Category Archives: Business

E063 – Amos’ Touring Stories

February 6, 2012Bicycling, Business, Travelsprocketpodcast

Amos Hunter rejoins us at the Sprocket Podcast for a discussion of some of his bicycle touring mishaps, and he also brings a game of “Guess the Bicycle” with him!

We also discuss:
Greg Hum visits, Best Bands Ever 2012, BU Bridge bike lanes & the Liveable Streets Alliance in Boston, MA

and an extra bit of audio with Amos describing his new shaving method.

Headlines
BikePortland: the City of Beaverton plans a downtown redesign more friendly to bikes and pedestrians
BikePortland: bicycle fashion show seeks models for event
Taking the Lane: many photos demonstrate how NOT to lock your bike
PathLessPedaled: Damian Day outruns his disabilities by cycling up to 10,000km a year
RowdyKittens: after giving it a solid try, Tammy Strobel decides to get an iPhone

Mailbag
Carl from CA: “I was checking out this site: alpacka rafts. Totally funky and functional @ the same time. In one section they mention a couple of crazy dudes that ‘bikerafted’ the Alaskan Lost Coast: http://lostcoastbike.blogspot.com/ it looked real gnarly!”

Logan in PDX: “The story of stuff now has a podcast!”

Rance via Facbook: “LOVE THE KIDDICAL MASS idea. We had a Critcal mass a few years ago and I really didn’t like the negative vibe. I ride everyday and don’t want to piss off drivers. I thought we were going to ride as a group to show that there were a lot of us on bike, but many used it as a chance to yell at cars and ride like an idiot. Keep up the great work!”

Katie Proctor shares a link to the video of a Mom bicycling with 6 kids aboard!

JohnnyK submits an article from the distant past and a modern solution from instructables.com for carrying children in bicycle sidecars.

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)

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Stickers are now available!

December 16, 2011Advocacy, Bicycling, Businesssprocketpodcast

Just in time – perhaps a tad late for Christmas, but for personal holiday of the heart, we’ve received our first run of bike-sized stickers from Bike Punk and want to make them available to you if you want one. Here’s what the stickers look like (they are about 4 inches in width):

Here’s the deal: we’d like to send these to anyone who wants them for a minimal donation. The stickers cost about 50 cents to make, these days a stamp is about 50 cents, and PayPal’s fees are about 30 cents plus a small cut of the donation amount. So if you can send us a donation of $1.50 we can send you one sticker; add another 50 cents for each additional sticker you would like sent to you. Remember to specify which color scheme (black background or white background) and amounts you wish for, and above all, include your address so we know where to send your sticker!

Portland residents can message us and arrange cash for the stickers at just 50 cents each, and Brock or Brandon might be able to deliver them personally! Or say hello if you see us in public and ask if we have some on us.

Bike Punk prints on USA-made vinyl with eco-conscious ink using renewable energy and a really neat printer! They also have a delightful assortment of their own sticker designs, among other things.

Thanks, and happy holidays!

Brock + Brandon

E054 – Franklin Jones: B-Line Sustainable Urban Delivery

December 5, 2011Bicycling, Business, Cargo, Technologysprocketpodcast

This week we talk with Franklin Jones, founder and visionary for Portland-based B-Line Sustainable Urban Delivery, the company that delivers cargo to businesses by electrically assisted tricycle. We discuss the difference between a courier service and established route delivery, their delivery radius, Dave’s Killer Bread, working for David Evans & Associates, B-Line’s beginnings and the Boston-based company (MetroPed) that helped inspire it, contracting with the city’s office suppliers, the re-opening of the Morrison Bridge, Cycles Maximus Trikes and the Stites Design Truck Trike, bridge problems, B Corporations as a new business movement, working with nonprofits like Sisters of the Road, etc.

Brock talks about getting his saddle stolen and his new security configuration, And Brandon briefly describes his insomnia while enjoying a candy cane.

Mailbag
Gus gave us the whole quote: “”Lies, damned lies and statistics” -Mark Twain

Filmed By Bike says: “Thanks for talking about Filmed by Bike Lounge at Bike Craft! Hope to see you there. Come hang out in The Lounge with us. BTW – you should have Amos on more often. Your threesome was hilarious.”

Carl sends a care package of links: picture of a bike for 10, and some great bike stickers at http://peacesupplies.org/; and in response to Brandon’s turkey stuffing photo: “I am not even going to look at a grown man “stuffing” a turkey. Aren’t there laws in Oregon about that kind of behavior? Isn’t he married now? I am saying that now but perverted curiosity may get the best of me….”

