Section of Fanno Creek Trail could be closed two months after sewage leak

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Red line shows closure.

A section of the Fanno Creek Trail southeast of Beaverton will be closed an estimated 6-8 weeks due to a sewage leak.

Stephen Sykes, a spokesman for the City of Portland Bureau of Environmental Services, says a water leak was discovered last Friday (7/22) on the trail near SW 82nd Avenue. When tests confirmed the water was sewage, BES closed the trail until repairs can be made.

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Vancouver holding photo contest for new bike map cover

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Press release below:

The City of Vancouver Long Range Planning Department in partnership with Bad Monkey Bikes, Board, and Skate is offering a chance to have your photo on the next cover of the City’s bicycle map. The City is preparing to update its ‘Cycling the Cities’ bicycle map and complete the fourth print run of the map since it was first developed in 2006.

We are looking for your photos of what bicycling in Vancouver means to you. The City will pick a winning photo and nine runner-up photos that will be displayed at the grand opening of Vancouver’s new City Hall on September 17, 2011, from noon to 3 p.m. at 415 W. 6th Street. The winning photo will then be used for the cover of the next bicycle map. Each individual is allowed three photo entries and the photo must be taken within the City of Vancouver city limits.

The winner of the contest will receive a $50 gift certificate from Bad Monkey Bikes, Board, and Skate and a $50 Visa cash card. Both the photo contest and printing of the bicycle maps are made possible through a federal grant to encourage bike riding and other alternative modes of transportation.

For more information about the contest go to www.cityofvancouver.us/bike and to submit your photos, contact Jennifer Campos at jennifer.campos@cityofvancouver.us.

New (free and great) Washington County bike map

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Cover of new Washington
County bike map.

Washington County has a new bike map, and it’s a must-have for anyone with plans to enjoy the fantastic rural roads, trails, and towns west of Portland.

I used the map extensively on a recent trip out to Stub Stewart State Park and Vernonia and it was key in helping me find a low-traffic route on bucolic farm roads north of Hillsboro. The best part is that the map is free thanks to the Washington County Visitors Association.

The map itself is printed on tear and water-resistant paper. It shows roads as far east as the Tillamook State Forest, south to Newberg, and north to just below Vernonia. Campsites, wineries, transit centers (MAX is your gateway to bike adventure) farm stands, bike shops, museums and other places of interest are labeled. And, like any bike map worth the paper its printed on, the new map features color-coded roads so you know what you’re getting into.

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Not too early to think about cyclocross: Clinics start next week

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Cross Crusade 2010 #2 - Rainier-3

Learn how to fly over
barriers like this guy.
(Photo © J. Maus)

With the Tour de France in the rear view and August approaching, many Portlanders are beginning the annual mental (and physical) shift into cyclocross season. For some, that means it’s time to brush up on those ‘cross-specific skills. Fortunately, there are many clinics and classes to do just that.

One thing that makes Portland’s ‘cross scene so big and successful is that there are ample opportunities for newbies to learn and gain confidence with the sport through a variety of clinics offered each year.

I’ve already come across three four clinics, the first of which begins next week. Even the Multnomah County Library is offering one! See below for details.

Upper Echelon Fitness (1420 NW 17th) is a Northwest Portland based fitness and training studio where cyclocross is taken very seriously. That’s not to say they don’t have fun, but they know their stuff and if you want to learn from the best in a variety of settings, look no further than UEF. This year they’ve got an 8-week training class ($15 per class or $125 for all), twice a week clinics out at Alpenrose on Tuesday and Thursdays, a Cross Swap meet on August 27th, and even a fully immersive Cyclocross Camp on Labor Day Weekend (9/3 – 9/5). It all starts next week. For the full low-down, visit UEF’s website.

