Category Archives: Communication

E309 – Live at Pie-A-Thon 2016!

Art, Bicycling, Communication, Fun, Kitchen, Music, Performance, Travel, Urban Design

Brock & Aaron made an appearance at Pie-A-Thon 2016 in Portland, Oregon as both event hosts and featured performers.  Here’s their chat with Djinn Maury of Violin Secrets who creates amazing, beautiful soundscapes as a street performer.  His performances, such as this one from Portland’s Last Thursday event on NE Alberta Street, are well worth watching.  We totally forgot to mention that he hauls all of his equipment by bicycle, too!

Brock & Aaron also chat about making pies and chat with their friend Mark who was leading a group of friends who dropped in during a birthday ride, and event coordinator Trent Price of bands Lumberjack and Owl Antique shares his thoughts on the benefits of sharing creativity.  If you’re interested in how the emceeing went down, we’ve included a bit of that at the end as well!  And special thanks to our friends who came out to join us, including Eric, Aqua, Jon & Katie, Billy, Steven and Bob!

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E308 – Aubrey Anderson: Runcible

Communication, Downsizing, Simpler Living, Technology, Urban Design, Walking

Today a remote conversation with Aubrey Anderson, the designer/developer ofRuncible, the circular “anti-smartphone.”  What do you do when you’re tired of seeing people stare down blankly at a rectangle?  Reinvent the darned thing.  Runcible is a legacy electronic, designed to last and constructed of quality & socially responsible materials, and it’s specially calibrated to enahnce your interactions with the world around you, not distract you from it.  And you can carry it on a stylish chain!  Visit the IndieGoGo page for more info, or the theMonohm site.

Also: Aaron is pretty sure he’s not concussed (at least that’s what he’s saying).

Calendar
July 30: Pie-a-Thon 2016
August 11: Pam Nichols Art Show at Western Bike Works Tigard 6pm
August 14: Bike Scout Scavenger Hunt

Headlines
From the verge.com via Logan Smith
These ultra-tough socks almost stopped me wearing shoes

Biketown contract forces users to waive their legal rights – unless they act quickly

And also This Musical Double Negative

Mail
From Cristi : Vernors is the best ginger ale!

From Todd T in Helena, MT: Vernors is a cure-all!

From Aqua D in PDX: E204 is full of cute interactions between two star-crossed lovers.

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
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, Andy Brunner, Dave Knows, Chris Smith, Christi Caister, Caleb Jenkinson, JP Kewley, Peanut Butter Jar Matt, Patrick Archain, Sebastien Poule, Marco Lo, Rich Otterstrom, Andrew Alderson, Drew the Welder, Anna, Krista, Jon Wasserman, Andre Johnson, Shelly & Troy, Kingof Division, Josh Zisson, Richard G, Guthrie Straw, Christopher Barnett, Branden Shelby, Kampcite, Aaron Green, Mac Nurse David, Kathryn Minchin, Nathan Poulton, Chris Rawson, Rory Closz, Michael Flournoy, Jeremy Kitchen

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E303 – Joe Kurmaskie: Too Metal Cowboy

Adventure, Advocacy, Bicycling, Camping, Car Ownership, Communication, Downsizing, Fun, Hair, Handcycling, Health, Simpler Living, Touring, Travel

Joe Kurmaskie, famously known as bicycle touring storyteller The Metal Cowboy, joins us to tell some stories from the road, update us on his hereditary genetic disorder he recently discovered he was living with and what he’s doing to help others it affects, and discuss some local politics and social responsibilities.  Expect the rich and entertaining style you’ve come to expect from the cowboy – he brings it!

Visit ironitout.org to learn more about Hereditary Hemochromatosis (Iron Overload).
Find Joe and his new book Falling Down In Public at metalcowboy.com

 

Also: Brock had an epic weekend with Grilled By Bike and Aaron and Anna almost missed the Prince/Bowie ride

Calendar
June 15: Biking Vikings!
June 18: The 3rd Annual Bike Mechanic Challenge! (SOLD OUT!)
June 21: The Pollen Ride! (NEW DATE)
June 24: The Little Lebowski Urban Achiever Ride (NEW DATE)
July 16: Brompton Urban Challenge!
August 11: Pam Nichols Art Show at Western Bike Works
All Summer: Outer Rim Bicycles + Gateway Brewing – Fridays & Saturdays 12-6

Mail
Whoa!  iTunes review describes us as “Sriracha sauce for my brain!”

Mark still has our Team Sincerity spoke card!

