It's kind of like sleep-away camp, only so much cooler. Register, pack, get there... then you don't have to worry about a thing. You ride, they take care of the rest. And the rest includes FREE BEER in the nightly beer garden, three meals a day, showers, shuttles, camping, entertainment and so much more.

Ride trails all day long! Jump logs! Meet mt. bikers from around the country (and Canada)! Navigate switch backs! Tear it up on some of the nation's best singletrack! New to mt. biking? Check out the clinics and learn the skills you need to tackle the advanced trails. Mt. Bike Oregon is an all-inclusive weekend getaway. Trails range from beginner to advanced, and experienced guides will help lead the way (and make sure no one gets left behind).

Registration is limited to 300 riders so that everyone has a great experience and the trails aren't crowded. There are still slots available for the July and August weekends. If you're not registered, sign up today or just show up at the event. The website will inform you when it is sold out.

More info

( Register - July ) ( Register - August )

Ice cream, bikes, water fights and sunshine - does summer get any better? Hop on your bike and bring the group (friends, family...) along for the Hottest Day of the Year Ride. The almost flat 15-mile route is a nice easy journey, or you can opt for extended 40-mile loop.

In the end, everyone winds up back at the Lucky Lab Brew Hall in NW Portland for an ice cream social. Choose your own toppings and flavors - load up on the chocolate sauce, strawberries, caramel, crushed cookies, nuts, whipped cream and sprinkles. But don't eat too much! You need a little energy to squirt around at the huge water fight. They're going for the world record of the largest water fight using guns and pistols. 1,173 is the record and last year they had 900. Grouches, don't worry - there's also a No Squirt Zone for those of you who prefer to stay dry.

( Register ) ( More info )

Come watch the area's fastest cyclists compete for the region's biggest purse in the Health Net Portland Twilight Criterium. The course's new location surrounds the North Park Blocks of downtown Portland, creating an island oasis of 360-degree viewing, music, food and beverages.

There's always fast-paced excitement for cyclists and spectators alike along the race's highly technical course. Get close enough to the action to feel the wind from racers rushing by as they complete each half-mile lap in just over one minute.

This free event features live music, great food and drink - making it a perfect Friday night activity for families and cycling enthusiasts. Head to downtown and experience the excitement yourself.

( More info ) ( Photo gallery )

The annual Alpenrose Six-Day is happening right now. Racing started Monday. That means they're in the throes of six full days of racing at the Alpenrose velodrome featuring Madison races.

The Madison is an event in track racing named after Madison Square Garden in New York. Teams compete, but only one rider needs to be racing at any stage. Periodically, the teams change riders by "tagging" their teammates, usually performing slingshot action with linked hands to transfer as much of their momentum as possible to the racing rider, though a teammate may also be propelled into the race by a push of the rider's racing shorts. The non-racing teammate then moves to the top of the circular banked track to recover before the next stint.

With the steep banks and short distance, it's always fun to watch racing at the Alpenrose velodrome. Head out for the action before it's over.

( About the racing ) ( More info )

BRIDGE PEDAL | August 12 - Portland
The beauty of Portland, the variety of the Willamette River bridges and the joy of riding a bike all come together on the annual Providence Bridge Pedal.

CRATER LAKE CENTURY | August 26 - Crater Lake
Ride around the rim of Crater Lake, the deepest lake in the US. Two courses: a metric and a full century.

( Register for Bridge Pedal ) ( Register for Crater Lake )