One never quite gets the spiritual vibe when visiting Portland - in fact - Oregon has the fourth highest percentage of people identifying themselves as “non-religious” in the United States.  But passion for peddling, well there's no denying that.  So it came as no surprise when a Portland friend of DTE's sent along an article about the combination of the two called the Bike Temple, "a non-profit, pan-faith movement that seeks to heal the world by having fun and deepening people's relationship with their venerated transportation form." 

Judging by their website, the Bike Temple folks are an active, organized group.  Their vision is, "to create a space for bicycle-related worship and ritual, religious levity, community outreach, education and activism, performance art, events, after-hours bike shop/repair space, used parts yard, and a cyclist hostel."

A typical BIke Temple event consists of a blessing of one's bicycle, holy oil and all, as well as a certification and documentation of your holy covenent with your bicycle - likely done by one of the founders - Kernal Loose Nut” Moses,  “Pasture” Ted, or Deacon Amos.  Followed by a potluck, a short sermon - where your bicycle bell is your "Amen" and a group ride with the Bicycle Temple's mobile shrine in tow. 

If you're living in Portland or plan on visiting sometime soon - check out their site for upcoming events or ways to get involved.  And to read an article from BikePortland.org about the Bike Temple - click HERE. 

God speed...err, bicycle speed.

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