Category Archives: Business

E279 – Joe Biel: Good Trouble

Advocacy, Bicycling, Business, Communication, Downsizing, History, Simpler Living

Joe Biel has been running Microcosm Publishing, an independent book and ‘zine publishing organization, for twenty years in many locations and iterations, starting with a milk crate he took to music venues that hosted punk shows.  Now he has released his memoir, Good Trouble, about his experience building that history and how it was influenced by his adult diagnosis with Asperger’s Syndrome.  We’re glad he’s kept at it, and joined him at his house to chat about his perspective on the world through the lens of simpler living!

Several anniversary events for Microcosm are planned – a reading on February 11 2016 at Powell’s Books on Hawthorne (Joe’s guest post on their blog here, too!) anda party at Velo Cult Bike Shop & Tavern on February 12 2016!

 

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E265 – Ayleen Crotty & Meghan Sinnott: Plan An Event!

Advocacy, Beer, Bicycling, Boats, Business, Fun, Mountain Biking, Travel, Urban Design

Ayleen Crotty & Meghan Sinnott are both return guests to the show, and they perform a flawless tap takeover featuring How To Plan An Event!  Ayleen & Meghan have been involved with so many things: Filmed By Bike, Breakfast On The Bridges, Midnight Mystery Ride, World Naked Bike Ride, Mountain Bike Oregon,Pedalpalooza events, Zoobomb, and also we discuss a recent experience with Treo Bike Tours.

Also: Brock & Aaron are Halloween costume wearers, and it got wet in Portland.

Thanks to our beverage sponsor, The Beer Mongers, and, as always, thanks to our generous Patreon donors that keep us going!

Headlines
from urbanadonia.com: Unsolicited Advice for Vision Zero
from bikeportland.org: Community Cycling Center unveils new logo, website and a very nice video

Mail

comments
Sebastien Poole on E264b:  “Great episode. Nice to know there’s someone who isn’t bristling with tasers and guns to help with these situations. Stay dry Portland.”

email
from PBJar Matt: overnight salad dressing in a mustard bottle!
– Add 1/3 each olive oil, balsamic vinegar and soy sauce
– Add any desired spices (I like crushed red pepper and garlic powder and maybe some thyme — about a tsp each)
– Enjoy tasty, cheap salad dressing while cursing the individual(s) who decided that a squeeze bottle was a better vessel for mustard than a good old wide mouth jar
PBJ Matt Strikes Again.

from Shadowfoot: Helsinki is rad, and Chicago once contained wierd bikes.

packages
from Russ and Laura from Path Less Pedaled: merit badges! nominate someone!

Tim Mooney sends us some RAM!  Thanks! Anyone know how to do this safely?

Fine Print

music: Ryan J. Lane (intro & outro) & Hurtbird (headlines)
web: http://thesprocketpodcast.com
email us: thesprocketpodcast@gmail.com
phone/SMS: 503-847-9774
twitter: @SprocketPodcast
mail things to:

Brock Dittus/The Sprocket Podcast
℅ IPRC
1001 SE Division St
Portland OR 97202

Thanks to our sustaining donors for supporting our show costs:
Logan Smith, JohnnyK, Shadowfoot, Kathrina Mellemgaard, Wayne Norman, Doug Robertson, Ethan Georgi, Justin Martin, Eric Iverson, Cameron Lien, Richard Wezensky, Tim Mooney, Orange & Purple, Glenn Kubish, Matt Kelly, Jim Goodin, Eric Weisz, Doug CohenMiller, Todd Parker, Scott McAllister Morgan, Chris Gonzalez, Dan Gebhart, Zoe Campagna, John Blood, Alison Wiley, Andy Brunner,Dave Knows, Lars V., Chris Smith, Christi Caister, Caleb Jenkinson, JP Kewley, Peanut Butter Jar Matt, Patrick Archain, Gabriel Trainer, Sebastien Poule, Marco Lo, Rich Otterstrom, Andrew Alderson, Drew the Welder, Anna, Krista Skucas, Jon Wasserman, Andre Johnson, Shelly & Troy, Kingof Division, Josh Zisson, Richard G

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E261b Pt.1 Team Grilled By Bike: Exploring Unsharted Territory

Adventure, Beer, Bicycling, Business, Camping, Fun, Mountain Biking, Racing, Touring, Travel

The intrepid crew rides out of Klamath, plays some ping pong, watches a thunderstorm, chops down trees, interviews other bikepackers, and hangs out in a bike shop.

