(Photo: J Maus/BikePortland)
Welcome to your menu of weekend rides and events, lovingly brought to you by our friends at Hopworks Urban Brewery.
We’ve only got a few more weekends before much of the colorful leaves are gone and we’re really into the winter doldrums. That’s my way of saying… Get out there and ride your bike this weekend! If nothing below suits your fancy, just head east into the Columbia River Gorge and tilt your head up and to the sides. You’ll be amazed at what you see (Alex Barr Road, pictured above, is one of my favorite climbs this time of year).
Also remember to keep your wits about you as you navigate all that slippery muck that tends to accumulate in the bike lanes this time of year. Leaves are nice in trees; but not so nice under your tires.
Have a great weekend.
Saturday, November 8th
OBRA Cyclocross Championships – All day at McMenamin’s Edgefield in Troutdale
This is where dreams will be made and champions will be crowned. Dubbed “Pedalers at the Poor Farm,” the tough Edgefield course will leave only the strongest racers standing. More info here.
Showers Pass Warehouse Sale – 9:00 am to 12:00 pm at 2101 SE 6th
Big blowout sale on great rain gear. First 100 people get free coffee. This is your chance to stock up on Showers Pass gear at super-low prices. More info here.
Avenues to Advocacy Hackathon – 10:00 am to 5:00 pm at Esri R&D Center (309 SW 6th Ave, Suite 600)
The Community Cycling Center is developing a new online tool to help bring more people into cycling, walking, and transit advocacy. This event will feature website coding experts who will be creating the tool in a focused “hackathon” work party. Non-coders are needed to help write site copy, test the various tools, and keep the “hackers” working smoothly. More info here.
Future 20s Bikeway Informational Ride – 10:30 am at Colonel Summers Park (SE 20th and Belmont)
Learn more about the upcoming 20s Bikeway by joining the smart — yet approachable — activists from BikeLoudPDX. They’ll lead different groups on different sections of the proposed bikeway alignment. More info here.
Scale of the Universe Ride – 11:00 am at the Japanese American Historical Plaza (Waterfront Park & NW Couch)
Puddlecycle is a loosely organized group of winter-loving bike riders who have 18 rides planned this season. This one will have a planetary theme and will explore the far reaches of the Waterfront park universe. It’s kid-friendly too! More info here.
Sunday, November 9th
Cross Crusade #7 – All day at Portland International Raceway (Infield course)
The infield course at PIR is a classic, and it’s sooo close to home! Not only that, but this is traditionally one of the most fun Crusade weekends because of the layout of the venue and the general revelry that it manifests. Make a day out of it and enjoy a special sale at the Crusade merchandise tent where you can get a commemorative pint glass filled with beer for just $7. More info here.
Fall Colors and/or Rain Ride – 9:30 am at Woodstock Park (47th & SE Steele)
Join this Portland Wheelmen ride for some great views of the beautiful fall colors around Portland. Ride leader Benn S. will take you on a 24-mile ride up into the southwest hills, the Rose Garden, and southeast Portland neighborhoods. More info here.
— If we missed anything, feel free to let us know and/or give it a shout-out in the comments.
FYI – those going to the Showers Pass sale should be aware that its a great place to get low cost rain gear as long as you do not care about broken zippers. The cost of having a new zipper with a pull sewn into the jacket makes the deal not as good as I had hoped the last time I went. I love my Showers Pass rain gear…except for their historical weak point: the zipper likes to fail before the fabric poops out.
I have 3 different heavily used SP jackets, my wife has two and our daughter has one. One of mine is going on 4yrs old, the others have at least 2yrs on them. No problems whatsoever, no zipper problems no nuthin’ but great performance at a great price from a great Portland/NW company.
The 20’s informational ride will be an excellent chance today to discuss the intersections and route options. We are looping around the center, then I will lead the southern leg through SEUL. If you are interested in SEUL bikeway conductivity…this could be an all day affair and you should come!