Yesterday Angel and I got a chance to hang out in Portland after taking her sister back from a visit. We started out the day by going to the newly opened Velo Cult Bicycle Shop. Started in 2006, the shop originally is from San Diego, but decided to move the entire shop to Portland, employees and all. We visited them Sunday, on the morning after their Grand Opening Party. (They were still cleaning up after it). The shop caters to commuters, tourers, randonneur riders, and other subcultures of cycling with refurbished and new bicycles, but this is not just a place to sell and service bikes, but a place where all “bicycle culture” gets to meet. There is a large and open floor plan. They have some amazing mechanic work stations, with benches for customers to talk with their mechanic right in front of them; a bar offering local beer and food, a photo booth (which sadly was shut down when we were there), and even an authentic castle drawbridge (which doubles as a stage) in the shop!! I believe the drawbridge is from Canteburry Castle, after it was demolished in 2009. This is a really cool shop and you should check it out if you have a chance. They plan on hosting shows, and screening movies there in the future, as well as putting on other fun events for cyclists.
Also while at Velo Cult I got the chance to check out the Complete Surly Troll. I wouldn’t mind getting one of these as my first mountain bike. I also think it would make a great touring bike for Angel. It would be a good companion to my LHT. If only the Troll came in some color other than orange (her least favorite).
Before we went to Pedal Nation, we stopped by the Off The Griddle food cart. With super nice staff, they offer amazing veggie burgers from their solar-powered cart. Angel went with Vegan Cheeseburger, and I went with O.T.G Burger (no lettuce, tomato) just grilled onions and added BBQ sauce; I like my burgers simple. It’s always fun waiting for your food to come out while you read through some Trivial Pursuit games.
After we arrived to Pedal Nation, I spent a lot of time talking with different people about their products and learning whatever I could. There were a lot of cool things there. The spectrum of booths was across the board, with everything from wooden helmets, a fat tire recumbent, to an upcoming indoor mountain bike park (The Lumberyard) and other great cycling groups. Full list of exhibitors HERE. One thing I thought was really cool is that Nutcase is coming out with 4 bell designs based off of their helmets, which will be available for purchase in the near future (possibly June), along with a new visors to attach to their helmets and even cycling jerseys to match the helmets. Those should all be great. I’m sure Angel will want a watermelon jersey.
Before leaving Portland we had to get our favorite pizza at Sizzle Pie. I went with 2 slices of cheese, and Angel got a rabbit salad. There was no Spiral Tap in the case, (our favorite) so we got one to go that we could eat at home. It was a super great idea. Angel wanted the pins, and I thought I might put the patch on my safety vest. This is truly good pizza.
Bread Bike 
Hey now, Orange is a great colour for a bike! 😉
Was great to run into you two!
The trip was fun for us too- though a bit hectic.
Well worth it…especially since I just heard we won the Nutcase/Strider Treasure Hunt raffle!! One less bike & helmet combo we’ll have to buy for the boys second birthday this summer.
That’s awesome, a perfect prize for you and the kiddos. Neither Angel or I did the drawing for the Bike Friday. It just always seems like we will never win a raffle, but you proved us wrong. You gave us hope.
Aw Shane, that is terrific! You guys deserve it.
Check out Micro beer Jerseys from Portland!
We are more excited about the Nutcase Jersyes that will match the helmets.
Orange is a pretty cool color … but you can change it with a bit of spray paint. A friend of mine wanted the robin’s egg blue Cross Check, got a black one instead (slightly used, much cheaper) and choose for herself a slightly darker shade of blue. It’s a gorgeous bike, and now a personalized one.
I’ve been wanting to head down (from Seattle) and tour the Columbia River Gorge. I might be able to make that happen this summer. Our bike food up here is very Indian, so your griddle cakes might be a nice change. Sure are some yummy-looking veggie burgers!