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Happy Holidays!

by Eden Powers

This year is flying by faster than Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer! You know what they say; time flies when you’re delivering sustainably! Here at Portland Pedal Power we’re gearing up for winter weather and getting ready for the holidays. As we get closer to the end of the year, we are serving up the best winter comfort foods Portland has to offer, to warm your bellies and make your day extra jolly.

Pacific Pie Co

 

Wintertime Winners:

  • Soup is the classic comfort food. Our friends at Supa have a mean Thai Ginger Chicken that is perfect for a cold winter day, along with plenty of other great flavors. 
  • Pacific pie has some amazing pies, both sweet and savory, that will make you feel like you’re back at your grandma’s on Christmas Eve!

    Supa

  • Any time of the year is a good time for sandwiches, but with the cold winds a blowin’, let a hot sandwich warm you up. Charlie’s Deli and Theo’s have what you need!
  • Mele Kalikimaka is the thing to say… bring some sunshine to these cold winter days by ordering Ate-Oh-Ate Hawaiian Favorites!
  • Hot tamales! Be a holiday hero by ordering the office Tamale Boy or Mi Mero Mole.

 

Happy Holidays from Buddy!

There are plenty more great foods out there to warm you up this winter. Feel free to reach out for suggestions if you are stumped on what to serve for your holiday celebrations. We are happy to help you select the perfect meals to suit your specific situation. All you have to do is fill out a catering request form and the PPP team will make sure your team is elated with the holiday spread. Just let us know!

We hope these suggestions are helpful to maximize feel-goodness for your holiday feasting, and we at PPP wish you all very happy holidays! Be safe, have fun, and share lots of good soul-warming comfort food!

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Charlie’s Deli: A New Cult Classic

by Marketing
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Club Sandwich Triple Decker

Charlie’s Deli opened in the early days of 2015 and has quickly become a big time contender in the Portland sandwich scene. Charlie’s serves up giant east coast style sandwiches, house smoked meats, and the best cannoli and cheesecakes around. This mom and pop shop is owned and operated by Charlie Mattouk and his wife Ali, and you’re likely to see either of them cheerfully wrapping up sammies or bacon caramels at the Old Town Location.

Charlie’s is one of our most ordered spots for sandwiches. On any given weekday Charlie’s prepares about 500 sandwiches for catering orders before they open, followed by another 200-300 sandwiches for lunch and dinner. Turkey on Ciabatta is the most popular catering sandwich order.

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Charlie and Ali with the deli bike

The people have spoken online as well. Charlie’s has tons of 5 star reviews on Yelp, making them the #1 Highest Rated Restaurant in Portland that also offers delivery. Since we were voted Best Delivery, we think we are in good company with the awesome vendors we choose to work with.

They also cater to the regular assortment of dietary restrictions. Our CEO Jenn is celiac, and she said that the gluten-free turkey sandwich is the best sandwich she’s ever had, perfectly prepared and well-balanced with French Dijon and light Marsala vinaigrette.

Get some Charlie’s Deli for your next office lunch!

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Vote PPP for Best of Portland!

by Marketing

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Help us Win Best Delivery

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Vote for the Best!

Portland Pedal Power is an owner-run company, committed to strengthening our community by supporting local businesses. Since 2009, our fleet has grown to 14 delivery bikes and we are catering bigger and better lunches, fueling local restaurant sales, and promoting likeminded sponsors with a unique active advertising platform.

PPP is the only homegrown on-demand delivery in Portland that is run entirely by bike. We ride the streets everyday delivering lunch for 3 to 300.  We’ve worked hard to build strong relationships with the restaurants and markets we work with. We know what they can get you, how much time they’ll need, and how delicious it will be. We simplify lunch orders and special event ordering for over 100 corporate ordering accounts. This means our customers get the best possible service.

Delivering food by bike reduces congestion and C02 emissions on our busy downtown streets. Our commitment to sustainability has led us to further encourage our vendors to think differently about packaging, waste, and reuse. Our customers value our commitment to greener delivery, making us a valuable addition to their overall sustainability practices.

Please take a minute to vote for PPP for Best Delivery . We appreciate the love. Power to the Pedal!