JohnnyK comments: “You guys rock! I think I am going to post something for every show now. Something totally off subject and useless. It’s not like I am going to offend anyone since I am the only one that is posting on the website. BTW is your mailbag a pannier, messenger, or backpack?”and also gives some posterior boil advice. Then he donates enough for two growlers, so I guess we have to read his comments 😀

The Belle Starrs send us their sexy, sexy new calendar as a Christmas gift along with a sweet note. If you’re interested, you can get one here.

Headlines
Portland Transport: TriMet considers Bus Rapid Transit options
REI via listener Blayne: a great article about Merino Wool and how to choose yours
TriMet Diaries: what to do when a fare inspector boards your MAX train
BikePortland: Pedal Powered Talk Show begins production in Portland
BikePortland: historic and legendary “Bike Swarm” in solidarity with Occupy movement

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E038 – Lance Poehler: Edible Cycles

August 16, 2011Alternate Fuels, Bicycling, Business, Rafting, Technology, Travelsprocketpodcast

We sit down with Lance Poehler of Edible Cycles this week for our first live show since before the summer. We discuss: pedalpalooza rides, bamboo trailers, touring to San Francisco, Edible Cycles, USB converters and dyno hubs, volunteer work with the Lloyd TMA, Benson High School pedestrian problems, building a bike corrall, and more.

Also: We didn’t forget about the survey – someone gets $10!, Thanks Logan for another donation (Wrench Raiders got their trike!), Listener Carl shares a Woody Guthrie documentary with us on our facebook page.

Headlines
EcoVelo via Loagan: The Commuting Paradox (long commutes cancel out the benefits of suburbia)
BikePortland: Tori Bortman tells how to optimize your ride for long haul touring
PathLessPedaled: Dan Price is the Tallest Hobbit I Know
StreetsBlog via BikePortland: SF appoints a transit director who actually uses the system(Ed Reiskin)
GreenGarbageProject: if you don’t like toothpaste’s packaging, you can make your own

Music
“Keeping It Quiet” by Mnemonic Sounds from their 2010 release “Muscle Memories.” they are playing MusicFest Northwest on September 8th at 8pm, opening for Little Dragon and Unknown Mortal Orchestra at the Hawthorne Theater! www.mnemonicsounds.com

Drinks
Brandon drinks the Lagunitas Imperial Stout, Lance drinks the Total Domination from Ninkasi, and Brock drinks a can of PBR that Brandon found floating in the river.

bike racks at the Lloyd District Doubletree Hotel

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E031 – Jed Lazar: SoupCycle

June 21, 2011Bicycling, Business, Cargo, Kitchensprocketpodcast

Jed Lazar of SoupCycle joins us to talk about the origin and excellence of his local food delivery business, which revolves around human power and bicycle trailers!

Jed was also nice enough to offer a SoupCycle discount for Sprocket Podcast listeners – use discount code “Brock” for half off your first week of soup delivery!

We discuss: deliveries to Souplandistan and Soupvallis, Bainbridge Graduate Institute and a project that turned into a business, bicycles are simple business models, owning cars = driving all the time, summer job as a pedicab driver, logistics of soupmaking and delivery, “quit your job,” using local and organic ingredients, coconuts are a tropical fruit, “no margin, no mission” says New Seasons head, mistaken for a homeless person, “whatcha got in there?”, traveling with CityBikes buckets, trailers from Blue Sky Cycle Carts, which are also used by Wingnut Confections, stopping with disc brakes, started with a recumbent electrical assist, batteries won’t last 30 miles and are heavy, currently using aRaleigh Sojourn, Brooks saddles, a friend inspires a love for the outdoors, voluntary simplicity and neighborhood investment, http://soupcycle.com, SoupCycle discount for Sprocket listeners

Headlines
BikePortland: Tori Bortman shows you how to take care of your brakes & wheel rims;Oregonian: helmets filled with cardboard do a better job protecting your head than the usual ones; Bike Trailer Blog: cutest bike train ever

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E030 – John Boblett: Portland Pedalounge

June 14, 2011Beer, Bicycling, Business, Technologysprocketpodcast

John Boblett, the man behind Portland Pedalounge, joins us to explain his journey into owning and operating a pedal-powered party machine.

ALSO: It’s still survey month! give us your input on the show and enter our contest to win $10!

