May 31, 2006
Bicycle Trails Meeting
Roger Louton, president of PUMP just sent over an announcement about an important bicycle trails meeting on Thursday from 6:30-8pm at the Portland Building. There are 221 miles of regional trails planned (some complete), and Roger wants to know "How many will be open to bicycles, and of that how many could be classified as singletrack?" He's striving to pack the meeting with mtb-enthusiasts to show Parks and Rec there is demand for singletrack.
This file contains Portland Parks and Recreation's presentation about the project.
MEETING ANNOUNCEMENT
You are invited to a presentation on the Strategy for Regional Recreational
Trails within Portland.
Thursday, June 1, 2006
6:30 - 8:00 PM
Portland Building - Second Floor, Room C 1120 SW Fifth Avenue Portland, OR
June 3rd is National Trails Day! What better time to think about Portland's
trail system?
Toward the end of June, Portland Parks & Recreation will be taking our Regional Recreational Trails Strategy to City Council. Regional Trails connect our city to adjacent communities and to regionally
significant features such as rivers and streams. Portland has 22 existing and planned Regional Trails, totaling 221 miles. Of those, 146 miles (66%) are complete!
Now, working within the context of other regional planning frameworks, Portland Parks & Recreation has developed a 20 year strategy for completing Portland's Regional Recreational Trail System. Please join us to learn about the strategy and how it will be used to guide future regional trail development decisions.
This presentation is intended to provide trail advocates and other interested citizens with an in-depth overview of the draft Strategy and an opportunity for Q & A and further discussion.
Comments (0) | Posted by orbike at 10:17 AM | Permalink | TrackBack
Construction Alert
Bob Cynkar from the City of Portland just sent out road closure information related to the Tanner Creek Sewer Project along Sunset Highway that may affect some of your riding routes. The schedule listed here goes through June 12.
Tanner Creek Sewer Project - Sunset Highway
Construction Schedule Tuesday, May 30 to Monday, June 12
Released Tuesday, May 30
Work will continue in three areas this week and next:
* In the PGE Park - Canyon Road exit ramp and tunnel, crews will
finish laying pipe through the tunnel and in a short stretch of the ramp
above the tunnel. Work will be done in this area 24 hours a day, all days.
Once pipelaying is complete, work will start to restore the roadway in
preparation for re-opening to traffic. The ramp and tunnel are tentatively
scheduled to re-open to public traffic the week of June 19.
* In the canyon area that is off-road and adjacent to the PGE Park exit
ramp, work will continue to lay the new stormwater pipe. Work hours here are
7 a.m. to 6 p.m. Monday through Saturday.
* In the Jefferson Court area that is off-road and below the PGE Park-Canyon
Road exit tunnel, no work is scheduled the week of June 5. Pipe-work and
grading for construction of a stormwater treatment swale in this area is
scheduled June 5 - 13.
* Work along the shoulder of the Sunset Highway at the upper end of the
project is tentatively scheduled to start around mid-June. This
highway-shoulder area starts near where the eastbound zoo on-ramp merges
with the highway and continues downhill almost 2000 feet. Schedule and
traffic control details will be publicized as soon as they are available.
More background about the project is online at portlandonline.com/bes.
Contact Bob Cynkar if you have questions or concerns: robertcy@bes.ci.portland.or.us, 503-823-7898
Comments (0) | Posted by orbike at 9:31 AM | Permalink | TrackBack
May 30, 2006
Cycling Across Country for a Cause
In late June, Cheryl Edwards, a patient of OHSU Hematology, will be cycling across the country to promote awareness of fatal clotting conditions, including pulmonary emboli, from which Cheryl has suffered.
Cheryl says "I have been an athlete all my life, but developed a serious pulmonary emboli twice! It is a miracle I survived with only lung damage."
Cheryl's husband Tom will be joining her on the journey to promote education about this highly lethal condition. They will travel from Seattle, WA to D.C., stopping in over 40 cities. NWclotbusters, their newly formed foundation, is collaborating with thrombosis (clot disorders) groups across the country to educate, inform, and empower the public regarding the 400,000 people with pulmonary emboli who are misdiagnosed yearly because of how this condition presents itself.
