http://blog.orbike.com/ 2010-08-30T12:30:35-08:00 http://blog.orbike.com/archives/2010/08/tour-de-lab-rider-profile-cory.php Cory Allen is no stranger to the Tour de Lab; in fact, he first participated in the ride a couple of years ago. He was visiting Portland when he saw a flyer for the Tour de Lab bike ride and, on a whim, decided to register. Although he is originally from St. Helens, Oregon, Cory is now a resident of Punta Gorda, Florida.

This year, he's excited to be traveling across the country again for the ride. "The Tour de Lab ride was so much fun - a definite repeater! Now I am returning and recruiting friends and family to share in the excitement of the camaraderie, unique costumes and zaniness," he explains. Although his dogs are, understandably, unable to make the trip to Portland with him, they'll be here with him in spirit; he plans to have a picture of his dogs displayed on the front of his bike throughout the ride.

Cory shared that, while visiting Key West recently, he ran into someone else wearing a Tour de Lab shirt from 2009. "We started talking and found out we were both from the Pacific Northwest and now live in South Florida!"

Before moving to Florida, Cory spent many years riding along Highway 30 into Portland. His fondest memories of cycling in the Portland area involve riding with groups of friends for the camaraderie and to explore new places. "We always referred to our bike group as FACT (Fat A** Cycling Team) - and we often ended some of our rides at the Lucky Lab!"

When he moved from Oregon to Florida, he quickly switched from "road riding" to "mountain biking" because, Cory explains, the roads in Florida are not quite as bike friendly as they are in Oregon. He currently rides about twice a week and is a member of the Florida Mud Cutters, an off-road cycling club that meets in an off-road park outside Ft. Myers. The park, according to Cory, is a very challenging course for cyclists of all skill levels. "A few years ago I crashed out in the park and earned 12 rib fractures. Glad I wear a helmet."

Luckily, the incident hasn't kept Cory away from his bike.

]]> Fun Rides orbike 2010-08-30T12:30:35-08:00 http://blog.orbike.com/archives/2010/08/portland-century-rider-profile-1.php Meet Mike Kistemaker from Rancho Palos Verdes, California. He's traveling all the way to Oregon for the Portland Century this weekend.

Mike first heard about the ride through his friend, a Portland resident who participated in the ride last year. He ultimately decided to register for the ride because "Portland has great terrain and is a great bike city." In addition, many of his friends live near Portland, so the Portland Century provides the perfect opportunity to meet and do a group ride in the summer.

Although he enjoys riding in California, Mike is most looking forward to seeing the "beautiful green Pacific Northwest with friends...and talking some trash about their training!" All joking aside, Mike is serious about riding - and seriously enjoys it! Although he started as a mountain biker, he's recently become more interested in steep climbs and road bike technology. He usually rides 2-3 times per week, mostly 20-30 mile treks along the Palos Verdes Peninsula. There's significant vertical climbing, so he'll be well prepared for the Portland Century on Saturday.

]]> Centuries orbike 2010-08-18T23:29:47-08:00 http://blog.orbike.com/archives/2010/08/portland-century-rider-profile-2.php Wendy Galloway and her family first participated in the Portland Century ride in August 2007. This August will mark their fourth consecutive year of traveling from Rochester, Washington to Portland to participate in the ride.

There's something about it that keeps them coming back again and again. Wendy explains, "As a mother, I love the fact that we can do this as a family. My sister asked us to come down for the ride in 2007 and I thought, '25 miles? We can do that!' Now it's a ride that the whole family looks forward to. My sister Kelly and her partner Benji live in Moscow, Idaho, and we live in Washington. So not only is it a great day of cycling, but it's a mini family reunion as well!"

Every year, the family's favorite spot on the course is the long downhill stretch right before the rest stop featuring strawberry shortcake. "We love the downhill so much that we almost forget we'll have to go uphill after!" Wendy adds. They also always look forward to the gourmet dinner and free beer garden at the finish line party.