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Explore Better Banking at Trailhead

by Marketing

CaptureWe’ve just started partnering with Trailhead Credit Union, a local financial cooperative committed to guiding people on their own individualized path to success. Trailhead is well aligned with Portland Pedal Power; they are local and homegrown, they actively support non-profits in our community like the Bicycle Transportation Alliance and the Forest Park Conservancy, and they are committed to supporting the individuality that makes Portland thrive.

Trailhead has been around since 1935, founded during the great depression when there was high demand for small salary advances and loans. Portland Gas and Coke (now NW Natural Gas Company) employees organized to form the union to benefit all employees of the companies. While the credit union has evolved in the last 80 years, the commitment to “serve the underserved” has made Trailhead an valuable option for anyone living in Multnomah County.

Capture 57The great thing about credit unions is that they are not-for-profit and they exist to serve their members. You can be sure your money is not going to big business and you don’t pay excessive banking fees.

Because credit unions have lower operating expenses in general, they pass those savings on to their members. Trailhead offers an interest rate on their checking account for members who qualify and they will reimburse ATM fees. Trailhead also has an app that allows for mobile deposits easy peasy.

If you’re disillusioned by big banks and big fees, it’s time to switch to a credit union. Trailhead is a community bank that is “small enough to know better.” Make the switch today and bank local. Also, keep your eyes peeled for the gorgeous Trailhead bikes on the road!

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Design Week Portland

by Marketing

Makers and Visionaries Light Up Portland with Design

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DWPs opening night party is Saturday April 16.

Over the last ten years, the city of Portland has emerged as a leader in creative industry — building a vibrant community of makers and designers. Design Week Portland is a “week-long, citywide series of program exploring the process, craft, and practice of design across all disciplines.” DWP is on a mission to increase awareness of the effects of design on our culture and community. In the nine days between April 15-23, there will be over 100 events, 200 open houses, and many other events sprouting up across the city. See the full schedule here.

DWP is an awesome opportunity to get exposed to the behind-the-scenes thinking of designers and creators, from the main stage presenters on April 15th and 16th to the smaller gatherings at interior design studios, architectural firms, creative marketing agencies, and more.

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Vicki Simon Interior Design + Kat and Maouche

The creative community has conceived of a dazzling assortment of inspired and whimsical events, including: Unabashedly Colorful Interiors, Letterpress Printers Fair, University of Oregon Product Design Exhibition, Sustainable Design Practices with the Joinery and Design Museum, IDL’s Design Fight Club, Tender Loving Empire’s From Craft to Career: How to Make it Once You’ve Made It, Fashion Forward with Portland Sewing and the Portland Fashion Institute, and ASLA and Depave’s Identity, Space and Design – The Portland Way, to name just a few.

Snøhetta presents an exhibition called People Process Projects, will be open all week for people to experience firsthand the detail and materiality of the workshop space. It’s a great opportunity to learn about Snøhetta’s projects around the world including Portland: The James Beard Public Market and Willamette Falls Legacy Project.

In support of the makers, creators, and the ever growing design community here in Portland, PPP is offering $10 off delivery with the code DWP16 during design week (April 15-23). Order up.

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Been a Little Bad? Give Back!

by Marketing

Capture 2If you’re looking for that special someone — to donate your money to — the Willamette Week Give!Guide is a great place to start. They’ve handpicked 143 of Portland’s most impactful nonprofits and put them all in one place, making it easy to browse categories and donate.

Willamette Week makes it a point to include a range of organizations in the categories of Animals, Arts, Community, Education, Environment, Social Action, Health & Wellness, and Youth. They also work to include both large and small organizations.

CaptureGiving through the Give!Guide offers incentives too, you’ll receive free and discounted products from your favorite local brands via the Chinook Book mobile app (I use this and there are A LOT of really good deals available). Portland area residents who give will receive thank you bags as well, while supplies last.

The Schlesinger Family Foundation is also posing a challenge to donors: nonprofits with the most individual donors 35 and under in each category will be awarded $1000. Get an up-to-the-minute count of each organization’s donors 35 and under here. Willamette Week realizes that if young people begin supporting non-profit organizations at a young age, even at smaller levels, they are likely to continue to give as they get older, and the amount of their support is likely to grow with their incomes.

