bicycling

In the introduction to my story on Blind Pilot this week, I mentioned a gig they had at an organic farm 10 miles north of Portland. Yes, it was a birthday bash. And it was my first introduction to the band and its live act. But the thing was, I was there for the birthday, so felt a little strange talking with Blind Pilot while in the back of my mind thinking of story angles and simultaneously reminding myself to just relax and enjoy the evening. Being a scene reporter can get schizophrenic sometimes.

When I finally introduce myself to the dark-haired Israel Nebeker at the farm, his stomach is growling. “Do you know where I could get some food?” he asks. Rule #1 on a bike tour: You need energy, so bring plenty of snacks. Rule #2: Failing that, rely on the kindness of strangers. I offer Nebeker bread and cream cheese, which he wolfs down while other band mates join in.

Nebeker is a seemingly bashful fellow with a sensitive side. He’s not hard to engage in conversation, but he’s not a verbose self-promoter, either. Since they went through the trouble of paying a PR rep and all, I thought I'd arrange for a phone interview later the next week through their PR guy. What follows after the jump is that conversation. Also, to sample Blind Pilot's music ahead of their Sept. 3 gig at Sam Bond's, go to their MySpace page or tune in to Eugene Weekly's Signal:Noise music podcast, episodes 10 and 11.

To read further, click HERE.

Another bicyclist has been struck by a car, this time he survived.

According to a police press release, Thea Peck, 36, was cited by police Monday, July 21 after she struck cyclist Daniel Rasmussen, 22, in a crosswalk near the 30th Ave. Albertsons, sending the biker to the hospital. EPD ticketed Peck for allegedly committing the violations of "Careless Driving" and "Passing a Stopped Vehicle at a Crosswalk."

Here's the EPD description of the 10:42 am accident:

"Investigating officers found that the bicyclist, Daniel Rasmussen, was crossing 30th Avenue southbound in a marked crosswalk on the west side of the intersection. Two drivers (one heading south on Alder Street, one heading east on 30th Avenue) stopped their vehicles to allow Rasmussen to cross. A third driver, Thea Peck, was eastbound on 30th Avenue in her silver Honda Odyssey, accelerating in the right-hand lane. She passed the stopped car in the left-hand lane, entered the crosswalk, and struck Rasmussen in the intersection."

Here's a Google Map of the intersection.

View Larger Map

Last month a car struck and killed David Minor, 27, in front of Kinkos at 13th and Willamette. Police alleged that Minor turned in front of the car and did not cite the driver.

Eugene's riverfront bike trails are one of the most popular things ever built in Eugene. Last Sunday saw a wide range of Eugeneans out enjoying the sunny weather and riverside parks. Thanks to a video camera strapped to the handlebars with an old inner tube and songs from Mal Webb and David Rovics, here's a quick tour: