Welcome to the weekend! Here’s our weekly selection of rides and events worth your time. Please note, it’s Pedalpalooza time! That means there are tons of rides every day. See them all here. (Also note that rides usually leave 30 minutes after the posted meet-up time.)
This week’s guide is sponsored by Gorge Pass, your affordable transit ticket to carfree bike adventures in the Columbia River Gorge.
Friday, July 14th
Bike Play: Jurassic Bike — 6:30 pm at Abernethy Elementary School (SE) (*Same time/place through the weekend)
The 14th annual Bike Play is dino-themed and sure to be another memorable performance. It’s a Pedalpalooza must-do! Costumes encouraged. More info here.
Saturday, July 15th
Mississippi Ave Street Fair — All day on N Mississippi Ave
One of Portland’s best carfree street fairs is back and looks to be better than ever. Live music, tons of great shops and people. And getting their by bike is best! More info here.
Oak Grove Festival Ride — 10:30 at Milwaukie Bay Park (SE)
The little town of Oak Grove is right on the Trolley Trail and so their annual festival is a perfect excuse to meet up for a bike ride. More info here.
Backdoor Ride — 10:45 pm at Shaku Bar (NE)
If you like the urban wilderness, especially late at night when it’s most fun to explore, this is the ride for you. More info here.
Sunday, July 16th
Overlook N’hood Porch Fest — All day (N)
Get on your bike and roll through the Overlook Neighborhood where you’ll find great live music at nine different houses. It’s the highest use of front yards and porches we can imagine. More info here.
Fiber Arts Ride — 10:30 am at Alberta Park (NE)
“Calling all knitters, crocheters, spinners, weavers, sewers, and menders to flock together…Pack a portable project and get to know fellow fiber enthusiasts!” More info here.
Look mom! No Pedals! — 3:00 pm at Woodlawn Park (NE)
A ride for little kiddos who prefer balance bikes! Route will be 100% in parks and play areas, so these tremendous tykes can enjoy their bikes in peace. More info here.
Riders in Recovery — 4:30 pm at Starbucks South Waterfront
A strictly non-alcoholic ride for sober souls where bumpin’ tunes, turning pedals, and friendly vibes will provide the intoxication. More info here.
Intro to BikeCamping Clinic — 5:00 pm at Cyclepath Bike Shop (2436 NE Martin Luther King Jr. Blvd)
Cyclepath will host two gear and riding experts at the shop for a night of insights, tips, and networking that will get you ready to roll on your next big adventure. More info here.
Slightly disappointing to see some of the queer rides not being highlighted for gay pride weekend. (I am aware there are loads of various rides, but of any weekend, this could be the one to highlight such rides for those who may be seeking the comfort of riding in specifically queer & queer friendly groups)
PDX Unity Ride – Hidden Bike Routes of the East Side
Laurelhurst Park, SE Ankeney St @ SE Laurelhurst PI. Meet near the bathrooms
• Sat, 15 Jul 2023, Meet 6:30, ride 7
Ride is a loop
Join us on a tour of some of the hidden bikeways of the East Side. This route features:
– The “Salmon Slalom” – the easiest slope up Mount Tabor
– The “North Tabor Trail” down the mountain
– The “Hollywood Bypass” to the north
The route features lots of stops up the climb with longer ones at the 2nd Reservior, The Caldera, Fred Meyer, and Normandale Park. There will also be notes of interest for future bikeways, including those funded and one cut recently. Ride meets at 6:30 at Laurelhurst Park by the bathrooms. Ride out around 7pm. Route is a bit over 10 miles and is a loop, featuring some climbs and descents.
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Queer Disco Ride- Come in your sparkliest outfit
Oregon Park, NE Oregon St. @ NE 29th Ave
PDX Unity Ride
Sun, 16 Jul 2023, Meet 5 p.m., ride 5:30
Ride is a loop
Get ready to dance this Sunday night and join us for the Queer Disco Ride! The ride kicks off at Oregon Park and is a loop. Meet at 5 p.m., ride out around 5:30. It features a dance break at Laurelhurst Park and at the Tillikum Crossing, plus a store stop. Route is about 10 miles. This is gonna be a good one. Our leader, Sabrina, puts on some great rides, including the TikTok rides, the Jumpsuit Olympics, and Fancy Mondays. Come dressed in your sparkliest outfit—gold pants, sequins, whatever you’ve got that fits the disco theme! –
———– PDX Unity Ride is a queer- and trans-friendly cycling collective that’s working to build community through a shared love of cycling. All LGBTQ+ folks and allies welcome. We welcome cyclists regardless of their skill level or ability. All bikes welcome, including e-bikes and adaptive bikes. Minors under 18 must be accompanied by a responsible adult. Masking encouraged indoors and when in close proximity to others. Please stay home if you’re sick. We follow the Shift2Bikes COVID Plan.
Thanks for highlighting those John!