We discuss: intro from memory, LOLcats, tuition pays for dinner, Pedalpalooza kicks off!,Cirque du Cycling and the chopper Brock noticed, Prince vs. David Bowie dance partyand massive stereo systems, Lance from Edible Cycles and his trailer, dancing in a graveyard to “Thriller,” born the day that James Dean died, stranded in Minnesota, Brock mixes metaphors, Northeast Portland neighbors shake hands, John’s first bicycle: a Schwinn with backpedal shift, Minneapolis as #1 Bicycle City, Dr. Seuss & the Lorax, Brandon & John beatbox, Darren & his Australian accent, the word “whilst,” the “Farmer Blow” method of blowing one’s nose, meeting the bicycle dealer, literally kicking the tires, rolling with a keg in Europe, other operations in Minneapolis MN, Austin TX, Bend OR, etc., difficulties with the OLCC, Brock’s phone rings, red tape can be fun, 2 hour tours, meetup at Amnesia Brewpub and visit Prost, Saraveza, Lucky Lab, etc., iPod hookup, how does it handle?, www.pedalounge.com, beer talk

Headlines
All over the Internet: NYC filmmaker Casey Neistat demonstrates the problem with blocked bike lanes
M-Bike via BikePortland: Amtrak to offer roll-on bicycle service throughout Michigan
Ron Con Coca Cola: NYC is a 3 way street
PathLessPedaled: Farm Stays are an innovative way to connect with the land and meet people
Low Tech Magazine via Logan: the forgotten future of the stationary bike

Drinks
Brandon tries the Samuel Smith Oatmeal Stout from Tadcaster, John drinks the Bridgeport Hop Czar, and Brock enjoys the Kirin Ichiban – “Brewed For Good Times.”

Music
“Headlong Into the Abyss” by We Are Augustines from their 2011 release Rise Ye Sunken Ships. www.weareaugustines.com

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E029 – Jason “Bison” Morgan: Arbutus Builders

June 6, 2011Business, Housing, Technologysprocketpodcast

Jason “Bison” Morgan of Arbutus Builders joins us to talk sustainable construction and cooperative economics. Also: Take our Listener Survey!

BONUS: two minutes of us discussing the iCloud and laugh tracks.

We discuss: Newport aquarium and migrating eyes, Yaquina Head Outstanding Natural Area, Cycle Wild at McIver State Park (and free cake!), beard talk, hot Portland weather, sleeping bag liners, “open your f***ing beer, Brock!”, world naked bike ride, Multnomah County Bike Fair, son of a resource extractor, Cascadia Forest Alliance, joining the carpenters’ union, boson, Bark (a Cycle Wild affiliate) keeps an eye on forestry issues, tree sitting stories, the Burro Lady, listener David donates and we laud him, an anonymous listener suggests we interview Dan Price of Moonlight Chronicles, Cheese89 gives us aniTunes review, June is survey month! You could win $10 if you take one!, The Sprocket dispenses pre-recorded interviews like a PEZ machine, workers’ cooperatives, Big Timberworks in Montana, sustainability & remodeling, the Levitt post-war model, remodeling waste, socially responsible business models, the triple bottom line, “is getting a job equal to selling out?”, Western Worker Cooperative Conference, Red & Black Cafe,solidarity economics, capitalism and Batman, cargo bikes and Arbutus’ custom rig being built by Adrian, beer talk

Headlines
Shift2Bikes: It’s Pedalpalooza! June 9-26 will be packed with bikey fun;
BikePortland: Southwest Airlines waives their bicycle fees for June 9-26 in honor of Pedalpalooza!
BikePortland: Industrial designer, boat builder team up to build a plywood cargo bike; BikePortland: Beach School in Portland has a huge bike train that gets kids to school safely;
PathLessPedaled: Can Bicycles Save Small Town America? a national bike route system might help.

Drinks
Brock drinks a Hamms tallboy, Bison drinks an Oatis Stout from Ninkasi Brewing, and Brandon relishes the Mirror Pond Pale Ale from Deschutes Brewery.

Music
Centrevol, “On A Roll,” from their 2010 EP Momentum

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E026 – Michael Andersen: Portland Afoot

May 16, 2011Bicycling, Business, Communication, Technology, Transit, Walkingsprocketpodcast

Michael Andersen, founder of local life newsmagazine Portland Afoot, joins us to discuss his fine publication, transit culture, and transportation politics. And is also a fine, upstanding gentleman. (and he’s giving a discount subscription to podcast listeners! enter the code “sprocket” when you subscribe)

