I got an email from the Port of The Dalles' marketing person. They are trying to pitch the place as a potential location for the bicycle biz. Seems like a good play to me. I sent a reply and may go meet with them. More later.
jn
"Thursday"
"The Dalles, Oregon:
More Play. Better Work. Wheel-ready.
One thing we’ve learned in the Columbia Gorge is that fresh air, sunshine and a little play time can be the perfect solution to jumpstart a work day. And when we’re talking about bicycles, we’re talking world-class play right outside your business door. More and more cyclists are realizing that The Dalles, at the east end of the Columbia River Gorge, has a unique microclimate geared toward cyclists.
Warm marine air keeps early spring temperatures mild, while The Dalles’ location in the rain shadow of Mt. Hood means cycling season starts here when folks in other areas are still sipping cocoa fireside. Even winter weather is generally mild most of the time. For cycle manufacturers, that means more on-the-ground testing time every year. And the choices of terrain and surface are legion: From the rolling wheat country east of The Dalles, along the commuter-ready urban Riverfront Trail, to the picturesque Rowena Loops, and the hard climbing and stunts of Post Canyon in nearby Hood River, The Dalles is at the heart of prime riding territory. We’re also a hub leading to longer cycling excursions north, south, east and west in Oregon and Washington.
With the final link in the Historic Columbia River Highway trail system estimated for completion around 2020 and the emerging national upswing in cycle purchases, we expect even more people to be rolling into The Dalles, helping us build a name synonymous with cycling. Last year alone, bicycle tourism accounted for $21 million
This could be good news for a bike manufacture interested in expanding into prime recreational territory. The Dalles offers state-certified industrial land on the Port of The Dalles Industrial Area and potential retail/maker space in historic Downtown The Dalles. Our affordable utilities featuring renewable power sources help keep machines running and overhead low.
Don’t let our small population and mellow attitude fool you, The Dalles offers plenty of urban amenities — and support and incentives for new and expanding businesses."
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