May 23, 2009

Shutte Up, Bomb Down: Mt. Bike Oregon

Mt. Bike Oregon is a mt. biker's dream come true. But don't just take our word for it. Here's what Chester, a 2007 rider, once told the organizers, "It's like MBO took all the inconvenient parts of a mountain biking weekend and did them for us. They scope out the trails - we ride them, they shuttle up - we bomb down, they cook - we eat, they tap the kegs - we drink the beer. Everyone was super friendly and super helpful and the riding was just amazing. Thanks for a great weekend."

And speaking of beer, this year's event features a free nightly beer garden with a tantalizing selection of microbrews from Ninkasi, Oakshire and Block 15 (from Eugene) and Brewer's Union (from Oakrdige). Nestled under the towering tree canopy and situated next to the rushing river, the beer garden is the perfect way to relax after a long day of riding. It's just that waking up in the morning might be a little tougher this year....

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May 22, 2009

Jackson's Ride the Gorge - NOT to be Missed!

Experience the Columbia River Gorge like you've never seen it before on Jackson's Ride the Gorge, an incredibly supported ride through Oregon and Washington's stunning landscape on July 18. The well-planned course crosses bridges over the mighty Columbia and explores Oregon and Washington. You'll encounter "gorge"ous (I couldn't resist!) views on all three of the mostly-flat routes: 100 miles, 50 miles and a 14 mile family ride.

Rest stops feature delicious treats every 12 miles to keep you fueled and delighted every step of the way. Clear course markings will easily guide you so you and your friends can relax, cruise along the ride, stop for photos, enjoy breathtaking Gorge views and have a great ride. At the end of the ride you can relax in the setting of the Western Antique Aeroplane & Automobile Museum amid one of the nation's largest collections of unique flying aircraft, with free museum admission, a great finish line lunch and free beer.

The ride organizers invite you to join them in honoring the memory of their son, 12-year-old Jackson Hill who passed away from sarcoma, a cancer of the connective tissue. This ride bas been growing every year as hundreds of people come out to honor Jackson's legacy and ride through one of his favorite parts of the country.

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May 20, 2009

Local Business to Save the Twilight Crit

Portland is a world-class cycling city, well known for smart planning, innovative projects and thousands of people happily commuting to work - rain or shine. So it seems fitting that we have, a world-class street race - the Portland Twilight Criterium - that draws professional racers from around the world. 20,000 spectators flock to downtown Portland for a night of fast-paced racing action around the park blocks.

But this year, as the title sponsor bowed out in light of severe budget cuts, the Portland Twilight Criterium is facing the dire fate of being canceled. Determined not to let that happen, local race fans have stepped up to bring in the support of their businesses, including attorneys who specialize in bicycle law and bike shops. In hopes of rescuing this popular event, these business owners have banded together to raise the funds necessary to put on the event. Their admirable work is not over, and additional sponsors are still needed to give the race a confident green light.

Amazing things can happen here in Portland - success, creativity, forward thinking. In keeping with this spirit, the organizers hope your business will come out as a race fan too and bring professional racing to Downtown Portland this summer. For more information on how you or your business can be involved, contact Tom@GoodSportPromotion.com.

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May 19, 2009

Planning for a World-Class Cycle City

No lunch plans next Thursday? Take a spin over to PBOT's Bicycle Brown Bag lunch series, a chance to discuss cycling issues during your lunch break. PDOT brings in expert speakers and the audience has a chance to ask questions.

This month's topic is The Platinum Bicycle Master Plan - Planning for a World-Class Cycle City on Thursday, May 21th, 12:00 - 1:00. Since the first Bicycle Master Plan was adopted, Portland has more than doubled our bikeway network, to 300+ miles. We've added thousands of bicycle parking spaces. There are almost daily bike rides, events, and activities. We have a successful Safer Routes to School program and a burgeoning bicycle industry. Now it's time to look ahead. What are the next steps in growing a bikable, livable city?

