(Photos © J. Maus)
The 14th annual Bridge Pedal will take over Portland this Sunday. What are your plans?
taking in the view from the
Marquam Bridge?
I’ve done the ride every year I’ve lived in Portland (since 2005), but this year, I’ll get a whole new perspective. That’s because I took ride director Rick Baumann up on an offer to photograph the event from a helicopter. For about an hour on Sunday morning I’ll be hanging out of a chopper trying to snap some interesting images. If you notice us, don’t forget to wave!
Bridge Pedal is one of the largest rides in the country, with close to 20,000 people participating. A big draw from many of them is the exhilarating feeling of riding on Portland’s major highway bridges like the Marquam, the Fremont. It’s also quite a thrill to pedal on a quiet, carfree I-405.
entire city is a bike lane.
For some, it’s an annual tradition and it’s the only time their bike sees the pavement all year (I’m sure all the bike mechanics out there have seen an uptick in business this week). For others, it’s a chance to show off their latest two-wheeled creations. Young, old, racer, commuter — Bridge Pedal brings out all types of bikes and riders.
In 2007, bottlenecks plagued the ride, but thankfully, organizers ironed out several issues for the 2008 edition. Some said last year’s was one of the best ever.
Love it or hate it, Bridge Pedal is one of Portland’s premier bike events (and that’s saying something in this town).
This year, riders can choose from 6, 8, or 11-bridge routes (there’s also the Bridge Stride walk). The only bridges that aren’t on the route this year are the Morrison (construction) and the Steel. New this year is a “Kids Ride Free” policy. Little ones 15 an under can ride the 6-bridge course free.
So what’ll it be for you? Will you ride it this year? Is it your first time or are you a Bridge Pedal veteran? See you out there (and don’t forget to wave at the helicopter)!
Learn more about this year’s ride at Providence.org/BridgePedal.