Weekend Event Guide: SuperSwap, Better Block, Artcrank, a big climb, and more

Artcrank on Saturday is where art, friends and a love of bicycling comes together.
(Photo: J Maus/BikePortland)

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

This is one of those weekends that will take some serious planning to make sure you don’t miss anything awesome. We’ve got such a diverse selection — from mountain biking and cyclocross, to an art show and a big gear sale.

And adding to the excitement is what looks to be some seriously nice weather.

Have fun out there!

Friday, October 3rd

Better Block 3rd Ave Makeover – 7:00 am Friday through Sunday in Old Town
A group of civic activists will transform several blocks of 3rd Avenue in Old Town/Chinatown into a truly humane and livable street. They’ll add bikeways, trees, places to sit, and more features that show what public streets could be if we stopped bowing to the all-mighty automobile. More info here.

Dead Baby Bike Club Ride – 9:00 pm at Apex (1216 SE Division)
Join one of Portland’s creative, freak-bike loving gangs for a night of riding and checking out the latest builds. Don’t let the name scare you. They’re nice people underneath those serious-looking bike club vests! More info here.

Saturday, October 4th

Molalla Foothills Brevet – 7:00 am at Cutforth’s Thriftway in Canby (226 NE 2nd Ave)
The Oregon Randdonneurs have a beauty in store for you. With a 200km route designed by legendary rider Michael Wolfe, you’ll enjoy a mix of prairies, a quiet riverside out-n-back, and a climb on the eastern ridgeline to Silver Falls State Park. More info here.

Grand Prix Ryan Trebon – Heiser Farms – All Day at Heiser Farms in Dayton, Oregon
The sixth and final weekend of racing for the GPRT. Series championships will be on the line. The venue is perfect for a family day on the farm and will feature (in addition to excellent ‘cross racing) a pumpkin patch, pumpkin cannon, hay rides, a corn maze, petting zoo, and beautiful views of Willamette Valley goodness. More info here.

Take a Kid Mountain Biking Day – 4:00 pm in Cascade Locks (Columbia River Gorge)
It’s time to start the “Dirt Roots Movement” and there’s no better event to make that happen. Grab the kids and head out to the Gorge for a full day of trail riding and confidence building on the very accessible easyCLIMB trail system. Hosted by NW Trail Alliance. More info here.

Artcrank Portland – 4:00 to 10:00 pm at Velo Cult (1969 NE 42nd)
This is your chance to buy fabulous, bike-inspired works of art by local artists. 29 artists’ work will be on display and posters cost $50 a piece. More info here.

Sunday, October 5th

Climb Like A Goat – Larch Mountain Ride – 9:00 am at McMenamins Edgefield in Troutdale
This ride is being promoted by the East Multnomah County Bicycle Tourism Initiatve and organized by Dog Star Adventure Tours. Starting and ending from McMenamins Edgefield, the route will scale the infamous ascent of Larch Mountain. More info here.

NW Trail Alliance Sunday Group MTB Ride – 8:00 am Universal Cycles (2202 E Burnside)
This week’s ride heads up to Growler’s Gulch. Expect some great company and fun riding on about 15-20 miles. There will be about 2-3,000 feet of climbing and this ride is best for intermediate or advanced riders. More info here.

**FEATURED EVENT**
Superswap/Block Party/OBRA Fundraiser! – 2:00 to 8:00 pm at Portland Bicycle Studio (NW 14th and Raleigh)
Portland Bicycle Studio (PBS) has rolled three awesome events into one huge day of bike love. The entire block in front of the store will be closed for Super Swap, a sales event like no other. Super Swap will feature a mix of vendors offering huge discounts on new and used bike gear, clothing, and ephemera. This event will be the awards party for the Grand Prix Ryan Trebon ‘cross racing series and there will be a raffle for a new Giant ‘cross bike to raise money for the Alpenrose Velodrome apron replacement project. Don’t miss this! More info here (FB).

— If we missed anything, feel free to let us know and/or give it a shout-out in the comments.