(Photos © J. Maus)
This coming Monday (12/5) is the third annual “Bike the Lights” event out at Portland International Raceway (just north of Kenton, west of I-5). The event is made possible by Bike Gallery and it’s part of the Jubitz Winter Wonderland, which is “recognized throughout the Pacific Northwest as the ‘Largest Holiday Light Show West of the Mississippi'”.
Bike night at Winter Wonderland is completely carfree, which means you can see the fun light displays in peace and quiet. It’s a great family event and a perfect excuse to get out on the bikes for a night ride in this crisp and clear weather we’ve been having (hopefully it holds up!).
Last year over 800 people showed up on bike night and helped raise over $1,000 for the BTA. In 2009, my family and I rolled out with some families in sub-freezing temps and we still had a great time (thankfully there was hot cocoa and tea and we had the support of a fun crowd).
Bike the Lights is this Monday, December 5th from 5 – 9:00 pm. Entry is $6 per person and kids under 13 are free. If you can’t make it out all the way on your bike, you can drive to the track, park, and then pedal around to see the “wonder of Winter Wonderland” by bike. If you ride out, be aware that they south gate of PIR (near Columbia Slough Trail) will be open for easy bike access.
For more info, see the official event website.