Weekend Event Guide: Aftermass premiere, pump track, and sales galore

Local filmmaker, activist, and publisher Joe Biel
will screen his latest documentary, Aftermass,
at the Clinton St Theater tonight.
(Photo J. Maus/BikePortland)

Welcome to your menu of weekend rides and events, lovingly brought to you by our friends at Hopworks Urban Brewery. If you are a fan of bike films, it’s going to be a great weekend. Two documentaries will screen in Portland, each of them from a completely different part of the cycling spectrum.

As for the forecast, we might have a bit of rain here and there, but not enough to cancel anyone’s plans (hopefully). And it’s a long weekend for some of you (Memorial Day), so we’re sure there are some big adventures being planned. If you haven’t already set your course, perhaps the suggestions below will help you fill out your weekend calendar….

Friday, May 23rd

Aftermass Premiere – 7:00 pm at Clinton Street Theater (2522 SE Clinton Street)
Six years in the making, local filmmaker and publisher (Microcosm) Joe Biel is ready to share Aftermass — his in-depth documentary about the history of bicycle activism in Portland. With candid interviews from key players in Portland’s bike legacy and new reporting on dubious, anti-bike police activities, the film explores what led up to Critical Mass and what has happened since the iconic protest ride has fizzled out. $7 tickets include a post-screening Q & A with Biel and his partner-in-crime Elly Blue. Learn more here.

Holiday Weekend Bargain Spree at River City Bicycles – Friday through Monday at 706 SE MLK Blvd

Look for tents full of heavily discounted new bikes at River City this weekend. They’re converting their parking lot into a “bargain spree.” More info here.

Western Bike Works 3rd Anniversary Sale – 1015 NW 17th Ave
Another great local shop is turning their parking lot into a celebratory sales floor this weekend. Head over to Western Bike Works for up to 50% off new bikes, 80% accessories, happy hour food and drink discounts from their cafe/pub, prize drawings, and more. 10% of all profits will be donated to the Community Cycling Center. More info here.

Saturday, May 24th

Saturday Morning Social Ride – 10:00 am at Laurelhurst Park (SE Ankeny and Laurelhurst Place)
Join the Portland Wheelmen Touring Club for this moderately paced (13-14 mph) group ride of about 20-30 miles. The idea is meeting others and socializing, and there will be a stop at a coffee place or bakery along the way. More info here.

Kidical Mass – 2:00 pm at Ventura Park Playground (113th and Stark)
This month’s Kidical Mass ride is very special. It will include riding on the newly revamped and expanded pump track at Ventura Park. The NW Trail Alliance has just finished up a major rebuild of the facility (which was already tons of fun) and now’s a perfect time to give it a whirl. After riding the track, the group will ride three miles to the library for some reading. More info here.

Sunday, May 25th

Hope screening and fundraiser presented by Coventry Cycle Works – 7:00 pm at Velo Cult (1969 NE 42nd)

2013 Race Across America winner Maria Parker faced unbelievable odds going into the 3,000 endurance race. She was inspired to take on the event because her sister faced terminal brain cancer. That emotional reality is the backdrop to Hope, a film that documents Parker’s effort and her new mission, 3000 Miles to a Cure, which seeks to raise money for brain cancer prevention and research. More info here

— If we missed anything, let us know. And feel free to promote your plans and rides in the comments. Have a great weekend!