Portland is known nationally for our bike infrastructure, but we’re a city without peers internationally in terms of our “bike fun.” On average, Portland has three bike events every day. Many of these are not the more typical (by a national standard) long distance fitness rides, but bike-centric events open to all skill levels.

Nothing more purely manifests Portland’s obsession with bike fun than Pedapalooza, a two-week celebration with over a dozen events each day! These rides are NOT just for the hipsters with a mini U-lock shoved in the back pocket of their skinny jeans, but for regular Janes and Joes.

Pedalpolooza kicks off today and runs through June 27^th.  See the full calendar at www.shift2bikes.org or look inside this week’s edition of the Portland Mercury for a printed schedule. 

Most rides are free, but a few have a ride fee.

Sampling of events:

Tour de Goats

Sunday, June 14^th

Meeting spot announced after registration

2:30 p.m. - ?

Cost: sliding scale $5-20 (includes cheese plate and snacks)

RSVP Required: emily.gowen <at> gmail <dot> com 

“Did you know there are over 50 goat owners in Portland!? Want to learn what it takes to raise your own, or even make cheese? The 2009 Tour de Goats will start with an in depth tour of the Going Goaty co-op & urban homestead and end with a local goat cheese tasting at Foster and Dobbs at NE 15th & Brazee.

Participation limited to 25, so please register early.”

Big Girls Ride

Monday, June 15th

Meet at Eastbank Esplanade, 5 SE Madison Street next to Vera Katz statue

5:45 p.m. – 7:45 p.m.

Contact: Robin, phototron <at> gmail <dot> com  

“This is a ride for curvy/fat/zaftig/rubenesque women.  Big girls ride bikes too so let's go for a ride together.  Easy route on the Eastside of the Willamette River.  Riders of all skill levels encouraged, nobody gets left behind. We'll take a break halfway for fun, talking and snacks. (this ride is a loop)”

The Umpteenth Annual Taco Ride

Monday, June 15th

Meet at Ole Ole, 2137 E Burnside St

6:00 p.m. - ?

“We will ride from taco place to taco place. We will try to be organized and form bulk orders (e.g. 23 chicken tacos). I.e. no individual orders. People ordering burritos will be derided, shunned, and berated unless they also eat a taco at each location, and then maybe even still. Bring cash, preferably small bills for tacos.”
Contact: Ben, ben <at> ridemybike <dot> org, www.ridemybike.org, 503-442-1276 

BIKE TO BIRDS

Saturday, June 20th

Unthank Park, 500 N Shaver St

9:00 a.m. - 1:00 p.m.

“Get to know your local wildlife refuge and bird population as we bike to Smith and Bybee lakes.  Meet other bike riding birders and wildlife enthusiasts.  Possibly see osprey, bald eagles, hawks, hummingbirds, woodpeckers, herons, red winged blackbirds, kingfishers, and all types of ducks.  Be prepared to lock your bike!  Bring binoculars, field guides, walking shoes, water, and a bike lock.  Novices are encouraged and experts needed!”
Contact: Marc Brodehl, marcbro <at> gmail <dot> com