If it's cold, windy and raining and you're with 1,500 other cyclists, you must be on the Worst Day of the Year Ride. The threat of terrible weather has never deterred hundreds of riders from coming out in support of the Community Cycling Center, this fun ride's beneficiary. Proceeds from the will help support their bicycle programs for low-income youth. This event will sell out, so register early to guarantee your slot on the 18- or 40-mile course. There are plenty of treats and hot drinks along the way, and a delicious veggie chili, chicken noodle soup and cornbread finish line feast.

The organizers have added in all sorts of upgrades, including packet pickup the day before, shorter lines, more signs and volunteers to guide you on your way and a top-notch costume contest, complete with great prizes from Showers Pass, Tire Fly and others. Come dressed in your crazy finest, even if that means putting a wig OVER your helmet!

( Register ) ( More info )

Maybe it's historical documentation of an elevated class - those who choose to ride bikes - or maybe it's purely entertainment. But there's no denying it, Filmed by Bike, the West Coast's largest festival of bike-themed movie shorts, offers a unique and intimate glimpse into the creative psyches of cyclists around the globe. Just a quick glimpse, though: entries are limited to a mere eight minutes.

There is still plenty of time to make a movie - you know, that one that's been swimming around in your head ever since you got that camera. It's free to submit a movie and applications are on the website. The festival will run April 13-15 at Clinton Street Theater in Portland.

( More info ) ( Submission guidelines )

Hard working cyclist deserve an award, don't they? The Alice B. Toeclips Awards are the Bicycle Transportation Alliance's (BTA) way of recognizing bike advocates throughout Oregon, and the awards ceremony is quite a party. Mark your calendars for March 10th this year. The BTA is currently looking for nominations of individuals, businesses, government agencies or other groups who have provided inspiration to cyclists. Nominations are due on January 20th and past winners are not eligible to win again.

( More info ) ( BTA website )

When the rain pours, it's easy to be tempted to park your bike in the garage and hang up the bike shoes, but several local organizations and businesses are making it hard to do that.

Paul's Bicycle Way of Life in Eugene will offer a workshop on winter riding tonight. It's a chance to ask some experts and hear from people who ride in all conditions.

The Bicycle Transportation Alliance has been compiling winter riding tips on their blog.

And we've got our own section of resources on our blog.

( Eugene workshop ) ( ORbike Blog )

You asked for it, and the City of Eugene wants to deliver, but they need your input. At the October Walking and Biking summit, bike parking and bike theft were both identified as high priority issues. This workshop will give you a chance to learn more, present your own ideas and talk about your concerns. The presenters will showcase some innovative parking solutions, how to identify more space for parking, how to prevent theft and more.

Over the next several months, there will be a series of workshops, surveys, focus groups and other activities to engage the community in developing the city's Pedestrian and Bicycle Strategic Plan. This workshop, being held from 6:30-8:30 at St. Mary's Catholic Church, 1062 Charnelton St, is the first step in that process.

( More info ) ( Map to meeting )