(Photo J. Maus/BikePortland)
Welcome to your menu of weekend rides and events, lovingly brought to you by our friends at Hopworks Urban Brewery.
What better way to celebrate America and freedom than riding bikes? And as luck would have it the weather is poised for perfection.
While many folks are still recovering from Pedalpalooza, there are some great organized rides on the schedule that will beckon you back out into the streets for more. Whether you just want to cruise with your American flag flying high or want to create some fireworks on the race course, check out the rides below before making your weekend plans…
Thursday July 3rd
‘Merica Portland Cruiser Ride — 7:00 pm at Apex (1216 SE Division)
The Portland Cruiser Ride is a new group in town started by a couple who recently moved here from Denver, Colorado. According to a profile in The Oregonian last month, their rides in Denver attracted thousands of people and they’re looking to mimic that success here. Their ride this month has a fitting patriotic theme: Dress in your finest NASCAR, rodeo and patriotic garb. More info here.
Special Edition of Thursday Night Track Racing – 6:00 pm at Alpenrose Velodrome (6149 SW Shattuck)
This weekly race series will celebrate the 4th with a big BBQ and a family vibe. And organizers say you’ll get $2 off race entry fees if you wear a jersey with a “sweet airbrushed eagle on it.” Come one, come all, there will be plenty of food for racers and spectators. More info here.
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Friday July 4th
Fourth of July Breakfast Ride — 8:00 am at 11100 NE Skidmore St
This Portland Wheelmen Touring Club Ride will meet in northeast Portland then ride to the annual Fourth of July Breakfast held in Corbett, a small town off the Historic Columbia River Highway about 20 miles east of Portland. More info here.
Park2PArk 4th of July Bike Parade – 10:00 am at Wellington Park (NE 67th and Mason)
This ride sounds great. And perfect for families and all ages. Here’s more from the ride organizer: “Sparkle up your bike and cruise by all the big parks, art parks & pocket parks in NE & NoPo, crossing three pedestrian bridges and the Peninsula Xing Trail, plus a bonus trip to the new bridge at Pier Park! Bring gliders, kites… water pistols, all your park toys! Find your inner 10-year-old and get ready for FUN! Also bring yourself a picnic; we’ll stop to eat along the way.” More info here (FB).
Saturday July 5th
West Side Invite – All weekend at various locations
Portland is hosting this annual competition, which pits bike messengers from near and far against one another to see who has the fastest legs and the best bike skills. More info here.
Portland Velo Independence Day Ride — 9:00 am at Evergreen Office Park (22985 NW Evergreen Pkwy, Hillsboro)
Portland Velo is a large local riding club that caters to people of all levels. Their Saturday ride is very well attended. This week they’ll do a 50-mile loop through North Plains, Banks, and Forest Grove before returning back to the start in Hillsboro. Come out and ride with these nice folks and consider becoming a member. More info here.
St. Honore Criterium — 12:00 to 7:00 pm at NW 17th between Pettygrove and Quimby
Nothing like a good, old-fashioned criterium to remind you why bike racing is so awesome. This OBRA sanctioned race is open to all categories (there’s even a free beginner’s clinic at 1:00) and it’s a benefit for Sorella Forte (local women’s racing club) and the Community Cycling Center. More info here (PDF).
Sunday July 6th
Rollin’ on the River — 11:00 am at Old Town MAX Station (NW 1st Ave)
Join Bike Milwaukie and Milwaukie Mayor Jeremy Ferguson for this ride intended to help folks learn how to navigate the route between Portland and Milwaukie. The route will go from downtown Portland, along the Willamette and end up at the Milwaukie Farmer’s Market where you can find lots of great food, drinks, and even take a dip in the river! < href="https://www.facebook.com/events/665205493572801/">More info here (FB).
— If we missed anything, feel free to let us know and/or give it a shout-out in the comments.