Wenzel Coaching offers a series of three cyclocross skills clinics, the first of which is for women only. Their clinics are held out at Portland International Raceway and the cost is $30 per session or $85 for all three. Wenzel’s clinics are taught by a top-notch trio of coaches: Anne Linton, MD (a USA Cycling coach), Rhonda Morin (a cyclocross national master’s bronze medalist) and Martin Baker (an Oregon State cross-country champion). Register and learn more at WenzelCoaching.com.

Cyclocross has so firmly put its stamp on Portland that even the public library offers a cyclocross course. On September 6th from 6:30 to 7:45 pm at the Central Library (801 SW 10th Ave), you can attend a free Bike Racing 101: Intro to Cyclocross class. Veteran ‘cross racers and an employee from 21st Avenue Bicycles will be on hand to answer questions about equipment, what to expect on race day, and more. Seating is available on first-come, first-served basis, so get there early!

And finally, local cyclocross expert Molly Cameron will host an informational clinic focused on tubular tires and other equipment. The free clinic will be held at Portland Bicycle Studio (1420 NW 17th, same as UEF) at 6:30 pm this Thursday, July 28th. More info here.

This is just a handful of the many clinics and classes that are sure to be offered this coming cyclocross season. For more, keep your eyes on my Twitter feed and the Oregon Bicycle Racing Association (OBRA) website.

Black Kona Jake 2007

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Year: 2007
Brand: Kona
Model: Jake
Color:Black
Size:54
Serial: F7062914
Stolen in Portland, OR 97206
Stolen:2011-07-27
Stolen From: Good Samaritan Hospital
Neighborhood: Pearl District
Owner: John Bohlert
OwnerEmail: john.bohlert@gmail.com
Description: bike rack, silver stem
Police record with: Portland
Police reference#: OR

Event: DIY Cycling Adventures with Michael Sylvester (8/2/11)

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Bike Pub: DIY Cycling Adventures w/ Michael Sylvester
August 2nd at 7:00 pm
Location: McMenamin’s Mission Theater, 1624 NW Glisan St., Portland

Website

Description:

Join Michael Sylvester of Bicycle Fitting Services, Inc., for a lively talk on planning, preparing for and fulfilling your own memorable cycling adventure, featuring fun photos and riveting stories from Michael’s experiences cycling through France, Switzerland and Greece. In more than 30 years of Do It Yourself cycle touring, Michael recently passed the equivalent of 3 full years on the road. Michael advocates that anyone can plan and prepare for a personally-designed bike tour. A DIY trip allows you to go where you want to go and see what you want to see at exactly your own pace. Free event; minors welcome with parent.

White Cannondale CAAD9 2009

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Year: 2009
Brand: Cannondale
Model: CAAD9
Color:White
Size:56
Serial:U015475
Photo: http://a8.sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc6/253727_10150187302744372_723504371_6900987_6102884_n.jpg
Stolen in Portland, OR 97232
Stolen:2011-07-27
Stolen From: Fred Meyers on NE Weidler
Neighborhood: NE Weidler
Owner: Jeremy Garbellano
OwnerEmail: rubbishheaponer@gmail.com
Reward: Yes
Description: White Cannondale CAAD9, 2009.
Police record with: Yes, PPD
Police reference#: 11-63428
This registrant has documented proof of ownership of this bike

Red and White Schwinn Sporterra 2010

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Year: 2010
Brand: Schwinn
Model: Sporterra
Color:Red and White
Serial: SSNIDC10I00300
Stolen in Portland, OR 97232
Stolen:2011-07-26
Stolen From: My bike was stolen right in front of Jimmy John’s on 12th and NE Broadway. I am a delivery rider and ran in to grab another sandwich, in that 2 minutes someone snatched it.
Neighborhood: Lloyd Center Neighborhood
Owner: Steven Patton
OwnerEmail: stevenpatton1@gmail.com
Description: My bike is a Red and White 2010 Schwinn Sporterra. The front brake is unhooked, there is a back rack with old tubes tied to it, and a cheap front fendor. There is also a drink holder on the seat post.
Police record with: PortlandPD
Police reference#: 11-153973
This registrant has documented proof of ownership of this bike