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Join us at the 2015 People’s Coast Arthritis Bike Classic!

IMG_0297There’s nothing better than a benefit cycle ride. You get to take a ride on your bicycle, enjoy the sights, and best of all, you’re contributing to a worthwhile cause.

We are very excited to announce that we are partnering with The Arthritis Foundation, and will be spreading the word about how you can help contribute to the prevention, control and cure of arthritis.

Who is the Arthritis Foundation?

The Arthritis Foundation is the leading health organization addressing the needs of more than 50 million Americans living with arthritis, the nation’s leading cause of disability. As a national voluntary health agency, the Arthritis Foundation seeks to improve life through leadership in the prevention, control, and cure of arthritis and related diseases.

Since 1948, the Foundation has spent in excess of $200 million to support more than 1,700 scientists and physicians in arthritis research programs specifically for the study of pediatric and adult rheumatic diseases.

The Arthritis Foundation also provides educational research to help adults, parents and children manage their arthritis by providing a large number of community-based services nationwide to make life with arthritis easier.

Take a look at what the Arthritis Foundation is doing today:

What is the People’s Coast Arthritis Bike Classic?

The People’s Coast Arthritis Bike Classic presented by Amgen is a spectacular 363-mile, 6-days of cycling, bicycle tour from Astoria to Brookings, OR. Scenic coasts, secluded beaches, wildlife, lighthouses, amazing viewpoints, quaint towns and the natural beauty of the Oregon Coast are all part of your daily travel experiences.

The People’s Coast Arthritis Bike Classic offers a fully supported bicycle tour to all registered riders, including breakfasts, dinners, mechanical support, and overnight camping. The entire event will take place in September, from the 12th to the 19th.

For a day-by-day breakdown of what you can expect on the trip, take a look at the People’s Coast Classic website.

This event benefits the Arthritis Foundation by raising vital funds that enables us to improve lives through leadership in the prevention, control, and cure of arthritis and related diseases. The mission of the ride is to fund educational programs, critical research, community services, and free public resources.  The People’s Coast Classic has a goal of reaching $250,000 by the event. At the time of this blog, they have currently raised $83,000!

Ready to help find a cure for Arthritis, improve lives, and enjoy the beauty of the Oregon Coast at the same time? Sign up for the bike ride!


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…)