Mac-Nurse David passes along “Where are my pants”

Logan from shows us an all wheel drive bike

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
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, Andy Brunner, Dave Knows, Chris Smith, Christi Caister, Caleb Jenkinson, JP Kewley, Peanut Butter Jar Matt, Patrick Archain, Sebastien Poule, Marco Lo, Rich Otterstrom, Andrew Alderson, Drew the Welder, Anna, Krista, Jon Wasserman, Andre Johnson, Shelly & Troy, Kingof Division, Josh Zisson, Richard G, Guthrie Straw, Christopher Barnett, Branden Shelby, Kampcite, Aaron Green, Mac Nurse David, Kathryn Minchin, Nathan Poulton, Chris Rawson, Rory Closz

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E302 – Sysfail Talks Bike Fun

Beer, Bicycling, Communication, Fun, The Law, Transit, Urban Design

Brian Sysfail returns after a too-long-time to chat with us about Portland Autonomous Zone (PAZ), skillsharing, and the many great opportunities that Portland’s season of bike fun brings with the advent of Pedalpalooza!  We discuss how to lead or participate in a group ride, some etiquette points, and the politics of cameras.

Also: Brock rode 100 miles in 100 degrees, and Aaron rode a brompton around the horse track.

And: lots of E300 goodies! Monologues, Heinz Stücke, Brother Dan, &Mechanic Dudebro.

Thanks to our generous sponsor The Beer Mongers and our Patreon donors that keep us going!

Calendar
June 10: The Little Lebowski Urban Achiever Ride
June 11: Grilled By Bike!
June 11: The Last Bowie/Prince Ride
June 15: Biking Vikings!
June 18: The 3rd Annual Bike Mechanic Challenge! (SOLD OUT!)
June 21: The Pollen Ride! (NEW DATE)
July 16: Brompton Urban Challenge!

Headlines
From the Salt Lake Tribune: Unique internship: Travel 10,000 miles in 38 days in 15 states

From bikeportland.org: BTA will change name, expand mission to walking, transit and political action

Mail
from Kampcite:  “No. You definitely should not pee in the shower.”

Tim Mooney: “We need more ironic dudebro episodes… Basically this could be its own show.“

From PBJ Matt: Comes With Baggage, the documentary.

Orange is able to hook up a friend with LA bike camping knowledge!

Jim rode 73 miles!

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

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, Andy Brunner, Dave Knows, Chris Smith, Christi Caister, Caleb Jenkinson, JP Kewley, Peanut Butter Jar Matt, Patrick Archain, Sebastien Poule, Marco Lo, Rich Otterstrom, Andrew Alderson, Drew the Welder, Anna, Krista, Jon Wasserman, Andre Johnson, Shelly & Troy, Kingof Division, Josh Zisson, Richard G, Guthrie Straw, Christopher Barnett, Branden Shelby, Kampcite, Aaron Green, Mac Nurse David, Kathryn Minchin, Nathan Poulton, Chris Rawson, Rory Closz

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E300b – Heinz Stücke Travels The World for 50 Years

Adventure, Beer, Bicycling, Camping, Communication, Downsizing, Fun, History, Housing, Kitchen, Simpler Living, Touring, Travel, Weather

For part of our 300th episode gala, how could we possibly avoid sharing the many stories and perspectives of one Heinz Stücke, especially when he came to Portland?

Heinz is promoting his new book, Home Is Elsewhere, as he cycles across America.  He’s been everywhere, man, and has some wisdom to share on nearly every aspect of living on the road.  He’s been sponsored by Brompton, everyone’s favorite folding bicycle company, since 2009, who has helped bring his book to the presses and on to the public!

Thanks to Clever Cycles in Portland, Oregon for hosting this informal session.  Like we said, he’s been everywhere, so this Q&A lasts for almost two hours.  Our recording got the whole room so it’s a little echo-y.  But it’s all good stuff!  We hope you enjoy hearing from this legendary icon of bicycle touring.

Oh yeah, Shawn Granton did a write-up on this event too!

And if you want even more Heinz, former Sprocket Podcast guests Travelling Two also did an interview with him back in 2010!

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E300x – EXMAS SPECIAL Dan “Wolfman Kah-kah-kah-kow” Flores Calls In

Beer, Bicycling, Communication, Fun, Technology, Transit, Travel, Urban Design

As Aaron said on twitter the other day:

“Dear family, if you call during recording times, I will answer it and plug you into our mixing board. You’ve been warned. Love, aaron.”

Guess who called right before we rolled tape on Episode 300?
That’s right!
DAN FLORES!

