Category Archives: Downsizing

E259 – Tim Mooney

October 6, 2015Adventure, Beer, Bicycling, Camping, Car Sharing, Cargo, Communication, Downsizing, Fun, Technology, Touring, Train Travel, Transit, Travel, Urban Designsprocketpodcast

Tim Mooney from Pedalshift is back in town! Strangely, it’s seemingly impossible to get him into the same room as both Aaron AND Brock, so he muses on the possibility that they are the same person. We are joined by Adele Dittus as a cohost and discuss Portlandy things, long bike rides, and the definition of #notcheating when it comes to adventures.

Go to pedalshift.net for the rest of our conversations:
THE PEDALSHIFT PROJECT 031: BICYCLE TOURING EFF UPS
THE PEDALSHIFT PROJECT 032: BICYCLE TOURISTS WE LOVE (AND THE OTHER KIND)

Thanks to our beverage sponsor, The Beer Mongers (hosting Chris Fest October 20!), and, as always, thanks to our generous Patreon donors that keep us going!

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Tim wrote in before he arrived in the studio about technology’s place in life.

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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E258 – Brad Davis & Reuben Deumling: Hanging Up The Phones

September 30, 2015Beer, Bicycling, Communication, Downsizing, Simpler Living, Technology, Transitsprocketpodcast

Brad Davis from EcoSpeed and Reuben Deumling join us this week to talk about that darned technology most of us carry around in our pockets and how much technology you need in life to feel connected, informed, and happy. No phone? Smartphone? Dumb phone? We mull over the questions.

Reuben mentions the film from Carlton students: Disconnected.
We also grasp at the title of Nicholas Carr’s book The Glass Cage

Also: Aaron & Brock competed in Bike Scout over the weekend!

Thanks to our beverage sponsor, The Beer Mongers (hosting Chris Fest October 20!), and, as always, thanks to our generous Patreon donors that keep us going!

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John Gardner found Team Sincerity in his email!

From Chris R. in Denver liked the new face of trucking, Todd Parker.

comments
From E257b
Josh G. shares a video with us: “Who is the King of the I-105?“

PBJar Matt weighs in on why Subway sandwich bread tastes off.

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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E252a – Worst. Episode. Ever.

August 18, 2015Beer, Bicycling, Downsizing, Fun, Housing, Simpler Living, Transit, Walkingsprocketpodcast

Up for debate, actually. We do talk about bikes a little. And we do talk about transit. And we do talk about simpler living pursuits. So maybe it’s not the worst ever; maybe it’s just clickbait. You’ll have to find out for yourself!

Every so often, Brock & Aaron need to kick back with their hybrid grapes and chat about some ol’ bullshit. That’s what’s going on here!

See you next week with another fascinating guest you’ll be sure to love!

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, Shelly & Troy

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E251 – Reuben Deumling: Bikes On The Cheap

August 12, 2015Bicycling, Building, Downsizing, Mechanics, Simpler Livingsprocketpodcast

Reuben Deumling, also known as 9watts to frequent BikePortland commenters, joins us to talk about his perspective on riding cheaply without sacrificing quality. For years he’s been refining his methods on buying and repairing his favorite machines without having to spend a fortune, and has plenty of great ideas to share!

Also: Brock floats that lazy river, and Aaron interrupts a misogynistic altercation.

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

Headlines

from commutebybike.com
DRIVE Act motors through the Senate

from bikeportland.org
Comment of the Week: SE Foster, the heart of Portland’s coming bike grid

Mail

Josh G finds a bicyclist tickling the ivories in Chicago.

John in Goldendale (who did Bridge Pedal) shares an article about cyclists complying with the law to a fault in SF.

JohnnyK: what about bears?

Scott Morgan: finding change and cash on the road.

Lisa Nims: “Please inform brock that I am, indeed, a real person. I exist!!” He’s not buying it.

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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E240b – Peter Rice: Spandex Optional Bicycle Touring

June 6, 2015Adventure, Bicycling, Camping, Cargo, Downsizing, Fun, Simpler Living, Touring, Travelsprocketpodcast

Peter Rice wrote the book on how to get out there on your bike without a bunch of expensive equipment. That means he’s right down our alley on philosophical matters of travel: do what you want to with what you already have! We talk about his new release together with Eric Iverson & Krista Scukas, whom you may be familiar with already. Find the author at PeterBRice.com for all your simpler touring needs.

Find the book Spandex Optional Bicycle Touring here!

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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E237b – Brian Benson Lives On A Boat

May 17, 2015Adventure, Boats, Communication, Downsizing, Fun, Housing, Simpler Living, Travelsprocketpodcast

Brian Benson has been a guest on our show before when he talked about his book,Going Somewhere; now his project The River Signal is about to launch on a summer adventure down the Mississippi River during which he and his crew produce a fictionalized audio drama!

After the live broadcast of the pilot episode from a shipyard in north Portland, Oregon, and live music from many artists, including Those Willows, Brian was kind enough to give Brock & Adele a tour of the ship that he calls home, an old warship that is being restored into a haven for artists. We’re pleased to share this exploration of alternate dwellings with you, and also to extend #boatmonth just a little farther.

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E236 – Will Vanlue: Why Does It Always Rain On Me?

May 6, 2015Bicycling, Brewing, Building, Camping, Car Ownership, Cargo, Downsizing, Gardening, Simpler Living, Technology, Urban Designsprocketpodcast

Will Vanlue: former advocacy organization official, now a hauler of soups and freelance urban sustainability engineer. He made some sweet rain barrels, but that’s just the tip of the iceberg! He brews, he builds, he landscapes… and no, that’s not his real twitter account.

