Show #190 – April 19, 2014

Guests: Rock Lobster’s Paul Sadoff; Entrepreneur Pamela Dorr

This week we’d like to begin by wishing everyone who observes them, a happy holiday – Passover and/or Easter.  Sunshine abounds here in NE Ohio and for THAT we are very grateful.

I wanted to create a show about the 10th NAHBSThe North American Handmade Bicycle Show – and come at it from a couple of different angles.

The first is actually from someone who did NOT attend the show in Charlotte, NC last month. Rock Lobster’s Paul Sadoff‘s reasons for NOT attending were first brought to my attention in a blog post from Bicycle Times Magazine. And, he expands on those reasons and delves into the custom bike builder world in more detail as well as tells us about a new collaboration between himself and the venerable Bruce Gordon.

I also speak with Pamela Dorr who went from apparel designer for Victoria’s Secret in San Francisco to entrepreneur extraordinaire in Greensboro, Alabama.  The NAHBS connection came from an incident that happened when her HERO   (Hale Empowerment and Revitalization Organization)  bamboo bike was Kidnapped from the Handmade Show and her story, her enthusiasm, and her successes will blow you away.

When you hear our show via podcast this week, you will learn about our new sponsor, Dodd Camera.  We welcome them and appreciate their support of our work.  When you are looking for professional equipment and advice about photography, Dodd Camera is a great place to look!

Show #82 – March 24, 2012

First up this week is Rich Olken, whose roots in cycling go back to his late father Ben Olken, who was a pioneering bicycle dealer and importer of fine bicycles. To say that Rich has held leadership positions with the National Bicycle Dealers Association, Bikes Belong, and Hosteling International doesn’t really convey how deeply he and his family are woven into the fabric and history of cycling in America. To understand that, you’ll have to listen for yourself.

Featured in the second half of the hour is a guy who’s been ‘actually making his own [stuff]’ since about 1974. Bruce Gordon is the founder, owner, and resident curmudgeon of Bruce Gordon Cycles, where he makes (and sometimes even sells) extremely durable, gorgeous frames, racks, and other components. He’s also the Benevolent Co-Dictator for Life of SOPWAMTOS, whose website contributed to the 90 minutes I vaporized writing this post. Perfect browsing material while you’re listening to Bruce and Rich!