Hundreds turn out for Pedalpalooza Kickoff Ride (photos)

Jonathan Maus (Publisher/Editor)

9 years ago

Portland’s annual Pedalpalooza kicked off in fine fashion tonight. The mass of riders strung out on Belmont from SE 12th (where I’m standing to take this photo) all the way onto the Morrison Bridge over the Willamette River.
(Photos J. Maus/BikePortland)

Tonight’s Pedalpalooza Kickoff Ride was the largest in recent memory with hundreds of people (a thousand?) turning out to celebrate the upcoming month of rides, fun and new friends.

We assembled at the Salmon Street Fountain. The Pedalpalooza spirit was strong with lots of smiles and people milling about promoting their rides, passing out flyers, and showing off their bike fun flair. Once it was time to ride we rolled up onto the Morrison Bridge, headed east on Belmont to 39th, then rode over to Hawthorne to loop back to the Willamette River. There was an after-party on the Esplanade under the Hawthorne Bridge.

At one point on the ride I stood in the middle of Belmont at 12th where there’s a slight incline so I could see as far back as possible (see the photo above). As the wave of riders came up to me I had to put down my camera. I just stood there in awe of the size and energy of the mass. This is about so much more than having fun. This is where and how our community grows and gets stronger. This is the best of Portland!

What a fantastic way to kick things off. Check out all our photos below…