February 11, 2008
The Best Worst Day!
It's the end of a long, rewarding day - but I'm just stopping in quickly to report that today's Worst Day of the Year Ride was the best it has ever been. Sure, it rained a little in the morning, but that was at about 6:00am, well before riders started queuing up. So as for that record of sunny skies every year except a little rain at the end for the course last year? It held true! The sun came out during the finish line just as everyone was enjoying 100% scrumptious chili and potato corn chowder provided by Laughing Planet. Seriously, I've never tasted bike ride food like that before (except maybe the gourmet finish line at the Portland Century, but that ride is in a league of it's own).
Over 2,000 riders showed up, cruised the city streets, drank hot drinks along the way and, perhaps most importantly, strutted their stuff in outrageous costumes. Maybe the exclusively-designed limited edition Worst Day of the Year Ride reflector from Fun Reflectors, a prize for costumed riders, was an incentive. But I doubt it. These gussied up folks were in it to win it - prizes or not.
What's that? You didn't make it out there for the ride today? You're crazy. You must go next year. You must.
Photos and more info to come.
Comments (0) | Posted by orbike at 3:44 AM | Permalink | TrackBack
February 9, 2008
A Peek at NAHBS
Hover over to pause - refresh page for a new mix
Today was the opening of the North American Handmade Bike Show in Portland. This traveling festival happens once a year and brings under one roof some of the world's most hardworking and talented framebuilders. I wasn't able to stay for very long, and that's a crying shame. There were so many beautiful bikes, displayed even more beautifully and the Convention Center was completely abuzz with enthusiasm. On the other side of the Convention Center was the Golf Show, and let me tell you, our side was much hotter.
Though builders have been making a living creating custom bikes for years (many doing it solidly since the '70's), the number of framebuilders in Oregon/SW Washington has grown significantly in the last few years. There were at least 10 of them at the show exhibiting their finest.
This is just a synopsis as I have to run to get ready for all the fun Worst Day of the Year Ride action, but consider heading out to the show - it's pretty sweet. There's no shortage of simply gorgeous bikes to geek out and freak out on, and there are workshops too.
Comments (0) | Posted by orbike at 1:57 AM | Permalink | TrackBack
February 8, 2008
The Hottest Worst Day
The Worst Day of the Year Ride is sold out! Last year there were 1,500 riders and this year they capped the ride at 2,000 riders. The event it not until this Sunday, but last night at midnight they hit that 2,000 mark.
Congratulations to those of you who are going on this incredible wintertime adventure! Be sure to write back to us and let us know how it goes. We want to hear all about that yummy food, especially the finish line by Laughing Planet Cafe. I heard they've been hard at work in their kitchen all week preparing the made-from-scratch soup and chili for the masses.
So if the ride is full up how do you still get in? There are a limited number of volunteer positions available. See the website for details.
Comments (0) | Posted by orbike at 6:17 PM | Permalink | TrackBack
February 7, 2008
Sunday's Weather Report
This Sunday is the Worst Day of the Year Ride in Portland. Will we actually see the worst weather? Uhhh, I doubt it. Though the ride was formed around the actual worst day of the year in Oregon weather, the past six rides have been graced with sunny skies and mild weather. It is sort of looking like this year might be no different (predictions of only a 30% chance of rain and 50 degrees).
The ride is almost sold out and online registration closes tonight. If online registration does not sell out, registration will also be available at Packet Pickup Saturday (4-7 at Lucky Lab on Hawthorne) or at the start line.
>> REGISTER NOW
So what happened when the organizers decided to start the Worst Day's sister ride, the Hottest Day of the Year Ride? Yup, you guessed it, cold weather and pouring down rain - in early August. Go figure.
Are you riding this Sunday? What are you most looking forward to?
Comments (4) | Posted by orbike at 3:08 PM | Permalink | TrackBack
February 6, 2008
NAHBS Brings on the Fun
This weekend is the North American Handmade Bicycle Show, a touring show that visits a different city every year. Portland is hell-bent on ensuring the out-of-towners see the very best that Portland has to offer so on top of the convention's after-parties, Portlanders have organized additional activities. The most comprehensive list of what's happening when during this jam-packed weekend is on the BikePortland.org website. See details here.
There will be workshops for builders, casual riders and competitive riders. Maybe you want to catch the alley cat on Saturday. Maybe you're riding the not-to-be-missed Worst Day of the Year Ride on Sunday. Or you can just spend all day geeking out and freaking out on some of the world's most beautifully-constructed bikes. See? Plenty to do.
You can read more about NAHBS in the most recent ORbike newsletter. By the way, if you're not receiving our newsletter, you should be. Sign up through the front page of our website.