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E247b – Aimee Benner: West Sac Veggie Trike, ECRs, & Carsick bags

Adventure, Bicycling, Business, Cargo, Gardening, Kitchen

Before his tour started, Brock hung out with listener and generous supporter Andy in Sacramento; Andy took him to The Bicycle Business and introduced him to Aimee Benner, an employee of the store who ended up having some fascinating conversation with them.  They cover Carsick Designs’ bags on the Jones H Bar, Brock test rides aSurly ECR, and they talk about the West Sac Veggie Trike and builderCycleTrucks.com!

 

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E241 – THE BEER MONGERS

Adventure, Beer, Bicycling, Business, Camping, Fun, Mountain Biking, Mountains, Racing, Touring, Travel

We pack more people into the studio than ever to celebrate our beverage sponsor, The Beer Mongers!  Sean Campbell is the owner of the shop and talks running their unique establishment, Terry Campbell is his brother who likes bikes, rides cyclocross races for the BMCC team, and Sam Jackson rode up the slopes of Mt. Rainier with Terry.

Terry also mentions Goran Kropp.

Thanks to our generous Patreon donors that keep us going!  Especially Chris Gonzales, who’s in the studio today!

Also: Brock led Bikes + Music Ride #2 & went bike camping, and Aaron went on the Guthrie Ride.

Pedalpalooza Highlights 6/16-6/22 (our pick of each day)

Mail
JohnnyK says life is too short not to be special!

Tim Mooney sends in some #mymonument pictures.  Yeegh.

Jon sends a highwheeler on a Prius’ bike rack.

Marcus in the UK explains what a “pig’s ear” is.

Glenn from Marrowstone Island fills us in on WWII submarine planes.

Fine Print
music: Ryan J. Lane (intro & outro) & Hurtbird (headlines)
web: http://thesprocketpodcast.com
email us: thesprocketpodcast@gmail.com
phone/SMS: 503-847-9774
twitter: @SprocketPodcast
mail things to: Brock Dittus/The Sprocket Podcast, ℅ IPRC, 1001 SE Division St, Portland OR 97202

Thanks to our sustaining donors for supporting our show costs:
Logan Smith, JohnnyK, Shadowfoot, Kathrina Mellemgaard, Wayne Norman, Doug Robertson, Ethan Georgi, Justin Martin, Eric Iverson, Cameron Lien, Richard Wezensky, Tim Mooney, Orange & Purple, Glenn Kubish, Matt Kelly, Jim Goodin, Eric Weisz, Doug CohenMiller, Todd Parker, Scott McAllister Morgan, Chris Gonzalez, Dan Gebhart, Zoe Campagna, John Blood, Alison Wiley, Andy Brunner, Dave Knows, Lars V., Chris Smith, Christi Caister, Caleb Jenkinson, JP Kewley, Peanut Butter Jar Matt, Patrick Archain, Gabriel Trainer, Sebastien Poule, Marco Lo, Rich Otterstrom, Andrew Alderson, Drew the Welder, Anna Olsen, Marco Lo, Rich Otterstrom, Andrew Alderson, Krista Skucas, Jon Wasserman, Andre Johnson

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E232 – Brandon Rhodes, Mychal Tetteh, Scott Davison: Rolling Oasis Expansion

Advocacy, Bicycling, Business, Car Ownership, Cargo, Communication, Kitchen, Simpler Living, Transit, Urban Design

Brandon Rhodes is The Sprocket Podcast’s former cohost, and founder of the bicycle-based local organic produce delivery business Rolling Oasis Grocers.
Scott Davison createdVocoform, an organization that helps people with barriers to advancement find their calling in meaningful work, and powered the startup of Rolling Oasis.
Mychal Tetteh is CEO of theCommunity Cycling Center, a Portland nonprofit with the goal of “broadening access to bicycling and its benefits” that is partnering with Rolling Oasis to expand grocery delivery service to other Portland neighborhoods, particularly those with less access to affordable produce.

