- News from the cycling side of our city governments including a new greenway in SW, Gibbs St. bicycle and pedestrian bridge, and other bridge news.

There are future plans for a NEW NEIGHBORHOOD GREENWAY (NEW NAME FOR A BIKE BOULEVARD) IN SOUTHWEST PORTLAND. It would extend from SW Terwilliger to Alpenrose Dairy along SW Vermont and SW Illinois for most of the route. There is even a possibility that it could cut through the back of Alpenrose and go on side streets to Beaverton. This is the only Neighborhood Greenway being planned in SW Portland. It would involve signing and marking the full length, turning some stop signs, adding some stop signs, removing some parking and adding some speed bumps. Neighborhood meetings are now being held.
THE GIBBS STREET BICYCLE AND PEDESTRIAN BRIDGE, which will connect the Lair Hill neighborhood with South Waterfront, was promised as a connection because I-5 and Macadam divide the two neighborhoods. However, all bids came in over budget. Now PBOT has worked with a pricing consultant to make sure the bridge design is economically feasible. They feel confident that the new design will come in at $9.5 million, which is the amount allocated. Bids will be let 10/20/10. A notice to proceed should be given by 12/20/10, and construction should begin 1/20 11. The bridge should open 12/20/11.
Although streetcar construction on the BROADWAY BRIDGE will close the bridge to motorized vehicles for two months, it was thought that the south sidewalk would remain open to pedestrians and bicyclists. However, it now turns out that access will be totally closed, because of construction and safety issues. So starting about the middle of July, expect total closure of the bridge. The detour will be the Steel Bridge.
A construction project that has completely closed the VANCOUVER AVENUE BRIDGE OVER THE COLUMBIA SLOUGH in North Portland is causing headaches and is highlighting the poor north/south biking options in the surrounding area. A typical comment is “Since the Vancouver Ave. Bridge has been closed, I have been unable to find a safe route to work.” Riding across MLK (highway 99)/Columbia is three lanes of no shoulder, no sidewalks, pot holes and cars travelling 55 mph. The other proposed detour, Bryant, Interstate, Denver, is out of the way and unsatisfactory. Travelling on Marine Dr. to 33rd is an option but way out of the way. ODOT and PBOT are meeting to see if anything can be done. There’s not even any signage warning of cyclists on the road and the closure will go on until at least December.
Despite pressure from citizens, business owners (including the CEO of Burgerville), and advocacy groups from around the region and the country, in June Vancouver City Council voted unanimously to pass their six-year Transportation Improvement Program plan with no dedicated funding for the Bike Program. Instead of dedicated funds for bike infrastructure projects and encouragement programs, Mayor Tim Leavitt and Council members encouraged City staff to seek Federal grants and other funding sources. The decision came as a surprising disappointment for many. Senior Transportation Planner Jennifer Campos recently explained that, “We have bonded all we can, so in 2010 our capital program essentially ends.” With no capital program, Campos says that the Bike Program will be gone after this year, along with the City’s Sidewalk Program, ADA Curb Ramp Program, and their School Zone Safety Program. For many Vancouver residents the frustrating aspect of the vote was how little money the Bike Program actually requires. The 2010-2015 TIP (approved last year) shows a line item funding of only fifty-thousand for the entire program. We can hope that they find another funding source.

Sharon Fekety, Community Liaison

Mt. Bachelor Classic

September 11 & 12 - Late summer and early fall in the high desert in Central Oregon is invariably ideal for cycling. Crisp mornings lead to warm dry days, the mountain air smells like manzanita, traffic is light and the scenery is breathtaking.

Day one of this classic heads southwest of SunRiver up to the high lakes area in the Cascades. Bring your lunch to eat at a regroup at Elk Lake. As the road heads up to Mt. Bachelor, you have ample time to view South Sister, Broken Top, Devils Lake, then Sparks Lake. After the summit near Bachelor enjoy a wonderful descent almost the entire trip back to SunRiver. 64 miles

Day two, Twin Lakes Loop, also heads up into the Cascades from SunRiver with a lunch stop at the lake. This is a nice spin down from day one but beautiful in its own right. 40/48/65 miles

These rides are a great chance to explore Central Oregon. Both start at the SunRiver Country Store at 9:30 a.m.

All accommodations and meals are up to the individual rider.

Contact Ann Morrow for details at 360.608.3173 or or Susan Walker at 503.975.5681.

LaPine Weekend

August 27,28 & 29 - Enjoy a 3 day weekend camping and riding in the Bend area. The Ponderosa Pines of central Oregon will intoxicate you! There will be time to explore the scenic area, including Lava Lands National Monument.

Picture yourself riding through the Ponderosa Pines, surrounded by that marvelous forest aroma. Just bring yourself, your bike, and your tent to a car camping and riding weekend at LaPine State Park, about 25 miles south of Bend, just off Hwy 97.

Friday late afternoon: 25 mile ride
Saturday offers a 52 mile loop out toward the Cascade Lakes Hwy., with a lunch stop at the Twin Lakes Resort
Sunday ride a 30 mile, coffee ride out to Sunriver and back

If you want to attend, make your own campground reservations at http://www.oregonstateparks.org or call 1-800-452-5687. State parks fill up quickly for summer weekends, so make your reservations soon.

Contact Info:

Bud Rice at 503.667.0683 or at
Event headquarters is at campsite #127

The Bullards Beach Weekend

August 13, 14 & 15 - Escape for 3 days and explore the southern Oregon coast just 20 miles south of Coos Bay. Camp at Bullards Beach State Park or stay at a motel in nearby Bandon. There is much to explore and see in this scenic area. Each day there is a scheduled ride, with plenty of afternoon time to take in the historic sites and surrounding beauty.

This is car camping 3-day weekend at Bullards Beach State Park. If you are not up to camping, you can book motel space in Bandon which is only 2 miles from Bullards Beach State Park.

Friday, August 13: 45 miles with shorter options, on back roads south of Bandon and returns via back roads close to the coastline. A minimal portion of the route is on Hwy 101.
Saturday, August 14: 45 miles up to Coquille and back on both sides of the Coquille River.
Sunday, August 15: 25 miles on back roads north of Bandon.

The Bandon area offers scenic beauty, and historic charm. Visit the Coquille Lighthouse, walk on the beach, visit the historic museum, shop in old town Bandon, or perhaps do some wine tasting. For more information about the area, visit The Bandon Chamber of Commerce or Welcome to Bandon Oregon for some more fun things to see and do.

If you are interested you need to book your own accommodations either at Bullards Beach State Park or at a nearby motel. Campground reservations can be made at 1-800-452-5687 or online at Oregon State Parks. For a listing of nearby hotels, go to Bandon Accommodations.

Contact & Organizer Info:

Bud Rice
503.667.0683

Heaquarters at campsite C55

The Gourmet Century

July 31 - The Gourmet Century is the signature event of Chris King Precision Components, PWTC's main sponsor of the Pioneer Century. It's hard to find an event where you feel as pampered as you will on the Gourmet.

The 103-kilometer event is a non-competitive bicycle ride through Yamhill County, the hub of Oregon Wine Country, located less than an hour’s drive from downtown Portland. The route is a worthy road course interrupted with just enough fun and epicurean interest to keep you moving ahead, wanting more of everything. In previous years, The Gourmet Century has hosted riders with menu themes such as Italian Cucina, Salsa!, Greek, Country French and, most recently, Spanish.

The event begins in McMinnville, Oregon with a hearty, full breakfast. But don’t fill up! The route rolls west from town with tempting rest stops and a delicious lunch stop to delight your senses. Upon completion of the route you will return to McMinnville where Chris King himself gets hands-on in the kitchen. Full table setting and service will allow you to intimately enjoy the Gourmet Century’s crowning principal meal; a meal expressly tailored for the efforts of a day’s riding. Three seating times will accommodate the fast-finishing rabbits and the meandering sight-seers alike.

Course Info
-Route signed with Gourmet Century course markers
-Course opens at 8:00 AM
-5 Rest stops including lunch stop
-Helmets required!
-Technical support will be provided at the start and select rest stops
-Sag vehicles will be on the route

64 miles / 103 kilometers
3000+ feet of elevation gain

Find more information at the Gourmet Century site.

PWTC FAQ’s

Who Are The Portland Wheelmen?