You’ve been working hard all year, time to put some of that money back to work in the community! Donations are accepted through December 31st.

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Bike to the Green Festival Expo for Free Admission!

by Jenn

LA CrowdThe Green Festival Expo is just around the corner! It’s a great place to pick up some free goodies and maybe a holiday gift or two. Taking place Dec 11th -13th at the Oregon Convention Center, it’s the first time it’s been here in the festival’s 14 year history.

Green Festival Expo is the largest and longest-running sustainability event in the United States with a mission to bring together the world’s most trusted companies, innovative speakers, national and local innovative businesses, conscious consumers and pioneering thinkers to promote the best in sustainability and green living.

GF Logo stackedDuring the 3-day expo there will be free yoga classes, B2B mentoring sessions for green business owners, an interactive family fun area for kids to learn all about reducing their carbon footprint and over 50 inspirational speakers. Green Festival Expo is now featuring a Portland Local Market Place on the floor where attendees will be able to shop locally, taste vegan and vegetarian food and enjoy organic products close to home.

Bike to the expo, park at the Green Festival Bike Valet and receive FREE admission! Youth 16 and under are granted free admission as well. Booth space is available for local and national businesses. Book today by calling (828) 333-9403 x300 or e-mail [email protected]. Visit www.greenfestivals.org for more information. Hours open to the public are: Friday 12pm – 6pm, Saturday 10am – 6pm & Sunday 10am – 5pm. Find your tickets here: http://bit.ly/195cS0D.

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Hot Tips for Cold and Rainy Riding

by Marketing

Portland is starting to act like Portland again and that means we’re riding in the dark and damp. Whether you’re a bike commuter in fancy work clothes or a spandexed speed demon, we’ve compiled some tips to keep you safe and dry in the rain.

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Georgia in Dublin Leggits, waterproof overshoes with reflective straps and rubber toe soles.

Get the right kicks:
Get a pair of nice rainboots or waterproof shoes for riding because nothing is worse than soggy feet. Hit up Next Adventure for new or used shoes, you’re bound to find more than enough gear there to survive the elements. Andy & Bax has a wide selection of boots and shoes; they even have waterproofing spray and waterproof socks!

Online you’ll find that Bogs makes some sweet waterproof boots and shoes and they’re sold in various locations around town: REI or Clogs-N-More. For the dapper dressed, Timberland, Keen, and Hunter make stylish rainboots. And don’t forget Leggits, waterproof overshoes!

Love some gloves:
Keep your handlebar hands from freezing up with a pair of warm and waterproof gloves. Cycling Portland covers the best winter riding gloves in this post. Also check out Bike Portland‘s review of gloves from Showers Pass.

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Rain capes from Clever Cycles!

Rainproof yo’self:
So you’ve been living in Portland for how long and you don’t have rain gear? Get on it! Chrome Industries makes upscale bags and gear for urban cyclists; their outerwear provides protection from the wind and rain, with reflective details, active and passive venting, a mobile fit, and bombproof fabrication.

Portland-based Showers Pass makes all sorts of raingear for the sporting rider, while Nau designs outdoorsy apparel for the more fashionably minded (their flagship store is located at 304 NW 11th).

Of course, Andy & Bax, Next Adventure, Columbia, and REI are all local spots to suit up. For the ladies, Gladys Bikes carries a variety of cycling apparel, favoring businesses and makers that are local, women-owned, and USA made. You can always try a bike poncho or rain cape! Local shop Clever Cycles wrote an awesome blog about rain capes.

Winter biking 101:

  1. Tune it up. We know you rode hard all summer, so now is the time to tune it up and hit the slippery roads in better shape. Our favorite shops for tune-up and gear are: Clever Cycles, A Better Cycle, River City, and Bike Gallery.
  2. Check your tires: Decreasing tire pressure can actually help improve traction on slippery streets.
  3. Slow your roll: Road grit and water can erode brake pads, so slow down and brake early. In Portland, our streets are currently covered with wet leaves which function as cycling sabotage. Slow down, brake early, and watch the road.
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    Light up your bike!

    Watch the corners: Cornering in the rain can problematic. Shift as much of your weight on the outside pedal as possible, keeping the bike more upright when cornering. You’ll be able to take the corner with a reasonable amount of speed, keeping balance as tires slide over slippy spots.

