Weekend Event Guide: Wonka, women, work, the world, and more

If you have an oompa loompa costume, you might want to dust it off.
(Photo J Maus/BikePortland)

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

The forecast is a bit spotty the next few days, but you don’t let that stop you from riding do you? And if you do, we’ve got a few things in this week’s guide that are indoors (but you’ll still have to bike to them of course).

Our pick of the weekend is the big trail work party and campout that Portland Design Works is putting on. Imagine hanging out with a bunch of great people volunteering with the Forest Service to make awesome bike trails. Then imagine camping out afterwards and then riding the next day. That sounds like a winning combination to us.

Whatever you do this weekend, have fun! You’ve earned it.

Friday, April 24th

Portland Bike Party – 7:30 pm at Cacao (SW 13th and Burnside)
This week’s theme is “Willy Wonka’s Chocolate Ride” (hence the meeting spot). If you love good chocolate, come early to try tasty treats at the start and end (which is Pix Patisserie). More info here (FB).

Saturday, April 25th

Trail Work Party and Campout – All weekend at Reehers Campground in Timber
This is the big one folks. For the third year in a row, Portland Design Works is sponsoring the mother of all trail work parties. They’ve got an entire weekend of building, eating, drinking, and riding planned. Meet at 9:30 am at Reeher’s Campground and work with US Forest Service staff to build out the Step Creek Trail (part of the Gales Creek Trail system). After work, hang out at camp and wait for the pig to roast! Then ride the trails the next morning. Sounds perfect to us. RSVP and learn more here (FB).

Vancouver and Brush Prarie Ride – 9:30 am from Marshall Center (1009 East McLoughlin Blvd)
Join Portland Wheelmen Touring Club vice president Ann Morrow to explore Vancouver backroads. She’ll show you a great route to Brush Prarie and Salmon Creek that includes Fruit Valley Road. After the 32-mile ride, stop for launch in downtown Vancouver. More info here.

Levi’s Commuter Commuter Collection Launch Party – 5:00 – 8:00 pm at West End Bikes (1111 SW Stark)
Did you hear? Levi’s popular Commuter line is now made for women. To celebrate and get a closer look at the new styles, Levi’s is throwing a party. Roll to the shop for a DJ, goldsprints competition, cold brew coffee from Extracto, free bike fixes, and more. RSVP and learn more here.

Biking About Architecture – 12:00 pm at Stumptown Coffee (4525 SE Division)
Jenny Fosmire and her merry crew of architecture lovers will explore the gems of Woodstock. Expect an eight-mile tour of “eclectic homes, huggy infill, an Arts & Crafts castle, scary 70s shambles, an El Fenix enclave, a dome home, a bike windmill, a treehouse superslide” and more. Bring cash for post-ride food and drinks. More info here.

Bike the World Presentation – 4:00 pm at White Eagle (836 N. Russell St.)
Experience the amazing journey of a Polish couple who has spent the last five years cycling around the world. They just so happen to be pulling through Portland during McMenamins Polish Heritage Festival! Expect an inspiring and informative presentation by Adela and Kris. Learn more about their trip here.

Sunday, April 26th

Bike the World Presentation – 12:30 pm at Polish Hall (3832 N Interstate Ave.)
(This is the second of two events.) Experience the amazing journey of a Polish couple who has spent the last five years cycling around the world. They just so happen to be pulling through Portland during McMenamins Polish Heritage Festival! Expect an inspiring and informative presentation by Adela and Kris. Learn more about their trip here.

From Bloomers to Lycra Film Screening – 1:00 pm at Clinton Street Theater (2522 SE Clinton)
Sit back and enjoy three short documentary films by women and about women who have, “found self-empowerment, and happiness on their bicycles.” The films are: The Wind in Our Hair; The New Woman: Annie ‘Londonderry’ Kopchovsky; and Georgena Terry. This is a free and family-friendly event. Learn more here.

— Did we miss anything? Let us know via the comments and make sure to drop us a line if you have an upcoming event you’d like us to feature next week.