The bicycle is worshiped in PDX like Pope John Paul in Poland.  Non-believers have no place, and know to get out of the way.

As pious as they are, make no mistake—Portlandians know how to enjoy themselves. Our pre-party kick-off at the super swank Lizard Lounge shop quickly turned into a kegger, brewed by local enthusiasts.  

We had to pace ourselves.

We managed to make it out in one piece for the next day's open house at PNCA, an unveiling of all the competing builder's masterpieces, each a unique expression of the ideal commuter bike for the 21st century.

Eccentric ergonomics, built-in locking mechanisms, and cargo carrying fit for a FedEx delivery man. In fact, package pick-ups was part and parcel of the Manifest's Road Test the next day. All challengers had to ride a 50-mile test course on their commuter invention, including a 3,000ft climb.

Levi's was well represented on the ride by Josh, Andreas, and Billy "Souphorse" (all wearing 511 Commuters of course), and they could attest to the intensity of the mountain pass.

The masses flocked to the Chris King Factory on Saturday for the finish line celebration.  King's offshoot Cielo Cycles was not only a competitor in the challenge (they placed 3rd), but also the maker of our much adored custom bike on tour with the shop. 

As Manifest fever grew at King's, the Shop was mobbed by revelers at the finish line, and we had an excellent view as expectant attendees crowded around for the competitors nearing the end of the long and winding road. 

The favorite (and last year's champion) Tony Pereira streamed in ahead of the pack, popping a wheelie as he crossed the finish line, blaring a Led Zeppelin track from his built in bicycle stereo system.  The Best of Show award appropriately went to the consummate showman, who accepted his giant check placard in a purple bow-tie to match his electrified commuter dream machine.  

Head over to Claire's new site here to see more from Israel, Prague, and the Czech Republic.