Massive Kickoff Ride launches month-long Pedalpalooza

(Photos: Jonathan Maus)

Last night’s Pedalpalooza Kickoff Ride was everything we could have hoped for: Perfect weather, an intriguing route, and a massive turnout that set this year’s month-long fun fest on a course for limitless adventure and romance.

The throngs of riders of all shapes, sizes, ages and colors stretched for many blocks as ride leaders wound us from southeast to north Portland via the Hollywood neighborhood.

At the meet-up spot (Sewallcrest Park), friends hugged and gathered, snapping selfies in their new Pedalpalooza shirts and holding hand-screened event pennants that were on sale as a fundraiser for $10. And yes, there were all types of interesting outfits and bikes. Eric Ivy showed up with his latest creation: a bike with a 12-pack hanging just in front of the handlebars by way of bent bamboo, giving him motivation to keep pedaling. There were tall bikes, small bikes, and boom-box bikes outfitted with enough wattage to signal entire neighborhoods of our presence.

Here’s a gallery of the bike parade:

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And the people who made it so fun and interesting:

A highlight was the unexpected stop in Coe Circle at NE Glisan and Calle Cesar Chavez. Just after rush-hour, the many hundreds of riders took over the large traffic circle. People swung double-dutch ropes for willing trios of jumping strangers while others used the opportunity to grab a drink and meet with friends.

Spontaneous double-dutch in Coe Circle.

Everyone was smiling (except for a few people in cars who weren’t excited about being stuck behind the line of riders for several minutes). And the smiles belonged to an absolutely inspiring variety of people. It’s truly amazing how a free and welcoming bike ride through our city can attract so many people from so many different backgrounds.

The tone has been set. The next 30 days will be wild and fun and wonderful. Check out the calendar and we’ll see you in the streets!

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

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Jonathan Maus (Publisher/Editor)

Jonathan Maus (Publisher/Editor)

Founder of BikePortland (in 2005). Father of three. North Portlander. Basketball lover. Car owner and driver. If you have questions or feedback about this site or my work, feel free to contact me at @jonathan_maus on Twitter, via email at maus.jonathan@gmail.com, or phone/text at 503-706-8804. Also, if you read and appreciate this site, please become a supporter.

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Columbo
Columbo
5 years ago

When’s the kickoff for Scooterpalooza?

Teddy
Teddy
5 years ago

Thank you for the link to the calendar since the Portland Mercury has an outdated calendar since they do not mention the canceled rides.

John Liu
John Liu
5 years ago

Loved seeing the ride roll though my ‘hood. I couldn’t participate sadly (family issues) but will be in the saddle on other Pedalpalooza rides.

bikeninja
bikeninja
5 years ago

I love the kickoff ride. Gives the auto addicted folks,who see it, a glimpse in to who will rule the streets when the gas runs out.

Eric Ivy
Eric Ivy
5 years ago

Good to see you Jonathan! I’m 119 miles into Pedalpalooza and this year has been great! Grilled By Bike on Saturday ya’ll 🙂