with a few friends!
Since 1993, the Portland International Raceway (PIR) has hosted the holiday tradition known as Winter Wonderland. Each year, over 100,000 people drive their cars along the racetrack which is adorned with massive, holiday-themed light sculptures and animated displays accompanied by festive Christmas tunes and holiday cheer.
But this year, for the first time ever, organizers will make one special night completely carfree. That’s right, December 7th is Bike Night at PIR!
Here’s how the event is described on the Winter Wonderland website:
“Bring the family to a fun night dedicated to bicycle riding (no cars allowed) and the bicycle community.”
Imagine rolling with some friends down the racetrack and viewing over 250 displays and 40 “fully animated scenes”. Also, according to the Winter Wonderland website;
“Visitors this year will be amazed to travel through the Tunnel of Lights, a 200 plus foot tunnel of lights that transports visitors to distant and magical lands.”
Brian Anthony (from Portland but currently living in Southern California) says he tried to convince Winter Wonderland organizers to do a bike night a few years ago but they weren’t interested. “Then, out of the blue, they contact me and wanted to see if I felt there was enough interest. I said heck yeah!”
In addition to being able to ride on the track without worrying about cars, Brian says he’s also trying to set up local, bike-based food and drink vendors to make it more of a party. (Email brian[at]anthemcycling[dot]com if you’d like to get involved.)
Tickets for the event will be $5 per person and children under 13 are free. Save the date on your calendars and stay tuned for updates and reminders. PIR is just a few short miles north of downtown Portland (N. Interstate Ave will take you all the way there).
Let’s show PIR — who have been so good to the community in hosting tons of bike racing over the years — that we appreciate them setting aside a special night just for people to ride bikes!
More info at WinterWonderlandPortland.com