(Aaron’s brother, for those who don’t already know him from the first EXmas Special)

We engage in general FM DJ radio jackassery, promote THE BEER MONGERS at SE Division & 12th, then talk helmets and their warranties, Portland’s mayoral politics, Dan coming to Portland, riding the Columbia Gorge Express, and finally math theory and heresy and The Pet Shop Boys.

What a ride!

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E300 – THE BIG ONE

Adventure, Advocacy, Beer, Bicycling, Camping, Car Ownership, Car Sharing, Communication, Downsizing, Fun, History, Housing, Kitchen, Simpler Living, Technology, Touring, Train Travel, Transit, Travel, Urban Design

Well, this is it.  We made it to 300 episodes, and, rather than go big with a live event like we have for previous milestone episodes, we decided to go small and dive into our own internal process on bicycling, the simpler life, and our relationship with you, the listener. Brock & Aaron do a little intro banter, and then both of us recorded monologues that we hope are enlightening, encouraging, and express our grateful attitude toward your repeat visits to our little show every week.

Thanks so much for listening! We wouldn’t be here without you.

also: Brock hiked in central Oregon and tried to help a phoneless guy, and Aaron saw lifetime bicycle tourist Heinz Stucke.  Look for audio from his appearance atClever Cycles in our feed soon!

Thanks to our generous sponsor The Beer Mongers and our Patreon donors that keep us going!

Calendar
June 10: The Little Lebowski Urban Achiever Ride
June 11: The Last Bowie/Prince Ride
June 11: Grilled By Bike!
June 15: The Pollen Ride!  Comisserate with fellow allergen-sufferers
June 18: The 3rd Annual Bike Mechanic Challenge!
July 16: Brompton Urban Challenge!

Headlines

Columbia Gorge Express opens up bus service to areas east of Portland for carless people!

WBUR covers move by bike in Portland! Thanks for the link, Josh G.

Mail

Tim from Pedalshift shares the can opener hack.

Jim in NY talks about getting into a collision, observing a grief and our influence on his thought process.

Chris in Denver shares his self-defense strategy: pepper spray, mounted on the handlebars.

Swiftly, a classy transit app, is launching in Portland.

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

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, Andy Brunner, Dave Knows, Chris Smith, Christi Caister, Caleb Jenkinson, JP Kewley, Peanut Butter Jar Matt, Patrick Archain, Sebastien Poule, Marco Lo, Rich Otterstrom, Andrew Alderson, Drew the Welder, Anna, Krista, Jon Wasserman, Andre Johnson, Shelly & Troy, Kingof Division, Josh Zisson, Richard G, Guthrie Straw, Christopher Barnett, Branden Shelby, Kampcite, Aaron Green, Mac Nurse David, Kathryn Minchin, Nathan Poulton, Chris Rawson

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E297 – Meg Keys: Radio & Redevelopments

Adventure, Advocacy, Beer, Bicycling, Communication, Fun, History, Theft, Transit, Travel, Urban Design

Meg Keys from the KBOO Bike Show, and, you know, Portland.  As well as New York, Chicago, and other towns.  We chat bicycling and culture in hip cities, and how she thinks about change, redevelopment and gentrification.  We also got a bike touring story out of her!

Filmed By Bike
BTA’s Bike More

Also: Brock bicycle camped over the weekend & Aaron got some candy from his mom, and was dubbed “champion” by Walk+Bike People!

Thanks to our generous sponsor The Beer Mongers and our Patreon donors that keep us going!

Calendar

5/6,7,8/16 Filmed By Bike at the Hollywood Theatre with (off) Street Party at Velo Cult bike shop on Friday 5/6 5-9:30pm
May 15 and throughout the summer – Sunday Parkways needs volunteers!
May 18: Music + Bikes: Guilty Pleasures (the ride returns!)
June 10 The Little Lebowski Urban Achiever Ride
June 15 – The Pollen Ride!  Comisserate with fellow allergen-sufferers 6:15pm at the Vera Katz Statue
June 18 – The 3rd Annual Bike Mechanic Challenge! from 6:30 PM to 10:00 PM at velo cult

Mail

New donor Nathan Poulton!  Thanks!

Voicemail from Scott in CA!

David would have loved to have been able to find his Kona that was stolen back in June. BikeIndex.org is the solution!

Tim Mooney from Pedashift.net shares a transit nerdery timetable for getting back to PDX after a southbound coastal tour:

Day 1
Brookings to North Bend (Curry County transit)7:20am – 10:35am
Ride North Bend to Honeyman SP. Camp overnight.

