Category Archives: Gardening

E553 – Crashes & Blackberries with Kimber Peterson

February 7, 2021Bicycling, Commuting, Gardening, Health, Infrastructure, Transit, Travel, Urban Design, Weathersprocketpodcast

Our friend Kimber joins Joan and Armando to chat about biking in Germany, recovering from bike wrecks, and bringing life to gardens and death to invasive plants!

Also, as always, thanks to our nationally recognized “top beer bar in Oregon” beverage sponsor, The Beer Mongers on SE12th and Division, now open for more than 4,000 days consecutively. They have a patio outside the place and, if you’re lucky, you might be able to catch some sports with sound. The big stick remains indoor on the ceiling. And, as always, thanks to our generous Patreon donors that keep us going!

EVENTS

Free bike education every 4th Wednesday with Courtney Williams at 6pm Eastern, NYC Bike Mayor, via Zoom – find out more on Instagram at @thebrownbikegirl

Fine Print
Produced at home thanks to:
music: Ryan J. Lane (intro & outro) & Hurtbird (headlines)
graphic design: Marcus Norman
web: http://thesprocketpodcast.com
email us: thesprocketpodcast@gmail.com
phone/SMS: 503-847-9774
Twitter & instagram: @SprocketPodcast
Donate: Patreon (ongoing), Venmo (one time) or Square Cash (one-time)

Thanks to our sustaining donors for supporting our show costs:
Shadowfoot, Wayne Norman, Eric Iverson, Cameron Lien,Richard Wezensky, Tim Mooney, Glenn Kubish, Matt Kelly, Eric Weisz, Doug CohenMiller, Todd Parker, Chris Smith, Caleb Jenkinson, JP Kewley, Peanut Butter Jar Matt, Marco Lo, Rich Otterstrom, Andrew in Colorado, Drew the Welder, Anna, Andre Johnson, Richard G, Guthrie Straw, Kampcite, Aaron Green, Mac Nurse David, Nathan Poulton, Rory in Michigan, Jeremy Kitchen, David Belais, Tim Coleman, Harry Hugel, E.J. Finneran, Brad Hipwell, Thomas Skadow, Keith Hutchison, Ranger Tom, Joyce Wilson, Ryan Tam, Jason Aufdenberg, Microcosm Publishing, David Moore, Todd Groesbeck, Chris Barron, Sean Baird, Simon, Gregory Braithwaite, Ryan Mauro, dudeluna, Matthew Rooks, Marshall, Lillian Karabaic, Paula Funatake, Spartan Dale, Bike Initiative Keweenaw, Sarah G, Adam D, Go Dig A Hole, Beth Hamon, Greg Murphy, Mayra M, Oso, Isaac M, David C, @Five.Oh.Three, Byron Paterson, Kurstin Graham, Erinne G, Rachel Moline, and Jimmy Diesel.

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E304 – Will Has New Rain Barrels

June 21, 2016Advocacy, Beer, Bicycling, Car Ownership, Cargo, Family, Fun, Gardening, Housing, Mechanics, Simpler Living, Technology, The Law, Urban Design, Weathersprocketpodcast

Will Vanlue is back! With new tales of rain barrels and riding bikes with his son! He breaks down what’s great about low-car life in a family context, recaps his fascinating rain barrel system described in episode 236 and describes the upgrade that he recently installed! Resilience is strong with this one.

Will recommends Green Concepts Container as a resource for clean, safe barrels.

Here’s the link to the City of Portland’s (surprisingly useful) rain barrel guide:

https://www.portlandoregon.gov/bes/article/378190

Calendar

June 24: The Little Lebowski Urban Achiever Ride (NEW DATE)
July 1: nails yall pop-up at Gladys Bikes 6-8pm
July 16: Brompton Urban Challenge!
August 11: Pam Nichols Art Show at Western Bike Works Tigard 6pm

Headlines
BikePortland journalism scores two awards in five-state contest

From oregonlive.com: Washington State provost grows bee beard to raise cash for bee center

From The Mirror, via bikeportland.org: Mum unwittingly joins triathlon bike ride – and ends up cycling entire route

Mail
New donor Michael Flournoy, thanks!

