Weekend Event Guide: Parties, Cranksgiving, tree plantings, and more

The Kruger’s Crossing race is a great excuse to soak up farm vibes out at Sauvie Island.
(Photo by J. Maus/BikePortland)

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

I hope you haven’t made non-bike plans for Saturday because it’s packed with great events.

Imagine if you planted a few street trees by bike, then went and bought food for those in need as part of the Cranksgiving event, then attended the Weston Awards to support Oregon Walks. If anyone does all three of those things, they get my vote for Great Portlander of the Year.

And if you’ve hung up your cyclocross shoes for the season, take them down! Sunday’s race out at Sauvie Island is an annual favorite that also has a nice convivial feeling among all the teams who have battled each other all season long.

Have fun out there…

Friday, November 21st

Free Coffee from PedalPT – 7:00 am at 2622 SE 25th Ave
Because it’s cold outside and PedalPT is a physical therapy business that specializes in people who ride bikes. Swing by on your way through the neighborhood. More info here (FB).

North St. Bags 5th Anniversary Party – 6:30 pm at Velo Cult (1969 NE 42nd)
North St. designs and manufactures a growing line of bike bags right here in Portland and they represent an exciting example of local, bike-related industry success. Come and help them celebrate their 5-year milestone with free food, beer, music, a raffle, photo booth, and fun activities. More info here (FB).

Velo Cult Classics – 7:00 pm at the shop (1969 NE 42nd)
Did you know Velo Cult has a theater in the basement? Oh yeah they do. This event will launch a free, weekly screening of cult classics starting with Dazed and Confused. First come, first served. More info here

Saturday, November 22nd

City of Portland Fix-it Fair – 9:30 am to 3:00 pm at Parkrose H.S. (12003 NE Shaver)
These City-hosted events are a great place to learn about local DIY resources and services. In addition to learning about how to fix your house and your yard, it’s also a great place to learn about bicycle repair and tap into your neighborhood’s bicycling resources. More info here.

Stormwater Cycling Tour – 9:45 am at Crema (SE Ankeny & 28th)
Portland’s Bureau of Planning and Sustainability will lead this fun and educational ride through southeast Portland neighborhoods. Along the way they’ll point out how the City is building streets that balance safe design with stormwater facilities. You’ve heard all about “sewer money for bike lanes” — now come learn the truth! And it will probably be raining, so you’ll see the bioswales in action! More info here.

Plant Trees By Bike – 11:45 am at Multnomah University (8435 NE Glisan St)
Join Friends of Trees for a bike-powered day of tree planting. This is a great way to meet neighbors, get some exercise, and make our city a nicer place to live. Bring your cargo trailers if you have them! Register online. More info here.

Cranksgiving – 1:00 pm at Velo Cult (1969 NE 42nd)
Cranksgiving is a treasure-hunt food drive where teams visit a list of stores and buy a list of items. All items benefit homeless youth services at Outside In. Organizers say you don’t even have to race to have an amazing time – everyone sets their own pace. If you can’t ride, come and cheer. There are team prizes for: best costumes, first to finish, and biggest spenders. Last year this ride raised $1,500 and they hope to double that amount this time. More info here.

Cross Crusade Awards Party – 6:00 pm at The Lumberyard (2700 NE 82nd Ave)
This sounds like a lot of fun. Food, raffles, a Hawaiian luau theme, all your cyclocross buddies, and just $10 for a ticket (usually $45) to ride the Lumberyard’s super fun ramps, berms, jumps, and trails (includes rental bike, gear, and an instructor!). Another $10 will get you all-you-can-eat pizza. Relive the season and see the crowning of the in each category. More info here (FB).

Weston Awards (Oregon Walks) – 6:30 pm at Red Rose Ballroom (1829 NE Alberta)
It’s the 4th annual fundraiser for our local walking advocacy group, Oregon Walks. This is your chance to learn more about (and support) Oregon Walks while getting introduced to the region’s walking heroes. More info here.

Sunday, November 23rd

Kruger’s Crossing Cyclocross Race – All day at Kruger’s Farm on Sauvie Island
Who says cyclocross season is over? This race is one of the most anticipated of the season because it’s close to Portland and it offers a fun atmosphere for the whole family. Visit the farm market, enjoy all types of food and drink, take a ride in a tractor, warm up by the bonfire, climb around on hay bales, pet the animals, race your bike, and more. There’s also the Doggie Dash so bring your four-legged friend. More info here.

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