The Galloways would recommend this ride to anyone, of any age. "Just try it. It's so much fun! Plus, it's a great way to get your family exercising together in order to prepare for the ride," Wendy adds. The youngest Galloway, Zoie, was only ten years old when they first participated. "Although the last few miles were a challenge, she did it - we all did it - and it is a great feeling to accomplish a goal that you set out for yourself year after year!"

Towards the end of the ride that first year, ten-year-old Zoie was having a challenging time completing the last four miles. When Zoie's Aunt Kelly offered to switch her bike, complete with a comfy seat and a bell, Zoie was suddenly re-energized and leading the pack.

Every summer, the Galloways ride their bikes together to train for the Portland Century. They start out slow and work their way up, slowing increasing mileage. "We ride the roads in our area, but my favorite is the Western Chehalis Trail. It's an old railroad grade that goes on and on for miles - with no cars! Just other bikers, walkers, runners and an occasional horse at times. It's great!"

]]> Centuries orbike 2010-08-13T15:23:13-08:00 http://blog.orbike.com/archives/2010/08/portland-century-rider-profile.php Rob DeCou, a resident of Port Angeles, Washington, will soon be travelling to Portland for the Portland Century. Rob first heard about the Portland Century from Adrian, a college wrestling buddy. Adrian often convinces Rob to come down to Portland for running and cycling events. "Any excuse to get to Portland and visit my college friends is enough to prompt me to sign up," he says.

Rob was originally a long-distance trail runner. His "crash course in cycling" began a few years ago, when he was on the phone with his old high school youth group pastor: "My pastor said, 'I've always just wanted to hit the road on my bike and keep going.' I responded with, 'Count me in, let's do it.' Nine months later we were sitting on the beach near Neah Bay, Washington, ready to hit the road for a 40-day, 3,800-mile adventure to Bar Harbor, Maine."

As for the Portland Century, Rob is most looking forward to a wonderful day outside, surrounded by amazing people and enjoying the Portland scenery. He's well-prepared, having already completed two cross-country rides. In June, he completed the Ironman triathlon in Coeur d'Alene, Idaho; next summer he is planning a ride from Canada to Mexico.

He is also planning his second attempt at Race Across Oregon. He first attempted it two years ago, with minimal training, assuming that cycling was a natural transition from trail running. It was a grave miscalculation. "In a comical series of misfortunes, I pulled out of the race after 24 ½ hours and was basically as far away from home as I could have been," he remembers. Next time, he's determined to come out on top. "Adrian will not let me live another failed attempt down without some serious harassment!"

]]> Centuries orbike 2010-08-09T23:23:53-08:00 http://blog.orbike.com/archives/2010/08/jacksons-ride-the-gorge-profil.php Look for the Minns family at Jackson's Ride the Gorge this weekend. David, Carrie and their three kids are seasoned regulars on the ride - and are excited to be returning again this year.

Father David Minns is a sarcoma survivor and board member of the Northwest Sarcoma Foundation (NWSF). He first met ride founders Melissa and David Hill while their son Jackson Hill was battling sarcoma. After Jackson lost this battle, the Hills joined David at the NWSF. At their first board meeting together, Melissa and David shared their vision of an annual bike ride, somewhere beautiful near Portland, to honor Jackson and raise funds for the NWSF. Soon after, Jackson's Ride the Gorge was born.

The very first event was set up uniquely as a women-only ride with Carrie Minns, her sister Courtney Hopp, and David Minns' sister Kathy Johnston participating. None of them were serious bike riders, but inspired by the strong will of the Hills, the trio raised nearly $10,000 during that first year. The first Jackson's Ride the Gorge with organized with support of the Hill's family and friends and raised close to $100,000 total.

The Minns family continues to participate in the ride each year. "Our favorite aspects of the ride are participating in an all-day event in honor of those affected by sarcoma, having the opportunity to spend the afternoon post-ride with old friends and meet new ones, enjoy the beauty of Hood River and the opportunity to get the entire family, from five to 46 years old, on the bike!" David shares.

