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It’s Winter, It Must Be Time For a Palm Tree Ride

Buffered Bike Lane with a bike symbol and arrow pointing forward


Ride poster illustrated
by ride leader Shawn Granton.

Shawn Granton is an urban history renaissance man who delights in sharing Portland’s backroads.

He’s well known in bike circles for his monthly Pedal Potluck Picnics, theater history rides, and illustration talents that have graced countless ride and event posters over the years.

This Sunday he’s leading his annual Wintertime Palm Tree Ride that scours Portland’s alleys and side streets in search of rare and tropical trees.

As a former Californian, I’ve got a soft spot for palm trees and I jumped at the chance to join Granton and a hearty bunch of folks on last year’s edition of the ride.

Wintertime Palm Tree Ride
Under a monkey puzzle tree
at last year’s ride.
(Photo © Jonathan Maus)_

Not only did I learn some new routes around town (Granton knows the streets like the back of his hand), but to this day, my daughters and I point out monkey puzzle trees (which Granton told us have been around since the dinosaurs) whenever we see one.

So grab some friends, bundle up, and learn some fun facts while you pedal around Portland peering pretty palms.

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