Bicycles, Bikes, and Portland

Most people know that Portland is bicycle crazy, but after spending almost a week here it has been confirmed.

We were lucky enough to be able to choose from about 30 bikes Mike and Dara's basement and cruise around the city for the week.

All of our daily errands and activities were done by bike. We got to experience rush hour in the bicycle lanes, riding in the rain and getting soaking wet, making it obvious we weren't from Portland. All the local Portlanders were well equipped with their head to toe rain gear. We also visited numerous bicycle shops because our friends either work in them or own them, which was cool.

Last night we went to the dedication of the Community Cycling Center, a local non-profit bike shop that serves numerous functions.  It is a regular bike shop that teaches bicycle mechanics and work skills to local youth, and also refurbishes donated bikes to sell or give to the local community.  The event was packed with people and the shop was extremely neat and clean.  The people who work there obviously take great pride in their workplace and the mission of the Community Cycling Center.

Tonight we are going to the Slingshot Bar for our friend Reggie's 40th birthday party.  He is also another cyclist.  I used to race downhill bikes with him in North Carolina.  Now he owns Lucky 13 Bikes here in Portland.  Tomorrow we are going to Opal Creek with Kate and Josh and then we will reluctantly leave our very comfortable digs here in Portland to further explore.  We can't get too comfortable with our nice bed, shower, good friends, and family or else we will never find a new place to live.