#TeamProject

A multimedia project done by students in J207 at the University of Oregon

Charlie Hockett

Q&A by Haley Stupasky Hometown: Long Beach, CA

Hockett is a student at the University of Oregon but spends a lot of his free time on his bike. He is a frequent visitor of the UO Bike Barn and incorporates biking into his life by taking rides all around the state. Most recently he did a ride from Eugene to Portland.

What is it about Oregon that makes people want to bike? How does the culture in Oregon encourage biking as a way of transport?

Photo of Charlie putting his helmet on.

Oregonians place a big emphasis on the environment, but that is not everything. In southern California one is either a cyclist, or a person who occasionally rides a bike in summer. Here, the line is not so blurred. The cycling community in Eugene is vibrant and inclusive. I think on one hand, Eugene has a great infrastructure that allows people to feel safe biking. On the other, biking is taken seriously as a way of life here. I can feel a difference riding in Eugene and Long Beach. Drivers in Oregon respect bikers more and this makes people feel more safe. Aside from infrastructure, Eugene has a great collection of bike shops and work spaces that empower riders to learn about their bikes and maintain them.

Does biking play a role in your social life? 

Yes. I spend a lot of my free time riding, especially on the weekends. If I am going to run in to one of my friends it is more than likely on my bike. Also, I have had the opportunity to spend some time in the UO Bike Barn which is an amazing resource and overall fun place to hang out. An old riding partner and I used to joke that you have friends, girl friends, and riding partners- in that order of importance.

Where are your favorite places to bike around town? Around the state?

I really enjoy the river paths as well as the hills south of Eugene. My favorite ride for an afternoon is Mckenzie River View which runs north of the Mckenzie above Springfield. Depending on the route it is about 25 miles but is a great way to get out of in to the countryside.

Talk about your bike ride from Eugene to Portland. What were your motivations is doing this route? Was it what you expected it to be?

Photo of Charlie's everyday shoes.

I rode from Eugene to Portland because I needed a personal challenge. I had always wanted to and the conditions seemed right. I chose my route based entirely on advice given to me by people in bike shops in Eugene, Corvallis, Salem, and Portland. I prefer asking for directions to looking them up because everyone has their own special route or pretty road to recommend. It is also a great opportunity to interact with other people who are excited about bikes as well.

The ride was a bit more rainy than I expected, but overall it was amazing. I was so happy riding through the countryside and met some very nice people along the way. The ride ended up being about 165 miles in two days, with detours along the way. I enjoyed every mile.

The Willamette Valley is an amazing place to ride and explore. I think that in the future, more organized tours will take place here.

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