The Portland Peace and Justice Center has put together quite an innovative bicycle tour. The Sustainable Energy in Motion Bike Tour combines a long distance cycling expedition with an integrated learning experience. Participants learn about organic agriculture, green building, permaculture, and salmon restoration all while getting physically fit and enjoying an extended tour of the great outdoors. I think it’s a fantastic idea, and anybody interested in learning more should have a look at their website, or give their blog a read.

The Bike Tour bloggers and I have talked about the possibility of including the Open Source Appropriate Technology discussion in the format of the tour. Because the bike tour participants will be directly involved with the issues surrounding technology, scale, and sustainability, they will be in a unique position to discuss the concepts of ownership rights, replication, and a global AT community. Hopefully, during the spring and summer we’ll have some posts that reflect the cyclists’ response to this ongoing discussion.