B-line is proud to add Glory Bee Foods as one of our partners. We look forward to growing with them in the future and are happy to share the same goals of alleviating congestion, keeping CO2 emissions down and practicing other sustainable practices.

http://www.newswiretoday.com/news/126410/

http://portlandtribune.com/sl/134423-bike-delivery-service-tests-new-electric-motor

http://sustainablebusinessoregon.com/articles/2013/03/ecospeed-b-line-deal-helps-bikers.html

Check out the page in the article.

From the humble concept of supplying ‘last mile’ deliveries to businesses in a metro area via bicycle transport, Jones has proven his concept works. His business is not only profitable, but it adds value in ways that keep adding up.

First of all, Portland is a cooler city by having electric-assist bicycle delivery. Residents not only seem to take some pride in it, they are also shown what is possible with an electric-assist bicycle. Many may be compelled to get on bikes, themselves.

Want more? Read it here.

has established itself as a landmark company in Oregon and Washington. They have over 60 pubs and restaurants located mostly around the Portland metro area. In addition to being a pioneer in restoring old buildings and showcasing local artwork, McMenamins brews their own beer, roasts their own coffee, creates their own wine, and even distill their own spirits. Not to mention some exceptional cuisine!

B-line is beginning a new service for McMenamins between Ringler’s Pub on West Burnside and Ram’s Head on NW 23rd. They have fresh bread and desserts ready for our riders to deliver in the morning. We are thrilled to have McMenamins as a new partner and look forward to growing more with them in the future.

Check out their home site for upcoming events and what each establishment offers around town.

B-line is happy to be spreading the word about Mt. Hood Meadows Ski Resort’s mid-week special. The deal is $89 for lift pass & motorcoach ride or just $20 round-trip motorcoach ride if you already have a season pass. Plus, during non-peak times, you practically have the mountain all to yourself. No crowds, no waits! So get out there and enjoy the snow!

Check out their website below for in-town pick locations and more info about the resort.

http://www.skihood.com/

B-line has started delivering car parts to Green Drop located at 1417 SE 9th Ave. Portland, Oregon 97214. Visit their website to learn more about Green Drop’s services: http://greendropgarage.com/

One of the challenges in developing an electric-assist trike is the integration of the motor with the conventional bicycle drivetrain. One method is to use a hub motor laced into the front wheel, but this approach has a few limitations that make it unsuitable for our needs. Instead, our trikes use a sophisticated transmission that incorporates multiple drive chains, hubs, and an automotive-style differential to transmit power to the rear wheels. Although complex, this arrangement offers a wide range of gearing possibilities and permits the use of a high output stand-alone motor. An intermediate “mid-drive” hub allows for either motor assist or pedal power alone through a standard 8 speed cassette:

• The primary drive, a standard bicycle-type system, transmits pedaling effort in the typical fashion through a cassette freehub mounted to the mid-drive hub. A single chainring up front and a wide-range 11-32T cassette gives eight usable gears.
• The secondary drive, a 420 motorcycle chain, connects the electric motor to the mid-drive through a modified single-speed freewheel positioned inboard of the cassette. The freewheel functions as a one-way clutch, allowing the mid-drive hub to turn at a faster rate than the motor. Without this feature the motor would be overdriven (causing drag/resistance) if the road speed exceeded the maximum RPM of the motor, an effect similar to engine braking in a car.
• The final drive, also a 420 chain, transmits power from a cog mounted to the end of the mid-drive to a sprocket on the differential housing. Like a fixed-gear bicycle, these sprockets are always turning as long as the trike is in motion.

With every stage incorporating its own set of cogs there is enough gearing flexibility to suit any application. The characteristics of the motor’s output can be maximized with different sprockets to give the best torque, and the trike’s top speed can be tuned with the final drive gearing. This kind of compound gearing keeps the motor in its optimum RPM range for the vehicle’s load without directly impacting road speed.

We are committed to operating our business in ways that are increasingly sustainable, thus supporting environmental health and the well being of people involved in all aspects of our business and communities. Not only does Organically Grown support the sustainable efforts of local growers, but we work constantly to practice sustainability in our company as well.

What do we mean by sustainability? Doing business in a way that meets the needs of present generations without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their needs. Our goal is to be a model of sustainable business practices. We are getting closer to this goal everyday by continuing to run our business without compromising resources for future generations. Take a look around our website www.organicgrown.com to learn more about our company, the LADYBUG brand and why more food retailers and other resellers are choosing to buy their produce from Organically Grown.

Want to learn about what we’re up to? Join us at our upcoming Organicology conference taking place in Portland, OR February 10th – 12th, 2011. Visit www.organicology.org for more information.