Although David believes that the great cause is reason enough to participate in Jackson's Ride the Gorge, he encourages others to sign up because the ride itself is unparalleled. "The Hills have spent their entire adult lives participating in high-level, competitive and well-organized sporting events. Jackson's Ride the Gorge is always a first-class, well-organized ride. When you add the memory of Jackson, who was one heck of a kid and a fighter; the NWSF's mission of raising money to find a cure and help families affected by this terrible disease; and then add Hood River in early August - you just can't beat it!"

For more information or to sign up for the ride, see JacksonsRideTheGorge.org

]]> Centuries orbike 2010-08-04T13:02:54-08:00 http://blog.orbike.com/archives/2010/07/seattle-century-rider-profile-1.php Norm and Deb Jacobs traveled all the way to Seattle from Yamhill, Oregon, to participate in the Seattle Century last year. They were so impressed that they're making the trip up to Seattle again on July 31!

Norm's favorite aspect of the Seattle Century is the tremendously varied scenery and types of roads, from the bike paths to urban bike routes, and especially the bridges and parks along the way. "Whenever we sightsee in a city with which we are not intimately familiar, we do it either on foot or bike, and the Seattle Century promises that type of view," he explains. He and his wife Deb decided to register for the event again this year, because, simply, "It's a good excuse for a weekend getaway!"

Norm would recommend the course even to those who know their way around Seattle. "I imagine that even people who know the city would see something new along the way," he says. "There is also something innate in people about the particular pleasure of riding along all those waterways."

One of his favorite spots from last year's ride was around these waterways: "In the first few miles of the route, the bike path follows a waterway on the left with a series of bridges - we rode onto each for a photo-op, but had to wave off all the other riders who tried to follow us, thinking we knew the route, and that it went back and forth across all the bridges!"

]]> Centuries orbike 2010-07-23T23:20:48-08:00 http://blog.orbike.com/archives/2010/07/seattle-century-rider-profile.php Nancy, Jim and their daughter Tiana Roma hail from Edmonds, Washington, and are excited to be participating in this year's Seattle Century ride.

When Nancy told her husband Jim about the event (and the 50-mile option), he signed up because he thought the food sounded great - and he figured he could do the 50-mile ride without as much training. Tiana quickly jumped on board to sign up because, according to Nancy, "She figured that if her dad could do it, she could do it!"

Both Nancy and Jim have been riding recreationally for years. After running 5ks, 10ks, half marathons and full marathons, Nancy started competing in triathlons about ten years ago. Last summer after competing in the Danskin Triathlon, she decided that she wanted to begin training for a longer bike event.

"I love to exercise and I like to ride for fitness and pleasure about five days a week during the summer. Jim likes to ride for a good workout about three times a week, and Tiana likes to ride on 'jaunts' about once a month. Isn't it nice to be young?!"

The Romas especially enjoy riding throughout the Edmonds, Lynnwood, Everett and Seattle areas, including the Burke Gillman, Sammamish and Interurban trails. They also like to ride at Lake Chelan during the summer. One of their family traditions at Lake Chelan is to ride their bikes to Blueberry Hills, a local berry farm and restaurant, for breakfast. "The scenery is beautiful, there are lots of hills and the food is great. Fortunately it is mostly downhill on the way back when we are full!" Look for the Romas out on course and give them a wave!

]]> Centuries orbike 2010-07-21T23:11:48-08:00 http://blog.orbike.com/archives/2010/07/the-orbike-challenge-for-sunda.php *Get ready for the ORbike Challenge and volunteer for Sunday Parkways. The first 100 volunteers to sign up will get a free pass to Tour de Lab!

The City of Portland is once again a leader of innovative transportation projects with Sunday Parkways, five events all summer long that give people an opportunity to enjoy traffic free streets. The first two Sunday Parkways for this year were a huge success with nearly 20,000 participants each, tons of activities in each park along the course and a wide variety of people rolling, strolling, wheeling and boarding.