  5. Be seen: Obviously, visibility is a lot lower in winter. Many local riders even use lights during the daylight hours, due to the low light and gloom. Make sure you’ve got high and bright lights in the front and visible back light (carrying an extra set of batteries isn’t a bad idea either). Our favorite local spot for lights is Portland Design Works, featuring high-quality and simple gear with the urban cyclist in mind. Reflectors wherever possible is also recommended.
  6. Get some fenders: Nobody wants to arrive at their destination covered in a thin film of road grime. Portland Design Works’ also makes beautifully designed fenders, a must-have for rainy day riding.

Moral of the story is: suit up and ride safe. See you on the streets!

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Hit the Heights at Alpine Fest

by Marketing

2201398775_bb12063c24_z (1)Winter has struck and it’s time to hit the slopes or hike the peaks of some epic mountain. Alpine Fest is coming this Nov. 17-22, presented by Grivel & hosted by the Mazamas, it promises to be a info-packed weekend celebrating all forms of Alpine recreation.

Activities scheduled are as follows:

The Summit: An Evening with Alex Honnold & Jim Whittaker. The BIGGEST night of the festival! Nov. 21 at the Oregon Convention Center. You’ll enjoy great food, a huge silent auction with amazing gear from the sponsors, vendor fair, awards, and more. (food is included in the ticket price; beer & wine available for purchase).

Portland Ice Comp: 10th Annual dry-tooling competition at the newly-renovated Portland Rock Gym.

Clinics: 3-hour, hands-on sessions with a pro-athlete. Clinics are limited to 8, 10, or 12 people (depending on location, subject) to maximize your instructional time with the athlete.

Seminars: 1, 2 or 3-hour classroom style learning with a pro-athlete.

Speaker Series: An evening event, slideshow style presentation from a pro-athlete.

Celebration of Trails: A morning of trail running fun in Forest Park for all ability levels.

The Mazamas is a nonprofit mountaineering education organization in Portland, Oregon. Offering over 1000 climbs and hikes annually, classes and activities are open to both members and nonmembers.

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A Match Made in Portland

by Marketing

Transporting Healthy Food to Those in Need by Bike

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European plums and Bartlett pears. Picked by the Portland Fruit Tree Project

For the last three years Portland Pedal Power has partnered with the Portland Fruit Tree Project to support the neighborhood harvesting parties sprouting up around the city. Groups of neighbors on bikes work to harvest urban trees, donating fresh fruit to local food banks. The program is expanding this year from the Richmond neighborhood to start bike harvests in Woodstock and surrounding neighborhoods; there is a current need for neighborhood participation, harvest leaders, and volunteers.

“The bike events help connect the community a little more,” says Amanda Virbitsky, a harvest leader in the Richmond neighborhood. “Instead of driving cars separately to sites, we ride together and get to experience the neighborhood together.”

Bike harvesting parties typically meet at a set location, then ride as a group to several harvesting sites. They transport all the harvest tools by bike too: fruit pickers, crates, and even an ingeniously made trailer that doubles as an orchard ladder.

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Paige, a volunteer at Portland Fruit Tree Project encouraged to connect as well. Harvesters that need a delivery assist can call on Portland Pedal Power.

Fruit is sorted by quality; everything that looks grocery store fresh is donated to the food banks, and the rest is divided up among the volunteers. Portland Pedal Power then loads the donations by cargo bike and transports the fruit to Urban Gleaners, who handles distribution of the fruit to local food pantries and food banks.

Diana Foss at Urban Gleaners says they’re grateful for the fresh fruit, most of which goes to their Food to Schools program that sets up family food pantries in schools. “Typically food bank food donations have been canned or boxed foods, not the healthiest options,” says Foss. “It’s a really important a source of fresh produce, which is usually really expensive for struggling families.”

The Portland Fruit Tree Project truly empowers Portland’s neighborhoods to share in the harvest. Homeowners and those with urban orchards can connect with the Portland Fruit Tree Project to share the bounty of their trees. Neighbors who want to lead harvests are encouraged to connect as well. Harvesters that need a delivery assist can call on Portland Pedal Power.

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