|
|
In the throes of winter Portlanders brace themselves for two things: Long, rainy days and the Worst Day of the Year Ride, an annual bike ride that draws people out of the woodwork - rain or shine. Over 3,500 people will brave
potential rain, sleet and snow for this quirky ride that features hot drink rest stops every seven miles and a gigantic finish line chili feast.
The Worst Day of the Year Ride is Portland's most goofy-fun ride, and it's filled with even more hoopla when you ride with friends. Give the gift of the ultimate Portland experience and buy ride passes for all your friends this
holiday season. The flat, 18 mile course (with a 40-mile option) is perfect for riders of all skill levels on this decidedly non-competitive ride. The only real challenge is choosing something to wear for the costume contest.
So posse up, get your friends together and get ready for a wickedly good time on the Worst Day of the Year Ride, a benefit for the Community Cycling Center. The CCC is a non-profit organization that helps low-income people access
bikes, so you can feel great about buying ride passes for everyone on your list this year.
...more info
 
Need a little extra something to go with that ride pass? These are some of the many items we think make great stocking stuffers:
Sure, a beefy light system is great, but sometimes you're caught without it, or loaning a bike to a visitor (we have to show off Portland on a bike, after all), so on occasion you need an easy little light.
Simple lights like these from Knog have a long battery life, are surprisingly bright to make you visible (but not to illuminate the roadway) and they're not likely to be stolen. They strap onto your handlebars or seat post and there's
really no reason to ever take them off, making them a great back-up light.
 Filmed by Bike is a film festival of bike-themed short movies
from around the world. The festival happens only in Portland, but every year the festival produces a DVD with crowd favorites.
Movies range from love stories to documentaries, animation to thrilling street riding as the festival features a wide away of great movies. The DVDs are available online or at BikeCraft (see below). If you're ordering online, be sure to
place your order early to ensure it arrives by the holidays.
It's high time we bring a little style back to the ride. Make sure your friends and loved ones are properly decked out for the upcoming dapper
Tweed Ride, or just for a dashing ride around town.
From training beanies to classic Campagnolo caps to stylish hats likes these from Portland-based Deller Recyclist Apparel, these days there are plenty of choices for head coverings that show off a personal biking style.
 Some batteries, especially those N batteries for Planet Bike lights, are a hassle to
replace because they are often only found at bike shops. So buy a handful, and keep your sweetie stocked for an entire year. Because nothing kills the nighttime riding buzz like dim lights.
Give the gift of a little elbow grease! Make a certificate offering your bike cleaning services and find yourself in everyone's favor once the rains set in.
Even if you've never cleaned a bike before, all it takes is a little patience. Despite what you see at cyclocross races, avoid that spray of a garden hose and instead get busy with some elbow grease, a rag, a tooth brush and some Simple
Green/basic cleaner. Ask at your local bike shop or consult with the myriad online videos you can find online.
BikeCraftV celebrates the crafty side of cycling culture, giving an opportunity for creative cyclists to share their wares, such as this magnet from 1.x.Liz.
Bikers don't craft lightly, and this year's fair, held at Sandbox Studio 420 NE 9th, promises to showcase some of the best in local treasures. After years of venues jam-packed with eager shoppers, this year BikeCraft is in a larger space
and it will be open from 10am-5pm. Tip: bring cash as most vendors won't take checks or cards.
Oh and that photo? It comes straight from
Liz's website. Turns out she's a fan of ORbike. You have fine taste, Liz!
...More Info
Ahhh, the empowerment of knowledge! Give the gift of learning this holiday season.
Bike repair classes abound these days, all days of the week and a variety of learning styles.For those who like an extremely thorough learning experience, Gracie's Wrench specializes in small-group learning and advanced skills such as
wheel building.
There's little more intimidating or nerve-wracking than being stuck on the side of the road unable to fix a flat. If there's anyone in your life who doesn't know how, it's high time he or she learned the basics of bike repair. Help make
that happen for your biking loved ones this year.
...more info on Gracie's Wrench
|