This week we discuss how to put the heart and soul back into local business to help people thrive.  Hint: It involves bicycles!  Find the Rolling Oasis Crowdfunding page here.

We’d like to welcome our new beverage sponsor, The Beer Mongers!  Many appreciations to Sean Campbell for keeping us socially lubricated.  And as always, thanks to our generous Patreon donors that keep us going!

Also: Spinlister credit contest: “When did you most need a bike but not have one?”Inspired to Ride film is coming soon & the trailer is now available (4/18 in Portland).

Headlines
copenhagenize.org: Make Life Shine – Yes, You Volvo
Lovely Bicycle: The Bicycle Safety Check: from Mnemonic to Automated Ritual
bikeportland.org: Dear everywhere else: This is how to do a detour. Sincerely, Multnomah County

Mail
Logan finds Volvo Lifepaint, a spray-on reflective for your clothes and bikes.

Twitter thread: James suggests alternate names for private combustion engine vehicles: “carcoon,” “carcophagus;” Orange & Purple add “Sensory Deprivation Chamber.”

Lisa Nims checks in from the field with taxidermy in a bike shop.

Dion sends in some ol’ bullshit from ABC news.

On Overnight Oats, PBJ Matt & Jeremy Mendelson.

On Ski Trains, Jeremy.

On infrequent bus service, Matt.

My Bike Won’t Fit Here: Ethan Georgi photographs “limited” bike parking.

JohnnyK weighs in on oldies & alternate transport.

Update: Path Less Pedaled met a Sprocket listener in Alabama! His name is Dan!

Fine Print
email us: thesprocketpodcast@gmail.com
twitter: @SprocketPodcast
phone in or SMS: 503-847-9774
web: http://thesprocketpodcast.com
music: Ryan J. Lane (intro & outro) & Hurtbird (headlines)

Thanks to our sustaining donors for supporting our show costs:
Logan Smith, JohnnyK, Shadowfoot, Kathrina Mellemgaard, Wayne Norman, Doug Robertson, Ethan Georgi, Justin Martin, Eric Iverson, Cameron Lien, Richard Wezensky, Tim Mooney, Orange & Purple, Glenn Kubish, Matt Kelly, Jim Goodin, Eric Weisz, Doug CohenMiller, Todd Parker, Scott McAllister Morgan, Chris Gonzalez, Dan Gebhart, Zoe Campagna, John Blood, Alison Wiley, Andy Brunner, Dave Knows, Lars V., Chris Smith, Christi Caister, Caleb Jenkinson, JP Kewley, Peanut Butter Jar Matt, Patrick Archain, Gabriel Trainer, Sebastien Poule

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E231 – The Benson Twins: #boatmonth

Adventure, Bicycling, Boats, Business, Camping, Car Sharing, Fun, Kayaking, Skateboarding, Touring, Train Travel, Transit, Travel

Leah Benson is the proprietor ofGladys Bikes, a bike shop catering specifically to the needs of women in Portland, Oregon, and one host of the newly created podcast Snack Parade!
Brian Benson is the author ofGoing Somewhere, a book based on his crosscountry bicycle trip from Wisconsin to Oregon, and is working on creating The River Signal, an audio drama podcast, which will begin production this summer!

We talk about kayaking the Columbia River, sea lions, wearing pants, philosophy around bicycling, and more.  We also unwittingly created #boatmonth on the show!

Maren Souders Skypes in to update us on the petition to provide vegan meal options aboard Amtrak dining cars.

Also: Spinlister credit contest: “When did you most need a bike but not have one?” Inspired to Ride film is coming soon & the trailer is now available (4/18 in Portland).  Rolling Oasis grocers is launching an expansion Kickstarter and hosting an event at Community Cycling Center this thursday!