But Portland magic alone does not make Sunday Parkways happen. 300 volunteers are needed to ensure a smooth event. We absolutely love this event so we're busting out the ORbike Challenge. We're tossing out 100 free passes for online registration on Tour de Lab (September 11) to the first volunteers to sign up as Intersection Superheroes for East Portland.

]]> Advocacy orbike 2010-07-07T11:40:40-08:00 http://blog.orbike.com/archives/2010/06/sunday-parkways-be-a-superhero.php Sunday Parkways is Portland's innovative program to open city streets for a day of traffic-free rolling, strolling and partying. The lopped route gives people a chance to experience wide open spaces and visit parks that are jam-packed with cool activities.

Volunteers are an essential part of making the day happen. Intersection Superheroes are stationed at intersections to keep the event safe and fun. The shifts are short but the energy level is high. Sign up to help with this very cool event and make a big difference. Volunteers are especially needed for Shift 2 of the Intersection Superheroes. It's a great opportunity to hang out with your friends (you can be paired with friends to volunteer together), meet people, wave to everyone you know on course and spend the day out in Portland participating in a very Portland activity.

For more information, see the Sunday Parkways website.

]]> orbike 2010-06-23T19:34:52-08:00 http://blog.orbike.com/archives/2010/06/patience-website-errors.php We are currently experiencing server errors and there are some problems with the ORbike website. Thank you for your patience, we should be back up and running shortly.

]]> orbike 2010-06-22T10:46:53-08:00 http://blog.orbike.com/archives/2010/05/petal-pedal-a-journey-along-th.php REGISTER HERE >>

Experience the magical landscape of Silverton, Oregon as you pedal along the quiet route of the brand new Petal Pedal ride, a bicycle journey along the Willamette Valley roads less traveled. Sink into your surroundings filled with the bold colors of summer flowers in full bloom. There are three distance options, 100, 60 and 30 miles, with opportunities to kick back and enjoy a mellow ride or challenge yourself with hills and optional scenic loops. Rest stops are catered with delicious treats to keep you fueled and satiated every step of the way.

This new adventure takes place at the Oregon Garden, Oregon's premier public garden with over 80 acres of impressive flora, including a spectacular water garden, a train garden and a home demonstration garden. Your event pass includes free admission to the gardens where you can take a guided tram tour or meander on your own as you wind down from a full day of riding your bike.

For more information, see PetalPedal.com

]]> Centuries orbike 2010-05-17T09:29:19-08:00 http://blog.orbike.com/archives/2010/04/volunteers-get-in-free-reach-t.php The 20th Anniversary Reach the Beach is coming up on May 15th! You get get into the finish line party at the Pelican Pub, sing your toes in the sand in Pacific City and enjoy a day at the coast FOR FREE when you sign up to volunteer! You'll also get a free embroidered at and breakfast. What a sweet deal. Volunteers are especially needed at the Portland start location, but the organizers are also always looking for more volunteers to help at the coast. Either way, you get all the cool perks that are just for volunteers.

Do you have friends riding Reach the Beach? Sign up to volunteer and you can join them at the finish line for the party. We think that's a pretty cool way to be involved in this 20th Anniversary ride. For more information on all the various positions available (including some in gorgeous parts of scenic Oregon), see the website.

Every year Reach the Beach becomes more popular, the ride grows and tons of people use the Reach the Beach route as their preferred cycling route to the coast. The ride is capped at 3,000 riders to ensure a quality ride, so if you have not yet signed up yet you should get on it fast! The ride is quickly filling up.

]]> Reach the Beach orbike 2010-04-27T14:38:48-08:00 http://blog.orbike.com/archives/2010/04/pedal-nation-april-1011-portla.php Once upon a time, Portland had a bicycle expo. Though bicycle expos have taken off across the country, Portland's show wasn't all that grand and Oregon certainly lacked a prestigious show - until now! The Pedal Nation Bicycle Show is a gigantic two day affair at the Oregon Convention Center that will feature the largest display of bicycle technology and innovation. The event is a great opportunity to check out the latest gear, see new industry trends, test ride bikes in the cool demo area and drop in on seminars and workshops.

