About 40 people showed up for the Benson Bubbler ride yesterday. (For those of you not from Portland, Benson Bubblers are the name given to our iconic drinking fountains).
We met at SW 5th and Washington, site of the first bubbler, installed in 1912 (and still looking great). Our ride leader Lily brought along a brochure and two staffers from the Water Bureau to help with questions and add information.
I had to leave the ride before it ended, so perhaps someone can fill us in via the comments. Check the slideshow below or browse our photo gallery here.
Thanks for reading.
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My planned end for the ride was at the Simon Benson house, but after mentioning their was a unique stone bubbler up a steep incline in NW Portland, most of the group decided to come along for a meandering ride (avoiding downtown rush hour traffic as best we could) to NW 31st & Thurman to see one of two stone bubblers in Portland (originally meant for horses). The group was awesome, and the views were great from the 100 ft climb. The group then split in two, one heading to Pedal Potluck Picnic/NE Portland and one headed to Col Summers for the 3 rides leaving from there. Brad led us on a Multi Use Path tour of the waterfront to get to Col Summers.
Special thanks to Rich & Peter from the water bureau who brought water bureau stickers, tattoos, and benson bubbler pamphlets and their knowledge!
Lily,
The Bubbler Ride was Awesome! The ride up to the stone bubbler was totally worth the climb. I learn alot about our Bubblers and had a great time.
Thanks for leading such a great ride!