When I think bike trip ... I think three months plus, thousands of miles, exotic locations. But that isn't always possible.In the Dec/Jan issue of Adventure Cyclist magazine I wrote about a seven day bicycle journey in Portland. That's right IN Portland. Within the city limits. Most folks would approach an urban trip by booking a hotel and using it as a base for day trips.
We, my partner Kat and I, decided to approach it like all our other bike trips. Fully loaded touring bikes--tent, stove, sleeping bag, etc. No hotel reservations. No guided tour. Just let the travel Fates guide us.
It was fabulous ... and inexpensive. We met lots of friendly people. Camped in backyards and gardens. Slept on floors and futons. Ate at pubs and food carts. And soaked up the beautiful city of Portland and marveled at its bike culture.
I carried a digital recorder with me and asked the people of Portland what they loved about their city. Check out the compilation of voices and photos.
Sometimes a different approach can transform a trip into an adventure.
photo (Portland commuters-2009) by Willie Weir
--
SIGHTS AND SOUNDS appears on Friday afternoons. Willie Weir is a columnist for Adventure Cyclist magazine. His latest book Travels with Willie: Adventure Cyclist compiles his favorite writings over the last twelve years. He lives in Seattle with his wife Kat. You can read about their local adventures and life without a car at www.yellowtentadventures.com.
Posts
Looks like a pretty amazing trip, mind if I ask what Digital Recorder you used? It worked quite well for capturing the voices.
ReplyDeleteRob
Portable Digital Recorders