Weekend Event Guide: Roses, urban repair, a bike swap, and more

Ever wanted to help paint an intersection? You’re in luck this weekend.
(Photo J Maus/BikePortland)

Welcome to your menu of weekend rides and events, lovingly brought to you by our friends at Hopworks Urban Brewery.
Have you looked at the weekend forecast? Oh my it looks swell. Summer is here and the streets will be crawling with lovely bike riders all weekend. You should join them!

Oil up your chain (and maybe even your skin if you’re looking to get tan), check out our event suggestions, and have fun…

Friday, May 29th

City Repair’s Village Building Convergence – May 29th ~ June 7th
Described as the Urban Permaculture Extravaganza, this event (which runs through June 7th) includes a fantastic line-up of 40 different projects that will make Portland a better place. Ever seen intersection paintings as you bike through Portland? Chances are they were done during the VBC. In fact there are seven intersection paintings scheduled on Saturday alone (see the list here). Lots of opportunities to get involved! More info here.

Portland Short Track MTB Race Series Kickoff Party – 4:00 to 10:00 pm at The Lumberyard Bike Park (2700 NE 82nd)
This Monday is the first race in the popular MTB Short Track series out at Portland International Raceway. Come pick up your race number and ride the Lumberyard for just $10! You can also hang out with other short track racers, win raffle prizes and enjoy beer and pizza specials in the Lumberyard Pub. More info here.

Portland Bike Party Pedal to the Petals – 7:00 pm at Oregon Zoo entrance (4001 SW Canyon Rd)
This month’s party celebrates the Rose Festival. Take the MAX up to the Zoo then roll over to the Rose Garden while grooving to flower-themed music. Here’s something from the organizers to get you in the mood: “Bicyclists are roses: We cast radiance, keeping our dreams, breathing fresh air, and embellishing life for all passers-by. And we are beautiful to look at!”. More info here.

Saturday, May 30th

Cycle the Well Field – 8:45 am at Aloft Portland Airport (9920 NE Cascades Parkway)
This annual ride is a favorite for those looking for an educational bike tour. Hosted by the Columbia Slough Watershed Council, you’ll be joined by experts from the Portland Water Bureau on an easy 16-mile ride to learn about the history and inner-workings of Portland’s underground drinking water system. The ride is free but pre-reg is required. More info here.

LaCamas Lake Loop – 9:30 am at Clark College (in Vancouver, WA)
Get to know the Portland Wheelmen Touring Club with this 32-mile loop from Vancouver east and around LaCamas Lake. Expect a bakery stop on the way back and a mix of urban an rural riding. Ride leader Ann Morrow will be on hand to welcome you to the PWTC and answer any of your questions about the club. More info here./

PDW Omnium Track Race – 11:00 am at the Alpenrose Velodrome (6149 SW Shattuck)
Come out and give track racing a try or just bring friends and family for a great day of watching some fast and exciting action (while nibbling on some hot dogs and burgers fresh off the grill). This annual event sponsored by Portland Design Works features a full slate of events and there will be racing categories for men and women of all abilities. More info here.

Bike Swap Meet – 11:00 am to 4:30 pm at PAZ PDX (SE 16th and Woodward)
A good old-fashioned summer bike swap meet — with a twist! Come out and peruse the tables of some of Portland’s most talented DIY and freak bike builders. Vendors will include old-school Schwinn lovers The Belligerantes, the folks from PAZ (Portland Autonomous Zone), Dropout Bike Club, various Zoobomb legends, and more. More info here.

Biking About Architecture – 12:00 noon at Velo Cult (1969 NE 42nd Ave)
This month’s ride will roll through Irvington to observe and appreciate its grand and interesting residential architectural specimens. Expect a short ride and a stop for food and drinks at Irish pub County Cork at the end. More info here.

Sunday, May 31st

BikeLoudPDX General Meeting – 4:15 at Bike Farm (1810 NE 1st)
Show and learn about Portland’s fledgling bike advocacy group. They’ll be discussing future actions and demonstrations, Pedalpalooza rides, and more. More info 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.