Photos and recap from the Pedalpalooza Kickoff

Pedalpalooza Kickoff Ride-11


Pedalpalooza 2012 has officially begun.

Pedalpalooza Kickoff Ride-33>

Pedalpalooza Kickoff Ride-14

Last night’s kickoff ride and party drew a healthy and diverse crowd to the South Park Blocks. We weaved through downtown (making a double pass in front of City Hall), then went up and over the Steel Bridge, through the Lloyd District and took over the entire eastbound side of Broadway before settling in for beer, food, and live music at Velo Cult bike shop on NE 42nd.

It was great to see so many new faces, including several families.

Pedalpalooza Kickoff Ride-8

Pedalpalooza Kickoff Ride-31

Pedalpalooza Kickoff Ride-9

Pedalpalooza Kickoff Ride-1

Pedalpalooza Kickoff Ride-16

I never get tired of seeing how streets filled with bikes can transform our cityscape…

Pedalpalooza Kickoff Ride-13

Pedalpalooza Kickoff Ride-12

Pedalpalooza Kickoff Ride-20

Pedalpalooza Kickoff Ride-18

Pedalpalooza Kickoff Ride-21

Pedalpalooza Kickoff Ride-27

Pedalpalooza Kickoff Ride-30

Pedalpalooza Kickoff Ride-34

At the start of the ride I met Topher Darling (below), a part time student and full time social worker who told me he’s shifted around his school and work schedule just to take part in Pedalpalooza. “I’m mostly looking forward to the costume rides,” he said, “I can ride around any day and see a bunch of people riding bikes, but when people are in costume there’s a stronger sense of unity.” Topher’s marked his calendar for the Star Wars vs. Star Trek ride and the Dr. Who ride.

Pedalpalooza Kickoff Ride-4

Topher Darling

After the ride, Velo Cult and the Portland Mercury did a smashing job hosting the party. The Suicide Notes rocked the house and a food truck parked right outside the front door kept folks happy long into the night. I ended up pretty much closing the place down, hanging out with some good old friends. All in all, it was an excellent start to Pedalpalooza season!

Pedalpalooza Kickoff Ride-37

Pedalpalooza Kickoff Ride-36

Check out a few more my photos in the gallery and visit Pedalaplooza.org to view the full ride calendar.

Jonathan Maus (Publisher/Editor)

Jonathan Maus (Publisher/Editor)

Founder of BikePortland (in 2005). Father of three. North Portlander. Basketball lover. Car owner and driver. If you have questions or feedback about this site or my work, feel free to contact me at @jonathan_maus on Twitter, via email at maus.jonathan@gmail.com, or phone/text at 503-706-8804. Also, if you read and appreciate this site, please become a supporter.

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Ethan
Ethan
11 years ago

Good times! Thanks to Velo Cult for hosting an awesome kickoff party. The sea of parked bikes lifted my spirit. I hope Sky’s thermostat is on the mend.

Esther
Esther
11 years ago
Reply to  Ethan

Ethan, you’ll be glad to know that Jonathan was sporting a 2002 BikeSummer shirt and when he learned who the artist was, he tore it off shouting he’s not worthy 😉

A.K.
A.K.
11 years ago
Reply to  Ethan

Velo Cult is rad. I finally popped in last weekend for a beer after a long ride around the west hills. I spoke with several folks who work there, all were very nice.

I hope they do well and stick around! I certainly think hosting events like this one help get the word out about the shop.

Steve B
11 years ago

Major props on whoever booked the Suicide Notes. They were awesome!

Ely
Ely
11 years ago

See you there, Topher! 😀

Gregg
11 years ago

How can I possibly be at 5+ places at the same time to get to all of the events that I don’t want to miss everyday?

Andrew K
Andrew K
11 years ago

ok, how is it that just now I am learning that there is going to be a Dr. Who ride AND that Portland has a bar called The Tardis Room?

Where on earth have I been?

(no, I wasn’t traveling through time I swear)

topher
topher
11 years ago

Awesome picture! 😉

Joe in Wilsonville
Joe in Wilsonville
11 years ago

great fun good times! loved the ride