growing bicycle-based businesses into the fold. “Do one thing and do it well," advises Douglas Duguay, owner and Sales Manager of BicyclingHub.com, an Internet-based company selling high-performance technical cycling gear throughout the U.S. and over 40 countries internationally, including Canada, Australia and Japan. “And no one knows cycling clothing better than our staff. Our new space will help us live up to our full potential."

Stationed near the corner of 7th Ave. and Sandy Blvd., two main corridors for bicycle commuters in the city’s well-mapped bicycle route network, Duguay expects walk-in business to increase significantly after the move, scheduled for November 30th, 2010. With 4,000 square ft. of warehouse and office space and a designated retail area, customers will feel welcome to browse and try items on before purchasing. “I’ve already submitted a request to the City to install a bike rack in front of the new building. It’s free for businesses, and it’s a terrific way to encourage more trips by bike,” says Duguay.

Located in the Platinum-Level Bicycle Friendly Community of Portland, Oregon, BicyclingHub.com has been selling top-quality cycling apparel on the Internet since 2001. From humble beginnings as a one-man operation selling cycling jerseys on EBay out of Duguay’s spare bedroom in Southeast Portland to the company’s current standing as a successful online retailer in the global marketplace, a strong commitment to customer satisfaction has always been the cornerstone of its mission.

(photo, right: BicyclingHub.com team members enjoy the metric century route of the 2010 Oregon Tour de Cure.) While the economy continues to make tentative steps toward recovery from what pundits have dubbed “The Great Recession,” BicyclingHub.com has enjoyed a significant growth rate in sales during 2010. Although the majority of sales are conducted online, customers in Portland have been requesting a retail showroom for some time; its Annual Warehouse Clearance Sale remains a perennial favorite amongst local cycling clubs, regional teams and OBRA (Oregon Bicycle Racing Association) members. Stocking such well-known brands such as Castelli, Pearl Izumi, Louis Garneau and Showers Pass, the site specializes in hard to find items, such as the Thor Hushovd Norwegian Champion jersey, the “28 Million” Team Radio Shack-LIVESTRONG Jersey, and the limited edition Cervelo Test Team Tour de France team kit. Routinely ranked “exceptional” in its customer service ratings and known for its friendly, knowledgeable, and reliable attention, staff are heavily encouraged to commute by bike and ride in the products they sell in order to give direct feedback to consumers and manufacturers.

(photo, left: Portland's Sunday Parkways program fill the streets with thousands of bike riders, from the very young to the very young at heart.) Portland, Oregon might well be considered the ultimate testing ground for cycling apparel in a wide range of weather conditions. Portland Development Commission, Business Oregon and Oregon Business Council cite “Portland is force to be reckoned with in the Activewear and Outdoor Gear world for the last thirty years,” in the recently-released Portland Economic Development Strategy. Appreciative to be headquartered in the same city as manufacturers like Castelli, Retro Image Apparel and Showers Pass, and it's a rare day that goes by that staff don't spy a cyclist wearing one of the products they sell. Ed Dalton, Co-President/Principal of Showers Pass remarks, “For us, [Portland] is the perfect proving ground for our product. It would be a challenge for us if we were…. based in Southern California." As the first Internet retailer to sell Showers Pass outerwear directly to consumers, since 2005 BicyclingHub.com has sold upwards of 1,500 Showers Pass products alone and can authoritatively speak on behalf of the brand's quality, durability, and loyal fan base.

BicyclingHub.com’s new brick-and-mortar location at 642 SE Stark St. will allow the company to expand its local retail presence while continuing to offer outstanding customer service online and by phone. Customers may continue to shop online throughout the holiday season; a grand opening of the retail space is planned for February 2011. After nearly a decade in the bicycling industry, BicyclingHub.com proudly stocks the largest selection of quality men's and women's cycling clothing in the Pacific Northwest and remains committed to continuing its platinum-level standards of service, quality and prompt delivery.

Oregon Handmade Bicycle Show: Building More Bicycle-Friendly Communities, One Frame at a Time

"If you build it, they will come:" that's the intent, at least, behind the Third Annual Oregon Handmade Bicycle Show happening this weekend in the cycling hub of Portland, Oregon. With over 35 exhibitors at the Sandbox Studio gathered to feature some of the country’s finest handmade bicycles, related artisanal products, and their creators, and an expected 2,000 individuals in attendance over the course of the two-day event (October 9th-10th), this goal may very well be realized in abundance. New for 2010, the show is expanding its offerings to include educational programming and seminars on topics such as Injury Prevention for Cyclists and Bike Fit and Custom Frame Design, provided by Upper Echelon Fitness and Bodywise Physical Therapy. Representatives from United Bicycle Institute (UBI) will also be on hand to answer questions from both professionals and the general public. (photo left): Jude Kirstein of Epic Wheelworks creates revolutions in her studio every day.

With the theme of "Hands Hammers Files and Fire Make Bicycles," attendees will have the unique opportunity to view the latest designs (some constructed specifically for the show) and chat with custom frame builders such as Ahearne Cycles, Land Shark Bicycles and Sprout Cycles about their craftsmanship, choice of materials, and why one might consider an independent frame builder versus a mass-produced model found in a traditional bike shop when shopping for the bicycle of their dreams. Looking to outfit the special lady in your life with a custom steel frame that incorporates the "four elements"--"beautiful, Italian, simple and classy--into each design? Contact M.J. at BellaDonna Cycles. Need haul a serious--we mean, serious-- amount of gear? Look no further than cargo bike specialists at Metrofiets to help you take a load off. Want to share that special blend of cycling love with your companion? Co-Motion Cycles, based out of Eugene, Oregon, can put you on a custom "bicycle built for two" that's as unique and distinctive as your relationship.

