The circus is coming to Mississippi Avenue and you definitely don't want to miss the fun at this wild bicycle street festival. Whether you like racing, freak bikes, riding your bike with the kids, listening to music or the intense beat of a drum corps, there is plenty to do and see all day. The evening event kicks off with a free three-mile family ride that takes kids and parents on a leisurely, safe, residential course to Peninsula Park and back. This escorted ride is a great way to kick off a summer of family riding and there is a rest stop at the park.

Later on, the freak bikes come out as the Last Regiment drummers and bike clubs parade down Mississippi. This is your chance to see some of the wackiest bikes imaginable: like looming high tall bikes, choppers and swing bikes. There is still room in the parade, so if you and your biking friends want to march as a team, club, or just as a group of people who love riding bikes together, see the website for details and sign up before midnight on the 12th.

In the evening, the street shuts down to all but the fastest racers as they zoom by in both directions on Mississippi for a super fast criterium street race. The course features tight turns and plenty of solid racing action with some of the area's most skillful racers competing for cash and prizes.

There will also be performances all day by the Sprockettes bicycle dance troupe, the SEI Soul Choir and the SEI Drum Corps. Exhibitors, food vendors and a beer garden will line the streets. Bring the whole family, bring your friends, head to the beer garden and get ready for a full evening of bicycle fun in the sun on Mississippi Avenue!

( More info ) ( Family Ride registration )

The Oregon Chapter of the National MS Society is hosting their annual BikeMS ride in Sweet Home, Oregon. You'll be graced with a route through peaceful farmlands and rural communities in search of historic covered bridges.

There are several distance options including a 10 mile ride on Saturday that is sure to be entertaining for kids of all ages. The intense century ride will challenge even the best of the bunch. We hope you're geared up for the challenge and ready for the ride of your life. The sense of accomplishment that you'll feel as you cross the finish line can only be matched by the difference you'll be making in the lives of people affected by MS.

Sign up to ride and the organizers promise to be there to support you every mile with tools to help you train and fundraise. You will pedal along some of the most beautiful scenery in the Mid-Willamette Valley while enjoying a fully supported, fun and truly inspirational two day event.

( Register ) ( More info )

The Gorge Ride, hosted by the Friends of the Historic Columbia River Highway, is a chance to explore the beautiful Columbia River Gorge by bicycle. This fundraising ride for the Friends will support their work of restoring and reconnecting the Historic Columbia River Highway through the Columbia River Gorge. And if you've ever had a chance to ride out there, you know how much of a gem this is, and well worth preserving.

Enjoy the eastern end of the historic highway with a ride from the Columbia Gorge Discovery Center in The Dalles to the Mark Hatfield West Trailhead just east of Hood River and back, a total of 38.5 miles. The route is a gorgeous, quiet combination of historic highway that is open to motor vehicles and a majestic paved state trail that is open only to hikers and cyclists.

Along the way, you will experience the wonders of the Columbia Gorge, including Rowena Crest, the grounds of the historic Mayerdale Estate and the restored Mosier Twin Tunnels. Act quickly: online registration closes at the end of the day on Tuesday, June 10th. You may also register on the day of the event for an increased fee.

( Register ) ( More info )

If all that daytime riding leaves you wondering what the city looks like at night, it's time you signed up for The Night Ride, Portland's signature nighttime ride and an annual tradition for thousands of bikers. The ride will take you past fire jugglers and nightlife party-goers cheering you on as you head to a special outdoor bike-in movie screening of short bicycle movies from Filmed by Bike. Once you've had your fill of movies and popcorn, you'll travel along the Peninsula Crossing trail on your way to the Candy Land disco party rest stop where you can be a wallflower or step out on the dance floor - and eat all the candy your stomach can handle.

The fun keeps going as you cruise right back to where you started - to the Portland train station for a midnight all-you-can-eat doughnut feast. The Night Ride is a benefit for the Bicycle Transportation Alliance.

It all kicks off with the resounding drums of the Last Regiment of Syncopated Drummers. There are prizes for the best costumes and decorated bikes, so don't be shy and come dressed to impress. All riders will receive glow necklaces and glow-in-the-dark tattoos to ward off vampires along the way.

( Register ) ( More Info )

It's that time of year again - when you don't get enough sleep, when you plan your days based on a calendar of 200 free bike events, when the streets are constantly flooded with bikers and when you have a renewed faith in humanity. It's Pedalpalooza, Portland's annual two-week festival of bike fun. With rides like the Taco Ride, Cruller Crawl, Bike Lunch, Breakfast on the Bridges, Gelato Ride, Epic Pizza Ride and more, you definitely won't go hungry during those two weeks.

From workshops and rides to competitions and bike-themed events, there is a little something for all types of cyclists during Pedalpalooza. Some days you have as many as 16 events to choose from. There are more than 200 events spread out over the course of a mere 17 days. And best of all, events are led by cycling enthusiasts just like you, the festival is 100% volunteer powered and nearly all activities are free. Pedalpalooza, which started as BikeSummer in 2002, is the very best way to meet other bikers and celebrate cycling in Portland.

See the sidebar Upcoming Rides of some of our favorites or tune in to the KBOO Bike Show (90.7 fm and other stations outside of Portland) from 9-10 am on the morning of Wednesday, June 4th for a run-down of all the events planned, interviews with event organizers and more. Get your sleep now while you can....

( Full calendar ) ( Make your own pocket reference calendar )

Six miles, six hours, zero traffic....Imagine enjoying a leisurely ride with friends, family and little tykes without having to worry about cars. Thanks to the City of Portland, this will be possible during Sunday Parkways, a six-mile "temporary park" connecting North Portland neighborhoods and residents.

The festival is patterned after Ciclovias, an event that first became successful in South America. Every Sunday from 7 a.m. to 2 p.m. the city of Bogota, Colombia closes 70 miles of major roads so that people can bike, roller blade, run and stroll without traffic. The Ciclovia has become a major community activity and on an average weekend 1.5 million people enjoy the traffic-free boulevards. Another term for this concept is "Sunday Parkways", and they're coming to Portland this summer.

Each park along the way will feature a line-up of music, entertainment and activities, including yoga for seniors, food, tango lessons, a kids' choir, pickup games of kickball and baseball, Tai-Chi, acupuncture, pedi cab rides, kids activities and plenty more.

( More info ) ( Schedule of activities )

If you're not a racer but want to be in the heart of the action during a bike race, sign up to volunteer at Cirque du Cycling! Volunteers are needed to help with the race course, parade and the family ride.

All volunteers get a t-shirt, pizza and a drink on top of being a part of the coolest race festival. Volunteer positions are about three hours long and you will get to enjoy the festival during and before/after your position.

( Register ) ( More info )