The Portland Wheelmen Touring Club (PWTC) currently boasts over 500 members. We focus primarily on recreational riding often with multiple rides offered daily, offering cycling experience since 1971. Our ride schedule offers a variety of terrain difficulty and ride distances so most riders are able to find a ride to match their cycling skill level. If you are looking to expand your cycling horizons come out and try our rides. We look forward to seeing you out on the road with us.

When do you ride?

Every day of the year. We have up to two dozen rides offered every week. This includes daily morning rides and a variety of weekend rides offered all year long. Additionally, during April through September there are a number of evening rides offered.

PWTC also offers a number of special one-day event rides, multi-day loaded tours, and long weekend trips that incorporate camping and cycling.

Printed copies of our monthly Riders Digest ride schedule can be found at most Portland and Vancouver area bike shops. The schedule is also available by phone at 503-257-PWTC or on this website.

Do I have to be a member to ride with PWTC?

No, but being a member has the additional benefits of networking with other cyclists, receiving our monthly newsletter and ride schedule, attending member only functions, and receiving Club discounts at a number of area cycling shops.

What does it cost to go on a ride?

There is no fee to attend any of our daily scheduled rides. Annually, we do host the Pioneer Century which is a fee-to-ride event, offering several distances of 30-100 miles.

What types of rides do you offer?

PWTC has a wide variety of rides on the Wheelmen schedule suitable for various interests and levels of riding. Ride options range from riders new to group riding but with some cycling experience, to the more social coffee rides, to challenging routes of longer distance and tougher terrain. PWTC offers lots of social rides in the 25-35 mile range, each focusing on life’s simple pleasures of cycling, food, and coffee!

The spring and summer seasons offer Family/Rookie rides where you can bring the kids, as well as the Welcome To The Portland Wheelmen ride series that explores the Portland metro area. The Meet PWTC or Back in the Saddle Again ride series is geared towards riders at a more novice level. In addition to a Ride Leader, these series often have a designated Sweep Rider.

Ride descriptions have a rating of terrain difficulty of A-E (flattest to hilliest) and ride length. Also noted is the type of ride format: ‘Group’ riders stay together; ‘Regroup’ riders may break into bunches but group back together at designated places on the route; or ‘Non-group’ riders are given route maps and the individual sets his/her own pace. A further description of our rating system can be found on the first page of the Rider’s Digest.

How fast do the rides go?

On Non-group rides everyone rides the route as fast or as slow as they wish. There is no set speed! However on Group rides the speed will vary with the type of group. The Family and Meet PWTC rides are the slowest at around 8-10 mph. Recreational and social group rides are faster at about 13-15 mph. The Welcome to the Wheelmen rides fall in between at around 12-13 mph. Check the specific ride description or with the ride leader for an idea of the pace.

How far do the rides go?

The ride distance is listed by the ride in the Rider’s Digest, but don’t be fooled by distance alone...the terrain rating is also very important. Descriptions are available on the PWTC website.

What time do rides really start?

Rides start at the listed time. It’s recommended that participants arrive at the start location at least 15 minutes early to check in and get your bike ready to go. Most ride leaders give a brief overview of the ride at the listed start time. Arriving early to a ride also gives riders a chance to meet the ride leader, ask questions, or socialize with other riders before getting on the road.

Will I be given a map so I know where I’m going?

Most Non-group rides have a map for the route. Generally, the ride leader will go over specifics for that particular route at the beginning of the ride. Group rides, where riders stay together, may not have a route map and the group either ‘follows the leader’ or follows specific directions to re-group points given by the leader.

What should I bring?

ASTM, CPSC or SNELL-approved cycling helmets are required on all PWTC rides. Additionally, riders should carry a basic tool kit with spare tube(s), patch kit, a working bike-frame pump, water bottle or hydration pack, clothing appropriate for seasonal weather, food, money and personal ID which includes emergency contact information.

Will someone be there to help me with a flat?

Yes and no. Riders should have the knowledge to change their own flats, although most of the time other riders are more than happy to help another cyclist in distress. More than one new rider has been given an on-the-road demonstration when the need has arisen. But if you are riding by yourself you may be on your own. The majority of Non-group rides do not have designated sweep riders.

How do I find out if a ride is canceled?

Although PWTC is known for riding all year long, rain or shine, sometimes a ride is canceled because of severe weather conditions. If you have any doubt, contact the ride leader listed in the Rider’s Digest.

I want to do Cycle Oregon or STP or other “big” ride. Can PWTC help me get ready?

PWTC’s variety of rides can take you from novice to expert in a matter of months, if you put in the effort. Members can help you set smaller goals along the way and our variety of rides can help you improve your fitness, skill and confidence. Many members have set these same goals and achieved them, so we can help you as well.

Is cycling all that PWTC is involved in?

Being cyclists riding is definitely our primary focus, however, the PWTC is also involved in an array of local cycling events. We support local children’s helmet fitting fairs by providing both volunteers and helmets. Our volunteers help clean and repair bikes for the Community Cycling Center’s annual Holiday Bike Fair. We are primary support organizers for the Seattle-to-Portland finish line activities. Many of our members are also active in other organizations that either host cycling events or are involved in community cycling projects.

How do I join PWTC?

Annual membership includes a monthly newsletter, club discounts at many area bike shops, inclusion in member only events (annual banquet and picnic), and is a great way to network with area cyclists. To join, print out this Membership Form or pick up a form at most area bike shops. A membership form is also located on the second page of the Rider’s Digest.

What are the benefits of being a member?

A member receives the benefits of networking with other cyclists, receiving our monthly newsletter and ride schedule, attending member only functions, and receiving Club discounts at a number of area cycling shops.

More Questions?

About a particular ride’s route? The ride leader’s phone number is provided in the ride description. They can help determine what you should expect on that specific ride.

Any other questions: about speed, how to choose a ride, how various types of rides operate, what will happen or what to expect on a Club ride, call the Club’s Information Line at 503-666-5796. Leave your name and phone number and someone will return your call. Don’t hesitate to call if you have a question; there are really no “dumb” questions.

Join us at our monthly Club Meeting, held the first Thursday of the month at 7:00 p.m. at the Bethany Lutheran Church, 4330 NE 37th Ave. Portland. Access the meeting room by a ramp on Skidmore Street to the basement. Meetings are open to everyone!

To view pdf files you need Adobe Acrobat Reader - a free, downloadable plug-in.

2010 Rookie Ride Series

Portland Wheelmen Touring Club, Portland’s premier bicycling club, offers some some fun rides planned especially for families and novice riders.

An adult must accompany children and all riders must wear helmets. Arrive early. Group departs at time listed. These routes typically are not on roadways shared with cars. They are accessible for single bikes, tandems, tag-alongs and bikes pulling trailers. They are relatively flat paths and paved. We will stay together as a group. Call or e-mail the ride leader if you have specific questions. Check PWTC.com for more ride listings.

Saturday, June 26

Sauvie Island and Pumpkin Patch: Distance 12 miles. Leaves at 10:00 am from the Pumpkin Patch, 16511 NW Gillihan Road on Sauvie Island, and ride the infamous Sauvie Island Loop with fresh fruit and fun at the Pumpkin Patch waiting for you after the ride. Level B. Group ride. Ride leader: Bill Hamilton 503.961.4184 or bill@simplebe and check http://www.thepumpkinpatch.com

Sunday July 11

Smith and Bybee Lakes: Distance 8 miles. Leaves at 10:00 am from the Princeton Trailhead at North Princeton and Carrey Streets off Willamette Blvd. This urban to wild life refuge ride will showcase Peninsula Crossing and show how to access the Smith and Byee Wetland area. Bring binoculars for bird watching. Ride Leader: Ann Morrow 360-608.3173 (cell) or

Saturday July 24

Guided Bike Ride - Downtown Gresham: Distance 8 miles. Leaves at 10:00 am from Main City Park, 219 S. Main Ave, Gresham. Explore downtown Gresham by bike with guide Bud Rice of Gresham. This is a slow, family ride open to all levels of riders. Ride Leader: Bud Rice 503.667.0683 or

Sunday August 1

Columbia River Bike Path: Distance 9 miles. Leaves at 10:00 am from Marine Park in Vancouver. Take SR14 to Exit 1 South then East on Columbia Way. The ride will take us west along the Columbia River to Esther Short Park and back. Explore the Land Bridge, see local public art, the Old Apple Tree, Osprey nests, the old Kaiser Ship Yard and Turtle Place. This is a pre PWTC club picnic ride. Club members will enjoy lunch at Marine Park after the ride. Ride Leader: Ann Morrow 360-608.3173 (cell) or