Comments (0) | Posted by orbike at 9:02 AM | Permalink | TrackBack
February 5, 2008
Rider Profile: Gus Fant
Gus Fant is riding in the Worst Day of the Year Ride, but says that a little rain won't scare him off. "I ride in the rain," he says, " because if you don't you won't get much riding in." And Gus knows all about getting riding in - he usually clocks about 3,000 miles per year, and aims for 4,000.
Still, it's no small feat for Gus to be riding in the Worst Day of the Year Ride. This 65 year old is a member of the Tacoma Wheelmen Bicycle Club and he'll be coming down from Tacoma for the ride. Several of the other club members will also be riding.
Gus is a veteran Worst Day of the Year Rider: he has been on five rides. So why does he love it? "It is probably the most social ride I experience during the year," he says. "With the frequent stops on the Worst Day of the Year Ride find it rather relaxing to just take my time and enjoy the ride and visit with riders. Also I take pleasure in supporting the Community Cycling Center as I strongly believe in what they are all about."
One of his favorite aspects of the ride is seeing parents and kids riding together. "I also enjoy seeing other beginning cyclists who express their doubts about completing the ride at the start and then when you see them at the finish line the joy they show from completing the ride."
Speaking of the finish line, what's it gonna be for Gus with he hits those yummy Laughing Planet Cafe soup options? "I'm just not sure although I'm kind of partial towards chili."
Registration closes at midnight on February 7th but the ride will sell out at 2,000 riders. Don't miss out, sign up now!
[ Register ]
Comments (0) | Posted by orbike at 2:57 PM | Permalink | TrackBack
January 21, 2008
Worst?? Day of the Year Ride
It's really cold out this morning, which has us thinking a lot about the Worst Day of the Year Ride, the annual benefit for the Community Cycling Center. Did you know that in the six years of the ride, it has never rained once? Well, last year there was a little sprinkle at the end, but other than that the quirky, urban, February ride has been graced with sunny, warm skies every year.
You'll be kept warm and comfy at every turn with tons of belly-nourishing treats including hot cocoa, doughnuts, fruit, DragonFly chai tea, Nossa Familia coffee, bagels, hot cider and much more. The finish line meal is presented by Laughing Planet Café, experts in wholesome yumminess, and features local, sustainable and organic soups and fresh focaccia bread.
Want more of a challenge? The optional 40-mile route loop traverses the west hills out to Hillsboro.
Comments (1) | Posted by orbike at 4:54 PM | Permalink | TrackBack
February 13, 2007
Best Worst Day Ride
The Worst Day of the Year Ride pretty much turned out to the best it has ever been. 1,500 cyclist came out for the day, and the event was sold out. The sun was shining and it was warm, but for about a half our some light rain came down just to remind riders they were in Portland.Riders were sent out on course with cameras! They got some really fun shots of their friends and other riders, the scenery and the rest stops. Check out the photo gallery and see just how quirky this ride really is. See also the Weather Report, the event ride report and newsletter.
Comments (5) | Posted by orbike at 8:39 AM | Permalink | TrackBack
February 10, 2007
Worst Day of the Year Ride Tip/Fact #4
Unfortunately it is too late to register for the Worst Day of the Year Ride, but for those of you who are registered, here are some fun facts and tips, part of a series I've been running throughout the week.
TIP #4
Bring your camera. There are going to be a lot of fun opportunities to take pictures along the route. And keep an eye out for the Icy Monkey, the event's resident meteorologist. He says he'll be riding in the buff, but then again, he's a monkey so...
FACT #4
At the 2006 Finish Line Party, 100 gallons of soup were served.
Comments (0) | Posted by orbike at 3:26 AM | Permalink | TrackBack
February 9, 2007
A Capped-Off Ride!
Well, it finally happened, the Worst Day of the Year Ride has sold out. After last year's wild success, everyone suspected this year the ride would sell out - and as of 8:12pm it did. There will be no day-of-event registration. If you didn't make it into the ride this year, don't worry, there's always next year.
Comments (1) | Posted by orbike at 8:34 PM | Permalink | TrackBack
February 8, 2007
Worst Day of the Year Ride Tip/Fact #3
As of this morning, around 1,200 people are registered for the Worst Day of the Year Ride, and the ride caps off at 1,500. If you're not yet registered, hop to it! I am running a series of ride tips and facts about the ride throughout the week.
TIP #3
Get your rider number and maps early by coming to Packet Pickup on Saturday at the Lucky Lab on Hawthorne from 4-7 pm. This way, you can avoid the lines on Sunday. Oh yeah, and you can chill out and have a beer at the Lab while you get ready to ride!
