Is there a better time of the year to be a bicycle lover in Portland? We think not. Pedalpalooza is going strong, the racing season is in its prime, and adventure seekers of all stripes are pouring over maps for their longest rides of the season. Oh, and school is out (PPS last day is today)!
This week’s guide has a bit of everything and we hope you find time to get out on your bike at least once if not multiple times.
Friday, June 16th
2nd Annual New Orleans Jazz Funeral Ride – 6:00 pm at City Hall (1220 SW 4th Ave)
Led by Bike Loud PDX, this ride will aim to memorialize traffic deaths in Oregon “Big Easy style” with jazz, flowers, veils and coffins. More info here.
Western Bikeworks Weekly ‘No Drop’ Road Ride – 7:00 pm at the shop (1015 NW 17th)
Rain or shine, the nice folks at Western Bikeworks will roll out for a 1.5 to 2 hour ride at a conversational pace. Expect about 2,000 feet of climbing. More info here.
Bike Play: Bike Me to the Moon – 7:00 to 9:00 pm at Oregon Park
The Bike Play is a Pedalpalooza must-do in my opinion. The Working Theather Collective integrates bicycling and different locations into their production in a way that’s truly unique. Shows for three nights Thursday through Sunday. More info here.
Dropout Prom Ride – 9:30 pm at Colonel Summers Park (SE 20th and Belmont)
The crazy fun prom you wish you’d had! Roll up with your finest and funkiest attire, your grill bikes, and your good attitude for this annual blowout party event ride hosted by the wonderful ladies and gentlemen of the Dropout Bicycle Club. More info here.
Saturday, June 17th
Columbia Century Challenge – 6:00 am in Vernonia
Nearby Columbia County offers a treasure-trove of perfect cycling backroads. You can discover some of them on this organized ride. Choose from three routes. Registration and more info here.
Sharrows to Sparrows – 9:00 am at Columbia Park
This City of Portland-sponsored ride will introduce you to our wonderful neighborhood bike street network and show you just how close nature is to north Portland! Venture to Smith and Bybee Lakes and lots of other fun stops while you ride with an expert urban naturalist and a traffic safety staffer from PBOT. More info here.
Advertisement
Mosier Mayhem – 9:30 am in Mosier
If you want to get away relatively close to home, and you have the legs and heart for unpaved adventures, this is the ride for you. Our Mother the Mountain and the Unpaved cycling club have joined together once again for what promises to be an unforgettable experience. Route traverses the Mill Creek area south of Mosier in the Columbia River Gorge. More info here.
Black Liberation Ride – 11:00 am at Irving Park (NE 7th and Fremont)
Celebration the Juneteeth holiday with what organizers describe as a, “Community bike ride for cyclists of color,” this event will loop through north Portland and stop at businesses owned by people of color. Note: “This ride is designed specifically for **People of Color**,” organizers say. “If you’re wondering why it’s problematic for a non-POC to take up space at this event in the whitest city in the U.S. then you *probably* shouldn’t come.” More info here.
The Princess BRide – 12:00 pm at Irving Park (NE 7th and Fremont)
You’ve seen the movie, now do the ride. This will be a “quote-along” ride and dressing in character is strongly encouraged. Supplies will be available to write your favorite quote on a placard and attach it to your bike. Ride ends at Colonel Summers Park in order to join up with the Magical Unicorn Ride. More info here.
Kidical Mass Ride Through Milwaukie – 1:00 pm at SE Park Ave MAX station (2750 SE Park Ave)
Feel the security and safety of riding in a group with small children. This month’s ride will head to Westmoreland Park with a stop for shave ice and other treats. More info here.
Sunday, June 18th
Sauvie Shootout – 9:00 am at Ovation Cofffee (941 NW Overton)
Spirited and fast training ride that can accomodate different fitness levels. Well-attended with many different groups to ride with. Route heads to Sauvie Island then up into the West Hills and back downtown. More info here.
Santa Cruz Bicycles Demo Day – 9:00 am to 3:00 pm at Sandy Ridge Trails
Hosted by River City Bicycles, this is your chance to test and shred on the latest bikes from Santa Cruz on the awesome trails at Sandy Ridge. Don’t forget to bring your pedals and shoes. More info here.
Gresham Sunday Parkway – 10:00 am to 2:00 pm
Gresham’s first-ever open streets event! Roll east and enjoy a carfree loop around Gresham with stops full of activities and streets full of your friends and neighbors. More info here.
Adaptive Bikes, Trikes and Tandems – 10:30 am at Gateway Transit Center
Bike Loud PDX is hosting this ride that is meant for every body. All are welcome to join the 7-mile ride at a casual pace that ends at Different Spokes — a bike shop for people with disabilities — where they will provide lunch. More info here.
Zoobomb-a-Thon – 2:00 pm at SW Knights and Fairview
“Bomb hills, not clinics,” is the battle cry of our beloved Zoobombers who will host their first-ever Planned Parenthood fundraiser. Come coast down the west hills in their attempt to ride 1,000 miles for charity. More info here.
Alleys of Alberta – 3:00 pm at Alberta Park
Explore the hidden wonders of northeast Portland’s most interesting alleyways. Ends at a park, so bring a picnic! More info here.
There are obviously many more events happening this weekend. Please consult the Pedalpalooza calendar for full listings.
Stay plugged into all the bike and transportation-related events around the region via our comprehensive event calendar.
— Jonathan Maus: (503) 706-8804, @jonathan_maus on Twitter and jonathan@bikeportland.org
BikePortland is supported by the community (that means you!). Please become a subscriber or make a donation today.