Sunday August 14

Springwater on the Willamette: Distance 7 miles. Leaves at 10:00 am from the east side of the Hawthorne Bridge. Meet near the Portland Fire District Building and check out this stretch of Rail with Trail to Oaks Bottom. You may see an Osprey or a Great Blue Heron. Ride Leader: Bill Hamilton 503.961.4184 or bill@simplebe

Saturday, August 21

Downtown Gresham Guided Bike Ride: Distance 8 miles. Leaves at 10:00 a.m. from Main City Park, 219 S. Main Ave, Gresham. Explore downtown Gresham by bike with guide Bud Rice of Gresham. This is a slow, family ride open to all
levels of riders. Ride Leader: Bud Rice 503.667.0683 or

Sunday, August 22

Bike Paths of Champoeg Park: Distance 7 miles. Leaves at 10:00 a.m. from Champoeg Park. Meet at the visitor’s center right after you enter the park ($5 per car parking). From Portland take I-5 south to exit #278/Donald/Aurora and follow the signs to Champoeg Park. There is a lot of history at the park and lots of exploring along winding bike trails. This is a great ride to bring your picnic lunch for afterwards. Ride leaders: John and Karyn Mardis, 503.280.5165 or

Saturday, September 4

Saturday, September 18

Willamette River Greenway Trail: Distance 9.4 miles. Leaves at 10:00 a.m. from Willamette Park at the south end near the playground. Park is off Macadam Avenue/Highway 43. Cross street is Nebraska. There may be a fee to park so you may want to park on the streets nearby and ride in to the park. The route will follow the Willamette River into Portland and down to the Steel Bridge and back. Explore this ever changing route to learn how you can access other fun activities by bike. Ride Leader: Ann Morrow 360-608.3173 (cell)

Saturday, October 9

Banks/Vernonia Linear Park: Distance 12+ miles. Leaves at 10:00 a.m. from the Buxton Trailhead of the Banks/Vernonia Trail. Allow at least 60 minutes travel time. Take Highway 26 west of Portland to Fisher Road, just past the West Fork of Dairy Creek. Go past the Oregon maintenance station on the left and Apple Valley Airport on the right. Turn right on Fisher Road to Buxton, go up the hill and follow it around the bend to the right. (you are now on Bacona Road). Turn right into the trailhead just after the Buxton Trailhead sign. Very easy, pretty rails to trails route. Explore Stubb Stewart State Park or travel further all the way to Vernonia and back (some of this may not be suitable for anything other than a mountain bike). Ride Leader: Ann Morrow 360.608.3173 (cell) or

The Clark County Cruiser

There are no Cruisers currently on the schedule for June. Dave 5/27/10

New Club Jersey!

- With the new year comes a new club jersey! Club member Eileen Holzman's artistic talent has joined with Primal and designed the latest Portland Wheelmen jerseys and jacket. Some members have already placed their order and will be the first to ride in their new finery! Stay tuned for another opportunity to order your own club jersey, long or short sleeved, or perhaps even a wind-breaker jacket!!! More details and pricing to come. Until then, here is the art rendition of the design.

Contact:

Club President Phil Brown to order & purchase your club jersey:

PWTC on Facebook!

- The Portland Wheelmen have joined Facebook! Stay connected with the club and events by joining the Fan Page and/or the Group page! Members can message each other, upload club photos and video, discuss upcoming rides and events. This is any easy way to share with each other, advertise rides and meet up!

Portland Wheelmen Touring Club

Riding in Groups

- Riding in groups - A guide to safe bike riding

Riding bicycles in groups can be a very satisfying, rewarding and safe experience. It can also be a dangerous experience. When riding a bike, you are operating in a multi variable world where the dynamics are constantly changing. Rider positions change, traffic conditions change, the road surface changes, the road direction changes, topography changes, the weather changes, and additional variables constantly come into and out of your immediate environment. While riding in a group, the safety of everyone in the group is dependent on everyone in the group riding safely and a single mis-step by one rider can endanger the whole group. When things go wrong in a group ride, they go very wrong very quickly and there is very little time to react. So knowing how to ride safely in groups can go a long way to keeping the riders safe. Whether the group is 2 people or 20, the same principles apply. After many miles on bikes, and observing many safe and unsafe riders and riding conditions, I am putting on paper my observations, recommendations and guidelines for safely riding in groups. These are only guidelines. Ultimately, every rider is responsible for riding safely and constantly being vigilant of the situation around them. Although many of these points seem like common sense, still they warrant inclusion in this list. As a point of reference, in this context a leading rider is anyone ahead of you and a following rider is anyone behind you.

Be aware of your surroundings, both the other riders and the greater world in which you’re riding.

Expect the unexpected.

Look for dangerous situations that could be developing.

Use a rear view mirror. Sunglass mounted or helmet mounted mirrors, in my opinion, are far better than mirrors mounted in the end of road style handlebars. Handlebar mounted mirrors require that you look down to see behind yourself, making you take your eyes off the road ahead while you are doing it. Sunglasses or helmet mounted mirrors are lightweight and versatile. They move with your head and with the momentary flick of your eye you can see what’s happening behind, while still maintaining visual contact with the road and riders ahead. I have ridden with over 40,000 other riders in my life time. I have been hit from behind 6 times by two riders; 3 times from one rider and 3 times by another. Both use handlebar mounted mirrors.

Pay attention to what is going on around you, what road markings are saying, traffic signals, the presence of other riders, and the presence of cars.

Visibility in a group is limited, so each rider needs to be on the look out for all the other riders. The leading riders can not see behind themselves because there are other riders in their line of view. Riders in the rear have limited forward visibility because of the riders ahead of them. Riders in the middle can not see forward or backward. Call out any hazards in the roadway so the following riders can avoid them. Call out when traffic is approaching from the rear so the riders ahead of you will be aware of it. Point to and call out glass or other hazards on the road that could pose a danger to other riders.

Follow far enough back from other riders that you can stop if the rider ahead does something unexpected. You will have to gauge this distance according to your speed, but a good rule is to maintain a 2 second interval.

Other riders will do unexpected things so it is incumbent on you to make sure you are alert and prepared to take evasive action if another rider does do something unexpected. Unexpected actions can result from a whole host of things, like a dog running into the roadway, a rider trying to avoid a pot hole, a sudden puncture flat, an insect flying into a riders eye or ear, a car that veers too close to a rider. The possibilities are almost endless, but you need to be alert to the possibilities and keep enough distance so you can react before colliding with another rider.

Signal turns in advance so the other riders know what you are going to do and they can adjust their course and speed accordingly.

When other riders call out “car back” it means that a car is approaching from the rear. You should make every effort to move toward the right side of the road and give the car ample room to pass.

When a rider calls out “riders up” it means that your group is overtaking another group of riders and will probably pass them. You need to move toward the left to provide clearance for the riders being overtaken. This same principle applies when your group is approaching a runner, a walker, a person on horseback or any other obstruction in the roadway.

Passing another rider or group of riders should always be done on the left side of the rider being passed. Call out to the rider being over taken and announce “on your left”. This lets the rider know you are approaching and lets him take appropriate actions.

Do not ride between a leading rider and the curb side of the roadway. You do not want to ‘overlap’ the leading rider’s rear wheel on the ‘inside’. If the leading rider experiences an unexpected situation, his/her normal reaction is to move toward the curb. If you have your front wheel poked in there, the lead rider will hit you and potentially take both of you down.

Stay on your own side of the road. DO NOT ride in opposing lanes of traffic. DO NOT cross the “Yellow Line of Death”. Its there for a reason.

Be smooth, consistent and predicable in your riding style. Avoid sudden starts, sudden turns, and sudden stops. These abrupt actions can distract other riders and cause accidents.

When passing another rider, give them plenty of room before you pull back in front of them.

Watch the road ahead for pot holes or other potential bike damaging hazards and avoid them.

Pace Lines should be left to the experts. Drafting in another riders slipstream is an effective way to reduce wind resistance. It is also a dangerous practice and can lead to serious accidents and injury. Drafting and pace lines provide the riders with significantly reduced visibility and reaction time. A tiny mistake can put the whole group in the ditch.

