Weekend open thread: Bundle up and get out there!

Spotted today near the Rose Quarter; boots, a
dress, a denim jacket, and a purple Schwinn.
(Photos © J. Maus)

The good news is that it’s going to be a chilly, beautiful weekend.

There is no bad news.

Saturday from 11 to 3 is the annual PUMP Swap Meet. PUMP may be a mountain bike organization, but the swap meet caters to every kind of rider, whether you want an obscure kind of knobby tire, a sassy new bike t-shirt, or just a decent secondhand derailleur that won’t make your life a misery. It’s also a fun scene. Check it out.

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If you rode anywhere in the last week, you know full well that it’s time to stop procrastinating and put some fenders on your bike. Bike Farm is holding a workshop to help you weatherize your bike on Saturday from 5 to 7. The last hour will be devoted to helping you install fenders — bring your own or buy a set there.

Caleb Evenson was enjoying the
sun this afternoon near the Esplanade.

On Sunday at 11am, Shawn Granton will be leading his popular, inspiring, but sadly infrequent Dead Freeways Ride. His question: “What if Portland built all the freeways it planned?” Go along to marvel at the off-ramp to nowhere; stay for Shawn’s awesome knowledge of local history.

And as if that’s not enough for a winter weekend, on Sunday there’s a cross race.

The cross racers may not know it, but their competition is still going strong: Bike Polo at 2:30, and ZooBomb at 9:00, every Sunday.

This all sounds pretty good, but my only real plans so far are to check out the Little Red Bike Cafe for the first time (!) on Saturday, and then maybe head to the New Deal Distillery open house right next door to the office.

What’s on your plate this weekend?

Photo of author

Elly Blue (Columnist)

Elly Blue has been writing about bicycling and carfree issues for BikePortland.org since 2006. Find her at http://takingthelane.com

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DT
DT
15 years ago

You’ve never been to LRBC??? For shame!!!

I spend every Saturday morning there, because it is both delicious and also convenient.

Enjoy!! (The french puffs are amazing.)

John Russell
15 years ago

If nothing comes up, I think I would enjoy the freeway funeral, so to speak.

glenzedrine
glenzedrine
15 years ago

I’d love to do anything. Unfortunately, my frame broke at both chainstays during a ride downtown. Yay…

Donna
Donna
15 years ago

On my way to sell a load of books at Powell’s, I had a strange and scary interaction with a transient-type person who was obviously in a very bad space this evening. My heartfelt thanks to the gentleman who saw it as he was heading towards the Hawthorne, turned around, and stayed with me until I was ready to push off again with my load.

Zaphod
15 years ago

Elly… yeah, you *need* to visit the Little Red Bike Cafe… it’s amazing. They build perfect coffee drinks from Courier Roasters and all the food is inspired. Plus the owners are super cool. I need to go back there soon.

Cecil
15 years ago

Mmmmm, LRBC – good food, good people, and lots and lots of bikes.

Today I rode out to Hillsboro for the PDX Velo Ride – did the Holly Hill route, which I had not yet done – fantabulous views of Mounts Hood, Adams, St. Helens and Rainer from the top of Holly Hill – had just under 90 mile in by the time I was done – and NONE of them in the rain! Hiking tomorrow with my non-cyclist hubby . . perhaps lunch at LRBC . . . .mmmm

editrixpdx
editrixpdx
15 years ago

Tabor-to-River Bioswales self-guided tour = fun! Plus, Saint Cupcakes was en route, so cupcakes were consumed (and brought home).

Cupcakes, bioswales AND a gorgeous day!

Paul
15 years ago

We love LRBC too, although, we have to make the trip from Salem, with 4 kids, so most often…we do so by car. We found their blog, and decided we had to visit. After hearing that we had come up from Salem, they heaped cinnamon rolls and pastries galore for us to take home. Super cool…we’ve been back several times!

Plus, just down the road from Ira Ryan’s shop, so that makes it a trip well worth making.

jj
jj
15 years ago

Biked to the Hollywood Farmers Market with my youngest son in the trailer yesterday to pick up my CSA veggies, and then biked downtown last night with my five year old on the FollowMe Tandem to see the Oregon Children’s Theater production of James and the Giant Peach at the Newmark. Gonna try to get out today for a longer ride on my own, but we’ll see. There’s lots to get down around the house/yard while it’s not raining.

jeff
jeff
15 years ago

Mud baby, mud. With a healthy dose of horse crap. Long Live the Cross Crusade.

brettoo
brettoo
15 years ago

I did most of the Dead Freeways ride — had to leave the east side part to make an afternoon concert. Shawn’s knowledge of Portland history and politics were impressive and very helpful to a recent arrival like me and a couple of the other riders I talked to. It’s one thing to read about how diligent citizens organized opposition to community-destroying highways, but quite another to actually stand in a place (e.g. Food Front) that would now be a highway if not for their efforts. It really makes you see what could have been lost, and imagine what actually was lost in cases where the car-first mentality triumphed. Very powerful experience, and beautiful weather for it. I’d like to go on more of these. Thanks, Shawn!