The Community Cycling Center got its start in 1993 with a neighbor on the sidewalk helping neighborhood kids fix their bikes. Since that humble beginning, the CCC has grown to serve thousands as they teach bicycle safety and maintenance to low-income youth and adults. The CCC recently took some time to reflect on their success and assess their core values. The result is a newly refined mission and commitment to the community. Their mission statement now declares "We believe bicycles are a tool for personal empowerment and a vehicle for social change.

As the winter holiday season approaches, little volunteer elves are hard at work refurbishing used bikes to give out to children through the CCC's annual Holiday Bike Drive. In December, 500 children will attend a gigantic holiday party that's being held just for them. They will learn about bike safety, munch on holiday treats, enjoy the festivities and they will pick out their own bike to take home. You can help support the Holiday Bike Drive by donating bikes (any size and style), volunteering your time or sponsoring a child with a financial contribution.

ORbike is providing ongoing coverage of the Holiday Bike Drive. We're cheering them on and we'll keep you posted as they strive toward those 500 bikes for kids! Stay tuned to our blog for updates.

( Ongoing coverage ) ( Sponsor a child )

Some of the world's finest bicycles come from Oregon and the people that make them are setting out to, as they say, "rock the World Forestry Center like it's never been rocked before" at the first ever Oregon Handmade Bicycle Show. Over 25 people who construct custom bicycles will display their creative creations. The show is an opportunity to see handbuilt bikes up close and ask questions of their makers.

Natalie Ramsland, a frambuilder who specializes in bikes for women with her company Sweetpea Bicycles, says she is excited to be among people from all over Oregon who are building bikes in a diverse way. "It's no longer just about the English touring bike" she says. "Framebuilders are taking their love of cycling in different directions, reflecting the diversity of ways people like to ride here in Oregon - making bikes to meet their biking passion."

Oregon is enjoying a renaissance in bicycle framebuilding as manufacturers ranging from small custom shops to mid-sized bike companies find a growing market for the beauty and specificity that handmade bikes offer. Organized by the Oregon Bicycle Constructors' Association, the show represents a rare opportunity to see some of the world's finest bikes under one roof.

( More info ) ( Vendor list )

What would it look like for hundreds of well-lit cyclists to take to the streets? The See & Be Seen Bike Light Parade is a chance to find out. Light up your bike and cruise with several hundred of your best bike pals to promote cyclist visibility and safety.

The event is the kickoff for Portland Office of Transportation's See & Be Seen campaign, designed to encourage cyclists to be visible and motorists to use extra care during the dark winter months. Darkness approaches earlier in the day and often catches daytime riders off guard. That's why it's especially important to keep bike lights on your radar at this time of year. The group will ride through downtown Portland along Broadway and the Park Blocks to PSU with a police escort to safely guide them through the city streets. At the end riders will enjoy refreshments, camaraderie and a special address from Commissioner Sam Adams.

( More info ) ( Recap from last year )

BikeCraft is the bike-lover's holiday gift bazaar that showcases local, handmade, bike-themed arts, crafts, films, music and more. Every year the event has had a line out the door and a packed house of people eager to peruse the unique locally made bike-themed treasures. Vendors include wool cycling cap creator Shaun Deller, Lemolo messenger bags, Sweetpea Bicycles for women, Red Bat Press cards and stationary and much more.

This year the event is at the Lucky Lab Beer Hall in Northwest Portland. That means tasty food and beer on site to keep you satiated throughout the fair.

( More info ) ( Vendor list )

Portland Racing brings you the second edition of the Kruger's Crossing Cyclocross Classic - so awesome last year they had to bring it back. This epic race is held at Kruger's Farm, located in the beautiful countryside of Sauvie Island and only 20 minutes from downtown Portland.

In addition to the challenges November weather gods will throw at racers, you can expect a wild course that leads you along rutted farm roads, through berry fields, pastures, a barn, a beer garden and of course the much-heralded corn maze. And don't worry about getting cold - the organizers are staging a bonfire along the course to keep people toasty. Indeed, not your standard cross race.

The party that surrounds the racing features beer, hot wine, hot cider and gourmet food catered by Kruger's Farm Market and Salvador Molly's. Family racers and aspiring kids can participate in the free kiddie race.

( More info ) ( Map + photos )