Nearly 100 exhibitors are booked to showcase all sorts of interesting bike gear, family riding options, handbuilt bikes, advocacy resources, educational information and more. Pedal Nation is way more than a typical booth-laden yawnfest expo: the organizers have scheduled plenty of additional features to make this a very full day of interesting things to see, do, watch, experience and learn. There will be a Women's Bicycle Mechanics & Flat Repair seminar with Tori Bortman of Gracie's Wrench, a dual stunt race by NW School of Freeride, the "Little Nutty" Kid Zone sponsored by Nutcase Helmets and Early Rider bikes, a super cool Urban Bicycle Fashion Show, Gold Sprint Races and a wild Pimp'd Bike Contest. Be prepared to spend a full day working your way through the Oregon Convention Center.

A limited number of free tickets are still available through ORbike, but only until Friday, April 2 in the evening (unless they're all snatched up before then). Tickets are $7 at the door. Either way, make sure you get out to this incredible bike extravaganza that is not to be missed.

]]> Gear orbike 2010-04-01T17:55:48-08:00 http://blog.orbike.com/archives/2010/03/the-gorge-ride-june-12-the-dal.php Get on your bike and experience the "King of Roads", the Historic Columbia River Highway (HCRH), America's first scenic highway. The Friends of the Historic Columbia River Highway, a nonprofit organization, is organizing the fourth annual Gorge Ride. This gorgeous route starts from the Gorge Discovery Center in The Dalles and travels along this majestic road and the HCRH State Trail. The ride goes all the way to the Senator Mark O. Hatfield West Trailhead near Hood River then returns to the start. This route with world-class scenery is a combination of historic highway that is open to motor vehicles and the quiet HCRH State Trail that is open only to hikers and cyclists.

Highlights of the 38.5 mile ride include the breathtaking panorama at Rowena Crest, a special visit to the grounds of the historic Mayerdale Estate and a remarkable journey through the restored Mosier Twin Tunnels. The proceeds from this fully supported ride go toward restoring and reconnecting the Historic Columbia River Highway and State Trail from The Dalles to Troutdale by its 100th Birthday, June 7, 2016.

]]> Organized Rides orbike 2010-03-25T20:31:51-08:00 http://blog.orbike.com/archives/2010/03/20th-anniversary-reach-the-bea-1.php Charles Magahay has been riding Reach the Beach for 13 years and this year he'll turn 55 right after the 20th Anniversary Reach the Beach. "This event is a great beginning to summer riding," Charles says. "It has a few tough miles, but to finally arrive at the coast is the finishing touch not to be topped. You can choose from several routes and mileage choices to test your abilities in a safe and supported group. You'll have ample time to finish the ride and if you feel you just can't make it, sag wagons will help you get to the end in comfort and safety. Food and fun are at the finish and if you plan ahead, there are great places at the coast to stay the weekend."

Charles says he enjoys meeting other riders as they pedal along side each other and likes taking in the scenery. His favorite spot on course is approaching Chapman Road in Yamhill County, looking down into the valley. "You see where you were and where your headed," he says.

After 13 years, Charles is an experienced Reach the Beacher. He's ridden through rain, wind and hail. Charles says the ride has changed over the years. The food has become more delicious, lunch is served at just the right time on course and there are more riders.

Charles also appreciates the opportunity to support the American Lung Association in Oregon through his ride. "I've been lucky to work for a large company so I've been well supported in donations. Donations help fund the ride, but better than that, it's helping the Lung Association of Oregon help those with lung disease live. I know those with lung disease wish they could ride along with us, eh!?"

Charles may set out on the ride by himself, but his journey is a family affair.

]]> Rider Profiles orbike 2010-03-22T10:34:44-08:00