"PE alone kills more than four times that of Breast Cancer, yet we are so uninformed and over 200,000 of our friends and family die needlessly because of it," said Cheryl.
We'll be staying in touch with Cheryl along her journey, reading her blog and checking in with her.
The Edwards are striving to raise funds for OHSU Cancer Research Center in regard to thrombosis and the complications it brings to virtually every disease.
"The positive treatment of nearly every illness is adversely affected for those with clot disorders," stated Edwards. "New research is desperately needed to develop drugs that give hope to people on lifelong dangerous anticoagulation medicines. These people, like myself, live with the fact that at any time, a fatal clot may form, even while under treatment. This is unacceptable, as no new drugs for this condition have been developed in over half a century. For a disease that kills so many, how can it be that we have done so little?"
During the hours they are not pedaling, Cheryl and Tom will spend time with other cycling and community groups talking about PE.
"I believe our greatest and most urgent gift is our ability to foster inspiration in one another to embrace the best possible quality of life."
Even with this condition, Edwards plans to do just that. Together, they anxiously anticipate the day Clotbusters organizations emerge in every region of our nation to largely impact the minimal progress that has stifled this lethal condition for decades.
For more information and to join their journey, see their website.
Comments (1) | Posted by orbike at 10:15 AM | Permalink | TrackBack
May 26, 2006
Pedalpalooza: 170 Bike Events in 17 Days!
There's no denying it that Pedalpalooza, which started as BikeSummer in 2000, has grown into a tremendous festival. From a grassroots festival of small events, Pedalpalooza now hosts 170 bike events in 17 days. A pretty impressive printed calendar chock-full of details will hit the streets next week (look for it in the Portland Mercury) but in the meantime you can see the line up on the Pedalpalooza online calendar. From racing to dance parties and everything in between, nearly all the events are free and hosted by volunteers.
I'd like to say that it's not too late to host an event and enter it on the calendar, and that's true, but you may have a hard time finding a spot on the calendar where it will fit. Some days boast up to 13 events in one day. Pedalpalooza is a great way to kick of summer in Portland. Dive into the calendar and get ready for some bike fun.
Comments (1) | Posted by orbike at 7:19 AM | Permalink | TrackBack
May 25, 2006
TriMet Bike E-Mail List
Recently an OBRA list member was told he couldn't have his bike on the MAX because it was a peak time. That's not a TriMet policy and the rider shouldn't have been booted off.
TriMet wants to help avoid these situations and make sure transit is accessible for bikes. They are now offering a new Bikes on TriMet email update service to help people stay informed about using their bikes with TriMet. They even have some new bike parking options like attended bike parking during the Rose Festival, for those days when really, truly, it's too crowded on the train.
Learn more at the TriMet website.
Comments (0) | Posted by orbike at 9:12 AM | Permalink | TrackBack
May 23, 2006
Mt. Bike Oregon Draws From All Over
Mt. Bike Oregon is going to be awesome this year and people are coming from all over to ride the excellent trails in Oakridge. I've had a chance to speak with a lot of people over the phone who are wondering:
I'm a new rider, will there be trails for me?
Yes, there are a few very beginner trails and Randy from Oakridge says there are other trails that are great for beginngers if you just start part way down the trail, which is an option we offer.
What's the campsite like?
It's beautiful - right on the river and nice and shady. There's an open area where we'll have the beer garden and nightly activities, but mostly is very green and cool from the shade.
Can I bring my dog?
That's a tough call. All of us involved in organizing the event are big dog lovers and dogs are welcome at the park if they're leashed, but you have to think about what Fido's going to do all day while you're on the trails. Also, the campground will be full of people and activity. I wouldn't bring my dog.
What kinds of people come to this thing?
All sorts of people are coming, from very experienced hardcore riders to people new to mountain biking., People are coming from all over the country. Our latest list includes California, Connecticut, Idaho, Iowa, Maine, Massachusetts, Nebraska, Nevada, New Jersey, New York, Oregon, Texas and Washington.
