Category Archives: History

E203 – Olive & Dingo: Clowning Around

October 14, 2014Clowns, Fun, Historysprocketpodcast

Dingo Dizmal & Olive Rootbeerare professional clowns in Portland and make entertainment and fun a lifestyle. From days of yore to the present day, their distinctive style & bikes make them local icons and loved legends in bikey circles. We chat about their cafe shows, clowning & its phobia, tallbikes and their occasional misappropriation, and how activism dovetails into everyday lifestyle habits. So much good stuff! I couldn’t edit it down. Settle in folks, it’s a long one.

Also: Brock gets hailed by a listener downtown, and Aaron gets a new patch on his jacket; the Transportastic studio opener is on 10/25 6:30pm at IPRC!

note: still ironing out the wrinkles of our new machine and the audio cuts to left-channel only in the last 10-15 minutes.

Mail
Listener Drew offers us a rain cape trial before hearing last week’s episode.

Listener John (who builds cargo bikes) from the other coast is coming to Portland west.

Eric in Vancouver asks: does this count as a bicycle? Yes, yes it does.

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, 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

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E193 – Carl Larson on Bike Fun. Lisa Nims on Anything Else.

July 18, 2014Advocacy, Bicycling, Doin' It, Historysprocketpodcast

If you don’t know Carl Larson by now that’s your loss. Considered by many (well… me) as bike fun incarnate, Carl is here to set the record straight that bike fun is best when not centered around the bike. Pay homage to history by listening especially to his story about riding with DarcelleXV

Joining us is my friend Lisa Nims. She and I used to work together, but we don’t now. Now I have a friend that’s not a work friend. Lisa shares her experiences riding, her trepidations on riding in groups, and stories from volunteering at the Marie Smith Center. She was also instrumental in putting together the ‘zine and tumblr: Tell it Like it Tiz. Stories from those with whom she shares time at the Marie Smith. With luck she’ll be co-hosting more often.

Mail
From Glenn Kubish in YEG via Twitter:
“Hey Sprocket Podcast. Have you considered why traffic reports are all about cars?What if things were different?”

Terra Firma signs up as a new monthly donor! Thanks!

From Tom Allen via twitter: Tom Allen wants to give you his bike.
(oops contest ended already, I should really have looked at this more closely)

Headlines
from Tony Deis via Facebook: Free Lecture – Subsistence Hunting & Foraging

From Bike Portland: new business looks to use bikes as billboards

From Bike Portland: PPB chief Reese takes shift on downtown bike patrol

End:
find us on the Internet at thesprocketpodcast.com
send feedback about the program and suggestions for topics or guests –
write us via email, the address is thesprocketpodcast@gmail.com
call and leave us a message or text to 503.847.9774
connect with us on Twitter @SprocketPodcast
thanks to Ryan J Lane for providing our theme music
thanks to Hurtbird for our headlines sounder

and thanks to our sustaining donors Logan Smith, Shadowfoot, Kathrina Mellemgaard, Roger Grigsby , Wayne Norman, Doug Robertson, Ethan Georgi, Justin Martin and Terra Firma

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E185 – Tammy Strobel & Logan Smith: Tiny CA

May 27, 2014Adventure, Advocacy, Bicycling, Camping, Car Ownership, Communication, Downsizing, Family, History, Housing, Technology, The Law, Touring, Transit, Travel, Urban Design, Walkingsprocketpodcast

Tammy Strobel & Logan Smith share a tiny house parked in rural northern California. We spoke with them just as they were moving there from Portland a few years ago, and now they return to fill us in on the experience as it has shaped up over time. Tammy writes at RowdyKittens.com, and Logan blogs at loganblairsmith.com

A few links of interest to things in our discussion:
the Caravan tiny house hotel in Portland, OR
the Recode Oregon project working on code issues with alternative dwelllings
the Phone Bloks project for modular mobile technology

Also: Brock & Aaron talk about their weekends, and a freight train passes.

Mail
Tim in DC shares a soggy episode, and the ranking of bicycle cities.

Kirk twitters about our similarities to Sound Opinions.

Brandon shares the IKEA electric bicycle (available only in Europe, presently).

Bob shares the news about Wash Cycle Laundry!

Tour De Clack is coming June 14!

Phoebe from Boston does a write up of her visit to Portland.

Pat writes in to comfort Aaron on his experience of eating fried baloney.

Roger sends in an update on the case of the lady suing a dead bicyclist’s family.

