Aufderheide Scenic Bikeway has all the mystical mountain majesty. (Photos: Jonathan Maus/BikePortland)
It’s shocking it took this long but I’m happy to say Aufderheide Drive is now an official State Scenic Bikeway.
As expected, at their meeting Wednesday the Oregon Parks and Recreation Commission approved an application to make Aufderheide Drive, also known Forest Road 19) the 18th official Oregon Scenic Bikeway. The Scenic Bikeway program began in 2009 and this is the first new designation since 2017.
The 60-mile route through Lane County winds along two rivers deep in the Willamette National Forest. Unlike other routes in the catalog, this one requires no turns and there are no intersections. Just stay on NF 19 and you’re good. And there’s even a wonderful lodge and covered bridge to explore at the southern terminus in Westfir (near Oakridge). The route passes by hot springs, old growth forests, meadows, and abundant wildlife. If riders want to pack a sleeping bag and explore further, there are five campgrounds and more than 25 trailheads along the route.
Shots from the “Tour de Aufderheide” in 2013.
“With minimal traffic and few man-made features, no other route immerses riders in nature quite like the Aufderheide,” wrote Oakridge-Westfir Chamber of Commerce President Michelle Emmons McPharlin in a support letter.
The route received widespread support from throughout Lane County, much of it from chambers of commerce and business groups that understand how cycling can hasten local economic development. Even the Oregon Department of Transportation wrote a glowing letter of support. “We have observed how the scenic bikeway program serves as a significant economic driver, drawing cycle tourist to communities,” wrote ODOT Region 2 Manager Savannah Crawford in a letter to Travel Lane County. “Adding a scenic bikeway in the southeast portion of our region will attract more cycle tourism to Oakridge and Westfir. These communities have face considerable challenges from the decline of the timber industry to extreme weather events. A scenic bikeway could provide much needed economic support.”
Aufderheide Drive has been a magnet for road cycling for many years, and this new designation will only fan the flames of its popularity. In addition to its natural splendor, the route is a perfect out and back with its highest elevation of around 3,700 feet right around the mid-point (see elevation chart below). That means you get a nice ratio of 2,500 feet elevation in about 30 miles of riding regardless of which end you start from.
While Scenic Bikeways include only minimal infrastructure upgrades, they are only selected if they are considered safe and attractive for all levels of riders in their current state. ODOT will add green “Scenic Bikeway” route signage and the designation gives the roads a higher priority for safety improvements like wider shoulders, and rumble strips.
Since it began as a collaboration between the Oregon Department of Transportation, Travel Oregon, and Cycle Oregon, the Scenic Bikeway program has been beset by delays from administrative and staffing changes, wildfires, and the pandemic.
In this case, a statewide committee first received an application to designate Aufderheide Drive in 2013. The plan never made it through all the hurdles in large part due to delays mentioned above. Cycle Oregon came in, dusted off the plan, and made it happen.
Then in 2022, Oregon Parks and Recreation Department (OPRD) contracted management of the program out to Cycle Oregon, a nonprofit with deep roots in rural towns that organizes large group rides all over the state, so they have a vested interest in developing and marketing attractive cycling routes.
Cheers to everyone who didn’t give up on this route and thanks to all the volunteer committee members. Now let’s get more great routes into the catalog. I’m still waiting for an unpaved, gravel route!
Front of the shop on N Kilpatrick Ave. (Photo: Jonathan Maus/BikePortland)
Want to buy a bike shop? How about one rooted in a north Portland neighborhood that’s already notched 12 years in business and serves an 18-mile swath of the city without any brick-and-mortar competition?
About a month ago I shared news that Kenton Cycle Repair on North Kilpatrick Street was closing forever. Now owner Rich Walker wants to sell the business and he’s looking for the right fit to take over the reins.
“This isn’t just a business opportunity,” reads a press release from Walker. “It’s a chance to step into a respected role within Portland’s cycling community.” And if you’re wondering how you can afford a new business with a great location (along the N Denver Ave commercial district in Kenton), Walker says he’s prioritizing the shop’s future over traditional valuation methods. “I’ve set an asking price designed to ensure the business thrives under new stewardship.”