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

Also: Brock took a bike camping weekend trip, and Aaron wants to haul his unboxed frame around town for photos.

Headlines
citylab.com: How the Microtransit Movement Is Changing Urban Mobility
willamette week: Portland’s Last Affordable Bike Neighborhoods

Mail
Josh G. says that, yes, the Thousand Island dressing probably has roots in the Thousand Islands.

PBJ Matt shares sad 9% fare hike from NJ Transit.

Speaking of sails on bikes: JohnnyK found a Pterosail trike.

Brian Benson’s project The River Signal is up!

Logan sent us a NYT article: cargo bikes are the new cars.

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, Marco Lo, Rich Otterstrom, Andrew Alderson, Drew the Welder, Anna Olsen, Marco Lo, Rich Otterstrom, Andrew Alderson, Krista Skucas

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E233 – Erin Kelley: Just Listening In

April 14, 2015Adventure, Bicycling, Camping, Cargo, Communication, Downsizing, Fun, Mountain Biking, Simpler Living, Train Travel, Transitsprocketpodcast

Erin Kelley just wanted to see how the podcast was made, and ended up chatting with us about Brock’s bike camping weekend, Aaron’s plans to adopt a new bike with someone special, and her own time off from work and how that gave her time to sort and declutter her stuff! And it turns out she was a fascinating guest! Aaron also googled the highest point in PDX.

Here’s the video Brock made about suburban scale after he forgot his sleeping bag.

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

Also: Inspired to Ride film is coming soon & the trailer is now available (4/18 in Portland).

Headlines
bikeportland.org: Man issues citizen citation after police decline to investigate red-light collision

bikeportland.org: Petition launched to strip Portland of ‘Platinum’ bike-friendly status

humantransit.org: San Francisco: A world-class transit map unveiled

Mail
Thanks to Sebastien for his generous donation & for sending in a book about Ed Ricketts!

Thanks also to new donors Marco Lo, Rich Otterstrom, and Andrew Alderson!

Drew the Welder reminds us that De Ronde PDX is coming next weekend!

JohnnyK found bluetooth cycling communication kits – one from Cardo and anothercheaper option.

Maren Souders sends in this article about the Amtrak Cascades line’s uncertain future. Funding is drying up.

Jason asks about how to find cities with good public transit services.

Scott Morgan sends in this week’s “My Bike Won’t Fit Here!”

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

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E230 – Glenn Kubish & Darren Markland: #YEGbike Pocket Sprocket

March 23, 2015Advocacy, Bicycling, Car Ownership, Communication, Downsizing, Fun, History, Simpler Living, Urban Designsprocketpodcast

Glenn Kubish is a longtime listener and supporter of our show. He’s well connected in the Edmonton, Alberta bicycling community, and when he recommended a guest, we knew that we’d never make it up to Canada in time to interview him, so we asked, “would you be willing to do the interview?” A resounding positive answer meant that we now get to deliver this gem of an interview with a man who, in Glenn’s words, has “the spirit of the @SprocketPodcast” in him. “Plus,” he adds, “he’s a doc, built abamboo bike, roasts his own coffee.” Darren Markland also sports a wicked ice beard in the winter!

We’re grateful for this little window into the #YEGbike community! Many thanks to our friends up north, and here’s to hoping there will be a new podcast on the horizon. Who knows? With enough friendly encouragement, they might just do it…

If you enjoyed this Pocket Sprocket format and feel like you know someone interesting in your town, be sure to get in touch. We want your positive vibes to spread, and would love to help bring someone’s story to the rest of the world if you’d like to help us find it. See below for our contact info!

We’ll be back next week with more Portland-produced episodes! See you then.
(oh yeah, and there was that time we met Glenn at Filmed By Bike)

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E227b – Aaron Aaron Aaron Brock

March 4, 2015Adventure, Bicycling, Camping, Car Ownership, Cargo, Communication, Downsizing, Fun, Racing, Simpler Living, The Law, Touring, Transit, Travelsprocketpodcast

Aaron Delani is a recent Portland inductee, taking the admonition of “welcome to Portland, now go ride your damn bike” very seriously. As a webmaster, he codes in coffee shops, and then looks for places to explore and people to ride with. We discuss his downsizing process as he moved here, a misjudgment of #coffeeoutside, and secret commuter racing, among many other things. He’s at aarondelani.com

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

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Many thanks to new donor Christi! And all of our previous ones.

Matt sends in the saga of a motorcycle cop & a man on a beach cruiser.

Logan mentions CEO of Japan Airlines who took a pay cut and rides the bus to empathize with workers who were forced to retire early. Reminded us of José Mujica, Uruguayan president who lives small and picks up hitchhikers.

A friend reminds Brock of Tom Allen’s beer can stove.

This week’s shift list: Halley Weaver explains bike-resistance from potential employers:
illegal = “do you have a car” unless the job specifically requires driving.
legal: “Are you able to get to all four counties for your job?” “Do you have reliable transportation?”
If they ask about reliable transportation; you say yes. If they ask for elaborate then you can say something like, “I prefer to travel by bike but have a Plan B in adverse weather conditions.”

Josh G: Which president was a big-time cyclotourist? Woodrow Wilson! AlsoPresidents’ Day used to be Bicycle Day!