Weekend Event Guide: 3-speeds, the Gorge, a big sale, and more

I know it’s hard to believe, and I know Saturday is April Fools Day on Saturday, but spring seems to have finally sprung. We actually have more sun than rain in the forecast for the next few days.

So embrace it! And ride your bike.

Here are some event and ride ideas to inspire you…

All Weekend

Western Bikeworks Spring Sale (Pearl District and Tigard locations)
Our partners at Western Bikeworks are having a big Spring Bike Sale. Get into one of their two locations for big discounts on last year’s bikes. While you’re there, tell them you appreciate their ad campaign on BikePortland. Their support keeps us alive. More info here.

Saturday, April 1st

Gorge Roubaix Race – All day in The Dalles
For the strong among us, The Dalles is the place to be this weekend. Two days of hard riding kicks off with this race on Saturday. Ride along the cliffs of the Gorge, up and over the Rowena curves and then into the backroads of Mosier. Part of the Oregon Gravel Grinder Series. More info here.

Slow Poke Ride – 10:00 am at TriMet Park & Ride (NE Sandy and 96th)
A great way to kick off spring riding is an easy, socially-paced jaunt out to the Troutdale General Store led by the Portland Wheelmen. More info here.

Fundraiser for Nathan Jones’ Global Bike Ride – 7:00 pm at Columbia Center for the Arts in Hood River (215 Cascade Avenue)
If you find yourself in Hood River Saturday night, pop into this event and help Portlander Nathan Jones raise money for his around-the-world bike ride. Jones is currently somewhere in New Zealand as far as we know. More info here.

Sunday, April 2nd

Gorge Gravel Grinder – All day in The Dalles
If racing isn’t your thing and you still want an epic adventure in The Dalles, the Gravel Grinder is your ride. There are three fun loops to choose from: 40, 65. or 96 miles. All of them are on the virtually carfree and always gorgeous dirt roads east of The Dalles. Grab some friends and make it a weekend! More info here.

The Sauvie Shootout – 9:00 am at Ovation Coffee (941 NW Overton)
This is a new weekly ride that’s perfect for riders looking for a fast training ride that simulates race conditions. Meets in northwest, heads to Sauvie and then up the West Hills to loop back via Skyline. More info here.

Burnt Bridge 40-Mile Loop – 10:00 am at Rivelo (401 SE Caruthers)
Venture north of Portland into Vancouver to discover the Burnt Bridge Creek Trail. Expect a conversational pace and a 40-mile loop that starts and ends near OMSI. Tom Howe of Puddlecycle fame will be your leader. More info here.

Three Speed Ride – 10:30 am at Khunamokwst Park (corner of NE 52nd Ave & Alberta)
Urban adventurist, artist and Society of Three Speeds founder Shawn Granton will be your guide for his first three-speed ride of the season. Hub gears only (3, 4 or 5 speeds, no Alfines or Rohloffs) on this one please! Oh, and don’t forget to bring your tea-brewing supplies More info here.

Did we miss anything? If so, give it a shout out in the comments.

For more fun events, including great stuff next week and beyond, visit our full events calendar.

— Jonathan Maus: (503) 706-8804, @jonathan_maus on Twitter and jonathan@bikeportland.org

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