Donate at Patreon if you’re able to help keep us going!

Headlines

Tom Allen is working on a new film project!

Aaron Green’s We Were Like Sons is funded!

Mail

The stickman’s son takes his first bike ride.

John from Goldendale finds a news story on LA’s newly legal free public gardening.

Gerald offers reverse psychology for angry motorists.

Ethan Georgi deals with parent drivers in school zones and makes an effort to maintain a zen-like calm.

Jim Goodin eschews earbuds while riding his bike and cranks the iPhone speaker.

Harm in NZ shares an awesome cycling/skating documentary.

Maren Souders sent us some car-sharing news.

Peanut butter jar Matt shares a few links on voluntarily limiting your technology.
Wired: Artificial Light May Be Harmful
Good Reads: 4 Arguments for the Elimination of Television

Glenn from Marrowstone Island has a suggestion for more compassionate automobility.

Path Less Pedaled met a Sprocket listener in Alabama!

Marcus Graham is shining up an old bike for a touring event!

Bicycle-towed tiny home gypsy wagon, found on Facebook & shared by David Griffiths

JohnnyK comments on the cost of living and says we’d better step up our game to compete with #YEGbike!

Fine Print
email us: thesprocketpodcast@gmail.com
twitter: @SprocketPodcast
phone in or SMS: 503-847-9774
web: http://thesprocketpodcast.com
music: Ryan J. Lane (intro & outro) & Hurtbird (headlines)

Thanks to our sustaining donors for supporting our show costs:
Logan Smith, JohnnyK, Shadowfoot, Kathrina Mellemgaard, Wayne Norman, Doug Robertson, Ethan Georgi, Justin Martin, Eric Iverson, Cameron Lien, Richard Wezensky, Tim Mooney, Orange & Purple, Glenn Kubish, Matt Kelly, Jim Goodin, Eric Weisz, Doug CohenMiller, Todd Parker, Scott McAllister Morgan, Chris Gonzalez, Dan Gebhart, Zoe Campagna, John Blood, Alison Wiley, Andy Brunner, Dave Knows, Lars V., Chris Smith, Christi Caister, Caleb Jenkinson, JP Kewley, Matt B., Patrick Archain, Gabriel Trainer, Sebastien Poule

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E229 – Jenn Dederich: Portland Pedal Power

Adventure, Advocacy, Bicycling, Business, Car Ownership, Cargo, Kitchen, Touring, Travel, Urban Design

Jenn Dederich is the CEO of Portland Pedal Power, a bicycle delivery service that is focused on delivering local goods to hungry people.  We talk about the mechanics of the operation, the value of working with local businesses, and a few adventures that Jenn’s had when not running the company.

Also: Spinlister credit contest: “When did you most need a bike but not have one?”Inspired to Ride film is coming soon (4/18 in Portland), Brock had beers with a few listeners and got yelled at on Foster Road, and Aaron’s posterior is sore.

Donate at Patreon if you’re able to help keep us going!

Headlines
Oregonian: Portland’s rents rose at nation’s sixth-fastest rate, study finds
realtor.org: NAR Study: Accelerating Housing Costs Have Renters Feeling the Squeeze

Mail
Ed in Phoenix wants to stick up for his city!

Matt B shares overnight oats.

Andrew shares good news about Colorado’s Ski Train.

Patrick takes his first commute of the year on the east coast.

Logan shares a map of reported bike thefts in Portland.

Marcus thinks this Toronto Blue Jays pitcher is pretty awesome. He lives in a van.

JohnnyK points us toward a human powered ferris wheel.

