(Photos by J. Maus/BikePortland)
A great local tradition happens tonight: The annual “Bike the Lights” night out at Portland International Raceway’s Winter Wonderland.
Each year, the PIR racetrack (the same one many of us race our bikes on and around) is converted into a holiday light extravaganza. For two nights out of the month this event is open, people are allowed to experience it outside of a car. Walking-only night was last week and tonight is bike night. Organizers expect over 1,200 riders to show up.
Tickets are $6 per person and kids under 13 are free. $1 from each ticket benefits the Bicycle Transportation Alliance. The Bike Gallery is once again providing support for the event. They’ll offer free basic bike repairs and they’ll set up a tent to keep you dry and warm. There will also be hot cocoa and cider for the drinking.
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In year’s past this event has been infamously cold. I recall one year where several people jumped into a Bike Gallery shop van just to warm up. Tonight’s forecast looks much nicer. There might be a bit of light rain, but it’ll be around 50 degrees.
This is a great event for families and friends!
Bike the Lights is open from 5:00 to 9:00 pm. If you ride there from Portland, don’t forget to use the south gate off Denver Avenue for easy access. More info here.
Below are a few more photos from previous years…
If you’re looking for more local carfree holiday fun, check out the festivities planned for Peacock Lane in southeast Portland.
Thanks for reading.
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And I can vouch that as far as PIR’s light go, they are flashy free. (They other riders however. . . .) So if you have a child with with a neurological or sensory disability, they have historically been safe!!
I know this isn’t ideal, but are you still able to drive there with your bikes, park and then bike through?
Yes Fourknees. There is a ton of (free) parking. And many people drive.
There’s an event on the shift calendar and on FaceBook for people who want to ride out there together from the inner NE.
http://shift2bikes.org/cal/#08-4706
https://www.facebook.com/events/299986326861337