FACT #3
96% of the Worst Day of the Year Ride participants from 2006 had so much fun they vowed to return to ride in 2007.
Comments (3) | Posted by orbike at 7:46 AM | Permalink | TrackBack
February 7, 2007
Worst Day of the Year Ride Tip/Fact #2
To get you ready for the Worst Day of the Year Ride, I am running a series of ride tips and facts throughout the week.
TIP #2
Come dressed in costume! Everyone who comes dressed up will receive a free set of Tireflys wheel lights. These cool lights are motion-activated and provide good visibility at night from the sides, but most of all they're just really fun. Costumed riders will compete for great prizes like Showers Pass rain gear.
FACT #2
700 arrows are used to mark the course. Weather permitting, Dan Henrys will also be used.
Comments (3) | Posted by orbike at 9:36 AM | Permalink | TrackBack
February 5, 2007
Worst Day of the Year Ride Tip/Fact #1
Oregon is all a-buzz with excitement in preparation for the Worst Day of the Year Ride, a benefit for the Community Cycling Center. Riders are coming from as far north as Seattle and as far south as Ashland. This quirky-fun ride is so much a part of our regional climate. To get you ready, I'll be running a series of ride tips and facts throughout the week.
TIP #1
Register! If you're not yet registered but you think you're going to ride, do it now. This ride will sell out at some point. You may be able to register on the day of the ride, but then again, you may not be able to. As soon as the number of riders reaches 1,500, all registration will be closed off - and that includes day-of-event registration. So get yourself registered and be prepared to have some serious fun!
It has never rained on a Worst Day of the Year Ride and, in fact, the weather has always been quite pleasant.
Comments (1) | Posted by orbike at 8:44 AM | Permalink | TrackBack
February 1, 2007
Rider Profile: Riding with Dad
Amy Mayberry is a busy pre-med student at University of Washington. Her schedule doesn't permit her to ride her bike very often, but she's coming down to Portland to ride the Worst Day of the Year Ride.
Amy, who is 20, is looking forward to the Worst Day of the Year Ride as a way to spend some time with her dad - and take a rest from the stress of med school.
[ Full profile ]
Comments (2) | Posted by orbike at 12:19 PM | Permalink | TrackBack
January 30, 2007
Register Today for the Worst Day of the Year Ride
The Worst Day of the Year Ride is really kickin' this year. This great ride is a benefit for the Community Cycling Center and it is already nearly half full. I'm helping put the ride together and we've decided to cap it at 1,500 riders to ensure every has a good time. We want to keep the roads wide open and the hot chocolate flowing.
So if you are not yet registered, get on it! Online, in-store and day-of registration will all close early if the ride sells out. Maybe you're waiting to see what the weather's like that day, but if you wait too long, you just might miss out.
Are you riding? Are you excited?
[ REGISTER NOW ]
Comments (2) | Posted by orbike at 4:20 PM | Permalink | TrackBack
January 24, 2007
Worst Day of the Year Ride
I just spoke with Jim, a Worst Day of the Year Ride rider who is already planning out his costume. He's got an elaborate wig-cape combo planned. Part Halloween costume 2006, part some other costume he found in his basement. Sounds great, Jim! I think this awesome ride is going to be better than ever this year. You don't have to come in costume, but everyone who does is guaranteed to
* Have a great time
* Have more fun than non-costumed riders
* Get a free set of Tireflys
* Have a chance to win prizes from Showers Pass and more.
And remember, this ride will sell out so register online or instore in advance.
Comments (0) | Posted by orbike at 10:02 AM | Permalink | TrackBack
January 18, 2007
Want to Ride Free?
I know, it's true, a lot of us who ride bikes are deal-seekers. There is no shame in that! We like swap meets, we cruise Craigslist for bike deals, we like free stuff. Sometimes we ride because it's the cheap way to go. Well, here's an opportunity to ride for free on the Worst Day of the Year Ride.
Simply put, this ride is THE bike thing to be doing in February in Oregon. If you volunteer, you can ride for free. See the website for details and sign up. Positions are filling up quickly so sign up today.
Comments (0) | Posted by orbike at 5:48 PM | Permalink | TrackBack
January 17, 2007
Pictures of a Snowy Day
What do you do on a snow day? Well, if you're as lucky as me, your boss gives you the day off because he understands that we should appreciate such a rare Oregon moment. And we here at Team ORbike love to enjoy life! That's why we live to ride, ride to live, and strive to promote biking in Oregon. So once noon hit and we were encouraged to drop our projects and play in the snow, I headed out into the winter wonderland with my friends Dan and Nikola.
