Cyclocross

Describe your current involvement in cycling.

Race cyclocross and short track MTB. Member of Rebound/Tireless Velo.

What’s your earliest memory of riding your bike?

My first time riding a bike when I was five. It was an full-size Schwinn cruiser and I took off with no training wheels or adult supervision.

What’s your favorite cycling event?

Cross Crusade at Barton Park; I really miss the course from 2004 – 05, but it’s still the most fun cross course out there.

What’s the most epic ride you’ve ever done?

Tireless Velo’s annual Hell of the North team ride. Cross bikes, 47 miles of gravel roads and single track; 5500 vertical feet of climbing in and around Livingston Mountain.

List your current bikes and anything special about them.

• 2011 Kona Major Jake
• 2006 Kona Jake
• 2009 Kona Caldera MTB
• 1989 Specialized Hardrock that I’ve kept because I used it to ride around Ireland and Scotland when I was 30.

Where is your favorite place to ride? (specific route or general area)

When I need a quick chill out, I love riding out Hwy 30, up Saltzman Rd. to Skyline and then down Germantown Rd.

What are the essentials for your jersey pockets?

A spare tube, a pump, a cell phone and pop tarts.

After injuring his back in cyclo cross, and laying around flat on his back while recovering, his entrepreneurial spirit took over. As luck would have it, Brian’s mom, Mary Jane, is an accomplished jewelry designer and he went to her with the idea of selling cycling jewelry at BikeCraft in 2009.  Three years later Velo Gioielli, bicycle themed jewelry from recycled parts, has grown into a full-time gig.

Crafting Cycling Jewelry

The original designs for Velo Gioielli are a team effort melding Brian’s ideas and love of cycling with his mother’s artistic talents.  He has also been inspired by friends in the Hash House Harriers (a drinking club with a running problem) who encouraged him to put bling into his jewelry.

One look at his work and it’s obvious a lot of thought, time, and effort has gone into each piece: polished stainless steel, braided leather, etched charms — all meticulously handcrafted into unique works of art.

It drives me crazy when I see some bike charm from China on a string.  That’s not bike jewelry! ~ Brian Echerer

As with most entrepreneurs, it takes perseverance to make inroads into shops and events. Brian’s next aim is to expand into the mainstream world. In the first three years, he’s learned to take the word “no” as an opportunity to possibly change someone’s mind.

I’m a cycling fanatic! I love everything about bikes. I started making spoke bracelets and it blossomed into so much more: jewelry made from spokes, tubes, broken chain, cable, and other bits of discarded bike components. I’m always open to take requests and make something special for you. ~ Brian Echerer

Where To Find Velo Gioielli

In addition to BikeCraft, you’ll find Velo Gioielli at Portland’s Saturday Market and online at pedalgifts.com or Etsy.

Gracie’s Wrench Groupon Offer

$100 for a Four-Hour Bike-Repair Workshop at Gracie’s Wrench ($200 Value)

All classes, tutoring and clinics are based on the philosophy that the best way to learn is to physically do it yourself, with your own hands on your own bike. Students work on their own bicycles, which gives more active time for them to absorb the information and really feel how things work. The lessons go beyond the basics into the tricks and tips that mechanics use every day.

Tools, space and work stands are provided for the courses. Class and tutoring location is in a small, private studio space in NE Portland at the Gracie’s Wrench Workshop unless otherwise noted. Students bring their bicycles, parts, rags and eagerness to learn.

Learn where to put your hands, how to push, pull or manhandle your bike (as you’ll find it sometimes needs a little extra coaxing) to get the job done. At Gracie’s Wrench, mistakes are welcome as they provide an opportunity to see what can go wrong and how to fix it, as well as extra experience in a supportive environment.

Much like robots, children, and robotic children, bikes need to be regularly recalibrated to keep them from developing human emotions. Keep your bike performing at its functional, unfeeling best with today’s Groupon: for $100, you get a four-hour bike-repair workshop. From bicycle repair classes to corporate workshops and clinics, Gracie’s Wrench offers you the opportunity to expand your knowledge, confidence and independence with your bicycle.

The Portland Society is a nonprofit business alliance of professional women who are passionate about bicycling in Portland, Oregon. We work together to support each other through referral, education, and community. We grow our businesses and careers while making Portland a better place to live and ride.

O.K.  Sign me up!

An Interview with Co-founder, Ellee Thalheimer

I tracked down co-founder, Ellee Thalheimer, and asked her to give us some background on the organization and how to get involved.

Membership and Monthly Meetings

The Portland Society is the perfect way to network with other women cyclists. The group gathers the first Wednesday of the month from 8-9am at Western Bike Works.

Each meeting features introductions, announcements, and a guest speaker on a professional development topic. Food and coffee are provided. They also hold evening happy hours once a month which offer an informal networking and socializing opportunity. Their Holiday Happy Hour (Ugly Sweater Party) is coming up on Thursday, December 15, 2011.

You can sign up for membership by opting for either a monthly or annual sliding scale fee.

More About Ellee

In addition to her work with the Portland Society, Ellee is also a yoga instructor and an accomplished writer. She’s currently putting the finishing touches on, Cycling Sojourner, a guide of the best multi-day bike touring in Oregon. It’ll be available in May 2012 and you can pre-order a copy now.

I’ll be posting an interview with Ellee on her book shortly.  In the meantime, you can read some of her bike touring adventures by checking out her blog on Cycling Sojourner.

Somehow, I’ve managed to talk Jeff into contributing to Cycling Portland a couple of times a month as a columnist.  He’s a sharp fellow so I’m looking forward to seeing what he comes up with:-)

Here’s a quick rundown on Jeffrey Alden.

Job Title or Cycling Interest 

Retired

Describe your current involvement in cycling.

Recreational cycling, 5,000-7,000 miles per year, mostly in and around Portland, Oregon but also in California and Europe.

What’s your earliest memory of riding your bike? 

My first two wheeled bike, a 9th birthday present: Balloon tires, fire engine red, chrome fenders, and white handle bar grips. It was a beauty.

What’s your favorite cycling event? 

The shower afterward.

What’s the most epic ride you’ve ever done? 

The 2010 Markleeville Death Ride, my third attempt at the ride, and my first time to complete all five passes.

List your current bikes and anything special about them. 

• Merlin Extralight titanium, coupled, with Dura Ace 10 speed
• Time VXRS Ulteam carbon fiber with Dura Ace 9 speed
• On order: Moots RSL with Ultegra DI2 drivetrain

Where is your favorite place to ride? (specific route or general area)

• Larch Mountain and the Sandy River Gorge
• The Mountains behind Santa Barbara, CA
• Anywhere in France

What are the essentials for your jersey pockets?   

• Wallet with drivers license, credit card, and Kaiser card
• iPhone
• Cleat covers
• Food