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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E169 – Lillian Karabaic: Raiders of the Lost Archives

February 4, 2014Bicycling, Camping, Cargo, Communication, History, Technologysprocketpodcast

Lillian Karabaic wears many hats, including one for her responsibilities with the IPRC (Independent Publishing Resource Center) that assists people in producing and finding independently produced printed matter of all varieties. She’s in charge of the Raiders of the Lost Archives event, which puts even more fun into rediscovering unique works of writing in the thousands of yet-to-be-catalogued zines that the IPRC has in its archive. We discuss zines and marginalized voices, as well as requesting bike parking in Portland, her new Ahern bike, and some chat about Cincinnati, Ohio.

Also: Steph Routh’s book, How to Move By Bike
is available online, Street books drive this Friday & continuing support, camping in the cold on the Salmon River.

Headlines
BikePortland: Dan Kauffman fatbikes to the Oregon Coast for a meeting

Mail
Jim recommends we check out this incredible cargo bike from Butchers & Bicycles.

JohnnyK asks about the ELF vehicles we reviewed last week.

Steve in WY recommends JB Weld for fixing glasses over superglue. Fixes bike frames, too!

Timo recognizes Lenny Anderson as “a true raconteur.” Also shares the SmartTrips program in Portland, Oregon, and access to free maps, information booklets, and thePortland By Cycle rides.

Doug loves RAGBRAI and fills us in on the details.

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E165 – Mr. Bob Crispin: Making a Mountain Bike

January 7, 2014Adventure, Bicycling, Building, Car Ownership, History, Mountain Biking, Train Travelsprocketpodcast

Mr. Bob Crispin lived near some sweet singletrack in the seventies and wanted a bike that was up to the task; since one wasn’t available, he put one together himself. We chat with Bob about making a little bicycle design history. It currently on display at Velo Cult Bike Shop & Tavern in Portland, OR.

Mr. Bob’s Tankagnolo is extensively documented, and he was kind enough to share some of the photos and press about this bicycle. Click here for an archive, and enjoy the gallery of photos below:

Aaron & Brock also discuss Brock’s most recent crosscountry Amtrak journey, books on the future of reading, and stripped out saddle parts.

Headlines
BikePortland: Marilyn Hayward, owner of Coventry Cycles, tries to rebound from serious crash
The Verge via The Stickman: Architects propose 136 miles of elevated cycleway in London

Mail
A Donation from Logan! Thanks!

Gus shares the innovative recyclables-for-transit-fare trade option available in Bejing.

Christopher in WY shares the heartwarming story of the 66 year old man who won the race across Sweden after being barred from official entry due to his age.

Former guest Sally on twitter:
“Caught up with a few back episodes of the @SprocketPodcast kinda like binge watching The Walking Dead.”

Daniel on Elly Blue’s Amtrak kerfuffle & Texan travel advice for bicyclists.

Patrick in Davis CA wishes us a happy new year and compares Thunder Island Brewing toBerryessa Brew Co. wishing both the best of success.

Nick on twitter shares a tallbike with tandem chain setup, cable steering, adjustable height and disassembles for travel.

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E161 – Cathy Hastie: Those Arrogant Bikers

December 10, 2013Advocacy, Bicycling, Car Sharing, Communication, Family, History, Racing, The Law, Transit, Walkingsprocketpodcast

Cathy Hastie is a BikePortland lifestyle contributor who has written about comparative car sharing, fashion & clothing on bikes, and an article on “those arrogant bikers” recentlylabeled by Bike Snob as “possibly the smuggest article posted to [Bikeportland] to date.” She’s also a lifelong Portland resident who has been downplaying personal car use her entire life, so if anyone has claim to the right to be smug about transportation, it’s her! We taped more great conversation than you can shake a stick at.

Aaron & Brock also discuss Portland’s poet laureate, cold weather, and, later, the drinking club with a running problem (hashing!)

Headlines
RowdyKittens.com: Tammy Strobel launches A Simple Year: 12 months of guided simplicity
Oregonian: TriMet on the verge of sending vintage trolley cars to St. Louis, MO

Mail
Glenn in Edmonton clarifies #YEGbike, and inquires about GoPro, citing an archive on the topic both here and here.

A text: “Hmm a 40oz and Prince and The Revolution!”

Listener Dion twitters this article about Specialized’s suit against Cochrane bike builder; “but they won’t try that with Fuji, they sell a roubaix road bike”

Beercycling.com sends us their press release for the Ardennes Trappist Challenge – July 2014 will contain bikes & beer!

And iTunes and Stitcher reviews from our listeners!