I tried biking but didn't get far. I'm giving it another go today. I did, however, see my regular yellow-clad neighborhood commuter, as well as plenty of other brave souls on bikes. I saw a few guys just riding around the park, and several carrying sleds on their backs. Later in the night I ran into a group of friends. Two were on a tandem (double the stability, or double the slippage?) and one had switched out her commuter bike in favor of the knobby mt. bike.
Too bad this weather couldn't wait until February 11 to arrive.
Comments (0) | Posted by orbike at 10:05 AM | Permalink | TrackBack
January 10, 2007
Worst?? Day of the Year Ride
It has become a great Portland joke: The Worst Day of the Year Ride happens on what should be the worst day of the year, but hasn't been since the ride started. Oh sure, one year there was hail, but that was only after all the riders left - but the cleanup crew was still trying to haul boxes into the trucks. So it's cute, the coincidence that this ride is always on a nice day - but will it happen again this year?
The ride's resident meteorologist, the Icy Monkey, is predicting great weather. He also consulted with the Farmer's Almanac, which forecasts drier but colder weather. I think we'll all just have to head out that day and see for ourselves! But if you're not registered yet, do it right away. The limited 1,500 rider slots are filling up quickly. This event will sell out.
Comments (0) | Posted by orbike at 10:55 AM | Permalink | TrackBack
December 20, 2006
Organized Rides go Holiday
I'm a sucker for the holidays, so it's no surprise I get all excited at the thought of Elliot and company flying across the sky with presents in their baskets instead of ET. That's the redesigned Night Ride logo made special for the holidays. Several of our area's oreganized rides transformed their logos to send out with special volunteer holiday cards.
I mean, come on, a guy holding his bike over his head, wearing a Santa hat, and his wheels are wreaths? That's good stuff. Check out the collection. Click the images for larger versions.
Comments (2) | Posted by orbike at 12:18 PM | Permalink | TrackBack
December 6, 2006
Bike Rides as Gift Certificates!
What a great idea! Give your friends and loved ones free passes to organized rides. This guarantees you'll have all your favorite people along for the ride, and it's a unique, healthy gift. The Worst Day of the Year Ride (Feb 11) is offering a gift certificate option. They'll even send the gift certificate directly to the recipient, if you want. The ride has all sorts of new features this year, including a packet pickup the night before at the Lucky Lab. You can grab your rider number so you don't have to check in the next morning, and grab a beer while you're there.
Reach the Beach (May 19) is offering a similar program and they've also got a special $65 holiday price, which also covers the $50 fundraising requirement. Click on the RTB Store link.
Comments (0) | Posted by orbike at 3:18 PM | Permalink | TrackBack
November 20, 2006
First Day of the Year Ride
Details have just been released for the very first big ride of 2007 - the First Day of the Year Ride (not connected to the Hottest or Worst Day of the Year Rides). This ride is organized by the BTA and meets at Waterfront Park at noon on January 1st. For details, see our calendar.
Speaking of the Worst Day of the Year Ride, the ride is February 11th this year. 1,500 people came out last year to ride on what could have been terrible weather, but wound up being super nice. In fact, there has been good weather for this ride every year. Registration though our website will open later this month.
Comments (0) | Posted by orbike at 2:01 PM | Permalink | TrackBack
November 9, 2006
Cirque du Cycling Poster Contest
What would the poster for a cycling street circus look like? That's what the organizers of Cirque du Cycling want to know - and they want to see your designs. Cirque du Cycling, presented by Laughing Planet, is a bike street fair and criterium June 16th on Mississippi Avenue in Portland. All contest entrants will receive a free pass to the Worst Day of the Year Ride on February 11th. The winner will receive a $100 gift certificate to Laughing Planet, a $50 gift certificate to Missing Link Toys and two free passes to the Worst Day of the Year Ride.
Comments (0) | Posted by orbike at 10:22 AM | Permalink | TrackBack
January 24, 2006
Karie Mawer's Weight Loss Journey
Karie Mawer says she had "a victory" the first time she rode the Community Cycling Center's Worst Day of the Year Ride. It was the first organized ride she participated in and she signed up as part of what she calls her "weight loss journey."
Though she rode a heavy mountain bike along the course, Karie had a great time and was instantly hooked, "The ride started an obsession with cycling, I soon purchased my first road bike."
Other rides followed, including rides with the Portland Wheelmen Touring Club, a local riding group known for motivating cyclists to ride further and faster, while having fun.
In summer, the finishing of a Triathalon in June marked a high point in Karie's journey - she placed third in her division.
And the weight loss? There have been victories there for Karie as well. "I have lost an accumulative 50 pounds to date with the help of these activities and have about 50 more pounds to lose." she says.
[ ...Read More ]
Comments (2) | Posted by orbike at 8:01 AM | Permalink | TrackBack