(Photo: Velo Cult)
This weekend marks the official entry into the holiday season in more ways than one.
If you race cyclocross, after Saturday there’s a good chance you’ll begin your off-season. Pat yourself on the back! It was a challenging year. It’s also time to remember your good fortune, give thanks by helping those who are less fortunate, and connect/re-connect with family and friends. And then there’s the weather. We’ve had some of our coldest days of the year recently and the snow level is dropping. The dark days of winter are here.
If you’re feeling stress about the state of the country and the world (and there are many reasons to be feeling that way), now is the time to remember the joy of cycling and to embrace the cycling’s power to connect us to ourselves — and more importantly — to places and people that we love.
Here are some events to consider…
Saturday, November 19th
OBRA State Championship at Corn Cross – Add Day at Liepold Farms (14050 SE Richey Road in Boring)
The Cross season comes to a close with a race for all the marbles. Show up for a chance to be crowned State Champion — and/or just enjoy the festivities at the farm and soak up all the remaining cross spirit of the season (unless you plan to be at SSCXWC of course). Learn more here.
Sorella Forte Women’s Club Weekly Ride – 9:00 am at River City Bicycles (706 SE Martin Luther King Jr. Blvd)
If you’ve been riding a bit and are ready to join a welcoming, intermediate-level group ride, this is where you want to be Saturday morning. Sorella is one of Portland’s best clubs/teams, and it’s only for women so you won’t have to deal with any bro-titude. Just show up, ride, and have fun! Learn more here.
4th Annual Cranksgiving – 1:00 pm – 4:00 pm at Velo Cult (1969 NE 42nd)
Build community and feed our community — that’s what Cranksgiving is all about. And it also happens to be a ton of fun. Show up with your food donations and then join a team of 2-5 riders for a citywide treasure hunt. Proceeds benefit Outside In, a local nonprofit that provides services for homeless youth. Lots of prizes available for things like Best Costume, Biggest Spender, and more. Organizers hope to raise more than $1,800. Learn more here.
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River City Bicycles Cyclocross Crusade Awards Party – 7:00 pm at Elevator Café & Commons (1033 SE Main Street)
Win or lose or nearly die trying, the Cross Crusade is about having fun and pushing your limits — so it’s fitting that the series ends with a big party. Come out and congratulate the winners, get to know that nemesis who you battled with all year, and toast the Cross Crusade crew and sponsors who put on another stellar year of races. Learn more here.
Sunday, November 20th
World Day of Remembrance for Road Traffic Victims – 12:00 pm to 3:00 pm at Waterfront Park, under the Morrison Bridge
Oregon and SW Washington Familes for Safe Streets will join this global event to remember the over 400 people who have died while using the roads in our state this year. They will also pay tribute to first responders who are forced to deal with the traumatic aftermath of road collisions. The event will include a vigil, press conference and a temporary art installation feature over 400 pairs of shoes. Learn more here.
Banks and Back – 10:00 am at Streets of Tanasbourne (NW Stucki & Venetian in Hillsboro)
Join the Portland Wheelmen (and women!) Touring Club for some of Washington County’s finest roads. Enjoy the hills on Helvetia, Jackson Quarry and Shadybrook, followed by the mostly flat roads into Banks. There will be a stop in Banks for refueling. Total ride distance is 42 miles and they will re-group for slower riders. Learn more here.
Did we miss anything? If so, give it a shout out in the comments.
For more events check out The BikePortland Event Calendar.
— Jonathan Maus, (503) 706-8804 – jonathan@bikeportland.org
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