Bring your own lunch and head to the Portland Building, 1120 SW 5th Avenue, 2d floor - Room C. For more info on the Bicycle Brown Bag series, see their website.

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May 18, 2009

Pedal Potluck Picnic

The Pedal Potluck Picnic rides are returning for their fifth season of casual biking and delicious snacking. The rides traverse an average of 3-5 miles with a different route each time. The end destination is a mystery park or ark-like setting. Organizer Shawn Granton, a local historian with extensive cycling fun knowledge says, "The term 'park' will be used liberally here, so expect the unexpected!" At the endpoint the group enjoys a picnic dinner, potluck style. Participants are asked to bring food and drink to share (preferably vegetarian and vegan).

In the event of rain, the rides end at a covered destination. Pedal Potluck Picnics are a great way to meet other cyclists and see interesting parts of the city. The next picnic is May 19th starting at 6:30 from the Hawthorne Hostel, 3031 SE Hawthorne Blvd.

MORE INFO >>

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May 15, 2009

Save Big on Rides

Do you like riding your bike? Do you like saving big? Do you like having a free beer handed to you at the finish line? Okay, if you said yes to at least two of those, you need to be an ORbike member! Membership pays for itself in no time as you rake in the deals on rides. We'll also give you a swag bag with over $100 in cool free stuff like fenders, coffee and more.

Check out our long list of rides that are member events, meaning you can get a discount. We partner with most of the great local rides and events - the rides you're already riding. As an ORbike member, you get to continue to ride, but your wallet will be a little bit thicker at the end of the season. That's pretty sweet. We also throw in fun stuff for our members, like free massage, extra free beers (or sodas) and VIP viewing at some of the largest races.

Join today! Click here.

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May 11, 2009

Record Numbers for Reach the Beach: Volunteers Needed!

Reach the Beach, the annual gorgeous fundraising ride for the American Lung Association in Oregon, will reach a record of 3,000 riders this year! The ride is May 16th and volunteers are still needed. Hundreds of volunteers have already signed up, but the more volunteers there are, the more fun the ride is for everyone.

This event is a great opportunity to hang out in the gorgeous countryside, get a FREE beach party in Pacific City at the Pelican Pub, which includes a gigantic buffet lunch and a chance to sink your toes in the sand while you take in the amazing views (haystack rock, the ocean, the dunes....)

AND ALL THIS!:
* A hat
* Lunch or breakfast
* Delicious Nossa Familia coffee
* A chance to hang with thousands of bikers
* A day in the countryside AND at the beach!
* A chance to support a great cause

Sign up here.

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May 7, 2009

Unicycle to the Beach!

Check out this cool video about a crew of people who are riding to the beach - all 100 miles - on ONE WHEEL - that's right, unicycling to the beach as a part of Reach the Beach on May 16th.

By the way, this ride is capped at 3,000 riders and it's filling up fast - so register before it is too late. The last day to register online (and save) is May 10th and if spaces are still available (the website will say) you can register at the start line.

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May 6, 2009

Reach the Beach Discussion Board

Reach the Beach is a great springtime tradition as thousands of cyclists pedal their way to a huge surfside party in Pacific City in support of the American Lung Association in Oregon. New this year, the event has a discussion board where you can offer or find carpool rides back from the beach, ask detailed route questions and learn more about this great ride.

Reach the Beach is May 16th and this is an ORbike member event. If you're an ORbike member, you'll save $10 when you register in advance online.

DISCUSSION BOARD >>

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May 4, 2009

Portland Sistas Cycling

"Cause these Sistas Love to Cycle"

Portland Sistas Cycling is a group of African-American women who enjoy road cycling and want to promote the sport to women, especially women of color. From group rides to local bike clubs rides and charity rides, they encourage riders to join them for fun, fitness and the opportunity to explore the countryside from the seat of a bicycle. All riders and levels of fitness are welcome and the group pledges that no one is ever left behind.

The next ride is May 16th. Read more here.

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