Unicorn Mike is going to have an adventure, but it’s not our fault.

Richard W warns of heat exhaustion, but likes the heat; also notifies of a new show called Ride Bikes Radio.

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

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

July 23, 2015Adventure, Bicycling, Business, Cargo, Gardening, Kitchensprocketpodcast

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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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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E184 – Brandon Rhodes: Rolling Oasis

May 21, 2014Advocacy, Bicycling, Business, Cargo, Gardening, Kitchen, Technology, Urban Design, Walkingsprocketpodcast

Brandon Rhodes, besides being one of the show’s founding cohosts and an all-around good guy, is the proprietor of the new sustainable (and replicable) local produce delivery service Rolling Oasis. He had a vision for a business that would connect his neighbors to healthier food options while he aimed to connect with his neighbors, and thus a great idea was born. We get the skinny from him on how his model works and what it’s been like to launch the venture! Steph Routh fills in as cohost in Aaron’s absence.

Also:
Brock & Adele’s bike move
tickets now available for Aftermass
Kick Ass Oregon History’s summer road trip
Pedalpalooza! it’s June 5th – 28th this year.

Headlines
BikePortland: Something has gone wrong in Portland
c|net: the inventor of Palchohol explains how it works (via Logan)

Mail
Mark sends us links to AAA roadside support for cyclists, and some posters from the “golden age of bicycling.”

Dan (whom we convinced to move to Portland… kind of) weighs in on snippy attitudes between cyclists.

So, who would YOU like to see as guests for our big 202 epic live episode? We wanna hear your top fives!

Sebastian shares: “I’ve occaisionally heard the phrase “bandit camping” in your podcasts. This fellow artfully takes the practice to new heights.”

Thanks to our sustaining donors for supporting our show costs:
Logan Smith, Shadowfoot, Kathrina Mellemgaard, Roger Grigsby, Wayne Norman, Doug Robertson, Ethan Georgi, & Justin Martin

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E145 – Anna Brones: The Culinary Cyclist

August 20, 2013Bicycling, Cargo, Communication, Family, Gardening, Kitchensprocketpodcast

Anna Brones is the author of The Culinary Cyclist and runs the websitefoodieunderground.com, and was kind enough to stop by to chat about some of this, including guiding us through a “test kitchen” type of experience. Our topics included:

pinterestfail.com
Brock’s shame eating & perilous fast food
making baked eggs in avocados
Anna tells a sad tale of pigeons nesting in her kale plants
bicycles & food transport, bicycling in Paris, and the possibility of a tumblr based on bikes & baguettes.
Our feelings on the television series Portlandia
slowing down our pace of food and keeping it simple
Elly Blue Publishing & Taking The Lane
and much, much more…

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E142 – Adam Leyrer: Co-Creative Pruning

July 30, 2013Bicycling, Business, Cargo, Downsizing, Forestry, Gardening, Walkingsprocketpodcast

Adam Leyrer from Co-Creative Pruning is truly car-free and runs his arborist business on a fantastic bike trailer from Seattle’s Haulin’ Colin. We discuss becoming an arborist, certification, why no cars, the bike & trailer setup, hand powered tree care, partnership with a beekeeper, and Forest Park Conservancy donations.

Brock is a witness to a hit-and-run, and Aaron attends a bike move and a repair clinic (gallery below). Listeners Marcus & Beth from Chicago are in town and sit in on the taping as well as generously providing our drinks!

Mail
Chris in Arcata writes in about improved accomodations for touring cyclists in his town and bike access in the area. A Facebook post about camping and his site,http://completestreetsadvocate.org.

Josh in Cully, Portland:
a 5 min video on private buses in Detroit, and
Dan Christensen’s guide to bus seats

Rance found a keg trailer on facebook!

