Wind-Blox Blog
Shipping to Andorra, Australia and Your Home Town April 21 2015, 0 Comments
We've updated shipping worldwide and we're pretty excited about the value this will offer customers outside the United States! Hit us up for safety and fun in bike riding, whether you're in Andorra or Australia we've got your back (or at least your ears)!
Safer Lanes for Safer Cities April 18 2015, 0 Comments
Safe urban commuting requires riders and drivers to be aware of one another. When a good friend of ours was hit and out of commission for a long while, we began wondering what cities other than ours do to keep their bike commuters safe.
For years our regular bike commute involved a tricky intersection that we flat-out avoided during peak hours. A bridge off-ramp, cars preparing to merge with a large busy road, and a poorly marked bike lane added to the complexity of this area--the only provision for safety was a line of installed 'candlesticks'. While we appreciated the city for installing these, we were willing to ride well out of our way in order to skip the dangerous dance with four-wheeled vehicles.
A favorite option that provides a cheaper, more attractive option is to add a row of flower boxes on the edge of the bike lane. The Minneapolis Bicycle Coalition made a 'pop up bike lane' for only $600. This brought a new interest in bike safety, made the ride more enjoyable, and beautified the city.
(The Green Lane Project is part of the People For Bikes program, of which Wind-Blox is a part)
upCYCLE January 14 2015, 2 Comments
DIY is blowing up Pinterest...and our Pinterest is not immune. We are particularly interested in repurposing to create useful items (not so much into the bike wheel becomes a clock, or gears stack into a Christmas tree).
This tutorial uses old tires, blocks of wood and rubber cement (plus a drawer pull and some wood stain if you want to be fancy) to make unique stampers. These could go well with paper bags or brown kraft paper to make cool cards or gift wrap.
If you've got some old drop bars, you can make a bike hanger. Simple ones are easy, or you can evoke the whole decorate-with-antlers craze.
In the Portland area, Bike Farm has regular crafting nights for folks who want to get together and create with bike gear. This group also holds a yearly sale, which is not exclusive to upcycling, but has lots of it to offer. If you are locationally challenged, it would be worth it to give Bike Farm a call, they're well-networked and can probably help you connect with someone near you.
Panniers are great for commuting, and making your own by upcycling a backpack may be just the thing you're looking for.
Pallets can make all kinds of things on the cheap...hop on the trend and make a bike rack by pulling out a few slats (though we wouldn't ever recommend locking your bike to a pallet!) Watch out for loose nails and keep this in a well-protected yard or tidy garage.
If you've been to all the fancy suburb garage sales and still not found the bike trailer of your dreams, this complex but cool pallet trailer idea may be just what you need.
Pop-Up Plazas Love Bikes, Follow Up December 05 2014, 0 Comments
Our fair city, Portland, is doing something hip and oh-so bikey! In early October a block's worth of downtown streets will be made into a pop-up plaza. There will be a protected bike lane, cafes and lots of fun for everyone.
After the success of this, and similar events, Portland is ready to invest! New paint, new crosswalks and more are coming!
Check it out here
http://bikeportland.org/2014/12/04/success-3rd-avenue-demonstration-old-town-real-changes-coming-114294
It's not what you ride.... November 30 2014, 0 Comments
Freezing Weather Continues...Here's Some Gear November 20 2014, 0 Comments
Our favorite wind-fighting product is Wind-Blox, it goes without saying, but what other wind products are valuable?
We like Pearl Izumi's cycling gloves, but also realize that in really cold weather something like a lobster glove may be more what a person is looking for.
If riders are dealing with rain, another vital layer would be booties (and of course our favorite is our local brand Showers Pass which is now available at Nordstrom). Beyond the need for booties, a great pair of cycling shoes is going to be helpful and SIDI has a really warm pair.
Knickers or knee warmers will make a big difference when it comes to keeping your ligaments happy, and fleece lined tights and bibs are great options too.
Balaclavas stop important sounds (like CARS) and so do earmuffs, so Wind-Blox should stay on your helmet straps year round, but adding a warm layer like Bern's knit liner will be very helpful.
Bike Map, the Bikey-est October 07 2014, 0 Comments
The bikey-est of bike maps has just been drawn/cycled/created in an area of the UK known as the New Forest. David Taylor made this by envisioning a route, mapping it and then riding with GPS. This now appears on Google Maps via the Strava app and website.
Halloween on Bikes? October 02 2014, 0 Comments
Our fair city has a Halloween bike ride and mobile dance party. If you've got no plans, come to PDX and party.
Then again, these costume options would work just about anywhere (anywhere cool, that is).
We aren't sure if you need a trike for this one...
A favorite ET option
These are quite elaborate
Bike and Scooter Fun Night August 19 2014, 0 Comments
Our community is having a bike and scooter fun night and we're getting it set. We've not done one of these before and our main goals are to keep it fun and simple. After reading all the pinterest-pretty suggestions and the intricate ideas, here's what we're doing instead:
It will be a fun night (as compared to a safety skills training)
There will be a special parking area and helmet table
Helmets will be judged for fit, decorations available for those who would like to get fancy and prizes awarded
A large parking lot will be divided into thirds
Slow course (bikes only)
During the timed slow course riders must follow a chalk line that is sometimes a bit curvy. They may not put their feet down or the timer stops. Each rider will be given their time at the end.
Obstacle course
Riders go around obstacles trying for accuracy and speed. Any touch of an obstacle causes a rider to re-start
Race
Separate heats will be available for bikes and scooters. This will be timed, or may end up as a race against a good-humored adult.
Bike Wash
At the end of the evening, a bike wash (also known as a sprinkler you can ride under) will be available to enjoy!
Ride to school August 09 2014, 0 Comments
Infographics show that about 1% of children in the US commute to school on their bikes. The childhood freedom to bike to class could become something kids see on Leave it to Beaver or hear about at family reunion picnics.
This August as you count crayons and cross off class lists, pump up your child's bike tires and attach some Blox to their helmets. You'll be fighting childhood obesity, amping up the joy, bringing feelings of autonomy and helping keep your kiddos safe and healthy.
Biking fun in Portland August 06 2014, 0 Comments
Our city has bike events galore! Even events that are not bike-specific have become hybridized due to the popularity of riding in Portland. Recently a large yearly concert offered 200 bike parking spaces and was filled. Tomorrow, August 7, the local Street of Dreams is getting in on the fun. The Bicycle Transportation Alliance announced that there will be bike tours, bike gifts, bike-powered refreshments, a biking coach, and of course a VIP bike corral.
