Two vital Portland cultures, writing and bicycling, find a happy convergence today in our chance to sit down with Evan P. Schneider, editor of Boneshaker: A Bicycling Almanac. Schneider was in town to visit the North American Handmade Bicycle Show, taking place this weekend at the Oregon Convention Center.PDX Writer: First, maybe you could tell us a little bit about the origins of Boneshaker, because the first issue isn't out yet, right?
EPS: That's correct. Boneshaker's first issue, BA 42-100, will be released at the end of May. Todd Simmons (of Wolverine Farm Publishing) and I have been discussing the prospect of book about bicycle commuting and the bicycle as a tool for social and environmental change for many years, but we finally realized that a one-time definitive book would be almost impossible. We settled instead, then, on a serial that celebrates the ways and reasons people use the bicycle in their everyday lives.
PDXW: How often will it come out?
EPS: We're releasing it two and a half times a year; or five times every two years. Whichever way you want to look at it.
PDXW: I prefer to look at it as ten times every four years, like the Olympics. Except ten times as often. In that period of time, I mean. You know. But what kind of articles can we expect to see in it?
EPS: Yes, ten times in four years. That works, too. However you need to think about it to feel better about the math. And so, as an almanac, Boneshaker will feature profiles, interviews, facts, fictions, figures, maps, graphs, and/or drawings, all of which will cover various aspects of bicycle transportation. It's "the practical bicyclist's handbook," or "the basic field and street manual for the dedicated commuter," if you wish, pocket-sized and presented in good conscience.
PDXW: With that comment about "pocket-sized," maybe you should mention a bit about the format and design of the journal, on account of you mentioned that when we were setting up this whole interview thing.
EPS: Well, when Todd and I sat down to hash out the physical details of the almanac, we came across an old 1941 Department of War soldier's handbook, which was intended to be carried by war-going young men heading into battle, presumably in their coat pockets. So, as self-proclaimed members of this nation's bicycle army, we thought it was only fitting to model Boneshaker after that little book. As a result, every issue will measure only 4 1/2" x 6 1/2", willing and ready to be taken into the heart of cities where cars and large, loud trucks still reign supreme.
PDXW: So because you're a "member of the press," you've already been to the North American Handmade Bicycle Show today--the rest of us regular folks have to wait until tomorrow or Sunday to see it. What did you find there that interested you in terms of the focus of Boneshaker?
EPS: No matter what sort of bicycles you're into, the show is definitely worth attending. Exhibitors from across the country are displaying the wonderful, two-wheeled fruits of their labor. What's impressive is the high number of small, one- or two-person operations whose work you can really get up close to and study. In terms of Boneshaker--we're just common folk who climb in the saddle day in and day out--I liked what I saw from A.N.T. Bikes (their "Major Taylor" is fantastically gorgeous and utilitarian) [we put it in the photo w/ this post --ed.], as well as the touring, vintage-looking bikes by Rebolledo Cycles, Frances, and Vanilla Bicycles. All of these bikes make me want to ride every day for the rest of time. You know there was a guy in Scotland who was recently charged with having sex with his bike? I can totally understand where he's coming from.
PDXW: ...
EPS: No? Just forget it. But the bikes, though, you really have to see them. And the frame builders are there willing to answer any questions you have about what they've made and how they've done it. Come to think of it, I can't believe the show isn't in Portland every year. You are lucky to have such a bike-friendly culture. Few American cities are as mindful of the bicycle. Perhaps Portland can host some sort of seminar where other major cities come and learn how to not run over a cyclist, or what a bike lane looks like--things like that. Everyone can learn a lot from you. Seriously.
PDXW: Well a couple local organizations will want me to remind everyone that cyclists do get killed here every year, so it's kind of an ongoing education that has to go on between drivers and cyclists, and cyclists and drivers, and so forth.
EPS: Absolutely. In fact, we're hoping Boneshaker can be an entertaining and edifying resource for anyone even remotely interested in going by bicycle. We are not anti-car, we're just pro-bike. Not everyone is capable of riding, for a number of reasons, but a vast majority of us are, if we're willing to change a few parts of our lifestyle to begin using bikes more frequently, even if it's just to make short trips around town instead of driving.
PDXW: Are there any books or journals you've read recently that stand out to you as high points of bicycle lit?
EPS: That's a tough question. There are many publications in circulation that focus on the bicycle, but many of them are highly specialized. There are several glossy, monthly magazines for road cyclists, mountain bikes, and BMX riders. Then there are tons of little zines that take pride in the underground, counter-culture status of bicycling as a sort of radical movement in and of itself. Urban Velo, though, sticks out to me as a pretty level-headed publication that focuses on the joys of city riding.
PDXW: You mentioned before the interview that in addition to being able to buy Boneshaker in the store sometime this spring, you're planning on passing through Portland again yourself this summer, Boneshakers in hand?
EPS: We've joined up with New Belgium Brewery and as such will be part of the 2008 Tour de Fat, which will snake its way across the West this summer, stopping in Portland in August. Boneshaker will have a tiny, inconspicuous tent somewhere amid the beer ballyhoo, Fat Tire in hand.
PDXW: That sounds like an excellent plan. Thank you, Evan P. Schneider, for doing this interview with PDX Writer Daily.
EPS: You are welcome. And good day to you.
Posts
0 comments:
Post a Comment