(Photo J. Maus/BikePortland)
Welcome to your menu of weekend rides and events, lovingly brought to you by our friends at Hopworks Urban Brewery.
In the weather this weekend, Friday and Saturday are looking warm but damp — nothing Oregonians can’t handle — with Saturday getting drier as the day goes on. Next week, meanwhile, forecasters are expecting a heat wave into the 80s. But the inflection point on Sunday is likely to be glorious. Get those chains oiled.
Friday, May 9th
Midnight Mystery Ride – 11:59 pm at 8132 SE 13th Ave
It’s heading into the high season for MMR, one of Portland’s most beloved traditions. This month’s leader (whose identity is always secret until the night of) is “a long-time Portland bicycle event planner” who promises that riders are “in for a treat” on this big group ride with a secret destination. Bring a bike that “you (or you and your friends) can lift over a jersey barrier. You know, just in case.”
Consider bringing some firewood, too. More info here.
Saturday, May 10th
Raam Oregon Cycling Challenge – 6:30 am at Hillsboro Civic Center Plaza, 150 East Main Street
Broken into two rides (60 and 120 miles) and two races (200 and 400 miles), this is the national Ride Across America series’ visit to the Portland area. Shorter distances will loop south into the Willamette Valley; the long race will make a huge loop along the Pacific Coast, to Eugene and back. More info here.
Bike, Walk and Fly Family Ride – 9 am-11:30 am at Splendid Cycles, 407 SE Ivon St near Springwater Trail entrance
Part of the Portland By Cycle series of rides and classes, this mostly car-free route is designed to be great for kids. Helmets required. (The flying? That’s on the Portland Aerial Tram.) More info here.
National Train Day ride – 11 am-3 pm at Union Station, 800 NW 6th Ave
True fact: you live where you do because trains roll downhill for free. Join the Urban Adventure League, Dan Haneckow of history blog Cafe Unknown and Sir Andrew for a ride focusing on how trains have helped shape our city. More info here.
Sunday, May 11th
Bridge of the Goddesses ride – 9 am at M. James Gleason parking lot, just east of 4035 NE Marine Drive
This 90-mile day ride is one of three local Cyclofemme rides aimed at women on Mother’s Day. It’ll start in Northeast Portland and cross the I-205 bridge to head up the Washington side of the Columbia Gorge, across the Bridge of the Gods and back, with stops at Multnomah Falls and Crown Point/Vista House. Bring lots of snacks — the ride won’t stop for a meal until at least Cascade Locks — and at least 50 cents for the bicycle toll over the Bridge of the Gods. Email sheljury@earthlink.net for further details.
Women’s Ride in Tualatin – 9 am at Performance Bicycle, 7071 SW Nyberg St., Tualatin, OR
A ride for “beginners and those getting back on the saddle,” this 10-14 mph ride will last about an hour and explore some of Tualatin’s rich and growing bike path network. More info here.
Women on Wheels Cyclofemme Ride – 10 am at
2129 SE Ladd Ave
Local writer and ride leader April Streeter invites you to join a bring-your-own picnic in Glenwood Park wearing “your very own rendition of a skirt.” Afterward, join the Sunday Parkways loop. More info here.
East Portland Sunday Parkways – 11 am-4 pm (see link for route)
With live music, interactive tables, games and giveaways in five parks, all joined in a loop around East Portland that this year will include the Springwater Corridor, this is a free, once-a-year chance to enjoy riding on the east side without looking over your shoulder for cars. Mother’s Day is a perfect occasion to start the Sunday Parkways season. Map and info here (PDF).
Did we miss anything? Please drop us a line and let us know. Or feel free to promote your event in the comments below. And as always, thanks for reading and riding.