Well, it’s been busy around here and the blogging has suffered.  But with my sprained ankle I have found time to writing about something I’ve been meaning to get to for days.  That something is the Oregon Manifest, which as a whole is hard to describe, and in fact the poor soul I trapped until a satisfactory description was given basically gave up.  But after a lot of, back and forth on the happenings that were part of this month long celebration of bikes, I figured out that it was a long list of events, social gatherings, rides, and races aimed at bringing the bicycle as, art, function (transportation), recreation and sport to the general public.  Here is how it all began, you could say, “once upon a time” or maybe, “long long ago.”

As most of you know, I just re-positioned myself  13 degrees, 28 minutes, 48 seconds north and 11 degrees, 45 mintues and 11 second west of Tucson to a little city where the coffee is delicious, a good micro beer is always on tap and the cycling community is staggering.   So when Lana and I flew back from San Diego to spend a week running around Portland our first stop was my house to unpack the bikes, the second was to Aaron of Courage and third to the Pearl district for Oregon Manifest… We had no idea what to expect and ignorantly asked the most official looking guy (holding a clipboard) at the door if we could get in, who informed us in so many words that of course we were welcome.  Once in, as with all things Portland cycling, I was blown away.  We walked around sipping H.U.B. beer and browsing a small bike exhibit as the last contestants of Rapha‘s Constructor’s race rolled in.  Then things got a little more rowdy, the beer was flowing, but I suspect that the crowd was more enthusiastic of the talent that was on display.  The judges were about ready to announce the winners of the Bike Design Challenge and Slate from Rapha was up on the mic joking around, giving awards and letting everyone know the winner was going to be taking home some sweet clothing.

The judges then snake through the crowd… Awards are given, bikes are lifted in celebration, cheers, clapping, jokes and laughter ensue.  As for me, aside from racing, this is possible one of the coolest bike events I’ve been to.  I’m happy to be in Portland.  I’m excited that organizations, companies, people, and teams like Oregon Manifest, Team Beer (who are using the same template as me, nice choice!), Tina B and Rapha take the time to put together something so bike-centric.  And that Portland and the Pearl district are welcoming to the bike community reaching out to… well, everyone.  Enjoy the pictures and video.  Excuse the quality, it was hard to stay focused amongst all the happenings.

Sometimes you must lift what you build…