Day 2
Finish off Honeyman to Yachats (70miles total from Brookings)
Yachats-Newport (Lincoln County transit) 7am-7:50am
Ride 25 miles to Lincoln City
Lincoln City-Tillamook (THE WAVE) 10:36am – 11:52am
Tillamook-PDX (THE WAVE)12:55pm-3:10pm

Kokua Bikes wants you to know about them!

Richard asks about Bicycle Time’s provenance.

Anna’s Mom from E235 did a cool bike ride!

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

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, Andy Brunner, Dave Knows, Chris Smith, Christi Caister, Caleb Jenkinson, JP Kewley, Peanut Butter Jar Matt, Patrick Archain, Sebastien Poule, Marco Lo, Rich Otterstrom, Andrew Alderson, Drew the Welder, Anna, Krista, Jon Wasserman, Andre Johnson, Shelly & Troy, Kingof Division, Josh Zisson, Richard G, Guthrie Straw, Christopher Barnett, Branden Shelby, Kampcite, Aaron Green, Mac Nurse David, Kathryn Minchin, Nathan Poulton

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E296 – David Talks Tech

Adventure, Beer, Bicycling, Communication, Downsizing, Simpler Living, Technology, Transit, Urban Design, Walking

Mac Nurse David stops in to talk about how we think about technology in a fast-paced age.  He used to be a customer support representative before he entered the medical field, but a few years ago he got tired of machines intruding on his life.  We ask what he did about it and how he feels now.  He also gave us some government issue pens!

Also: Brock & Aaron did Ronde PDX!

Thanks to our generous sponsor The Beer Mongers and our Patreon donors that keep us going!

Calendar

5/6,7,8/16 Filmed By Bike at the Hollywood Theatre with (off) Street Party at Velo Cult bike shop on Friday 5/6 5-9:30pm

June 15 – The Pollen Ride!  Comisserate with fellow allergen-sufferers

6:15pm at the Vera Katz Statue

The 3rd Annual Bike Mechanic Challenge!
Saturday, June 18, 2016 from 6:30 PM to 10:00 PM

Headlines
From OPAL.org: The Oregonian is Wrong on YouthPass

From theverge.com via Johnny K This bicycle has 4GB of RAM: and lasers too

Mail
Kathryn is a new donor!

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

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, Andy Brunner, Dave Knows, Chris Smith, Christi Caister, Caleb Jenkinson, JP Kewley, Peanut Butter Jar Matt, Patrick Archain, Sebastien Poule, Marco Lo, Rich Otterstrom, Andrew Alderson, Drew the Welder, Anna, Krista, Jon Wasserman, Andre Johnson, Shelly & Troy, Kingof Division, Josh Zisson, Richard G, Guthrie Straw, Christopher Barnett, Branden Shelby, Kampcite, Aaron Green, Mac Nurse David

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E295 – Mariana Mo & Nathan Jones: A Year of Thursday Night Rides

Adventure, Advocacy, Bicycling, Communication, Fun, Urban Design, Weather

Nathan Jones & Mariana Mo started a weekly bike ride through Portland a year ago.  People keep joining in droves, and the event has been happening every week since then.  And it’s just a positive, relaxed bike ride without any frills.  What happens and how does it work?  Are there rules?  We ask all the questions.
THURSDAY NIGHT RIDE

Thanks to our generous sponsor The Beer Mongers and our Patreon donors that keep us going!

Calendar
5/6,7,8/16 Filmed By Bike at the Hollywood Theatre with (off) Street Party at Velo Cult bike shop on Friday 5/6 5-9:30pm

The 3rd Annual Bike Mechanic Challenge!
Saturday, June 18, 2016 from 6:30 PM to 10:00 PM

Headlines
From NJ.com via PBJ Matt
NJ Transit turns deaf ear to calls for audio surveillance transparency

From citylab.com via Anna
The Myth That Everyone Naturally Prefers Trains to Buses

Mail
Gerald revises the Pollen Ride idea, and Brock gets more on board.

From Brandon Rhodes: “As it turns out, most people cannot draw a bike.”

Aaron Green is a new donor, and wants to paint the town with stickers.

David Robinson speculates on the future of a century in the round in another notable Portland circular street.

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

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, Andy Brunner, Dave Knows, Chris Smith, Christi Caister, Caleb Jenkinson, JP Kewley, Peanut Butter Jar Matt, Patrick Archain, Sebastien Poule, Marco Lo, Rich Otterstrom, Andrew Alderson, Drew the Welder, Anna, Krista, Jon Wasserman, Andre Johnson, Shelly & Troy, Kingof Division, Josh Zisson, Richard G, Guthrie Straw, Christopher Barnett, Branden Shelby, Kampcite, Aaron Green

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