A typical bike and rider weighs somewhere between 125 and 250 pounds. Their body is usually covered in Spandex or other cloth material. Spandex offers little in the way of abrasion or impact resistance. A small car on the other hand weighs at least 1,800 pounds and is covered in steel. Extensive research into the subject has proven that the bike and rider will ALWAYS lose an encounter with a car. ALWAYS. It is not enough to be right, you have to be safe. Give cars the greatest possible respect, even when they are in the wrong, because challenging a car will end poorly for the bike and rider.

When changing lanes in a group of riders, point to the spot you are going to move into before you move over. Again let the other riders know what you are planning before you do it.

On descents specifically, and passing in general, pass on the other riders left, pass on the straight-a-ways, not in the curves. The curves are the most dangerous part and a collision there would be painful for all involved.

Be careful after a car or truck passes. Many vehicles pull trailers, and you may not see them or know they are there. Don’t pull back out after being passed by a vehicle until you make sure the road is clear.

Be aware of the wind. A strong crosswind can blow you off course and into other riders. This is especially true when riding from a protected area, behind trees for example, into an open area beside a field. The trees protect you from the effects of the wind, but as soon as you become exposed to the wind it can cause you to swerve. This is more pronounced on bikes with bladed spokes.

If you need to stop separate from the group, for instance to attend to a flat tire, fist signal your intention to slow down and then indicate that you are pulling over. Some times you may need to move toward the center of the road to disengage yourself from the group before you are clear to pull over to the right. Once stopped, move completely off the road onto the shoulder. If you remain in the roadway, you are exposed the being hit by other bikes or vehicles.

Ride Leaders

- Can't find a ride that suits your style or schedule? Become a ride leader!

A big thanks to all of you who have volunteered to lead PWTC rides!

Ride Information is to be submitted to the Road Captian. Ride leaders wishing to create their own ride descriptions or to sign up to lead a ride for the following month need to provide the Road Captian the THE PERTINENT INFORMATION prior to the 5th! Contact Road Captain John Mardis: via email, or at a club meeting. Fill out the form and send it to the Road Captain, or use the form as a guide in order to give complete information by email.

Ride leaders may request maps and return envelopes by contacting the Assistant Road Captain John Mardis: Some maps may be sent electronically as a pdf. Ride leaders leading multiple rides in a month may send 3-4 ride sheets in one envelope. Please avoid overstuffing those envelopes...our statistician does not enjoy paying postage due!

Contact:Club Statistician

Ride Leader Forms

Ride Signup Sheet

Ride Leader Checklist

PWTC Library Catalog Now On-line

- Ever wonder what the bike club's library has for you to read about to help with your training? Perhaps a book on nutrition? Something inspirational to read? What about a racing video? One of the benefits of club membership is that you can check out materials from the club library for free. It used to be that the only way to see the library was to come to a club meeting. Now you can look on-line at "the stacks" and decide what you would like to borrow. Club Librarian Frank Arndt has catalogued our books and videos on-line for members to view.

The catalog link is just for viewing the club’s book, DVD, and VHS collection. Many of the catalogued materials have comments and summaries. The library materials are for the use of PWTC members. Unfortunately a member can’t check out or reserve a book using the catalog link. Only the librarian can edit the catalog because it is password protected. However a member can reserve a book or suggest new library additions by contacting the librarian (Frank!) via email: or at club meetings.

Check out the catalog. You can display the collection by the cover or by a list mode. There are different display styles which provide different information. You can also view the collection by tags. Tags are names of groups that he has organized the collection with such as VHS, DVD, racing, out, new, etc.

You still have to go to the meeting to pick up/return items in person. The on-line catalog should make things a little easier to see what’s available!

PWTC Library

Ride Schedule

Reminder: All rides leave promptly at the times stated in the schedule. Please arrive at least 15 minutes prior to the departure time to allow yourself time to get ready to ride, sign in and get a map. Wear an ASTM, CPSC or Snell approved helmet on all PWTC rides. All riders (members and non-members) must sign in on the waiver/sign-in sheet at each ride. All riders should carry: spare tube, patch kit, tire irons, pump, tools, etc. Filled water bottles and food. Identification and money for store stops or emergencies.

For some popular PWTC route maps, go to Maps & Resources

RATING SYSTEM
A. Basically flat, no steep hills

B. Gently rolling terrain with one or two short, steep hills

C. Moderate terrain with rolling, short, steep hills, or moderate, sustained climbs

D. Difficult terrain with longer, steeper hills

E. Extreme terrain with frequent, steep hills, and long, sustained climbs

STEEP HILL: Requires low gears or standing out of the saddle required

SUSTAINED CLIMBS: Examples: Chehalem Mt., Rocky Butte, Mt. Scott (D rating)

LONG, SUSTAINED CLIMBS: Examples: Timberline Rd. Rocky Point Road (E rating)

Every Monday…

Monday Morning Meander: Distance 20-40 miles. Leaves at 10:00 a.m. from NE 99th and Irving, just 1 block north of Glisan Street. There are usually 2 or 3 distances available on these loops through the East County area. Non-group ride. Level B/C. Ride leader: Bud Rice, 503.667.0683.

Every Tuesday...

Tuesday Morning Double Challenge: Distance 30/60 miles. Leaves at 9:00 a.m. from The Lutheran Church at11100 NE Skidmore at back of lot. Three mileage options are offered to accommodate riders’ desires or the weather conditions. Non-group ride. Level C. Ride Leader: Dick Weber, 503.658.3403

Tuesday Night West Side: Distances 25-40 miles. Leave at 6:00 pm from Tualatin City Park at Tualatin and Boones Ferry Roads in Tualatin. Get out of the urban jungle on a different route each week. There will be a few new rides mixed in with old favorites in Washington, Clackamas, Yamhill and Marion counties. Most rides include a hill or two, with distance and terrain chosen to match weather conditions and daylight. Non-group rides. Most rides are level C/D and include high-speed pack riding. Show up early to get a head start with a less intense group. Ride leaders: Del Scharffenberg 503-353-0073, Tom Napier 503-246-1917, and Richard Marantz 503-246-7185.

Tuesday Night East Side Spin Down: Distance 18-38 miles. Leaves at 6:15 p.m. From The Lutheran Church at 11100 NE Skidmore. At back of lot. Length and route dependent on weather. Moderately paced, riders should be able to maintain 15-16 mph. Lights required until daylight is sufficient. Reflective clothing is strongly recommended for early evening dusk riding. Regroup ride. Level B/C. Ride Leader: Joan Cullen, 503-762-1629.

Every Wednesday…

Gorge Yourself: Distance between 20 and 60+ miles. Leaves from Glenn Otto Park in Troutdale, at 9:30 a.m. during the Months of June, July, and August. Come join us on these popular rides every Wednesday in the beautiful Columbia Gorge. Each week will offer a different featured route as we get to explore different roads between Troutdale and Multnomah Falls. All rides will be regroup rides with a final stop for coffee. Rides will be “C” level, although a few “D” rides will be offered by special request. Ride leaders: Roger Harris 503.341.6385, Jim Schuler 503.465.8951, and Dean Parsley 503.544.4937

Wednesday Morning Explorer: Distance 20-90 miles. Leaves at 10:00 a.m. from The Lutheran Church 11100 NE Skidmore at back of lot. This ride rotates through a number of routes in Oregon and Washington. Non-group ride. Level C/D. rotating ride leaders. Bud Rice 503-667-0683 and Bob Sahleen 503-655-1480

Starts 8/4
Two Volcanoes Evening Ride:: Distance 25 miles. Leaves at 6:00 p.m. from Rose City Park at NE 62nd and Thompson. Climb Mt. Tabor and Rocky Butte. Our route will circle east for a few faster, flatter miles, then back home by dark. Regroup at top of each volcano! Level C. Ride leaders: Greg & Sharon Baker, 503-287-7019 on the 4th, 11th and 25th, and Karyn & John Mardis, 503-280-5165 on the 18th.

Every Thursday…

Thursday Morning Triple Challenge: Distance 30/60/90 miles. Leaves at 9:00 a.m. from The Lutheran Church at 11100 NE Skidmore at back of lot. Come out for a short leg stretcher or spend the day on one of the longer routes offered. Non-group ride. Level C. Ride Leader: Scott Poindexter, 971-645-0461 and Dick Fairbank, 503-285-8151

There is NO night ride on the first
Thursday of the month.
Club Meeting
Everyone is welcome to attend!

