Blog

Make the Most of Fall: Take a Ride!

Photo by Adam Sawyer

Photo by Adam Sawyer

It’s getting to be that time of year again. The rain returns, pumpkin flavored beer, rain, fall colors, rain, more rain. But let’s look for the silver linings on all these clouds! Sometimes we get a nice crisp fall day which we can all take advantage of. Last year, we put together a list of fall rides to help you make the most of your fall! When we do get one of those nice days where the sun comes to visit, you can be prepared with this list of local scenic routes that can be found right in our back yard!

1. Terwilliger Bike Path is a relatively easy bike path starting at Charter House at OHSU, following Capital Highway, passing Tryon creek and ending at Lake Oswego. The bike path is mostly downhill and separated from the road. It’s perfect if you want to have a family day out with your kids! You can find a detailed map of the route here.

2. The Banks-Vernonia State Trail is a part of a non-profit effort to repurpose unused railways called “Rails to Trails.” The path used to be a part of a railway system from Portland to Seattle, and is now a 21 mile trail. Cross waterways like Beaver Creek and the Nehalem River, and view the massive trestles used during the heyday of the railroad. Take a look at the trail here.

3. The Forest Park Trails are a great way to get a little closer to nature while sticking around the neighborhood. From Leif Erickson Drive to Saltzman Road to Newton Road to Firelanes 1, 3, 5, 10, 12 and 15, there are dozens of miles open to cyclists throughout Forest Park. The park sports an amazing tree canopy, picturesque greenery and an abundance of wildlife.

Keep in mind the trails in Forest Park can be pretty rough compared to urban trails, and you will want to take a bike that can comfortably navigate the gravel roads. Take a look at a map of the park here. (more…)


Kick Off This Summer Right and Take a Ride!

We did it, everyone! After enduring nine full months of misty mornings, torrential downpours, and bad weather to make this history books (I mean for goodness sake, our Worst Day of the Year ride was cancelled because it was the worse than our typical worst day of the year!) I think it’s safe to admit summer is finally here! We can finally put our shorts on and enjoy that bright orb in the sky.

It’s about time we get to enjoy some good weather, and we want to make sure you get the most out of it. Get out there and ride this summer! Here are a few places you can enjoy the sights and scenery unique to our corner of the world:

The Springwater Corridor Trail features some of the local wetlands and wildlife still found in the PDX area. The trail itself intertwines with Johnson Creek and has more than ten bridges crossing the water! Johnson Creek is credited as one of the last free flowing bodies of water in the Portland metro area.

The Southeast Neighborhood Trail takes you on a 13 mile loop throughout the historic southeast Portland neighborhoods and along the Willamette. The trail has very few inclines, and follows low-traffic roads, bike lines, and off street paths, ensuring you can enjoy the ride a little more. Take a look at the City of Portland’s trail map to get an idea of where the trail will take you.

(more…)