Since I’ve temporarily disabled the event calendar function on the site (long story) and I don’t have as much time these days to do individual posts for upcoming events, I’ve been feeling the need to give more love to big weekend events.
So on that note, below is a quick roundup of upcoming bike events/rides that are on my radar screen (and should be on yours!)…
(Photo © J. Maus)
Mountain Bike Oregon (Friday – Sunday)
This annual off-road fest kicks off in Oakridge tomorrow. I did this event back in 2007 and still use the memories to stoke my dreams. Good people, great town, camping, beer, food, some of the best singletrack anywhere. Need I say more? (FYI: There’s another one in August if this is too late of notice)
MTBikeOregon.com
(or pretty, depending on your tastes).
Goldsprints (Roller Racing) hosted by Team Beer (Thursday and Saturday)
The Team Beer crew has hooked up with 42 Below Vodka for a series of “Goldsprints“. The event pits competitors against each other with their bicycles fixed on rollers. The action is fierce and it’s good fun to watch (especially with a cold beverage in your hand).
- Tonight (7/16), 9pm at Eastburn (1800 E Burnside)
- Saturday (7/18), 9pm at Radio Room (1101 NE Alberta)
Jackson’s Ride the Gorge (Saturday)
This is a benefit ride to remember cancer victim Jackson Hill and to raise money for osteosarcoma. Jackson passed away in 2005 after battling this rare form of cancer for 19 months. The ride attracts hundreds of people for a scenic jaunt through Hood River and the Columbia River Gorge. In the video at right Jackson’s mom Melissa talks about the event.
JacksonsRideTheGorge.org
Family Puppet Show Ride (Saturday)
Part of the City of Portland’s By Cycle summer ride series, this family ride is targeted toward folks in St. Johns and all of North Portland. This 3-mile ride will be followed by a puppet show with the acclaimed and awesome Mudeye Puppet Company. (Also stick around for the Cathedral Park Jazz Festival after the puppets!).
More info here
(Photo © J. Maus)
Alpenrose Veldrome Challenge (Friday – Sunday)
Beginning tomorrow (7/17), the Alpenrose Velodrome will host one of the premier track events in the country. The AVC has drawn Olympic-caliber riders for nearly a decade (including legend Marty Nothstein back in the day). This is a great chance to watch some exciting track racing, cheer on local favorites, and marvel at the speed of track pros.
Official Event Information
out of this world!
(Photo: Shawn Small)
A Night of Ruckus for MS (Saturday)
Ruckus Components is a Portland start-up that specializes in carbon fiber bike parts (they’ll be huge someday, trust me). Shawn Small is the man behind the company and he’s put together a Ruckus Test Team this year. The team will make its debut on the upcoming MS 150 Ride and Shawn is hosting a “Night of Rucks for MS” to help them reach fundraising goals. There will be ping-pong (with Shawn’s custom-made carbon paddles), a raffle with nice bike stuff, and beer and food specials.
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Saturday, 7/18 from 5pm – last person to leave
Blitz Ladd (2239 SE 11th Ave)
$5 cash donation suggested at the door
(Photo © J. Maus)
Sunday Parkways Northeast (Sunday)
The ultimate way to spend your Sunday. For more, read our story from yesterday.
(Photo © J. Maus)
Bike Camping to Stub Stewart with Cycle Wild (Sat – Sun)
MAX to Hillsboro, than ride 23 miles on low-traffic roads and the carfree Banks-Vernonia Trail. You know you’ve been wanting to try bike camping. This is a great way to check it out. (Bring $5 to cover the park fee and firewood.)
More details at CycleWild.org
(Photo © J. Maus)
Cycle Oregon Weekend (Friday – Sunday)
The family and I will be headed to the campus of Western Oregon University in Monmouth (north of Corvallis) this weekend for the Cycle Oregon Weekend. This is a great event that is just another way to experience the Cycle Oregon vibe, but without rigors of the more well-known week-long adventure.
More info at CycleOregon.com
What have I missed? Feel free to drop me a line if you’ve got something to add. We’ll put up a Weekend Open Thread Friday afternoon so you can share what you’re up to.