Weekend Event Guide: Parkways, parties, art & more

Riding along the bluffs of Willamette Blvd (that’s Forest Park in the background) is just one reason to be excited for Sunday Parkways in north Portland this weekend.
(Photo J. Maus/BikePortland)

Welcome to your menu of weekend rides and events, lovingly brought to you by our friends at Hopworks Urban Brewery.

With that crazy hail and rain storm behind us, it’s looking like nothing but blue skies this weekend. And that’s good news because there are lots of reasons to be out in it on your bike.

As per usual this month we’re devoting separate posts to Pedalpalooza events so take a look at our latest ride picks and stay tuned here on the Front Page (or follow us on Twitter) for our next preview that will publish Saturday morning.

For now, here’s our selection of the best (non-Pedalpalooza) events of the weekend…

Saturday, June 21st

Cyclepath’s Sandy Ridge Demo Day – 9:00 am to 4:00 pm (Just off Barlow Trail Road in Sandy, map)

If you’re in the market for a new mountain bike, this is a must-attend event. Join the nice experts at Cyclepath bike shop at the Sandy Ridge trails parking lot where they’ll have nearly 100 bike for you to test. They’ll have a selection of top full-suspension models and sizes from Yeti, Pivot and Niner. And of course they’ll have a big BBQ and plenty to drink for good measure. Contact them to reserve time on the rig of your choice. More info here.

The Lumberyard’s 2nd Anniversary Party – 10:00 am at 2700 NE 82nd Ave

(Photo: Cyclepath)

Head over to the Lumberyard and help the crew celebrate an awesome two years in business. They’ll have over $2,000 in prizes as well as events and activities geared toward families and all skill levels. There will even be carnival games! If you’re trying to improve your riding, pros will be on hand doing demos and giving tips. More info here.

Mt Tabor Circuit Race – 10:00 am to 3:00 pm at Mt. Tabor Park (SE 60th and Salmon)
For over 60 years, Portlanders have been racing bikes around the dormant volcano and through the hilly forest in Mt. Tabor Park. This weekend’s circuit race will feature a full slate of categories, with everyone from juniors to masters racers going up (literally) against the courses legendary 1.3 mile loop. If you don’t race, take part in the other storied tradition: enjoying a picnic while watching the racers speed by. More info here.

Maker’s Dozen Art Show Featuring Velo Gioielli – 5:00 pm to 9:00 pm at People’s Art (Pioneer Place Mall 700 SW 5th Ave, Suite 4500)

One of Brian Echerer’s art pieces.
(Photo courtesy Velo Gioielli)

It’s opening night for the “Maker’s Dozen” show at the downtown People’s Art Gallery and one of the featured artists is none other than Brian Echerer of Velo Gioielli. Brian, a veteran vendor at Saturday Market and many bike events, has been creating some fantastic new, bicycle-inspired art pieces that go way beyond the usual chain bracelets and spoke nipple earrings. Brian tells us he’ll have 12 pieces in the show ranging from light fixtures, a chandelier, and sculptures. Come see (and take home!) his new creations at this cool local gallery. More info here.

Sunday, June 22nd

Willamette River Welcome Ride (PWTC) – 9:30 am at SE Malden and 7th in Sellwood
Meet, greet, and ride with members of the Portland Wheelmen Touring Club on this 25-30 mile, leisurely ride from Sellwood, along the Willamette, and through the city. Expect to stop for coffee and treats along the way. More info here.

Sunday Parkways North Portland – 11:00 am to 4:00 pm

PBOT is celebrating their 25th Sunday Parkways event at the same location where all the fun started back in 2008 (have fun watching this classic StreetFilms video of that event). This weekend’s event will be massive — and massively fun. There are tons of activities, booths, food vendors, and interesting entertainment options to soak up at the parks along the nine-mile loop. But of course some of the best fun can be had just by riding around the streets with your friends. More info here.

— If we missed anything, feel free to give it a shout-out in the comments.