Owner Rich Walker. (Photo: Kenton Cycle Repair)
Walker says he’ll work with the new owner to make sure it’s a smooth transition. “Let’s work together to ensure this iconic shop continues to serve Portland’s cycling community for years to come,” he says.
Check out the press release below for more information:
For over 12 years, Kenton Cycle Repair has been a cornerstone of Portland’s Kenton District, beloved by local cyclists for its expert service, welcoming vibe, and commitment to community. Now, this cherished neighborhood bike shop is looking for a new owner to carry on its legacy.
For those unable to take on the full business, individual assets, including inventory, tools, and fixtures, are also available for purchase—a chance to own a piece of Portland cycling history.
Why Kenton Cycle Repair?
Kenton Cycle Repair isn’t just a bike shop; it’s a trusted hub for everyone from commuters and weekend warriors to passionate cycling enthusiasts. Over the years, it has built a loyal customer base and a reputation for exceptional service, all from its prime location in the bustling Kenton District.
Opportunities for a New Owner:
Taking over Kenton Cycle Repair is more than acquiring a turnkey business. It’s a chance to grow within Portland’s thriving bike culture:
Loyal Customers: Tap into a community that already knows and loves the shop.
Prime Location: Located in the heart of Kenton, with access to North Portland neighborhoods like St. Johns and even nearby Vancouver, WA.
Room to Grow: Expand services, add retail options, or host cycling events to deepen community ties and grow revenue.
For Buyers Interested in Assets Only:
If a new owner for the shop isn’t secured, the following items will be sold individually:
Inventory: A mix of new and used parts and accessories, ready for resale.
Professional Tools: High-quality equipment used for all types of bicycle repair.
Fixtures: Sturdy shelving, counters, and workbenches perfect for a bike shop or similar operation.
This is a great opportunity for local entrepreneurs or existing bike shops to bolster their services or inventory.
A Call to Portland’s Cycling Community
Kenton Cycle Repair is more than a business—it’s a vital part of the local cycling culture. Whether you’re ready to take the reins of a well-loved shop or interested in its high-quality tools and inventory, this is your chance to be part of something meaningful.
If you’re interested, reach out to Rich via email at info@kentoncyclepdx.com. Deadline for inquiries is December 8th, 2024, so act fast if you’ve got questions or interest.
TriMet has opened a new bike ramp at the Hollywood Transit Center and it’s a huge improvement over the old one.
The ramp is part of a transit-oriented development project at NE 42nd and Halsey that includes a mixed-use development and plaza in addition to the rebuilt ramp and stairs. We’ve covered this project a few times in the past and if you recall, there was an initial proposal that didn’t include a ramp at all. Thankfully, TriMet listened to bike advocates and the City’s Bicycle Advisory Committee and today we’ve got a nice connection from the I-84 overpass to the street network.
After TriMet demolished the old ramp, they had a temporary ramp in place for the past year or so.
Nicer wheel gutters and less incline than old stairs.View west at site of new mixed-use development.
As you can see in the photos and video, the new ramp is nice and wide. It has enough room to comfortably pass by people who are walking and there’s good visibility in the corners (except at the top where it transitions to the existing overpass). Compared to the concrete walls, five switchbacks and very narrow profile of the old ramp, this new one is a major upgrade. The old ramp was so difficult to ride up and down, it was a fun challenge to see if I could do it without putting a foot down.
Aerial shot of old ramp.
I ran into a BikePortland fan named Patrick and his little one. They like the new ramp so much they rode up and down it several times.
The ramp was getting a lot of use when I was out there Thursday afternoon. But it handled the crowd well. And TriMet says the stairs will open very soon, so that will relieve some of the traffic on the ramp. Keep in mind that the ramp and the plaza (once the development is completed) are pedestrian-focused areas where bike riders should ride with caution and courtesy and always be ready to dismount if necessary.
As for the stairs, I was glad to see they have ample wheel gutters, so if the ramp is ever closed for any reason or you just want to use the stairs with your bike, you’ll have an easier way to do that. The old stairs were much steeper and the wheeler gutters were almost unusable for many folks.