Comments (0) | Posted by orbike at 9:00 AM | Permalink | TrackBack
May 21, 2006
How Do You Make 1,800 Cyclists Happy?
Well, you tell them it's going to rain then surprise them with gloriously clear skies, take them through some of Oregon's most beautiful landscape, feed them tons of delicious food along the way, plan their ride to end at a pub on the beach and make sure they never have to wait in line. It may sound too good to be true but it's not - that was Reach the Beach yesterday.
I was at the Grand Ronde stop yesterday and it was awesome. Riders couldn't say enough good things about the beautiful route and the tasty food. These are just a pictures from the day - more to come. Oh, and that 1,800 count is a low estimate. The final numbers aren't in yet.
Comments (0) | Posted by orbike at 3:27 PM | Permalink | TrackBack
May 18, 2006
Accidents: Who is to Blame?
KATU wants to hear from you: in a bike-car accident, who is usually to blame?
Click here to weigh in.
Comments (0) | Posted by orbike at 12:17 PM | Permalink | TrackBack
YUM! BTA Benefit BBQ at New Seasons
New Seasons does an awesome job with their fundraising BBQs to benefit local organizations. For the third year, New Seasons will host a springtime BBQ for our local bike advocates, the BTA. Last year the BTA was able to raise $6,000 from people like you just eating a burger (veggie or not). The barbecues take place at every New Seasons
If you are interested in participating, contact Michelle@bta4bikes.org or 503-226-0676 x13.
Comments (0) | Posted by orbike at 10:33 AM | Permalink | TrackBack
May 17, 2006
Seriers Standings at PIR
Monday nights are PIR are on fire! Organizer Jim anderson just posted these series stangings. Long time youth racer Anissa Cobb is looking pretty good. She got her start with the Kids of B.I.K.E. program and has been racing with her sister for years. Also out there these days is BTA Youth Programs Coordinator Anna Scalera.
Novice Women
Place - Last Name - First Name - Team - TOTAL - 5/1/06 - 5/15/06
1 Corrigan Rose Sturdy Girl Cycling 22 12 10
2 MacKenzie Christine bicycleattorney.com 22 7 15
3 Grosswiler Kate 17 5 12
4 Cobb Anissa Bridgetown Velo 15 15 0
5 Dickson Jessica 11 2 9
6 Horst Nicole 10 10 0
7 Henry Karen 9 9 0
8 Leyva Joanne NoMad Sports Club 8 8 0
9 Woods Alanna 8 0 8
10 Gale Marge 7 0 7
11 Swanson Alyssha 6 6 0
12 Lower Courtney 6 0 6
13 Moeller Devin Veloshop 5 0 5
14 Cary Laura bicycleattorney.com 4 4 0
15 Scalera Anna Bike/Hincapie 4 0 4
16 LeBus Amy Bridgetown Velo 3 3 0
17 Moyo Nanci Bike/Hincapie 3 0 3
18 Woodruff Jennifer 2 0 2
19 Callicott Liz 1 1 0
Monday PIR - Masters 30+ - 1/2/3
Place Last Name First Name Team TOTAL 5/1/05 5/15/05
1 Sampson Jesse Veloce/Felt 34 17 17
2 Meadors Ivan Finnegans Toys/ Discover Chiropractic 20 10 10
3 Johnston Kent Fred Meyer/Lakeside 19 8 11
4 Coffel Lance Casa Bruno 16 12 4
5 Holland Steve Finnegan's Toys/Discover Chiropractic 15 15 0
6 Hobson Nathan Half Fast Velo 15 0 15
7 Skerrit Shannon Bike Gallery 14 0 14
8 Batke Daroll 13 5 8
9 Hopper David NoMad Sports Club 6 6 0
10 Simensen Eric Bridgetown 6 0 6
11 Hausner Rob Beaverton Bicycle Racing/Bike N Hike 4 4 0
12 Matteson Kirk Half Fast Velo 4 0 4
