Comments for Cycling Portland

Comment on Why is it O.K. to Litter Cigarette Butts? by Paul H.

Paul H. — Tue, 13 Dec 2011 16:37:27 +0000

I’ve often fantasized a deposit of 5¢ per cigarette butt. It’d be an administrative nightmare and would probably encourage “smuggling” from non-deposit jurisdictions, but the idea of it still makes me smile.

More seriously, I’ll note that littering cigarette butts is actively encouraged in some parts of town. When I worked in the Pittock Block (SW Washington at 10th), I asked some co-workers why they threw their butts in the street gutter. They replied that the building manager told them to do it. The building had tried to provide trash cans with those built-in ash trays, but some of the indigent population treated them like human litter boxes. It was actually more sanitary to rely on the street sweepers than to provide receptacles. Weird, but true.

Comment on In Search of Perfect Winter Cycling Gloves by Leann

Leann — Tue, 06 Dec 2011 03:35:33 +0000

Funny you should mention that because Jeff, the guy referenced in this, just bought another new pair of Gore gloves that has just that — a nice little pocket on the top for the hand warmers. Brilliant minds think alike! Great to hear from you and hope your band is doing well!

Comment on In Search of Perfect Winter Cycling Gloves by Dave B.

Dave B. — Mon, 05 Dec 2011 18:35:09 +0000

Hey Leann, great to find your blog… while I’m doing most of my riding in SoCal these days, most of my riding days were still accumulated in the NW, so I really enjoy reading your articles! I hope you’re doing awesome! In this particular article, if the hand warmers are getting so hot they hurt, it sounds like we need someone to make winter riding gloves that have the little pocket on the top side of the hand where you can insert the warmers – much like ski gloves. Or does this feature already exist in bike gloves as well?

Comment on Ride the Bike Path to Cartlandia by Leann

Leann — Fri, 25 Nov 2011 20:12:09 +0000

Hi Laura. Thanks for the tip on the Woodsman Burger at Cartlandia. I’ll have to give it a try:-)

Comment on Ride the Bike Path to Cartlandia by Laura

Laura — Tue, 22 Nov 2011 02:28:46 +0000

thanks for the urban adventure idea. had a nice ride yesterday in what may be our last sunshine in a long while. the hubby enjoyed the fabulous “woodsman” burger and the big screen football . friendly folks too!

Comment on Ride the Bike Path to Cartlandia by Kelly

Kelly — Tue, 15 Nov 2011 02:59:02 +0000

Wow, I just biked to Cartlandia with my young son and he loved the big shoe and played on it while I had a mocha from Serendipity Espresson. This would be a great place for young mothers to meet and have a play day. I especially liked the clean indoor bathrooms.

Comment on Ride the Bike Path to Cartlandia by Cyndi

Cyndi — Mon, 14 Nov 2011 23:31:07 +0000

Cartlandia is THE place to bike! There is even a beer garden there plus bathrooms and wonderful food carts. A MUST TRIP. Join the fun! Visit Cardlandia!

Comment on In Search of Perfect Winter Cycling Gloves by Leann

Leann — Mon, 14 Nov 2011 20:54:20 +0000

Dang! Isn’t that the way it goes? Your favorites can never be replaced! More importantly, hope you weren’t seriously injured in the accident.

Comment on Get Yourself a Rain Bike by Leann

Leann — Mon, 14 Nov 2011 20:51:38 +0000

Excellent point on the slicks vs treaded regarding traction. I was focused on the fact I haven’t had a flat in four years with the heavy duty tires. I haven’t had this experience with slicks. But avoiding a crash and burn may very well out weigh a flat tire:-)

I’m still in the dark ages using dual-pivot brakes. And you right about sealed bearings being a vast improvement. I guess my point was aimed more towards the belief that beautiful, expensive components and frames should be revered and spared the ugliness of road grime.

Thanks for your feedback. Great points to consider for sure!

Comment on Get Yourself a Rain Bike by spare_wheel

spare_wheel — Mon, 14 Nov 2011 20:33:03 +0000

“Heavy duty bike tires”
All things being equal a slick surface has more traction in the rain than the treaded tires you linked to.

“All of that dirt, oil, and water sands down rims”
Disc brakes virtually eliminate rim wear. In my opinion, they should be de rigeur for riding in the rain.

“contaminates hubs, pedals, and headsets”
I’ve never had a problem with my two “commuters”. Sealed bearings have made this issue a thing of the past…IMO.