Category Archives: Technology

E055 – Alex Roth: The Pepper Peddler

Alternate Fuels, Bicycling, Brewing, Cargo, Coffee, Communication, Kitchen, Technology, Travel

This week we’re privileged to interview Alex Roth, founder of a Davis, CA based business that roasts and distributes coffee around a bicycle-based infrastructure.  Learn more at thepepperpeddler.com We discuss: misconceptions about The Pepper Peddler, roasting peppers, inspired by Burlingame Pizza, Davis mayor names the unofficial coffee of the city, Trek in the Park, he’s like a drug dealer, Four Loko drives regulation, HUB’s 7-Grain Coffee Infused Stout, the roasting setup with cycle mechanism and propane heat, business flux, roasting as a team and the Post-Roast Toast, delivery and pre-sales, coffee politics and economics, the “milkman” model of delivery, the kids that deliver the coffee and the fleet of bikes, rain pay (!), coffee origins and fair trade/organics, regional taste, describing flavors shouldn’t cause insecurity, a rough sketch of coffee economy, local food sources, seasonal orders, the special dark roast, the roaster’s blend, Fox 40 news spot, and lastly Alex’s bands The Mad Cow String Band and the West Nile Ramblers.

Mailbag
from David Heddy: “Very important discovery today…Brandon has talked about this several times.”

from Logan: “Whoah! Big news! Alan and Michael are closing up shop at EcoVelo! ‘Times they are achangin‘’ to quote Bob Dylan.” (we also mention this atrocious song from Dylan’s xmas project)

from Radimar: Portland is near the top of the list of Cities With Strangest People. True.

From StreetBooks: a book drive happening December 15th in Portland

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)

Podcast: Play in new window | Download

Subscribe: RSS | More

E054 – Franklin Jones: B-Line Sustainable Urban Delivery

Bicycling, Business, Cargo, Technology

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

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)

Podcast: Play in new window | Download

Subscribe: RSS | More

E052 – From The Tiny House!

Bicycling, Communication, Downsizing, Housing, Kitchen, Technology, Transit, Travel

We recorded our first episode away from home today at the RowdyKittens tiny house!  Logan and Tammy were nice enough to invite us in after we passively floated the idea via podcast, and so we set up a plethora of wires and instruments in their roomy miniature dwelling.  We were also joined by their friends Heather (of Mile73.com) & Dave (of TriMet Diaries and DaveKnows.org) who contributed to the conversations on tiny house life and low/cheap cell phone life (Heather’s in-depth examination of iPhone thrift is here).  All told, a lovely time was had by all!

Technical Note: the laptop we took over for recording was missing our usual recording software and I ended up downloading a freeware option on the spur of the moment to capture our show.  Since I’m not as familiar with the secondary option, I ended up mixing some of the test audio with the actual show audio; it turned out to be a little too confusing to listen to, but if you REALLY want to wade your ears through that cacophony because you love the show that much, get in touch and I’ll see what I can do.  Apologies, and thanks for listening!  – Brock

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)

Podcast: Play in new window | Download

Subscribe: RSS | More

E049 – Ethan Seltzer: Pedal Power

Alternate Fuels, Bicycling, Communication, Technology

We (finally) complete a successful interview with Ethan Seltzer of Pedal Power, the advocacy organization that educates on energy use while keeping it positive and lighthearted.  We also cover some news and describe our Halloween party from the night previous.

We discuss: educate in a fun and non-overbearing way, generating electricity by bicycle, a visceral experience of energy production, common household appliances and how much power they use (fact sheet), the Pedal Power event, power producing bike trainer, Lots of people making power, PF Changs cooking lunch, 100% off the grid mobile phone charging station and one more, funding! (http://pedalpwr.com/support-us/)

Headlines
Lifehacker: add turn signals to your bicycle for less than $40
Gizmag via Ethan: a virginia bike mechanic makes house calls with a mobile shop
BikePortland: meet Dezy Walls, the “Piano Bike Kid!”
The Southland Times via BikePortland: a steampunk Kiwi creates a coal-powered bike
WLBZ via Anomalily: Maine emergency workers train first responders on bicycles

Mailbag
Listener Tony recommends this speech given by Patrick Field – “Cycling is a (very fun) political process” – from the IQ2 Cycling festival.

“av3ry” comments on e48: “Love the podcast!  Back in the day, I used to be on LiveJournal a lot, and I followed Jeff’s Photography over there.  I haven’t really used LJ much over the past few years, so I lost track.  Then the whole thing with MAX FAQs happened, and I was re-introduced to him.  His transit comments are hilarious and spot-on, and his blogs are great as well.  He’s definitely one of my favorites on twitter!”

Carl from Animaheim: “The scene: On my bike commute in heavy traffic, a Chevy astro van; mom driving, a teenage kid riding shot gun yells some unintelligible crap. (sounded negative) Unlike my usual response to that kind of situation, I was like “best day ever!” trying my best not to be pissed. Although I was anyway.  I could not help myself,  after a momentary pause I yelled “Ass Hole” after they passed of course. But as luck would have it, an old man (windows rolled down) took the intentional brunt. I felt like a Dick, but only for a second… GOOD TIMES! Need to ask Dr. Jeff what he recommends. So head phones will be in full time from now on when I am in the street. A great tune for urban commuting is ” Tomahawk” by Adam K and BT. On iTunes.”

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)

Podcast: Play in new window | Download

Subscribe: RSS | More

E048 – [at]doctor_jeff

Bicycling, Communication, Technology, Transit, Walking

We speak with Dr. Jeff Guardalabene, better known to his Twitter followers as @doctor_jeff, about his observations on the Portland Metro area public transit scene and his cross-region daily commute.

