Portland Velo takes root

carlo
[Carlo Delumpa]

Portland’s great cycling community just got even better.

Local cyclists Carlo Delumpa (right), Susan France, David Kelly, Ty Lambert, David Russell and Rick Smith have launched Portland’s newest recreational cycling club, Portland Velo. Portland Velo was formed because the founders felt no existing group filled the growing need for organized road rides in a fun and sociable atmosphere.

According to Carlo, here’s what Portland Velo is all about:

“It doesn’t matter to us whether a rider is slow or fast, new to group cycling or a seasoned paceline veteran. Our job is to make sure our riders are able to find rides that fit their preferences and that those rides are enjoyable. We want to create a social atmosphere where people are encouraged to have fun, meet new people and improve their group riding skills…and no one gets dropped…ever!”

They’ve only been around for a few weeks, but Carlo says they’ve already got over 50 members signed up. For more information email info@portlandcycling.net.

You can bet we’ll be hearing more from Portland Velo in the near future – stay tuned for another post once their website is officially launched.

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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Randy Olson
Randy Olson
18 years ago

Please “sign me up” Gr8 idea and good luck!

Aging Bull
Aging Bull
18 years ago

Wonderful idea! Seems to be an overabundance of race wannabe oriented groups and no just social groups. Does the groups charter extend to stuff outside the Portland area? (such as mid Wilamette Valley).

Don “curious is my middle name. this post” Bolton

Diane Kerns
Diane Kerns
18 years ago

“organized rides in a fun and social atmosphere” – the main reason I took up cycling! Great idea – I am sure you will have not problem drawing participants!

NW Bicycle Safety Council

NW Bicycle Safety Council (NWBSC)has enjoyed a good relationship with Portland Cycling and hopes to continue with the same level of enjoyment with Portland Velo. The reason we joined Portland Velo is because I know that Carlo is very committed to his mission. I would like to thank Susan, David Kelly, Ty, David Russell and Rick Smith and Carlo for their effort and hope to share many rides with the group in the future.

Bruce Buffington
President, NWBSC

Tom Tilque
18 years ago

Great news for us social riders. I also echo Don Boltons question if this club will extend out of Portland down to the Mid Willamette Valley. But then a trip north to ride on roads I haven’t ridden in a while would be kind of nice.

Tom Tilque
Salem

Carlo
18 years ago

Hi all, glad to see such a great response! To answer your question, we are starting first bach of rides in the Portland/Hillsboro/Tualatin area, because at the moment, that’s where most of our ride leaders are fron. As we get more members and ride leaders, we will add rides and I would not be surprised if got down to mid-Willamette Valley as well as the East side and Gorge area eventually. For now, we’re sticking to our knitting. If you are interested in leading rides for the ‘Velo, ping me at carlo@portlandcycling.net. See you out on the road!

Ray Ogilvie
Ray Ogilvie
18 years ago

No one gets dropped ever? How will I get any solitude that way?

Sign me up anyway, it looks like an interesting mix.

Ray O.

beth h
18 years ago

Congrats to Portland Velo on yet another bicycle group joining the mellower side of bicycling in Portland! Idea: let’s swap appearances at each other’s rides this spring, ok? Happy pedalling!
Beth Hamon
Slug Velo (happily offering slower group rides for everyone since Feb 2003)