Our very own Ken Wetherell, Founder and Co-Owner of Portland Pedal Power, took part in last Wednesday’s Pedalpalooza event, the “It’s Business Time” Bike Ride. Here’s what he had to say about it!
Organized by Jed Lazar of Soup Cycle, the “It’s Business Time” Bike Ride ride included cyclists from over a dozen local bicycle-based businesses, including Taco the Town, Cookie Pedalers, Co-Creative Pruning and Green Steam Carpet Clean. This year’s ride was the first of what is expected to become an annual event.
The ride began at the fire station on the Eastbank Esplanade, right underneath the Hawthorne Bridge. The caravan of regular bikes, tall bikes, cargo bikes and trailer bikes took off from there and stopped at points along the Esplanade, whereby bike-based business owners gave quick introductions to their businesses to the riding crowd. Joel Domreis of Courier Coffee Roasters brought iced coffee for the whole riding group, but unfortunately had a tip over during one of the breaks and ended up donating all the coffee to the Willamette River. Thanks anyway, Joel! You rock!
After we made our way along the Esplanade and pedaled through some of SE Portland, we met up with Franklin Jones of B-Line, who was waiting for us at Citybikes. Franklin provided us with a bit of extra fuel for the road, handing out chilled, carbonated Yerba Mate drinks and mini Cliff Bars. Thanks Franklin! That hit the spot!
The “It’s Business Time” Bike Ride had a bit of everything. Lots of great people from local bike-based businesses, their kids, their dogs, and bikes of every shape and size that we all use to serve our community in a sustainable way. The long blue trailer of the Rolling Wrench Mobile Bike Shop showed its versatility, serving as a kickin’ stereo system, which was super entertaining for riders and spectators alike.
The ride finished at the Soup Cycle kitchen where Jed’s team served delicious soup and other treats to the group. Thanks for organizing the ride, Jed! We’re looking forward to bringing the PPP Pyxis again next year!