Oregon Manifest is a challenge, sponsored in part by Levi's, to bike designers and constructors to build "The Ultimate Modern Utility Bike." The bike must have features like built-in anti-theft devices, fenders, lighting, load-carrying capability, and kickstand. Bikes entered into the contest will be tested on a 50 mile course that covers city and dirt roads, asphalt, gravel, hills, and stairs. The winner receives a $3,000 prize.
The contest has 40 design entrants. Most come from either Oregon or California. The test will go down in September. And nothing will ever be the same! People will abandon their cars en masse for these fantastic contraptions! All right, maybe not, but having a sleek-looking, thief-proof bike that makes carry groceries easy would be a big step in that direction.