We discuss: Brandon goes to Tacoma, Brock goes to Wonder Northwest, the Star Wars Holiday Special, Muppet Star Wars, Space Ghost Coast-To-Coast, CodeForGood.net,thesprocketpodcast.com, Amos suggests Portland Cascadia Pedicabs, Blayne on Vancouver Island is getting a tandem, National Association of Rail Passengers, Jeff’s excited, Steve in Glasgow’s wee nocturnal cycle, Rate That Beer, “The Dutch Country” (AKA The Netherlands), Michael chooses the gong for his friend Alisa, Swan Island bus story, driver Dan Christensen, ATU, what the media does best, Microcosm Publishing, band name, worst day at the magazine, Eberhardt Press, Alexander & the Terrible, Horrible, No Good, Very Bad Day, bus people vs. bike people, Unified Field Theory of TriMet (which is actually a special case of his Unified Field Theory of Portland), articulated buses, open data policy & transit apps, texting TriMet at 27299, what makes transit worth its costs (have you heard about the Columbia River Crossing?), bike-curious, student ID bus pass program and its fate, discount subscription, beer talk.

Headlines
SF Gate via BikePortland: more and more people are wearing their office clothes on the bike commute
PathLessPedaled: 5 ways to be a bicycle-friendly business (Brock’s favorite? roll into the rooms)
Oregonian: Transit agency TriMet honors 3 generations of female bus operators for Mothers’ Day
Copenhagenize via BikePortland: nothing could be cuter than little girls riding tiny cargo bikes

Drinks
Brandon reprises the Miller High Life sans skanky pinup girl, Michael drinks the Fearless Brewing Company’s Scottish Ale, and Brock downs a Southern Oregon Brewing’s Woodshed Red.

Music
“Book of James” from the upcoming We Are Augustines project Rise Ye Sunken Ships.www.weareaugustines.com

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E018 – Joshua DeParrie: The Bicycle Plumber

March 22, 2011Bicycling, Business, Walkingsprocketpodcast

Joshua DeParrie is a service plumber, but with a very interesting catch: he gets around, both to and from his worksites, by bicycle! We had him in for an entertaining and informative explanation of how that works. His website for St. Francis Plumbing iswww.bicycleplumber.com

We discuss: Hillstomp puts on an awesome show, Brandon is quitting his job, Jon stalks us on the facebooks, french names, send us your stories, help us design a new logo, we should podcast our morning coffee, The Railroad Revival Tour with Mumford & Sons &Edward Sharpe and the Magnetic Zeroes, PathLessPedaled.com: how to talk to your partner about bike touring, and folding bikes secreted onto airplanes, The Lazy Randonneur: why I don’t dress up like a traffic cone, BikePortland.org: a bike/transit damage case turns out OK, Bike Trailer Blog: go to the ski slopes by bike, drinking in the ski lodge, how does a plumber get around by bike? On a Kona Ute, of course, Black Oak trailers, growing up on bike/on foot in Portland, inspired by not liking large trucks, paradigm shift, motivations, localized life, gas boycotts and the fungability of oil, “digging ourselves into a hole of cynicism,” “wondering if it was really going to work,” substituting a bike for a truck is like LOTR, tools and tool bags, “I don’t carry everything with me all of the time,” going to the store is inevitable, Forest Heights and Portland’s east/west side class battle, Marvin Gaye is dead, malt liquor tastes like formaldehyde or the floor of a WalMart, the real angry bird, close encounter with a falcon, Saint Francis and his connection to nature, Portland could become a car-free city, Jerusalem’s tiny streets, Bicycle City [which is actually planned for North Carolina!], create a socially conscious market demand, “Copenhagen left,” bicycle plumber aspirations, the Sawzall is awesome, incentives, “Supportland,” the bicycle plumber is like Rosa Parks, not so much like Joe the Plumber, pace of life, Phoenix to Portland in a U-haul, walking is best, monads, Sting & The Police’s “Synchronicity II” and Dire Straits’ “Industrial Disease”

Drinks
Brandon – Fish Tale Organic India Pale Ale from Olympia WA, Brock & Joshua: Ninkasi Total Domination IPA from Eugene OR.

Music
“I Can’t Wait” from Seattle-based Explone‘s newest album Dreamers/Lovers released in 2010.

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The Sprocket Podcast

simplifying the good life

Category Archives: Business

E063 – Amos’ Touring Stories

Stickers are now available!

E054 – Franklin Jones: B-Line Sustainable Urban Delivery

E038 – Lance Poehler: Edible Cycles

E031 – Jed Lazar: SoupCycle

E030 – John Boblett: Portland Pedalounge

E029 – Jason “Bison” Morgan: Arbutus Builders

E026 – Michael Andersen: Portland Afoot

E018 – Joshua DeParrie: The Bicycle Plumber