Tim Mooney calls in from the road about kindness from strangers on the road!

Kath Youell from twitter:

Sipping an iced coffee, knitting, listening to @SprocketPodcast while the kids play and (sort of) watch Mary Poppins. #NiceSaturday

Headlines
BikePortland: forthcoming “Nimbler” app helps plan “bike + transit” trips
Tiny House Blog via Marcus: Portland now has a tiny house hotel!

On the right is Bill who works for B-line. Guess who’s drinking Mate? Me. I’m drinking Mate.

This is Tyler, a recent grad from Bike Repair Institute. Someone give this guy a job.

I was calling this guy frank all day. Turns out his name is Fred. Oops.

That is a couch on a tomscargo #9. Just to show off, norm strapped a chair to the couch.

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E082a – Brock & Brandon Wrap Up for Summer

June 15, 2012Bicycling, Camping, Communication, Gardening, Technology, Touring, Transit, Travelsprocketpodcast

Brock & Brandon go through the emails to make sure everyone gets included before a summer hiatus of pre-recorded interviews. We look forward to resuming our “live” talk show format after returning to the studio in September. Hope everyone has many grand adventures in the meantime!

Don’t forget to gird your loins for the first Portland Zombie Ride, a Pedalpalooza event beginning at Velo Cult on Sunday, June 17 2012 at 10:30am! The zombie apocalypse will not be motorized… Also, the TRANSPORTland Disaster Relief Trials will be happening at the same location that day! We’ll talk about that on Monday night with the crew that organized the event!

Tour de Clack is coming, led by our friend and former guest Matt Picio! Tour de Clack is an inaugural bike ride in rural Clackamas County on July 7 2012. It’s free, and to draw attention to water quality projects done by the ride’s sponsor, the Clackamas River Basin Council (CRBC).

Bike Safe Portland wallet-sized accident reports are available now in Portland bicycle shops near you! Thanks to Josh Zisson from Bike Safe Boston and the Bike Safe Nation project.

Stuff we mentioned in this episode:
• David Byrne writes about NYC bicycling
• Willamette Week’s Aaron Mesh rides TriMet for 3 days straight!
• Rance and Darren comment on the “Cycles of Life” graphic
• BikePortland exposes a bicycle touring con man
• Rigel asks if Brandon has floated Johnson Creek yet
• Tom & Ben Allen head into the lost coast of northern California
• Local bicycling mattress businessman leads cargo bikes in Starlight parade
• Rob Sadowsky shares his favorite allergy meds and a link to the SF bike music fest
• PLP hosts the George Romero flat challenge
• BikePortland: Propel fuel stations love bikes
• Brandon shares the Atlantic Cities’ “Evolution of Bike Lanes”
• BikePortland covers the notorious Hwy 26/Sylvan intersection
• Bees swarm a bicycle basket
• JohnnyK comments on the Federal Transportation Bill
• Damian from NZ writes in
• Gus shares a DIY frame cargo contraption
• Tim shares a story of angry freds in France
• Logan shares Bicycle Quarterly’s performance review of tires
• Dan from MN shares his hunting experiences

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E076 – Ryan J. Lane

May 7, 2012Bicycling, Communication, Gardening, Music, Technologysprocketpodcast

Ryan J Lane is a musician, photographer, deep thinker and all-around good guy. As the creator of our show’s theme music, we wanted to have him in to discuss what simple living looks like to him, and also have a chance to hear him play some songs live in our studio! We talk about giving recordings away for free, his bicycling experiences, his career as an independent photographer, the advent of iphone photography, and the philosophic and theological discussions in Tolstoy’s writings on faith, simpler living and life change.

Brock’s 30th birthday party is coming up at Cartlandia: Best Bands Ever 2012, a free music festival!

Bike Safe Portland wallet-sized accident reports are available now in Portland bicycle shops near you! Thanks to Josh Zisson from Bike Safe Boston and the Bike Safe Nation project.