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E160 – Michael Andersen: The Real Estate Beat

December 3, 2013Adventure, Advocacy, Bicycling, Business, Car Ownership, Car Sharing, Communication, Downsizing, History, Housing, The Law, Transit, Walkingsprocketpodcast

Michael Andersen is a writer for BikePortland.org who covers a wide variety of low-car lifestyle topics, including his Real Estate Beat which aims to explore how property owners are making it easier to live without a car in the city’s rental market. We discuss presidential microphones and bike rides, low-car buildings & economic difficulties, how inclusionary zoning could help the situation, and the new micro-apartments being planned in the downtown and Hollywood districts.

Aaron & Brock also discuss the Critical Transit podcast, Bikecraft, renting a Prius, and dynamo lighting.

Headlines
BikePortland: the Oregon Outback gets organized
Diamond Cut Life: subtraction for the holidays

Mail
Tim in DC updates us on the Frontier Airlines bicycle policy.

Glenn in Edmonton on twitter has “become a big fan of the vibe of @SprocketPodcast” and links to a video of his snowy commute featuring birds! also, what does #yegbikemean?

Dan from MN texts in to say he enjoyed the show on bike moves!

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E149 – Greg Nibler & Sarah X Dylan: Funemployment Radio

September 17, 2013Bicycling, Communication, History, The Law, Train Travel, Transitsprocketpodcast

Greg Nibler & Sarah X Dylan are the hosts of the popular podcast & streaming network Funemployment Radio, and are pretty much responsible for providing an example of podcasting that inspired the creation of The Sprocket Podcast. This summer they teamed up with the Bike Gallery to compete against each other for miles ridden while testing several models of bicycles! We chat with them about Funemployment Radio’s history, their experience during the summer challenge, as well as a little about the controversiality of tallbikes and Brock’s overknowledge of their lives as famous people.

The Funemployment Radio Comedy Showcase happens tomorrow night (September 18, 2013, 8pm) at Secret Society, and will be a great deal of fun! If you’re in Portland, you should go. Get your tickets here!

Brock & Aaron chat about bicycling in Tacoma, sleeping at a Travelodge, and eatingunhealthy food, and mention Joe Biel’s Amtrak Update and C-TRAN’s updates to routing.

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E126 – Dan Kauffman & Zed Bailey: Open Bike

April 21, 2013Advocacy, Alternate Fuels, Bicycling, Communication, Doin' It, History, Technologysprocketpodcast

Zed Bailey & Dan Kauffman are the driving force behind Open Bike Night,CrankMyChain Cycle TV, and a host of creative projects and activism around the city of Portland. We drink and talk about a host of topics, including Pedalpalooza, Einstein and the Theory of Relativity, cycling in SLC, Rev. Phil, Zoobombing, the Magical Midnight Mystery Ride, and “doing it better.” Dan even plays a few original songs for us.

Zed mentions a song from Enter The Haggis: “Gasoline”

Mail
John from Hawaii adds some input to Aaron’s planning for his trip to the islands.

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E125 – Ayleen Crotty: Filmed By Bike 11!

April 15, 2013Advocacy, Bicycling, Communication, History, Mountain Biking, Technology, Travelsprocketpodcast

album selections: Aaron has Stevie Wonder, Brock has The Who, and Ayleen has Floyd Cramer

Ayleen Crotty is at the helm of the fabulous Filmed By Bike festival, in its 11th year running. We chat about this year’s festival, the bike confessional project which will be similar to NPR’s StoryCorps, the historic Clinton Street Theater, connections to iconic personality Rev. Phil, the surprising role Vancouver BC’s bike culture played in that of Portland OR, and the happy intersection of the film festival with NW Documentary.

Brock & Aaron also discuss bicycling adventures along North Portland’s Willamette River shores and its associated pirate cove, and the history and development of the Midnight Mystery Ride.

Headlines

Gizmodo via Brandon: why this smartphone is better as a dumbphone

BikePortland via Miles: new bike clothing boutique opens in Portland

Salon.com via Miles: Saudi Arabia lifts ban on women bicycling

Mail

Tim in DC addresses the difficulties of transporting one’s bicycle by airline.

Phoebe from Boston made a donation to WalkBoston in honor of Brock’s recent walk to work.

Tito shares his amusement and implores Brock to visit Missoula again.

Dan from MN chuckled at Brock’s reference to stealing land from First Nations – he’s studying Federal Indian Law for his future career.

Patrick from Davis CA wrote: “Cool episode, 12 miles does not seem far away but if your only choice is to walk it would take a major portion of your day to get from point A to B. ”

Steve in WY writes on gluten intolerance, and he also mentions that studded tires don’t last as long as he’d like them to; regarding difficult turns while using them, we may be able to attribute that to rutted snow or ice.

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