The season has been amazing and though it's not over yet, Hopworks Urban Brewery is throwing a gigantic free party to say thank you to PDX bike culture for being so cool. They've organized BiKETOBEERFEST, billed as the world's only bike-in Oktoberfest. The party starts at noon and goes until 10pm. Bikes only, no cars allowed, and free bike parking is available at the entrance so you can roll up in style. It's recommended you bring a lock, lights and a helmet. The website route finder tool will help you find your route to Hopworks.

There is so much going on at this event that we thought we'd take a moment to break it down for you.

ENTERTAINMENT INCLUDING MARCH FOURTH MARCHING BAND
Five live bands and a DJ will perform on a keg-supported stage. But one band that we know won't be confined to such a small space is March Fourth Marching Band. This wildly fun art marching band just took first place at Burning Man and they're sure to liven up the night.

Flatlanders and BMX trick riders will show off their well-honed skills and The Sprockettes (mini-bike dance troupe) will perform later in the day.

BIKE COMPETITIONS
Kids activities kick off the day and bike competitions carry it through with a Huffy Huck Off (bike toss), Goldsprints roller races and the Bike Shop Challenge Rodeo. BiKETOBEERFEST is pitting bike shop employee against bike shop employee to test their velo mettle. The competition is open to all bike shop workers (not just mechanics) and advanced sign up through the website is encouraged because space is limited.

GREAT FOOD AND BEER
Hopworks will be unveiling their two new fresh-hops beers, Fest of Fury and Crystal Pale Ale brewed especially for BiKETOBEERFEST. On the menu are 11 additional beers including the new Bike Beer - a seasonal beer on tap and also bottled in 22oz bottles that have a bike event schedule printed on the label. Cool!

One of the most hotly anticipated features of BiKETOBEERFEST is the chance to check out the brand new Hopworksfiets bike. Metrofiets (local bike builder) created this BikeBar to hold two kegs (with taps) and pizza. Check out photos on The Beer Here Oregonian blog and on BikePortland.org.

( Schedule + Info ) ( Find your route to Hopworks )

With the bell ringing, mud stomping, cheering of spectators and plenty of features on course, its no wonder that cyclocross is such a hit in bike-loving Oregon. Cross races happen all around the state, but one of the most rambunctious is, without a doubt, the Cross Crusade series that's well known for a lively parking lot, huge crowds and great courses for all eight races in the series. The Halloween race, with a high costume compliance rate, is always hilarious to race or watch.

You can get started in cyclocross with any of the many skills clinics being offered. And the Cross Crusade website has an active discussion board for learning more about the sport, finding rides and chattering/smack talking.

Last year we spent some time riding and hanging with people racing cyclocross and we added racer profiles to our blog. Read through these fun glimpses at the variety of people who raced last year. You'll also find videos, stories and more.

( Cyclocross Events (tons!) ) ( ORbike Blog on Cyclocross )

This ride brings together the Portland area's international spirit and focus on sustainability for a bicycle ride in support of Green Empowerment, a nonprofit organization that stimulates long-term positive change in the developing world. The ride is a 35 mile bike odyssey of renewable energy and local natural gems.

This interesting ride will take participants on a rare tour of the plant of SolarWorld's. SolarWorld's new American headquarters is the location of the largest and most advanced solar photovoltaics production facility in this region of the world. The ride starts and finishes at their facility. Along the way you'll visit a college whose cafeteria uses garden grown vegetables and on site worm composting. You'll also experience the beauty of a 725 acre wildlife preserve nestled within Hillsboro.

Green Empowerment partners with rural communities in the developing world to implement renewable energy and water systems that alleviate poverty and preserve the environment.

( Register ) ( More info )

We're using Twitter to bring you up to date bike event news all throughout the day, but all you need to do is go to the front page of our website to get the latest information. On the left hand side of the page you'll see our Twitter feed, which is the freshet news on the wire.

If you use Twitter, follow us and send us your news. Lately we've been really excited about all of the businesses that are offering deals to cyclists for Bike Commute Challenge month, such as free coffee and discounted pastries. We'll continue to keep you in the loop on some of the area's best event news, gear reviews, tips, videos and photo links.

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BiKETOBEERFEST is looking for volunteers to help the event go smoothly. About 30 people are still needed. You'll get a free t-shirt, a special BiKETOBEERFEST pint glass and free food and drink options. The event is especially in need of OLCC-certified beer servers and there are extra incentives for the position.

For more information, contact Neal [at] GoodSportPromotion.com.

( Sign up ) ( More info )