Thursday Night East Side: Distance 26 miles. Leaves at 6:00 p.m. from Wilshire Park, weather permitting. NE 36th and Skidmore. We climb Rocky Butte, ride through Maywood and Parkrose neighborhoods, and have a fast out and back along Airport Way. Lights and reflective clothing are required. Regroup ride. Level B/C. Ride Leader: Dennis Mowdy, 503-281-6852

Thursday Evening Group Ride: : Distance 15 to 25 miles. Leaves at 6:00 p.m. from Laurelhurst Parks north entrance, 2 blocks west of SE 39th on SE Ankeny. Join us on these moderately paced group rides that travel around Portland’s east side. Group ride. Level B. Ride Leader: Bud Rice, 503-667-0683.

Every Friday…

Friday Morning Quickie: Distance 20-40 miles. Leaves at 10:00 a.m. from The Lutheran Church at 11100 NE Skidmore at back of lot. This ride offers a variety of routes from Troutdale, the Women’s Forum Park, North Portland, or Vancouver. Non-group ride. Level B/C. Ride leader rotates: Ron Householder, 503-234-0630; Bob Sahleen, 503-655-1480; Frank Zuleger, 503-257-5708; Bud Rice, 503-667-0683.

July 29th- August 15th

Canada Loaded Tour:

Tour from Anacortes to Victoria, then north on Vancouver Island to Comox where we cross the Strait of Georgia to Powell River. Then south along the Sunshine Coast of British Columbia to Vancouver before heading back across the border to home. Passport required. Ride level C. Ride leader: John Heldstab, 503-297-6035.

Saturday, July 31

Lacamas and Battleground Lakes - Metric Century 8:

Lacamas and Battleground Lakes, Metric Century 8: Distance 97 km. Ride leaves at 7:00 a.m. from the Tri-Met Park & Ride, NE 96th & Sandy Blvd. A two lake loop, first out to Lacamas and then up to Battleground. A combo ride of two PWTC classic weekend rides. Add a sprint out and back on Marine Dr. a couple of km to round out your day for a true 100km ride. Non-group ride. Level B/C. Ride leaders: Dale Watkins 503-256-2765, and Len Negus 503-254-3281

Saturday Morning Alphabet Ride:

Distance 25-90 miles. Leaves at 9:00 a.m. from Wilshire Park, NE 36th & Skidmore. Two or more ride options will be offered. Join the regulars for the relatively flat 35-mile Kelley Point/Two-Bridge Loop, with a coffee stop midway through, or take off for the West Hills or Camas for a steeper or faster ride. Ideal for experienced riders. Non-group ride. Levels A/B/C/D. Ride leader: Bob Sahleen 503-655-1480

WELCOME RIDE: Lacamas Lake Loop:

Distance 32 miles. Ride leaves at 9:30 a.m. at Clark College, Fort Vancouver Way in Vancouver, Wash. Travel east through Vancouver and out around Lacamas Lake. On the way back we will visit a wonderful bakery. This is a good combination of city and rural riding. Group ride. Level A/B. Ride leader: Ann Morrow 360-608-3173

Saturday Morning Social:

Distance 20 to 30 miles. Leaves at 10:00 a.m. from Wilshire Park, NE 36th and Skidmore. Come out and socialize with other cyclists on these moderately paced group rides. We’ll travel along at around 13/15 mph and we’ll stop for a snack or something to drink part way through the route. Group ride. Level B. Ride leader: Bud Rice 503-667-0683

Sunday, August 1

Annual PWTC Picnic Ride:

Distance about 30 miles. Leaves at 9 a.m. at Marine Park in Vancouver. Join Phil & Cheryl for a relatively flat spin around the area before chowing down at the annual PWTC picnic. Check the QR for more information about the picnic and what dish you should bring to share. Group ride. Level B. Ride leaders: Phil Brown & Cheryl Speer 360-833-1512

ROOKIE RIDE - Columbia River Bike Path:

Distance 9 miles. Leaves at 10:00 a.m. from Marine Park in Vancouver. Take SR14 to Exit 1 South then East on Columbia Way. Our ride goes west along the Columbia River to Esther Short Park and back. Explore the Land Bridge, see local public art, the Old Apple Tree, Osprey nests, the old Kaiser Ship Yard and Turtle Place. This is a pre PWTC club picnic ride. Club members will enjoy lunch at Marine Park after the ride. Group ride. Level A. Ride leader: Ann Morrow 360-608-3173 (cell) or

Saturday, August 7

Oregon City Loop with extra climbing - Metric Century 9:

Distance 97 km. Ride leaves at 7:00 a.m. from the Tri-Met Park & Ride, NE 96th & Sandy Blvd. A repeat ride! Well, sort of. We make our way to Oregon City, cross the river and climb up into Tryon Creek Park, ALL the way to the top and onto Terwilliger for more climbing. A great decent with easy curves all the way to downtown. Back across the river and we head for home. Non-group ride. Level B/C. Ride leaders: Len Negus 503-254-3281 and Dale Watkins 503-256-2765

Moulton Falls/Basket Flats (Anything but flat) Ride:

Distance 62-72 miles. Leaves at 8:30 a.m. from Tri-Met Park & Ride on NE 96th & Sandy Blvd. Travel along quiet pastoral roads with optional stop at Battleground’s coffee shop. This was one of Dee’s premier torture rides. Non-group ride. Level D. Ride leader: Dick Weber, 503-658-3403.

Saturday Morning Alphabet Ride:

WELCOME RIDE: Around the Compass Explorer:

Distance 25-30 miles. Ride leaves at 9:30 a.m. from the Tri-Met Park and Ride lot, NE 96th & Sandy. This ride will use a different route each time: we may head north into Vancouver, east out to Troutdale, west into north and northeast Portland, or even south toward Milwaukie, depending on the weather and the wishes of the riders. Group ride. Level A/B. Ride leader: Bud Rice 503-667-0683

Sunday, August 8

Sunday Morning Suit Your Self Ride:

Distance 20-90 miles. Leaves at 9:00 a.m. from the Tri-Met Park & Ride, NE 96th & Sandy Blvd. Riders meet and sign in, then ride wherever they want. Ride maps will be available. Non-group ride. Levels A/B/C/D. Ride leader: Rich Seifert 503-659-7516

Sunday Morning Social:

Distance 20 to 30 miles. Leaves at 10:00 a.m. from Laurelhurst Park north entrance, 2 blocks west of SE 39th on SE Ankeny. Come out and socialize with other cyclists on these moderately paced group rides. We’ll travel along at around 13/15 mph and we’ll stop for a snack or something to drink part way through the route. Group ride. Level B. Ride leader: Bud Rice 503-667-0683

Covered Bridge Bicycle Tour:

Join the Mid-Valley Bicycle Club for its 32nd annual Covered Bridge Bicycle Tour starting from the Linn County Fairgrounds just off of I-5 in Albany, Oregon. Explore the rural roads and depending on the route, cross up to 5 historic covered bridges in the Mid-Willamette Valley. You will experience scenic views, open fields, rolling hills and only a few traffic lights. There is a choice of routes, so whether you’re looking to spend a morning relaxing with friends on the family route or hammering out every mile possible to get ready for a week-long tour, we have an option for you. The MVBC will spoil you with our hospitality, well stocked rest stops, and top shelf “SAG” support. Linn County Amateur Radio Emergency Services will provide continuous, on course communications. On the longer routes you will also get a “real” lunch to keep you fueled. Bring your friends and enjoy a fine August day on your bike in the Willamette Valley with the MVBC as your host. This ride has been approved for PWTC mileage credit. See http://www.mvbc.com/event-CBBT.htm for details. PWTC ride leader: Brian Crawford 503-649-1038 or

Lents Park-Troutdale-Lents Park:

Distance 27 miles. Ride leaves at 2:00 p.m. from the parking lot on the east side of Lents Park at SE 92nd and Holgate. We will ride at an average speed of 12-15 miles per hour. The route is mostly flat with 400 foot elevation gain. We*ll take a brief coffee stop in Troutdale before heading back to Lents. Group ride. Level B. Ride leaders: Pete Schmidt (Rider’s Digest Editor), 503-492-0750

August 13, 14 & 15th

BULLARDS BEACH WEEKEND:

Friday, The Bandon Loop:

Distance 25 to 45 miles or more. Leaves at 10:00 a.m. from campsite C55 at Bullards Beach State Park, 2 miles north of Bandon, OR. Travel south of Bandon on mostly scenic back roads and return through Bandon for lunch on back roads with views of the ocean for the 25 mile route. Mileage can be extended by taking out and back routes on various scenic back roads. Very little of the ride is on Hwy 101. Non-group ride. Level B. Ride leader: Bud Rice, 503-667-0683.

