June is a pretty amazing time in Portland. Summer is coming out in full force, lush strawberries are everywhere, and it's time for those days of bike riding that remind you why you love cycling so much.

This is a month of free events galore, fun creative rides (see Pedalpalooza, below!) and of course Cirque du Cycling, presented by Laughing Planet, the wild bike festival on Mississippi Avenue. This event was jam-packed last year, the first year, and organizers are expecting big crowds once again this year.

FAMILY RIDE - 1:00pm The free, escorted three-mile family ride is a great route to Peninsula Park and back. Kids will get treats along the way. This ride is a great safe way for kids to warm up for the upcoming Sunday Parkways. Kids will also have a chance to join in on the Art Bike Parade after the family ride. [ more info]

ART BIKE PARADE - 3:00 pm The art bike parade brings out some of Portland's most amazing sculptural and freak bikes as bike clubs and artists strut their velo stuff - often while riding high on tall bikes. [ more info]

CRITERIUM RACE - 6:00 pm Criterium races challenge competitors to complete the most number of laps on a short course. The tight course creates excitement with racers consistently passing spectators at top speeds. The Cirque du Cycling Criterium ramps up the excitement with a double looped course that features two-way racing in the center with top ranking racers passing each other with only a barricade separating them. [ more info]

Come early, grab a good seat along the course and get ready to be wowed by freak bikes and thrilled by speedy racers. Amnesia Brewing is hosting a beer garden and there will be live entertainment throughout the event. Don't miss out on this very cool bicycle street party.

( More info ) ( Register: Parade, Race, Family Ride, Volunteer )

The third annual 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 mission 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 and reconnecting.

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 day on Tuesday, June 9. You may also register on the day of the event in The Dalles for an increased fee.

( Register ) ( More info )

When the sun goes down, it's time to ride The Night Ride, your chance to creep through the streets of Portland in search of disco party rest stops, outdoor movies from Filmed by Bike, popcorn and the all-you-can-eat candy station. Lighted signs will guide you on your cool journey along the well-planned route past hot fire dancers and mysteries at every turn. In the end you'll cruise right back to where you started - to the Portland train station for a midnight all-you-can-eat doughnut feast and live music from Zimba Marimba.

The ride kicks off with the resounding drums of the Last Regiment of Syncopated Drummers and ends with an all-you-can-eat doughnut feast and lively music from Zimba Marimba. There are prizes for the best costumes and decorated bikes, so don't be shy and come dressed to impress. All 3,000 riders will receive glow necklaces to ward off vampires along the way.

If all that daytime bicycle riding leaves you wondering what the city looks like at night, it's time you signed up for The Night Ride. Fill the darkened streets of Portland with thousands of bicycles! This event is a benefit for the Bicycle Transportation Alliance. Register early and save.

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This is an ORbike member event. If you're an ORbike member you'll save $5 when you register in advance online.

( Register ) ( More info )

It's safe to say that Portland has the world's biggest and most creative bike culture on the face of the Earth, and Pedalopalooza is the annual festival that showcases the very best of what Portland has to offer year round. In a mere two weeks, the calendar is tightly packed with over 200 imaginative events.

Pedalpalooza is fun, events are free, it's a great way to meet new people, try new activities, see new parts of the city and eat, eat, eat. With rides like the taco ride, ice cream social, edible gardens tour, vegan baked good ride, and the sausage fest you definitely won't go hungry.

The only hard part? Try not to stuff yourself, and make choices. Some days there are as many as 20 events to choose from, so plan well and try to do it all! After all, Pedalpalooza only happens once a year. You can sleep in July.

( ORbike favorites ) ( Full calendar of events )

JACKSON'S RIDE THE GORGE | July 18 - Hood River Experience the majestic sweeping Columbia River Gorge the best way possible: with the quiet whirr of two wheels smoothly rolling under you. This extremely well supported ride features three route distance options, delicious on-course food and a finish line party with free beer.

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ORbike members save $10.

SEATTLE CENTURY | July 25 - Seattle This ride is a gorgeous way to experience Seattle and it's fringes along quiet rural roads, through farms, across bridges, rest stops on islands and a gourmet finish line dinner.

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ORbike members save $10. That's our special treat for you Oregonians who are making the trek up to Seattle - a little gas money, help with your train ticket or just some play money. Go on, have fun on us!

( More info - Jackson's Ride the Gorge ) ( More info - Seattle Century )