13 Drake Peter Fred Meyer/Lakeside 3 3 0
14 Ripp Dave Columbia River Velo 3 0 3
15 Manning J. Michael Finnegans Toys/ Discover Chiropractic 2 2 0
16 Field Joe 2 2 0
17 Andersen Mikkel NoMad Sports Club 2 0 2
18 Mueller Marc 2 0 2
19 Mensher Dan 2 0 2
20 Sugahara Kenji bike peddler 1 0 1
Monday PIR - Masters - Cat 4/5
Place Last Name First Name Team TOTAL 5/1/05 5/15/05
1 Saltzberg David Columbia River Velo 23 13 10
2 Deathradge David 15 15 0
3 McKillup Jeff 15 0 15
4 Pearson Jon Speedzone 14 6 8
5 Calver Robin Veloshop 14 0 14
6 Lebus Josh Bridgetown 13 0 13
7 Lemoine Emile bicycleattorney.co, 12 12 0
8 Ebert Clint bicycleattorney.com 9 8 1
9 Bos Jake 8 0 8
10 Warwick Dave Speedzone 7 7 0
11 Cowdon Mike 7 0 7
12 Greenwalt Paul Finnegans Toys/ Discover Chiropractic 6 6 0
13 Boyles Brett Finnegans Toys/ Discover Chiropractic 6 4 2
14 Miller Chris 6 2 4
15 Moore Jim Columbia River Velo 6 0 6
16 Finch Ken Bicycleattorney.com 3 3 0
17 Frommelt Jon bicycleattorney.com 3 3 0
18 Klinger Scott 343 racing 1 1 0
19 Norville Jeff 1 0 1
Monday PIR - Open Women
Place Last Name First Name Team TOTAL 5/1/05 5/15/05
1 Bihlmaier Jeanie Columbia river Velo 41 20 21
2 Nestlen Nicole Veloshop 22 9 13
3 Holtermann Theresa Sorella Forte 20 10 10
4 Sanborn Melissa Wenzel Coaching 12 12 0
5 Tisdale Sarah Sorella Forte 9 1 8
6 Playman Erin Veloshop 8 0 8
7 Wilson Regan Nike 7 7 0
8 Schaub Allison Sorella Forte 7 2 5
9 Henry Karen 7 0 7
10 Rueter Kim Sorella Forte 6 6 0
11 Rotan Kristine Sorella Forte 5 5 0
12 Whittaker Beth Columbia river Velo 5 5 0
13 Thiele Barbara Team Rose City 4 4 0
14 Recko Laura 4 0 4
15 Stolt-Krichko Debra 3 3 0
16 Norris Tracy Sorella Forte 3 0 3
17 Jasper Joan Sorella Forte 2 0 2
18 Knable Mechele 343 Racing 2 0 2
19 Hahn Renata Team Rose City 1 0 1
Comments (0) | Posted by orbike at 8:45 AM | Permalink | TrackBack
May 15, 2006
Bike Bar to Come
A while back we talked about Portland's apparent lack of bike-themed bars. Last night my friend Shawn said it's because we just fit in everywhere so we haven't felt the need to carve out an exclusive space. Still, we both agreed, it would be great to have a bike themed bar or restaurant. Perhaps the wait is over. Jonathan Maus over on BikePortland.org just alerted me to an article about this.
In his most recent Brew News Oregonian column, bike and beer enthusiast John Foyston wrote that "Laurelwood brewmaster Christian Ettinger is opening his own place in the former Sunset Fuel Co. building at 2944 S.E. Powell Blvd. He plans on catering to Portland's two-wheeled culture..." John vows to keep us posted in his column.
Comments (0) | Posted by orbike at 9:10 AM | Permalink | TrackBack
May 11, 2006
Volunteer for a Bike Beach Party
Reach the Beach is a 2,000 rider strong benefit bicycle ride for the American Lung Association of Oregon (ALAO). You don't need to be on a bike to make a huge difference in the ALAO's work to promote lung health and clean air. Over 300 volunteers are needed to make this event a success on May 20th.
FREE STUFF FOR VOLUNTEERS!
Breakfast, coffee drinks, snacks, a commemorative hat and free entry to the finish line beach party in Pacific City.
