Thousands of people who love bikes won't necessarily be out on the streets riding this weekend - they'll be at the Clinton Street Theater watching bikes take over the silver screen for Filmed by Bike, the annual film festival featuring bike-themed movie shorts. And when they say short, they mean it: all movies are eight minutes or fewer. Submissions are sent in from around the world, but the festival only happens in Portland.

Friday night is the Opening Night Throwdown with beer, a raffle with over $2,000 in prizes (including some really nice roadwear from Rapha and a custom-made bike bag), a line snaking all the way down the block and tons of hootin' and hollerin'. But if boisterous bikers yelling at the screen isn't your thing, don't worry; the festival continues all weekend long with screenings at 5, 7, and 9pm on Saturday and Sunday.

Sure you've probably seen a million BMX movies, trail riding and tricks, but Filmed by Bike is about so much more than all of that. What happens when you enter a relationship knowing the exact date you will end it? That's the Pull, a movie about two men who enjoy riding bikes together. Or how about a glimpse bicycle culture in Sweden, a bike-themed Zen proverb or a recumbent documentary? The festival also features animated shorts, mockumentaries and plenty of inspiring footage of people who love riding their bikes. There are no advance ticket sales so get there early to get in.

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Beer, bikes and big wheels…what more can you ask for? In this funky bike scavenger hunt, two-person teams will bike to checkpoints around town, completing crazy obstacle courses at each stop. You might have to race an adult big wheel, careen down an inflatable slip 'n slide, do the ‘keg walk', or joust on a BMX bike. The finish line features a huge party with New Belgium beer, live music, an extensive prize raffle and plenty of other two-wheeled shenanigans.

But don't be fooled, mental muscle is just as important is brawn and bike bravado. There is no set route to the checkpoints and it is up to you and your teammate to figure out where to go. But here's a tip from ORbike: advance planning and strategizing is allowed, so check the website for checkpoints, plan your route and scout it out. And when you win, you can thank us.

The race benefits the Bike Transportation Alliance and there are prizes for the top three teams in each division – including two New Belgium Cruiser bikes for the overall winners. If you can't make the Portland adventure, head to Seattle on May 18th.

( More info ) ( Checkpoints )

In Eastern Oregon they like to refer to that side of the Cascades as the "dry side". Maybe that's why their ride, the Century Ride of the Centuries, has been so popular with people from Puget Sound, Portland and the Willamette Valley: the "wet side". The ride is organized by the Pendleton on Wheels bike club.

Riders enjoy three days of riding in the rolling wheat country of Eastern Oregon around Pendleton and through the small communities in the surrounding area. Along full or metric centuries you'll explore the Umatilla River, Blue Mountain foothills and the (optional) 3,500 ft. Cabbage Hill.

Each day's rides are fully supported with lots of good food and fun along the routes, including Saturday evening's BBQ and a catered dinner on Sunday - both with entertainment. The ride serves a catered full breakfast all three days at Wildhorse Resort & Casino, free tent camping, access to the nearby RV park showers and laundry and an outdoor heated pool. Rides depart daily from the Tamástslikt Cultural Institute, the museum of the Confederated Tribes of the Umatilla Indian Reservation.

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Many of us are draw to Oregon for it's beauty. We enjoy spending time outdoors and exploring what our state has to offer. And for those of us who also love riding our bikes, Reach the Beach is a fabulous way to get out into the countryside and experience Oregon's bounty. If you've ever dreamed of touring Oregon's countryside by bike, this is the best way to do it, with tons of support, yummy food and great routes.

Reach the Beach is the major fundraiser for the American Lung Association of Oregon. Every pedal stroke helps promote clean Oregon air and healthy Oregon lungs. You'll meander along quiet, gorgeous rural roads in search of a spectacular beach party in Pacific City. Register before midnight on April 13th and you'll pay only $25 for the entry fee.

The packet pickup is Sunday, April 27th from 7-9pm at REI in NW Portland. This special night is an opportunity to review the routes, meet other riders, enjoy appetizers, sample treats and learn more about the ride. You can also sign up for the ride and turn in fundraising contributions at this pre-ride party.

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The 22nd Annual Peak Sports Mudslinger race kicks off the Oregon XC Classic series. The course is challenging at all levels and well marked, allowing you to concentrate on riding your best. Grind your way up with your friends and leave them standing still as you attack the single track. But make sure you've got on at least that front fender because they don't call it the Mudslinger for nothin'. All of the courses offer gorgeous views and crazy-fast descents. The beginning course is extra well marked for new riders.

The organizers of this race describe it as, "plenty of fun, with a huge raffle and the best competition you can ask for." Warm food and bread await you after you finish. Get your cross country season started off with a mudslinging bang.

( Registration Form ) ( More info )