(left): Andy Newlands right at home in UBI's Portland campus with one of his women's steel rigs.

Strawberry Bicycles

Doing business since: 1971 (39 years and counting!)

Speciality: steel and and specially-designed castings

Average length of time per order: 6 months

Estimated cost: frame, fork & headset starts at $1,600; complete build ranges between $3,000-$4,000

Why Portland? When the question was put to Andy Newlands, owner/proprietor of Strawberry Bicycle, he stated simply, "Beer and bikes--how much better can it get?" Adopting a more serious demeanor, he cited the City of Portland's exemplary bicycle planning, bike routes, and friendliness towards two-wheeled, non-motorized modes of transportation as key factors when selecting a venue. Indeed, the Oregon Bicycle Constructors Association, founded in 2007, was initially spurred by a series of meetings between the City of Portland and the Portland Development Commission regarding what might be done to support the bicycling industry. Newlands, amongst others, co-founded the OBCA to bring dedicated frame builders together in order to strengthen their voice within the industry and provide much-needed business and marketing expertise to complement their engineering and/or artistic backgrounds. While he considers it analogous to "herding a bunch of cats," the 3 year old organization is already 40 members strong, with the majority of exhibitors based within Portland's city limits. "[Portland] is the nexus of everything," Newlands states.

(right): Wayne Beauchamp with "The Back 40," his 2005 steel single-speed 29er. With a commute that consists of 3 miles of singletrack and 4 miles of dirt roads into town, this trail-worthy bike doubles as an excellent commuter.

Vulture Cycles

Doing business since: 1996 (incorporated in 1999)

Average number of frames built per year: 37

Average length of time per order: 3-6 months

Estimated cost: frame & fork: $1,700; complete build ranges between $3,500-$4,000

"For me, [the show's] about getting out of the shop and talking to humans," jests Wade Beauchamp, owner and sole proprietor of Vulture Cycles. "It's a chance to see a whole bunch of people who make bikes and love bikes, new friends, and old. Mostly, it's about getting the word out and creating awareness--hey, I exist."

Based 7 miles outside of Bend, Oregon, he specializes in handmade steel mountain-bikes. "Single-speed 29ers are kinda my bread and butter," he remarks while showing off a 2005 purple argyle beauty he dubbed "The Back 40." But that may soon change: in 2009, he started developing a new line of "Town and Country" bikes with a road/cyclocross geometry and disc brakes. The target audience? "They're built for those who want to ride around town, and then escape to the country."

While carbon fiber remains one of the most highly-coveted objects of desire amongst the racing set and club riders alike, due to its lightweight and vibration-dampening properties, most of the frame builders you'll find here choose to work with steel as their preferred medium. "As a builder, steel is a phenomenal material to worth with--especially the variety of tubing available," Rob Tsunehiro comments. "It allows you to really fine-tune a bike frame."

(left): Rob Tsunehiro proudly displays a custom steel commuter bike built for customer in Bend.

Tsunehiro Bicycles

Doing business since: 2008

Average number of frames built per year: 12

Average length of time per order: 3 months

Estimated cost: Frame & fork starts at $1,800; complete build ranges between $3,000-$6,000

A fairly recent newcomer to the custom frame-building scene, Rob launched Tsunehiro Cycles in 2008 shortly before the economy began to take a nose dive and Americans tightened their collective belts (and wallets). But despite the recession and uncertainties in the economy, Tsunehiro is happy to report he's still been able to maintain a steady line of work, with new orders matching his pace.

Why choose an independent, one-man operation over a larger competitor, such as Serotta, Independent Fabrications or Seven? Tsunehiro is quick to list the advantages: "I can offer a higher level of customization, incorporating a specific blend of features into your dream bicycle. Building a custom bike offers a much broader range of choices than stock geometry, design or components; customers in the area can come to the shop and visit the work in progress; they're able to have direct interaction [with me]; and they're part of the decision-making process." His favorite part of the building process? "I really enjoy sitting down with customers to talk about how and where they like to ride…Together, we come up with the best solutions, such as how to accommodate a bigger tire for commuting [if that's what they want.]"

What keeps the bicycle business growing for these manufacturers? According to Tsunehiro, residing in the vibrant and eclectic bike culture of Portland has been an "eye-opening experience" from the industry perspective. "Every kind of cyclist is here--not just the serious 'street warrior.' Everyone's out riding…You're exposed to so many more cycling programs, such as the Community Cycling Center, making cycling accessible to everyone, and that really excites me...The safe bike infrastructure, and promoting cycling as a lifestyle some the something that's really healthy for individuals and or community. It's a big part of what drives me to make this my life's work."

To learn more about the unique benefits and beauty of the Oregon handmade bicycle, visit the Sandbox Studio at 420 NE 9th Avenue in Portland, OR between 10am-6pm October 9th-10th, or consult oregonhandmadebicycleshow.com for more information.