PORTLAND START
The Portland start is the largest location. At least 1,000 riders will be there there and tons of volunteers are still needed. Sign up to share your time for a great morning. The location is Conestoga Middle School and you'll be all finished by 10:00 am. This location also features delicious coffee from Nossa Familia.
SIGN UP TODAY!
See the website for details about morning and afternoon positions in all different parts of Oregon.
Comments (0) | Posted by orbike at 10:35 AM | Permalink | TrackBack
May 9, 2006
Ahhhh... Riding to the Coast
It seems that everyone is talking about riding to the coast these days. They're either telling me about their great adventures of the past or plans to go this summer. I've yet to ride to the coast, but it is of course on my list (and just might happen Memorial Day weekend - fingers crossed).
Russell Cohen, from Long Island, and his 13-year-old daughter are riding out there this summer and they sought the expert advice of the ORbike community. You can read all about their route planning, use the info for your own trip, or chime in with your suggestions.
Comments (0) | Posted by orbike at 3:00 PM | Permalink | TrackBack
May 8, 2006
A Day at the Track
Caroline P. put together a nice little write up on her day riding at Alpenrose for the first time.
Read the full story.
Comments (0) | Posted by orbike at 8:45 AM | Permalink | TrackBack
May 5, 2006
Pump Club Turns 18!
Portland United Mountain Pedalers (PUMP) is a mountain bike club that works to promote and enhance quality mountain biking recreational opportunities in Oregon and Washington. They're celebrating 18 great years and want you to come to the party.
Head on out to Sellwood Public House, 8132 SE 13th Avenue, on Saturday from 7-10. $5 suggested donation gets you a beverage (beer), all proceeds go towards PUMP's work to keep trails open and improve riding opportunites.
A lot of people know about PUMP because of their annual swap meet at Friendly House, but they do so much more. Whether on the trail or on the internet, the PUMP members share info on trails, alert the community to important trail issues, ride the heck out of the trails and work on clean up and advocacy. They really do some admirable work and are quite an asset to our bike community.
Comments (2) | Posted by orbike at 9:04 AM | Permalink | TrackBack
May 4, 2006
Ride Bikes With Kids
Ann Scalera, Youth Programs Coordinator at the BTA, reports taht their Bicycle Safety Education program is going great this season. They've got 3 fleets of 30 bicycles out at schools and they're training a ton of new little riders.
You can help by joining in on the last day of the program, the Community Ride day. To make the rides safer on this extended ride day, adults help chaperone groups of 3-6 children on the street, within the larger group ride. Kids will have already received 6-9 hours of training prior to the rides, so the role of Volunteer Ride Leaders is to remind kids of safety basics and offer encouragement.
They especially need assistance this Friday.
Available dates and times follow. For more info, contact Anna at 503-226-0676 ext. 19.
MAY 5 (Friday)
Gregory Heights Middle School, 7334 NE Siskiyou, PDX
Afternoon shift (no morning rides): 1:15-3:45
MAY 12 (Friday)
Sacramento Elementary School, 11400 NE Sacramento St., PDX
Morning shift: 9:00-11:30
Afternoon shift: 12:30-1:40
MAY 18 (Thursday)
Sellwood Middle School, 8300 SE 15th, PDX
Times TBA
May 19 (Friday)
Sellwood Middle School, 8300 SE 15th, PDX
All-day ride to OMSI trip (times TBA, but probably from @9:30 - 3:00)
MAY 26 (Friday)
East Sylvan Middle School, 1849 SW 58th Ave., PDX
Morning shift: 9:10-12:15
Afternoon shift: 1:45-3:30
MAY 26 (Friday)
Metzger Elementary School, 10350 SW Lincoln St., Tigard
Morning shift: 10:15-12:30
Afternoon shift: 1:15-2:30
JUNE 5, (Monday)
Creston Elementary School, 4701 SE Bush, PDX
Morning shift: 8:50-12:00
Afternoon shift: 12:50-2:00
JUNE 13 (Tuesday)
Buckman Elementary School, 320 SE 16th, PDX
Times TBA
JUNE 9 (Friday)
Vose Elementary School, 11350 SW Denney Rd., Beaverton
Times TBA
Comments (1) | Posted by orbike at 8:33 AM | Permalink | TrackBack
May 3, 2006
Dear Dabby
Portland United Messenger Association (PUMA) now has it's own advice columnist...Dear Dabby (a recent, and excellent, guest on the KBOO Bike Show).
