Bicycle tourism news roundup: Bikeway vids, bike-packing 101 and more

Slowly but surely bicycling is
becoming welcome on roads near Mt. Hood.
(Photo by J. Maus/BikePortland)

How can you tell that bicycle tourism has hit a tipping point in Oregon (besides being a loyal BikePortland reader and following our steady stream of coverage on the topic)? We now have enough tourism-related news on our desks that we have to put it all together in a roundup.

This is the first time we’ve ever done a roundup on this topic and let’s hope it’s far from the last.

So here it goes…

— The Gresham Area Chamber of Commerce and Visitors Center is all set to unveil the strategy and implementation recommendations for their East Multnomah County Bicycle Tourism Initiative. At a public event tomorrow night (2/19, 4:30 – 6:00 pm at Cedarville Park, 3800 W Powell Loop), project coordinator Heidi Beierle says they’ll share a prioritized list of projects aimed at “spurring economic development and job creation through bicycle tourism.”

— One of the major ways Oregon has helped spur bike tourism is through our State Scenic Bikeways program. To help promote these beautiful routes, Travel Oregon worked with Russ Roca and Laura Crawford to create a series of videos. On March 20th, you can watch all of these short, inspirational videos — including three that yet to be released — at a special event held in the cafe of Chris King Precision Components. Russ and Laura will be on hand to introduce each video, as will the local advocates from around the state who made the routes a reality. Food will be created by King’s staff chef, Chris DiMinno and beer will be provided by Base Camp Brewing. The event is free and donations to the Oregon Travel Philanthropy Fund will be encouraged. For more information, check the event page on Facebook or visit RideOregonRide.com.

— As we reported last month, there is a lot action around bicycle tourism in the Mt. Hood area. Local advocate and member of the Villages at Mt. Hood Board of Directors George Wilson now says Clackamas County has installed three new “Bicycle Share The Road” signs. The signs have been placed on Marmot, Barlow Trail, and Lolo Pass roads. “This is certainly not an optimum solution,” Wilson added, “but it is a positive step, and something we were able to accomplish fairly quickly.”

— There’s another new gravel road riding event on the calendar! We recently heard about the Ochoco Gravel Adventure, a three-day, 200 mile (or so) supported ride through the Ochoco Mountains of eastern Oregon. The ride is put on by Bicycle Rides Northwest and is set for September 19-21st. Learn more and register online here.

— If you have some adventure riding in your spring and summer plans, you might want to brush up on your bikepacking knowledge. If so, mark your calendar for February 27th and the much-anticipated Bikepacking 101 event hosted by VeloDirt. This event will feature lots of advice and tips on the best bikes, gear, routes, and so on. Event organizers will have equipment on display from Salsa, Surly, DeSalvo, Porcelain Rocket, and Revelate Designs. Head over to Chris King Precision Components (2801 NW Nela) at 7:00 and stay for the presentation which begins at 7:30. More info here.

Want to read more about bicycle tourism in Oregon? Browse our past coverage.