(Photos © J. Maus)
After its successful debut last year, the Winter Wonderland light display event at Portland International Raceway will once again feature a bike-only night this year.
Newly named, “Bike the Lights” happens this Monday (12/6) from 5:00 to 9:00 pm and will be hosted by Bike Gallery. Ticket sales from the event will benefit the Bicycle Transportation Alliance (BTA). Last year, the event was held on one of the coldest nights of the year; but that didn’t stop lots of hardy souls from bundling up and biking out to it. Those that did were greeted with hot cocoa provided by Bike Gallery (they also provided their shop van as a warming hut) and candy canes and hot tea from Pedal Bike Tours.
Bike the Lights is the carfree version of the Winter Wonderland event that has been held since 1993. On Monday, the racetrack at PIR will be 100% carfree, which means you can roll peacefully past a bunch of fun and kitschy holiday light displays. Admission is $6 and $1 of that goes straight to the BTA. Bike Gallery will be selling souvenir “Bike the Lights” t-shirts, blinkie lights, and more, with 100% of the proceeds going to the BTA. They’ll also be doing free bike repairs.
If you unsure about how to get to PIR or if you want to arrive in style, join a group ride led by Bike Gallery that leaves from the northeast corner of Pioneer Square at 6:00 pm. Learn more on the BTA website.
Thanks for reading.
BikePortland has served this community with independent community journalism since 2005. We rely on subscriptions from readers like you to survive. Your financial support is vital in keeping this valuable resource alive and well.
Please subscribe today to strengthen and expand our work.
Any word whether Peacock Lane will be having a car-free night this year?
I saw on their website that have pedestrian only nights on the 15th and 16th.
I’d love to go… But,I’ll be going to THPRD’s Board Meeting, where the Board will hear our efforts and recommendation on the alignment for Rock Creek Trail Segment 5.
Is it possible someone could find this event offensive?
Yes it is possible if they are offended by: kitschy holiday light displays, bikes, PIR, night time, winter, cold weather, hot cocoa, candy canes or hot tea. It’s pretty offensive stuff-right?
If it’s warmer this year I’ll be there!
It’s Portland, Red Five. Everything manages to offend SOMEone. I can’t possibly think of what, specifically, would be offensive about this particular event, though; what’s your guess?
if it wasn’t a 1.5 hour ride from my place in SE I would totally do this with the kid…
I did this last year with a christmas tree hanging off my rack. I don’t think they intended it to be a lapping session.
The yellow max line goes right to PIR. Perhaps your little committee could ride to LLoyd or Rose Quarter ?
I missed this last year, so I’m glad they’re doing it again this year.
Be careful when riding north of Argyle on Denver/Interstate. ODOT widened the bike lane this summer over the bridges, but it’s still pretty dark and rough, with 45 mph traffic. Left-turn into PIR or the multi-use path on the south side of the raceway is not bike-friendly, so use extra caution with kids, newbies.
Ted Buehler
Here is a short video of the ride
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KqDyZsjWYYQ