Month: May 2008

‘Kids Rule’ at the races tomorrow

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The eye of the tiger.
(Photo © J. Maus)

Hoping to give kids the same thrill that mom and dad get out of bike racing, organizers of the Tuesday night racing series at Portland International Raceway will hold the first “Kids Rule” race tomorrow night.

Local racer Neil Green said his six year-old son didn’t want to play baseball or soccer, so he figured — why not introduce him to bike racing? “The kids are already at the track watching mom or dad so they might as well get some experience.”

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Racing at PIR

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Road racing at Portland International Raceway — More information here

Every monday night from May – August

Proposed Schedule – NUMBERS on RIGHT SIDE:

Novice Women – 6 laps

Novice Masters – 7 laps

Masters 1/2/3 – 18 laps / hot spots on 2, 10, 15

Masters 4/5 – 16 laps / hot spots on laps 4,8

Women – 12 laps / hot spots 3, 5

Pedalpalooza update: Poster unveiled; more events than ever

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2008 Pedalpalooza poster by DeJerk.
(Click to enlarge)

With over 170 events planned (so far), the Pedalpalooza 2008 is poised to be the biggest ever. The seventh annual event (June 12-28) is facilitated by Shift but fueled by the community.

Also, the traditional unveiling of the Pedalpalooza poster happened over the weekend. This year’s poster was created by none other than local stencil artist Tiago DeJerk.

The craziness begins with the traditional Kickoff Parade through downtown Portland on June 12 and culminates with the Multnomah County Bike Fair on June 28. In between are scores of rides and events created by everyday Portlanders that exemplify the term “bike fun”.

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Pedal Potluck Picnic

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Meet at HI Portland-Hawthorne Hostel, 3031 SE Hawthorne Blvd
6:30pm – 9:00pm, First Tuesday in May – September

The PPP returns for its fourth season–and this year we are extending the season! A casual bicycle ride traversing approx. 3-5 miles with a different route each time. The end destination is a mystery park or park-like setting. The term “park” will be used liberally here, so expect the unexpected! At the endpoint we’ll enjoy a picnic dinner. Eating will be potluck style, so please bring food and drink to share (preferably vegetarian/vegan). Please also try to bring your own silverware, plate, and cup. We will also stop at a grocery store along the way. Rain means covered location.

Shawn, urbanadventureleague at scribble daht comm, urbanadventureleague.blogspot.com, PO Box 14185, Portland OR 97293-018

Family Biking Workshop

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GETTING STARTED IN FAMILY BICYCLE COMMUTING

North Portland Library, 512 N Killingsworth St (Meeting Room)
6:00pm – 7:30pm

The BTA’s Family Biking Commute Workshops discuss the common challenges that families face when considering bike commuting. Topics such as rain, helmet fitting, safety and time management will be covered. Bring your questions about bike commuting. Participants will receive free bike maps and a list of community resources.

Lillian Karabaic, lillian at bta4bikes daht oh are gee, www.walknbike.org, 503-226-0676

Men’s Cycling Rideabout

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MEN, FUN, BIKING

Meet at Whole Foods, NE 15th Ave and Fremont St 6:30pm

Would you forward this invitation to friends & acquaintances who might enjoy getting exercise & community while exploring the city by bike – and would you consider joining us yourself?

WANDERLUST: MEN’S CYCLING RIDEABOUT
5/5 & 5/19 (1st & 3rd Mondays), 6:30 pm
Outside Whole Foods, NE 15th & Fremont

When a group rides together not knowing where they’re going, all these experiences unfold — things like team, flow, laughter, and that whoosh of being free AND connected as men on the move together.

Bart, www.qland.org, 503-223-8822

Kids Rule races at PIR

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official website

Kids Rule, Tuesday Nights in May and June at PIR

Where:
Portland International Raceway
From I-5 take exit #306b west. Track is located west of freeway.

Start Times:
Under 5 years: 6:00pm, 6-8 years: 6:10pm, 9-10 years: 6:20pm.

Registration:
From 6:00pm to race start.
Located near the start / finish area by the grand stands
Helmets Required!!!

Fees:
All races are $1

Contact:
Neil Green: 503.319.2313 newtons4@comcast.net

Weekend open thread: Share your bike fun

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(Photo © J. Maus)

There’s a ton of bike stuff happening tomorrow and it should be warm and dry…so get out there and ride!

If you need a refresher on what’s up, check out my post from Thursday.

And, as per usual, don’t forget to share your plans and amazing adventures in the comments below — for those who live vicariously through your bikey exploits…

Community comes together for Brett Jarolimek Fund benefit

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Daniel McGinnis, BTA Board member
and president of Bike Gallery.
(Photos © J. Maus)

At the Brett Jarolimek Memorial Fund benefit last night, Bike Gallery President Daniel McGinnis implored the hundreds of people who showed up to “roll up your sleeves”, and reminded us that our recent Platinum accolade is, “a platform and nothing else.”

McGinnis issued an invitation, and a challenge to all of us to help build something positive out of tragedy. He stressed that the fund was not only in need of financial contributions, but another important type of contribution — our ideas.

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Tribune article forces PDOT to defend bike boxes

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A bike box in downtown Portland.
(Photos © J. Maus)

The Portland Tribune has published an article about concerns raised by citizens and the Oregon Department of Transportation over the usage, safety and efficacy of the newly installed bike boxes.

The story’s sub-headline reads, “Some cycling advocates are trying to stick a wrench in the spokes of Portland’s new bike box program, saying they’re confusing and inherently unsafe, and should not be approved by the federal government.”

The article focuses primarily on concerns raised by Ryan Conrad (a daily Portland bike commuter and mechanic at the Beaverton Bike Gallery store) and concerns about bike boxes (in certain situations) by ODOT’s head traffic engineer Ed Fischer.

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Council candidates at Bike Lunch today

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Daniel Johnson (pre-trim).
(Photos © J. Maus)

Daniel Johnson — the guy behind the pothole ride — started Bike Lunch as a way to meet people and encourage community among folks who ride.

The idea is simple: Meet every Friday during the lunch hour and share conversation among friends old and new. The event is catching on and more and more people are making it their regular Friday lunch stop (they meet at Backspace (115 NW 5th Ave) or Waterfront Park if it’s dry).

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Latest Headlines

Two deaths and major injuries in four serious crashes since Saturday

PBOT will upgrade, expand enforcement camera program with new supplier and operator

Monday Roundup: E-bikes at war, individual responsibility, Helsinki’s triumph, and more

Police to PBOT: Remove traffic diverters in the name of public safety

From the Archives

What five people say about living outside along the Springwater path