We discuss: a brief history of dr. jeff riding TriMet, the acclaimed twitter feed, TriMet diaries writing: I Ride, totalling the car: what mobility will look like from here on out, LifeHacker features Dr. Jeff!

Headlines
BikePortland: Dave Weber logged 1,096 miles in September for the Bike Commute Challenge!
BikePortland: Jake Ryder’s custom build tallbike sports a sidecar for photo equipment
BikePortland: local company builds heavy duty hunting/adventure trailers
Taking the Lane: Elly comments on how hitchhiking could save the economy via Freakonomics
The Atlantic Cities: to win riders, mass transit should get wired (-less)

Mailbag
Patrick from Davis CA donates (thank you!) and sponsors a month of drinking!
says of the show: “it’s informative, fun & quirky. A bit like Monty Python with a purpose.”
“I work at UCD & live in Winters about 17 miles away. I mostly ride the Yolobus 220 into work with my bike then pedal home.”  Also recommendsPepperPedlers as a guest.

Sally from ILoveTheBus.com says of E44: “I love Street Books, it is such a great way to serve the community. We all love a good story, right?  Books bring people together and build community.”

Peggy says of E47: “Great interview – told the fuller story of Zenger Farm, which is an AMAZING organization doing so much good work in the community!  Nice to see it getting more than the 3-minute soundbite typical news coverage.”

As mentioned on the show: the progression of Brandon’s Beards:

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)

Podcast: Play in new window | Download

Subscribe: RSS | More

E047 – Jill Kuehler: Zenger Farm

Gardening, Kitchen, Technology

Today we speak with Jill Kuehler from southeast Portland’s Zenger Farm and the Lents Farmers Market about food security, urban farming and sustainable agriculture, all while enjoying the Cascade Brewing Company’s 20” Brown Ale.

We discuss: Zenger Farm’s location and history, Jill’s connection to the farm, the Lents farmers’ market, their apprentice program, education and field trips, the shock of tasty vegetables and getting kids to enjoy Kale, sustainability at the farm in solar energy, water filtration systems, a 50 year lease on the property, City of Portland Bureau of Environmental Services, invertebrate studies, food stamp matching, USDA map of “food deserts,”adult education and kids transformed by experience, the Zenger CSA

Headlines
The Atlantic Cities: someone desperate for cash stole an entire bridge in western Pennsylvania
TUAW.com: the bicycle-mounted passive amplifier for iPhone 4 is here!
BikePortland: some concerns about Portland’s Springwater Corridor path make people nervous
RowdyKittens: the tiny house is roofed and getting moved into place!

Mailbag
Eric writes in: “…I like the longer sprocket format. And I was listening to your semi-epic fail in announcing this last episode [E45] and thought you may want to try sadtrombone.com as a great sound effect.”

Jarrod from Australia: likes the podcast, and recently got back from an Indian Himalayas cycling adventure that he desribes on his website,cyclinginthinair.com

Listener Dave writes in:  “They make the time I spend walking our dog go very fast and when our dog wants to stop and smell or pee, I just don’t mind.”  wants to know “how did we meet?”  Also is curious about a list of podcasts we enjoy. (see our website!)

Blayne from BC is working on his food podcast, has trouble keeping kids out of the room though.

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)

Podcast: Play in new window | Download

Subscribe: RSS | More

E042 – Ethan Seltzer: Micro-Episode

Alternate Fuels, Bicycling, Technology

Ethan Seltzer of Pedal Power was kind enough to join us for an episode.  Unfortunately, the laptop we were recording the episode on gave out 5 minutes before the break and dumped all of our recorded content.  We captured eleven minutes of our conversation thereafter to share with you, and we are planning on upgrading to a newer machine to avoid this kind of problem in the future.  Thanks to Ethan for being a good sport about it – we were a bit disappointed as well!  We’re looking forward to another episode with him in the near future.  Until then, cheers, and we’ll hopefully see you next week.

Podcast: Play in new window | Download

Subscribe: RSS | More

E038 – Lance Poehler: Edible Cycles

Alternate Fuels, Bicycling, Business, Rafting, Technology, Travel

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
iTunes

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.

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)

 

 

 

Podcast: Play in new window | Download

Subscribe: RSS | More

E034 – Darren Alff: Bicycle Touring Pro

Bicycling, Communication, Technology, Touring, Transit, Travel

Darren of Bicycle Touring Pro talks world travel, bicycle touring, and impromptu marathons.

Headlines
BikePortland: Creative fellow offers cookies to cyclists at controversial intersection
BikePortland: Peace activist releases book and rides handcycle 1,100 miles
Green Garbage Project: pros and cons of various lawn mowing options BikePortland:Portland resident runs rock shows by bike

We discuss: Portland beards, slow internet connections, coming home early, began cycle touring at 17, 11 years of big & wild adventures, working while traveling & self employment,Park City, Utah, what you can find on BicycleTouringPro.com, cold weather touring in Europe, stopping at every skate park along the way to skateboard and being told “you’re doing it wrong,” Darren’s sojourn in Peru, cheap bikes for rent, the trike adventure/challenge, Brandon’s visit to Peru, vegetarian options (no guinea pig), dignitarian, flexitarian, and freegan, stealth camping & hospitality is better in Peru, living and working while traveling, Europe can be done on a budget, supplementing your income by renting out your home, let the vacations come to you, running a marathon with absolutely no training, VersaEmerge powers Darren’s exercise, his other websites:DarrenAlff.com, motorcycletouringpro.com, silvermountainmarketing.com

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)

 

Podcast: Play in new window | Download

Subscribe: RSS | More

E030 – John Boblett: Portland Pedalounge

Beer, Bicycling, Business, Technology

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
Rise Ye Sunken Ships - We Are Augustines

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)

Podcast: Play in new window | Download

Subscribe: RSS | More