On the historic worst day of the year, where will you be? Curled up on the couch with a blanked and a book? We don't think so. You can't miss the Worst Day of the Year Ride, presented by SKS Germany, an 18-mile odyssey around downtown Portland, rain or shine. This ride challenges Portland's fickle weather, and historically the ride has always won - with sunny skies gracing the course nearly every year.

You'll be kept warm and comfy at every turn with tons of belly-nourishing treats including hot cocoa, doughnuts, fruit, Dragonfly Chai, hot soup, fresh foccacia bread, Nossa Familia coffee, bagels, hot cider and much more. Join hundreds of other hardy souls as they laugh at the elements and gather for a delicious finish line party at the Lucky Labrador.

Want more of a challenge? The optional 40-mile route loop traverses the west hills out to Hillsboro. The ride is capped at 3,000 riders, registrations are already pouring in and the Icy Monkey (the ride's mascot) predicts the ride will sell out. He's never wrong, so register yourself today and buy holiday gift certificates to ensure all your riding buddies are at your side for this super fun ride.

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This is an ORbike member event. If you're an ORbike member, you'll save $5 when you register online and you will get a free drink at the finish line.

( Register ) ( Buy gift certificates )

Cycling is on the rise, and the events just keep getting better! What better way to spend time with friends and family than on some of Portland's best fun rides? With this four-ride package, you'll be sending your friends on the Worst Day of the Year Ride, the Hottest Day of the Year Ride, the Night Ride and Tour de Lab. All four rides feature short urban routes and most of them have a challenge option for people who want a more intense ride.

We chose these four because they are signature Portland rides: great support, quirky themes, hundreds of fun riders, great courses and yummy food along the way. They're also relatively flat, very accessible and great for new riders. This is such a cool way to stay fit and have fun - and it's a gift that keeps on giving all season long for only $99 (that's a $26 savings off the regular registration rate).

Do you have friends who are just starting to ride more? Perfect. Friends who ride events already? Perfect. Friends who wish they rode more? Even more perfect. You just can't go wrong with this great package. Buy one today for everyone on your list.

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Grab your wallets, BikeCraft, the bike-lover's gift bazaar that showcases local, handmade, bike-themed arts, crafts and fashion is coming to Roots Organic Brewing (SE 7th and Hawthorne). Roots recently expanded into the space next door so there will be plenty of room for this popular craft fair. Shopping for holiday gifts at BikeCraft is a great way to support local artists and find unique items for the people you love. You'll find treasures that you definitely can't find elsewhere.

Last year the fair featured locally-made "Smittens" bike glove-mittens, bike-themed clocks, original stencil paintings by the wildly talented Tiago DeJerk, earthenware plates with bike motifs, bike-part furniture, messenger bags, cycling caps, t-shirts, zines, patches, stickers, and more - yes more! This year Filmed by Bike will unveil a Greatest Hits DVD, designed by Stumptown Printers, and a first-ever t-shirt. BikeCraft is also a fun bikers' party. So grab a beer, mingle, check out the artists and clink your glass to celebrate another great year of cycling in Oregon.

( More info ) ( Vendor list )

The 2008 Bicycle Film Festival (BFF) is finishing off its annual tour in the Platinum-Level bike friendly City of Portland. The BFF is an international culture movement, pushing forward bicycle culture in the 17 cities it visits worldwide. Founding director Brendt Barbur began the festival after he was hit by a bus while riding his bike in New York City. Inspired to turn the accident into a positive outcome, Brendt invested all of his money into a party that is technically a festival, but encompasses so much more.

This year's Portland leg of the festival will feature two days of bike-related films, parties and shows of affection for two wheels from a breadth of musicians and filmmakers such as Tom Sachs, Lucas Brunelle and Danielle Leeb. The movie themes range from a blind mountain biker and the most prestigious and difficult race in the world: Paris-Roubaix, to bicycle sand art and much more... with everything in between. To cap off the festivities, there is an after party at Holocene on Saturday night. The movies are screened at Cinema 21 and free valet bike parking is provided during movies.

( More info ) ( Program )

This is the month when the celebration of giving is a time-honored tradition. At this most cherished time, the Portland Wheelmen Tour Club is reaching out to the cycling community to support one of their faithful riders. Keith Ticknor, club member since 1979, is suffering from a brain tumor. The financial and emotional burden his family faces is seemingly insurmountable, but you can help.

The club has organized a 20-mile, mostly flat ride that ends with a potluck lunch. The cost to participate is up to you, and all donations will help toward raising funds for the family. Checks made payable to PWTC can be brought to the ride, the luncheon or sent directly to the club. To make this effort even more impactful, a club member will be matching any contributions donated. For more information on Keith and how to participate in this ride, see the Portland Wheelmen website.

( More info ) ( About the PWTC )

Local bike commuter Jim Hensel is starting one of his New Year's resolutions quickly: he is organizing a ride to support the Oregon Food Bank and challenge himself. Jim plotted a 50km route through SW Portland that he intends to ride twice in a row starting at 7am New Year's morning. And Jim wants you to join him. Jim hopes every rider will raise at least $250 for Oregon Food Bank though sponsorships.

The ride will finish with soup and bread provided by Grand Central Bakery. There is also a the 50k half century route starting at 10:30 am in Multnomah Village. The ride is not supported.

( More info ) ( Route )