As PUMA puts it, "As many of you know, Dabby is an expert on almost everything. If you need help help with gear ratios, relationships, finances or pretty much anything else Dabby is here to help you. Send him an email now and you'll thank yourself later."
For more info, or to seek out advice, see the PUMA website.
Comments (0) | Posted by orbike at 9:00 PM | Permalink | TrackBack
Reserve Some Time: Portland Bike Summit
Bicycling Magazine calls Portland the number one bicycling city in all of North America. The League of American Bicyclists rates Portland "Gold" along with four other U.S. cities. The next level is platinum and no large city has gotten there yet. Commissioner Sam Adams and the bicycling community want to Go Platinum! and they want your help.
On Saturday, June 17 from 8:30 to 1:30 pm, you are invited to join neighborhood and bicycling advocates at the Portland Bike Summit at PSU's Smith Hall. It's an opportunity to learn how we got to be the best in the U.S. and find out about all the exciting and fun ways you can get involved to make Portland a world-class bicycling city.
Workshop topics include:
- Portland's I Share the Road campaign
- Innovations in Bikeways Here and Abroad
- Who Put the Fun in Bike Fun? From Breakfast on the Bridges to Pedalpalooza
- New Laws for Bikes - What Strategies are on the Horizon
- Why Do People Not Ride - Really (or How to Get My Next Door Neighbor/Co-worker/Friend on a Bike)
FREE and lunch is included.
Should you attend? PDOT is encouraging attendance from anyone who bikes, likes bikes, wants to bike, owns a bike, etc.
[ More info ]
Comments (0) | Posted by orbike at 1:25 PM | Permalink | TrackBack
May 2, 2006
KBOO Bike Show
The KBOO Bike Show is a monthly program about bicycle news and information. It airs the first Wednesday of every month from 9-10 am on KBOO 90.7 fm.
This month on the KBOO Bike Show, Sara Stout and I will interview Dabby, a longtime local bike messenger. Dabby will offer us insight into the world of velo delivery and a culture that often seems like a tough nut to crack. We'll also be talking with Dumpster Dave about his upcoming swap meet at Free Geek on May 14th.
Listen Three Ways
- Live at 90.7 fm
- Podcast
- Streaming live
Comments (0) | Posted by orbike at 12:49 PM | Permalink | TrackBack
May 1, 2006
Track Racing Starts This Week
Track racing starts these week. The dates to remember are:
Thursday - The regular weekly Thursday racing starts May 4. As in the past, the first week will be Kilo and 500m TT. Next week will be Pursuits.
More info
Friday - Fast Twitch Fridays starts the next day. Match sprints for all categories.
More Info
Saturday May 6 Track Clean Up Day
Free pancake breakfast provided by Chris King. Show up ready to paint, pull weeds, lift and carry stuff, etc. Starts at 10:00 AM and we will be there all day. Please show up because we need the help.
More info
Comments (0) | Posted by orbike at 12:20 PM | Permalink | TrackBack
Fun Distraction for Biking Crowd
Today we High Five. We High Five in the name of togetherness. We connect, we belong (even if we really don’t belong anywhere), we reach out and we share the sacred exchange of brotherhood and sisterhood. We High Five.
We ask for nothing in return. Well, almost nothing. All we ask is that you join us. Let your hair down, loosen your tie and High Five somebody. Slap some skin. Create a High Five. Send a High Five to your friend; send one to your mom. Either way, you’ll experience the joy and freedom of this most simple gesture. Come, do your part.
Today we High Five. The revolution can wait until tomorrow. www.sendahighfive.com
Comments (0) | Posted by ryan at 12:23 AM | Permalink | TrackBack