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Photos and recap from the Pedalpalooza Kickoff

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Pedalpalooza Kickoff Ride-11


Pedalpalooza 2012 has officially begun.

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Pedalpalooza Kickoff Ride-14

Last night’s kickoff ride and party drew a healthy and diverse crowd to the South Park Blocks. We weaved through downtown (making a double pass in front of City Hall), then went up and over the Steel Bridge, through the Lloyd District and took over the entire eastbound side of Broadway before settling in for beer, food, and live music at Velo Cult bike shop on NE 42nd.

It was great to see so many new faces, including several families.

Pedalpalooza Kickoff Ride-8
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Pedalpalooza Kickoff Ride-16

I never get tired of seeing how streets filled with bikes can transform our cityscape…

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Pedalpalooza Kickoff Ride-12
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At the start of the ride I met Topher Darling (below), a part time student and full time social worker who told me he’s shifted around his school and work schedule just to take part in Pedalpalooza. “I’m mostly looking forward to the costume rides,” he said, “I can ride around any day and see a bunch of people riding bikes, but when people are in costume there’s a stronger sense of unity.” Topher’s marked his calendar for the Star Wars vs. Star Trek ride and the Dr. Who ride.

Pedalpalooza Kickoff Ride-4
Topher Darling

After the ride, Velo Cult and the Portland Mercury did a smashing job hosting the party. The Suicide Notes rocked the house and a food truck parked right outside the front door kept folks happy long into the night. I ended up pretty much closing the place down, hanging out with some good old friends. All in all, it was an excellent start to Pedalpalooza season!

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Pedalpalooza Kickoff Ride-36

Check out a few more my photos in the gallery and visit Pedalaplooza.org to view the full ride calendar.

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