Saturday, The Coquille River Loop:

Distance 48 miles. Leaves at 10:00 a.m. from campsite C55 at Bullards Beach State Park, 2 miles north of Bandon, OR. Ride east to the town of Coquille, for a lunch stop, along the south side of the Coquille River and return along the north side of the river. The route out is on a secondary state Hwy but the return route is mostly along a quiet back road with views of the river. Non-group ride. Level B/C. Ride leader: Bud Rice, 503-667-0683.

Sunday, The Coquille River, Seven Devils, Lighthouse Loop:

Distance 20 or 26 miles. Leaves at 9:30 a.m. from campsite C55 at Bullards Beach State Park, 2 miles north of Bandon, OR. Start up the Coquille River and then loop west to Seven Devils Road. The longer route adds an out and back to the Coquille River lighthouse. Non-group ride. Level B. Rice leader: Bud Rice, 503-667-0683.

Saturday, August 14

East Washougal - Metric Century 10:

Distance 111 km. Leaves at 7:00 a.m. from the 96th & Sandy Park & Ride. Some of this you’ll recognize, but wait, there is a surprise coming. Cross the Columbia and head east for a climb up Prune Hill. From there its north for a 2.5 mile climb and decent, then south for another 2.5 mile climb and decent. Final climb out from Lacama Lake will be easy when we get there. Then on to home. Non-group ride. Level C/D. Ride leaders: Dale Watkins, 503-256-2765 and Len Negus, 503-254-3281.

Battleground Coffee Ride:

Distance 45 miles. Leaves from Tri Met Park & Ride at 96th & Sandy at 8:30 a.m. We’ll ride over the 205 Bridge through quiet farmland roads and stop off at Battleground’s Coffee shop and return along China Ditch. Non-group ride. Level C. Ride leader: Dick Weber, 503-658-3403.

Saturday Morning Alphabet Ride:

WELCOME RIDE: West Side Ride:

Distance 25-30 miles. Start at 9:30 a.m. from Bethany Village Shopping Center, Starbucks parking lot. Take Bethany Blvd. exit off Hwy 26. Go north 2 miles to Bethany Village. The route has gentle ascents with several miles of flat, quiet roads. Coffee and snacks after the ride. Group ride. Level A/B. Ride leader: Bruce Buffington, NW Bicycle Safety Council, 971-570-4791.

Crown Point/Multnomah Falls Ride:

Distance 52 or 68 miles. Starts at 9:00 a.m. from Wilshire Park, NE 37th & Skidmore. Join Phil & Cheryl on this ever-popular ride out Marine Drive, through Troutdale and up the Scenic Highway to Crown Point, with an option of continuing on out to Multnomah Falls. The return route includes Alderwood and Cornfoot Roads. Non-group ride. Level C. Ride leaders: Phil Brown & Cheryl Speer, 360-833-1512.

MEET PWTC OR BACK IN THE SADDLE AGAIN:

Distance 14 miles. 9:30 a.m. start. Meet at the Princeton Trailhead at North Princeton and Carrey Streets off Willamette Blvd. Learn about group cycling and explore by bike. Build your skills and test your mettle. Group rides, mostly flat and easy. Find out why bicycling is such a popular sport - You can do it! We’ll ride along the Peninsula Crossing Trail to the Smith and Bybee Wetland Area. Then we’ll go out to Kelly Point and ride back to the start. Group Ride. Level A, caters to novice/slower riders (a couple of slight hills). Ride leader: Ann Morrow, 360-608-3173 (cell).

ROOKIE RIDE: Springwater on the Willamette:

Distance 7 miles. Start at 10:00 a.m. on the east side of the Hawthorne Bridge. Meet near the Portland Fire District Building and check out this stretch of Rail with Trails to Oaks Bottom. You may see an Osprey or a Great Blue Heron. Group ride. Level A. Ride leader: Bill Hamilton, 503-961-4184 or bill@simplebe and check http://www.thepumpkinpatch.com

Sunday, August 15

Sunday Morning Suit Yourself Ride:

Distance 20-90 miles. Leaves at 10:00 a.m. from the Tri-Met Park & Ride, NE 96th & Sandy Blvd. Riders meet and sign in, then ride wherever they want. Ride maps will be available. Non-group ride. Levels A/B/C/D. Ride leaders: Greg & Sharon Baker, 503-287-7019.

Clark County Wine Tour:

Distance 34 miles. Leaves at 10:30 from the Rusty Grape Vineyard at 16712 NE 219th Street in Battle Ground Wash. (http://www.Rustygrape.com) Enjoy a riding tour of 4 local wineries while exploring North Clark County. At the finish savor some wine and socialize with other riders at the Rusty Grape. Regroup ride. Level B/C. Ride leader: Ann Morrow (Vice President), 360-608-3173 (cell).

Lents Park-Troutdale-Lents Park:

Distance 27 miles. Ride leaves at 2:00 pm. from the parking lot on the east side of Lents Park at SE 92nd and Holgate. We will ride at an average speed of 12-15 miles per hour. The route is mostly flat with 400 foot elevation gain. We’ll take a brief coffee stop in Troutdale before heading back to Lents. Group ride. Level B. Ride Leader, Peter Goodkin, 503-697-9779.

Saturday, August 21

Two Volcanoes, Oregon City Loop and more - Metric Century 11:

Distance 105 km. Leaves at 7 a.m. from the 96th & Sandy Park & Ride. This may look familiar! As we work our way west to the Willamette, we take a short cut up and over both Rocky Butte and Mt. Tabor. Then it’s off to Oregon City, Tryon Creek Park and Terwilliger. Non-group ride. Level B/C. Ride leaders: Len Negus, 503-254-3281 and Dale Watkins, 503-256-2765.

Saturday Morning Alphabet Ride:

Hills Around Corbett:

Distance 28-50 miles. Leaves at 9:30 a.m. from Glenn Otto Community Park on the west side of the Sandy River bridge in Troutdale. Join us as we head up the scenic highway to Springdale, then start climbing the quieter roads that loop around Corbett. We’ll go up Larch Mtn Road, but the 28 mile route will turn off after a few miles and circle back. However, if you have your climbing legs, continue up Larch Mtn Road as far as you want and turn around to rejoin the route. At the end of the ride, we’ll stop for a snack in Troutdale. Bring water and snacks for the route you plan on doing. Non-Group Ride. Level C+. Ride leaders: Karyn and John Mardis 503-280-5165.

A Gresham Family Ride:

Distance 8 to 12 miles. Leaves at 10:00 a.m. from Gresham Main City Park at Main Street and Powell Blvd. in downtown Gresham. Explore Gresham on bike paths, bike lanes, and low traffic residential streets as we pass by parks, schools and other public facilities. This ride is perfect for families, new riders, and those getting back into riding. Group ride. Level A. Ride leader: Bud Rice, 503-667-0683.

Sunday, August 22

Sunday Morning Suit Yourself Ride:

WELCOME RIDE: Willamette River Ride:

Distance 25-30 miles. Start: 9:30 a.m. from Sellwood Park at SE 7th and Sellwood Blvd. This is a great ride with something for everyone. We will tour the Willamette River on bike paths and glide through historical neighborhoods as we loop the city. Between these adventures, we’ll stop for coffee and refreshments. The ride has a few ups (and downs) with plenty of scenery. Group ride. Level A/B. Ride leader: Tom Carter, 503-226-6263.

MEET PWTC OR BACK IN THE SADDLE AGAIN:

Distance 12 + miles. 9:30 a.m. start. Meet at Leverich Park in Vanouver. Take I-5 take Exit 2, go east on 39th Street and then north on NE Leverich Park Way. Drive to the northern parking lot. Learn about group cycling and explore by bike. Build your skills and test your mettle. Group rides, mostly flat and easy. Find out why bicycling is such a popular sport - You can do it! We will head east on this diverse trail to the end and then double back to the park. Extra miles can be added by then heading west across I-5 to Fruit Valley Road. Group ride, site seeing, caters to novice/slower riders. Level A. Ride leader: Ann Morrow (Vice President), 360-608-3173.