Fine Print
email us: thesprocketpodcast@gmail.com
twitter: @SprocketPodcast
phone in or SMS: 503-847-9774
web: http://thesprocketpodcast.com
music: Ryan J. Lane (intro & outro) & Hurtbird (headlines)

Thanks to our sustaining donors for supporting our show costs:
Logan Smith, JohnnyK, Shadowfoot, Kathrina Mellemgaard, Wayne Norman, Doug Robertson, Ethan Georgi, Justin Martin, Eric Iverson, Cameron Lien, Richard Wezensky, Tim Mooney, Orange & Purple, Glenn Kubish, Matt Kelly, Jim Goodin, Eric Weisz, Doug CohenMiller, Todd Parker, Scott McAllister Morgan, Chris Gonzalez, Dan Gebhart, Zoe Campagna, John Blood, Alison Wiley, Andy Brunner, Dave Knows, Lars V., Chris Smith, Christi Caister, Caleb Jenkinson, JP Kewley, Matt B., Patrick Archain, Gabriel Trainer

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E218b – Emily Thibodeau & Josh Zisson: Hub Powderworks

Bicycling, Building, Business, Mechanics, Technology, The Law

Hub Powderworks is the new project from our friends in Cambridge, MA – Josh Zisson, whom we’ve interviewed before, and Emily Thibodeau, the woman behind Hub Bicycle Co. We talk a little about the unique aspects of her shop, and then we discuss retro-reflection and how you get it onto your bicycle frame.

Hub Powderworks is licensed byHalo Coatings to offer their patented retro-reflective powder coat for individual bicycle frames.  Since we recorded the interview, prices have lowered!
$329 for customers local to Boston and $419 for bicycles shipped in & out of the shop from elsewhere.  Visit hubpowderworks.com for details.

Fine Print
email us: thesprocketpodcast@gmail.com
twitter: @SprocketPodcast
phone in or SMS: 503-847-9774
web:http://thesprocketpodcast.com
music: Ryan J. Lane (intro & outro) & Hurtbird (headlines)

Thanks to our sustaining donors for supporting our show costs:
Logan Smith, JohnnyK,Shadowfoot, Kathrina Mellemgaard, Wayne Norman, Doug Robertson, Ethan Georgi,Justin Martin, Eric Iverson, Cameron Lien, Richard Wezensky, Tim Mooney, Orange & Purple, Glenn Kubish, Matt Kelly, Jim Goodin, Eric Weisz, Doug CohenMiller, Todd Parker, Scott McAllister Morgan, Chris Gonzalez, Dan Gebhart, Zoe Campagna, John Blood, Alison Wiley

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E213 – Alison Wiley: Rich In What Matters

Advocacy, Air Travel, Bicycling, Business, Car Ownership, Car Sharing, Communication, Downsizing, Simpler Living, Transit, Travel, Walking

Alison Wiley blogs at Diamond Cut Life on simpler living for better quality of life; we can’t get enough of her common sense advice on matters like cold winter house heating, living like a salmon for an epic life, and using transit to break away on your vacation, and her recent discovery of ethical clothing company 541 Threads inspired her to get back in touch for another show.  Plus: we swear less when we talk to her!

Also: Brock rents a Prius through RelayRides, and Aaron takes a folding bike onto theworst airline ever.  We also briefly discuss curling, the mysticism of the morning hours, and mention the Better World Shopping Guide & Alison’s novel, Revelle!

Headlines

via Bike Portland, The NY Times: Finding a Salve for His Depression on Two Wheels

Mail

Jim in NY made some music by bike!

Drew’s cape isn’t our bag, but he’s hoping his Showers Pass jacket will be.

Dan’s hibernating bike in MN:

Fine Print
email us: thesprocketpodcast@gmail.com
twitter: @SprocketPodcast
phone in or SMS: 503-847-9774
web: http://thesprocketpodcast.com
music: Ryan J. Lane (intro & outro) & Hurtbird (headlines)

Thanks to our sustaining donors for supporting our show costs:
Logan Smith, JohnnyK, Shadowfoot, Kathrina Mellemgaard, Wayne Norman, Doug Robertson, Ethan Georgi, Justin Martin, Eric Iverson, Cameron Lien, Richard Wezensky, Tim Mooney, Orange & Purple, Glenn Kubish, Matt Kelly, Jim Goodin, Eric Weisz, Doug CohenMiller, Todd Parker, Scott McAllister Morgan, Chris Gonzalez, Dan Gebhart, Zoe Campagna, John Blood, Alison Wiley

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