The Sprocket Podcast is now available on Stitcher smart radio! If you use the service, you can add us to your programming roster.

Headlines
TRANSPORTland: my grandma was a cargo bike rider
NW Farms & Food: what weeds can tell you about your garden
LiveLeak.com: chinese dog acts as sentinel against bicycle theft
STV: Scottish thief returns bicycle to owner with chocolate bar and apology note

Mailbag
Patrick in Davis CA: “Hello Brock and Brandon, continue to love the Sprocket Podcast, keep up the good work. Wanted to respond to last weeks show regarding voting in national elections. I feel it’s very important to vote in both local and national elections. The current Tea Party controlled house is an excellent example of why elections matter. Important funding for transportation, research and other important social issues has dissipated. Replaced by old social issue battles that we all thought were over. I happen to be running for City council this year. It’s been a very educational experience. One issue that may interest you is how local businesses enjoy bike tourists and weekend riders.”

Josh in Cully, PDX: “Heard of anyone Railbiking in Oregon? Quite a few abandoned railroads in OR. Best thing I’ve heard about Charlie Hales is that he wants to turn an abandoned rail into a trail from the city [of Portland] all of the way to the coast. It’s hard to imagine how successful it would be for tourism if you could fly/ train into the city and get all the way to Astoria (great coast city) without being on a road at all.”

Chris in Arcata CA: “Just a heads up. I ordered some swrve stuff. The cotton skinny knickers, and the milwaukee ES jacket. Great products ! Wanted to mention that some products are made in LA. They also make some products overseas. My knickers have a made in USA tag on them. Talked with them over the phone a few times. Very friendly they sound like a good small crew of folks! My Levi commuters have a happy place with me though as well.”

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E075 – Michael Andersen: Low-Car Life & Politics

April 30, 2012Advocacy, Alternate Fuels, Bicycling, Communication, Doin' It, Downsizing, Gardening, Housing, Kitchen, Technology, Transit, Walkingsprocketpodcast

We welcome our favorite relentlessly upbeat transit journalist Michael Andersen, chief dictator of the fine publication Portland Afoot, back to the show for more talk about Portland’s transit environment and economy and the joys of low-car life.

Brandon is freaked out by billionaire asteroid miners.

Bike Safe Portland wallet-sized accident reports are available now in Portland bicycle shops near you! Thanks to Josh Zisson from Bike Safe Boston and the Bike Safe Nation project.

The Sprocket Podcast is now available on Stitcher smart radio! If you use the service, you can add us to your programming roster.

Michael brings a lightning round quiz for simple life perspectives on nouns, but after a discussion on local transit politics.

Headlines
BikePortland: “Dutchtubs” are about to revolutionize Portland OR’s leisure scene
BikePortland: jogger asks about legality and courtesy of jogging in streets
Grid Chicago: Bees are coming! On bikes!
Taking the Lane: Elly Blue hosts a contest to discover the nation’s worst bicycling streets
BikePortland: circling Mt. Hood on a mountain bike just got easier
PSU Vanguard: Bus, MAX, streetcar, or taxi?

Mailbag
Jim says: “Check out this link to an upcoming indie film to be released regarding Tom Allen’s big tour and the decisions he had to make….:http://janapar.com/ Looking forward to your upcoming path less pedaled interview… and also appreciated your interview w Rebecca Lerner.”

Dan in MN on the foraging episode: “looking for free food was a must in my family when I was growing up. We caught fish, ate mushrooms, harvested wild rice, did maple sirup camp, picked hazelnuts, and ate ferns. We also made our own medicines. Nice to know that other people do this.”

JohnnyK in FL: “if you don’t want flats from glass just get Tire Liners; however you will never get a Fred to use these because God forbid they add weight to their bikes.” Also: “Ok just got back from the Dinner with Elly Blue and friends. I really enjoyed it and it was very much a learning experience. So now I cannot wait for your interview with her.”

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