ROOKIE RIDE: Champoeg Park:

Distance 7 miles. Leaves at 10:00 a.m. from the visitor’s center right after you enter the park. Park fee is $5 per vehicle to park. From Portland take I-5 south to exit #278/Donald/Aurora and follow the signs to Champoeg Park. There is a lot of history and lots of exploring along winding bike trails. Bring a picnic for after the ride. Ride leaders: John & Karyn Mardis, 503-280-5165 or

Buds Annual Ride and Yard Party:

Distance 25 or 35 miles. Leaves at 10:00 a.m. from the east end of the Meadowland Shopping center, SE 174th and Powell Blvd. Take a ride through the gently rolling back roads east of Gresham. Then stop by Buds house on the return route for food and beverages. Non-group ride. Level B/C. Ride leader: Bud Rice, 503-667-0683.

Lents Park-Troutdale-Lents Park:

August 27, 28 and 29th

LAPINE WEEKEND:

Friday, Lapine to Lapine to Lapine Loop:

Distance about 25 miles. Leaves at 4:00 p.m. from campsite N127 at Lapine State Park, just west of Hwy 97 15 miles south of Sunriver, OR. Ride from Lapine State Park south to the town of Lapine for an optional dinner stop and then ride back to Lapine State Park. Non-group ride. Level B. Ride leader: Bud Rice, 503-667-0683.

Saturday, The Twin Lakes Loop:

Distance 55 or 38 miles. Leaves at 10:00 a.m. from campsite N127 at Lapine State Park, just west of Hwy 97, 15 miles south of Sunriver, OR. Cruise through the Ponderosa pine forests of Central Oregon on the way to the resort at South Twin Lake. Take a stop for lunch and to soak your feet in the lake before heading back. The shorter route does not reach Twin Lakes. Non-group ride. Level B/C. Ride leader: Bud Rice, 503-667-0683.

Sunday, Sunriver for Coffee:

Distance 20 miles. Leaves at 9:30 a.m. from campsite N127 at Lapine State Park, just west of Hwy 97, 15 miles south of Sunriver, OR. Take an out and back ride up to Sunriver for a coffee stop and then ride the same scenic route back to the start. Non-group ride. Level B. Ride leader: Bud Rice, 503-667-0683.

Saturday, August 28

Larch Mountain - Metric Century 12:

Distance 105 km. Leaves at 7 a.m. from the 96th & Sandy Park & Ride. This is it. This is what we’ve waited for all summer, a real challenge! An easy warm up ride out Halsey to the Sandy River. Once we hit Dabney Park the climb starts. Nearly continuous up through Springdale and Corbett, past the Women’s Forum and onto Larch Mt. Rd. The next 14 miles of climbing starts slow, until about mile 4, then it becomes continuous. Not that steep, so psych yourself up, hunker down and grind away. Before you know it your at the parking lot. Bring extra nourishment and water; you’ll want to refuel before the decent. Oh, extra clothes are a good idea too; it can get a little cold on the 22 mile decent to Dabney, even on hot days. Non-group ride. Level
C/D/E. Ride leaders: Len Negus, 503-254-3281 and DaleWatkins, 503-256-2765.

Beaverton, Banks and Beyond:

Distance Metric Century. Course opens at 7:00 a.m. at Papa’s Pizza Parlor at 15700 Blueridge Drive, Beaverton. This ride has been approved for PWTC mileage credit. This is a very scenic metric century through Roy and along the Banks-Vernonia trail up to Stubb Stewart State Park. The ride can be cut in half by just going to Roy. NorthWest Bicycle Safety Council will take good care of you with rest stops along the way. You get lunch at Papa’s Pizza with the cost of registration($30). Go to http://www.nwbicyclesafetycouncil.org to register. Day of ride registration will cost more. Non-group ride. Level B/C (steeper climb into the Park). Ride leader: Ann Morrow, 360.608.3173 or (see you on the ride or at the start between 6:30 and 7:00).

Saturday Morning Alphabet Ride:

Sunday, August 29

Sunday Morning Suit Yourself Ride:

Gorge Ride via Back Roads:

Distance: 55 + miles. Leaves at 9:00 a.m. from Woodstock Park, SE 47th & SE Steele. This ride starts in the City and goes out to the all favorite Scenic Columbia Gorge. The first part of the Gorge you will enjoy, is a ride along the Columbia River. Then on to Troutdale, to a lovely ride along Sandy River. We’ll start doing some nice climbing, via Hurlbert road out of Springdale, to Knieriem road to the all favorite Columbia Gorge Scenic Hwy. This is where you make choices, Women’s Forum? or Crown Point? or Multnomah Falls? The route to Women’s Forum is approx the 55 mile route. Back to Troutdale for a nice well deserved break. Return route back to Woodstock Park, via Halsey and the good old Mill-Market-Main route. Non-group ride. Level C. Ride leaders: Susan Walker, 503-975-5681 and Jim Lui, 971-221-6726.

WELCOME RIDE: Lacamas Lake Loop:

Distance 32 miles. Start at 9:30 a.m. at Clark College, Fort Vancouver Way in Vancouver, Wash. Travel east through Vancouver and out around Lacamas Lake. On the way back we will visit a wonderful bakery. This is a good combination of city and rural riding. Group ride. Level A/B. Ride leader: Ann Morrow, 360-608-3173.

Saturday, September 4

Saturday Morning Alphabet Ride:

Corbett Hills Loop:

Distance 28-50 miles. Leaves at 9:00 a.m. from McMenamin’s Edgefield parking lot in front of the main lodge. Join us as we head out the Columbia Gorge scenic highway across the Sandy River and take some side roads with a total elevation gain of 2700 feet in 28 miles. The 28 milers will go up Louden Rd to Larch Mountain Road and then head back down. The 50 milers can add to the 2700 feet of elevation gain by heading up Larch Mountain road for 11 miles to the summit before heading back down. At the end of the ride, we’ll stop for carb replacement at Edgefield. Bring water and snacks for the route you plan to do. Non-group ride. Level C+/D. Ride leaders: Steve Demarest and Monica Miller, 503-347-7548.

MEET PWTC OR BACK IN THE SADDLE AGAIN:

Distance 15 miles. Leaves at 9:30 a.m. Meet under the east side of the Hawthorne Bridge near the Portland Fire District Building. Learn about group cycling and explore by bike. Build your skills and test your mettle. Group rides, mostly flat and easy. Find out why bicycling is such a popular sport - You can do it! and check out this great downtown loop between the Steel and Sellwood Bridges. Beautiful scenery, fun metro riding. Group ride, site seeing, caters to novice/slower riders. Level A. Ride leader: Ann Morrow (Vice President), 360-608-3173.

A Gresham Family Ride:

Lents Park-Troutdale-Lents Park:

Sunday, September 5

Sunday Morning Suit Yourself Ride:

WELCOME RIDE: West Side Ride:

The Grilled Cheese Grill For Lunch:

Distance about 30 miles. Leaves at 10:00 a.m. from Laurelhurst Parks north entrance, 2 blocks west of SE 39th on SE Ankeny. Take a loop out through north and NE Portland on the way to a lunch stop at the Grilled Cheese Grill food cart on NE 11th and Alberta. Group ride. Level B. Ride leader: Bud Rice, 503-667-0683.

Monday, September 6

Monday Morning Meander:

Distance 20-40 miles. Leaves at 10:00 a.m. from NE 99th and Irving, just one block north of Glisan Street. There are usually 2 or 3 distances available on these loops through the East County area. Non-group ride. Level B/C. Ride leader: Bud Rice, 503-667-0683.

5 Mountain Majesty:

Distance 42/30 miles. Leaves at 9:00 am from from Haworth Rd near the Bi-Mart in Newberg. Take 99W to Newberg, right on Springbrook Rd., left on Haworth. Do not park in Bi-Mart or Shari’s Restaurant parking lot. There are not many times where you can see the five closest Cascade peaks on one ride. We will climb over to Sherwood on Haugen Rd. and then back over to Newberg on Kruger Rd. The shorter route skips the bigger climbs. Level C+. Non-group ride. Ride leader: Ron Ing 971.221.3025

Membership

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Other Rides

A listing of other area rides and cycling events.

