Weekend Event Guide: Bike parade, Alleycross, a huge sale, and more

Policymakers Ride - Gorge Edition-1

Marine Drive path = year-round fun.
(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 everyone is OK after that very crazy windstorm last night. With that behind us, the weekend forecast looks clear. It’ll be a bit cooler as a result, but at least it’ll be dry.

If you’re looking to stay sharp this winter, we’ve got some great suggestions below. And if you are looking to add a few key pieces to your winter riding kit, or finally get that new bike you’ve been waiting for, we’ve got the details on a major sale.

Have fun out there!

Friday, December 12th

Midnight Mystery Ride – Leaves at midnight from The Bike Commuter (8524 SE 17th)
From the official ride description: “The unfathomable mysteries that will be unlocked upon completion are worth riding uphill both ways in the snow for and will see everyone: not indoors, not COLD, not stuck in the rain, and not thirsty or hungry!!! What could possibly be going on here?! The weather looks pretty good, windstorm is gone and temp will be decent, but wear an extra layer and a warm ass hat, then don’t worry about the cold – it won’t matter, especially at the end. You have two jobs: 1) Bring a super weird or random ass hilarious gift. No wrong answers, but don’t spend any substantial $. 2) Dance your ass off to the music trailer we’ll bring or bring your own.” — ‘Nuff said.

Saturday, December 13th

Winter Riding Skills Clinic – 9:00 am at Ruckus Composites (87 SE Stark)

weg-winterclinic

This event is organized by Let’s Race Bikes, a group of women racers who want more women to join them! Show up to learn basic winter road biking skills, then head out for a 35-mile ride to Troutdale Airport (via Marine Drive). Six experienced riders will be on hand to share their knowledge. As added motivation, they’ll have a few prizes to give away. RSVP and more info here (FB).

Western Bikeworks Warehouse Sale – 10:00 am to 4:00 pm (5741 NE 87th)

weg-warehouse

Head out to the Western Bikeworks warehouse for huge savings on gear and complete bikes. Discounts up to 81% off! Last year this sale was packed early on, so get there early for best selection. More info here.

Western Bikeworks Shop Ride – 10:15 at the shop (NW 17th and Lovejoy)
Ride leader Maria Schur has a 45-mile flat loop planned. The route heads out to Sauvie Island “with a twist”. And there’s a Plan B if the weather is bad – a quick 25-mile in-town loop.

Hidden Gems of the Springwater – 1:00 pm at Westmoreland City Park (SE McLoughlin & Bybee)
Join the fun Puddlecycle crew for a ride along the Springwater path. The order of the day is to explore things off the trail that you usually wouldn’t stop for: A secret waterfall, ponds, wildlife viewing. A 14-mile loop. More info here.

Wedding Day Bike Parade – 2:15 pm at Clinton Street Theater (2522 SE Clinton St)

olivedingoparade

Our favorite biking clowns, Olive and Dingo, have tied the knot! To celebrate, they’re inviting the entire city to join them for a 4.5-mile parade ride from southeast to Oaks Park. Bring a dish to share if you’d like to stay for the potluck at the end. “Bedazzled” bikes are encouraged, as our freak bikes and tall bikes of course. More info here (FB).

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Sunday, December 14th

Bike Milwaukie Holiday Ride – 9:30 am at Milwaukie City Hall (10722 SE Main Street, Milwaukie)
Join fellow Milwaukie lovers and residents for their final ride of the year. It’s the traditional jaunt up to OMSI and back via the Springwater path. A fun, 12-mile route perfect for new riders and kids. Extra special bonus will be cycling next to the old holiday steam train. Bring hot tea/cocoa/cider or cookies to share and don’t forget to bring a mug. More info here (FB).

Western Bikeworks Warehouse Sale – 10:00 am to 2:00 pm (5741 NE 87th)
Head out to the Western Bikeworks warehouse for huge savings on gear and complete bikes. Discounts up to 81% off! Last year this sale was packed early on, so get there early for best selection. More info here.

Urban Coffee Ride – 10:30 am at Wilshire Park (NE 36th & Skidmore)
Veteran rider Bud Rice of the Portland Wheelmen Touring Club will lead this one. Expect a 15-25 mile route and a stop at a coffee shop or bakery along the way. More info here.

Alleycross #2 – 11:00 am at Woodlawn Park (NE 13th & Dekum)
Ride your bike, have fun, and benefit a great local cause. What’s not to love about Alleycross?! Organizers say it’s a mix of alley cat and cyclcocross racing — two great tastes that go great together. Entry fee is a $10 donation or art supplies for P:ear, a non-profit that mentors homeless youth. Take part in a giant raffle, including a new bike! Pre-register and learn more here.

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

Jonathan Maus (Publisher/Editor)

Jonathan Maus (Publisher/Editor)

Founder of BikePortland (in 2005). Father of three. North Portlander. Basketball lover. Car owner and driver. If you have questions or feedback about this site or my work, feel free to contact me at @jonathan_maus on Twitter, via email at maus.jonathan@gmail.com, or phone/text at 503-706-8804. Also, if you read and appreciate this site, please become a supporter.

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RH
RH
9 years ago

The Western Bikeworks Shop Ride sounds interesting. Would 40 miles be too much for someone that only currently bikes 10 miles/day 4 days/ week on a Cannondale hybrid? Thanks

Suburban
Suburban
9 years ago
Reply to  RH

You can absolutely do it! Hybrids rule. This is the BEST regular Portland shop ride for anyone just getting into road riding, training for a century, or wanting to be social before peeling off to climb Rockey Point Road. Maria is a skilled ride leader who will make a plan with you if you just ask her.

Maria
9 years ago
Reply to  Suburban

awwww, shucks!

Maria
9 years ago
Reply to  RH

Hey RH!
I bet you could handle it, no problem. If the distance gets to be too much for you, it is an “out and back” route so just turn back when you feel you’re halfway done.
We stop for a snack break on the island too so there’s a chance to rest a bit. Give us a try!
Maria

John Liu
John Liu
9 years ago

The WBW shop ride gets a mix of riders, from hammerhead to mellow.