2010

This page is updated as clubs/organizations announce/confirm their event dates.

February

Cycle Oregon Kick Off Party-February 4th http://www.cycleoregon.com Party will be held at the Nike Tiger Woods Center. Learn at the kick off party where Cycle Oregon '10 will be routed. September 11-18. Register early, as this event sells out quickly!

Worst Day of the Year-February 14 http://www.worstdayride.com Community Cycling Center. If it's cold, windy and raining, we say KEEP RIDING! Get out for this 18-mile urban adventure. There is also an optional 40 mile ride through the West Hills for the more ambitious cyclist.

Northwest Bike Show-February 20/21 Portland Expo Center http://www.nwbikeshow.com

Chilly Hilly-February 28th Cascade Bicycle Club http://www.cascade.org It's usually chill and always hilly around Bainbridge Island. 2,675 feet of climbing in 33 miles. Includes a ride on the Washington State Ferry. This is the official kick off of the 2010 cycling season.

March

Bike Expo-March 13-14 Smith Cruise Cove Terminal 91. Bicycle Everything! Group Health Seattle International Bicycle Expo is a complete celebration of cycling, with exhibits and presentations from all aspects of the sport. Over 150 Exhibits (including PWTC) http://www.cascade.org

McClinchy Mile Bike Ride-March 20thSeveral loops to choose from and a fundraiser for B.I.K.E.S. http://www.bikesclub.org/html/mcclinchy/mcclinchy.htm

April

The Bicycle Show-April 10 & 11Oregon Convention Center. http://www.pedalnationevents.com Pedal Nation Events will present a two-wheel focused expo with the goal of promoting and celebrating all things related to bicycling. See the largest display of bicycle technology & innovation, bicycle frames, gear, apparel, travel, fitness, ride events, & nutrition in Oregon.

Daffodil Classic-April 18th Tacoma Wheelmen's Bicycle Club http://www.twbc.org The Daffodil Classic weaves through the beautiful Orting valley and surrounding hills. Choose from 40, 60, or 100 mile loops; or a flat, family friendly, paved trail option of 1-30 miles. Riders will enjoy a well-marked course with cue sheet and map, support vehicles, fully stocked rest stops, and dessert at the finish line.

Group Health Yakima Ridges- Apple Valley Kiwanas http://www.desertvalley.com 25, 50, 70, and 100 mile loops. Winding over the ridges of upper Yakima Valley, each route features rewarding landmarks of the area. Starting from Northwest Yakima, the routes go past Painted Rocks, Longmire Immigrant Trail, Wenas Lake, the Naches River, the Ahtanum Mission, and numerous peaks and canyons. Note: this event has been discontinued.

Monster Cookie Metric Century-April 25th Salem Bicycle Club http://www.salembicycleclub.org The route for the Monster Cookie Metric Century starts from the State Capitol Mall on the north side of the State Capitol Building and covers 62 miles of countryside north of Salem. Register early to order lunch. The lunch stop is at Champoeg State Park on the Willamette River.

May

Ride Around Clark County-May 1 Vancouver Bicycle Club http://www.vancouverbicycleclub.com Venture across state lines for this well-established ride sponsored by our friends in Vancouver. With 32, 62, and 100 mile loops, the routes showcase Clark County. Riders on all three routes will also stop at the little known and under utilized LaCamas Lake for a rest stop.

Lewis County Historical Bicycle Ride -May 8 Chehalis-Centralia Optimist Club. http://www.cyclelewiscounty.org/lchr/ 20, 46, 76 or 100 miles with views of three volcanos, Mt. Adams, Mt. Saint Helens, and Mt. Rainier. Three of the four routes take in two must-see sites; the Evaline School, a functioning two-room country school house, and the historic Claquato Church. Starts at Stan Hedwell Park, Chehalis, WA.

Inland Empire-May 8 Tri City Bicycle Club http://www.tricitybicycleclub.org Ride options are from and easy 25 miles to a challenging 50, 75 or 100 mile tours. All routes showcase the scenic beauty of the lower Yakima/Columbia River valley with its vineyards, wheat fields and fruit orchards. Word has it that Webber Canyon is closed so the route may vary from previous years.

Reach the Beach-May 15th American Lung Association http://www.rtb.kintera.org Choose from one of five distance options ranging from 26-110 miles. Meander along quiet, gorgeous rural roads in search of a spectacular beach party in Pacific City. Each route features rest stops approximately every 15 miles, two delicious lunch stops and ample support every step of the way.

Century Ride of Centuries-May 29-31 http://www.cyclependleton.com Enjoy 3 days of riding in beautiful Eastern Oregon. CROC will take you past a number of these beautiful Century farms and ranches, rising from Pendleton into the highlands of the nearby Blue Mountain foothills. You'll also travel through the Confederated Tribes of the Umatilla Indian Reservation. This is an excellent, well supported ride with multiple distances each day. $150 gets you 3 days of riding and all your meals!

June

Pioneer Century-June 5th Portland Wheelmen Touring Club http://www.pwtc.com A scenic, challenging 55 mile loop winds into the foothills of the Cascades and back to Canby. Finish off a great century with a 45 mile loop in historic Champoeg country. Each loop begins and ends at the Clackamas County Fairgrounds in Canby. Great training ride for STP. Rest stops promise to be stocked with a variety of fuel for the ride. More information & registration coming soon.

Gorge Ride-June 12 Friends of the Historic Columbia River Highway http://www.hcrh.org This is an out and back route of 38.5 miles along the Historic Columbia River Highway (HRCH) and the HCRH State Trail to the west to the Senator Mark O. Hatfield West Trailhead, just east of Hood River. The total elevation gain for the ride 2,974 feet

Strawberry Century-June 12 Santiam Spokes http://www.santiamspokes.org Revised route from '07 makes this popular ride even better. The 53 mile loop remains the same, but there are major improvements in the 72 and 102 mile routes as well as the addition of a 13 mile family route.

Flying Wheels-June 12th Cascade Bicycle Club http://www.cascade.org Whether you choose the 30, 60, or 100 miles route, each will take you through rural scenery, a few busy spots, and great rest stops. Starts in Redmond WA. This is Washington's largest century. This has been an official training ride for STP.

Tour de Blast-June 19th Longview Rotary Club http://www.tourdeblast.com Stats and finishes at Toutle Lake High School, located 10 miles east of Interstate 5 on Spirit Lake Memorial Highway. Three distances to choose from.

Mountain Lakes Challenge-June 19 Siskiyou Velo http://www.mountainlakeschallenge.com A wonderful cycling experience on country roads with Mt. Ashland and Mt. McLoughlin in the background you’ll ride through meadows of wildflowers, beneath towering conifer forests and by dazzling mountain lakes. A full “epic century” two metric centuries, and also introducing 25 and 50 mile routes and a 5-8 mile Jack and Rogue ride along the Bear Creek Greenway.

Tour de Fronds-June 19 Umpqua Velo, Glendale, & Powers http://www.tourdefronds.com The event uses a fully paved back road route between the communities of Glendale and Powers in beautiful Southern Oregon. Much of the route is on US Forest Service or BLM land through the remote regions of the Siskiyou National Forest and borders on the Wild Rogue Wilderness. Due to the remoteness of this route, few cyclists have an opportunity to ride these roads unsupported – attending this event offers a rare glimpse of nature’s finest; waterfalls, rivers, majestic fir trees, mosses, lichens and ferns. The Tour de Fronds, so aptly named, is a nature lovers ideal ride

Livestrong Challenge- SEATTLE Sunday, June 19 & 20 Lance Armstrong Foundation http://www.livestrong.org The LIVESTRONG Challenge is the LAF’s signature fundraising event. Whether you walk, run, ride, volunteer or donate, your participation is one more powerful weapon in the fight against cancer.

Mt. Adams Country Bicycle Tour -Saturday, June 26 http://www.troutlake.org Trout Lake and Vicinity Businesses 51 Mile Valley Loop: south to BZ Corners; climb for 6.5 miles through spectacular rural, farmland scenery; pass by Conboy Lake Wildlife Refuge with many glimpses of Mt. Adams; circle back through pine forest and back into the Trout Lake Valley. 2,700’ elevation gain. 105 Mile MACBT Forest Double Loop: From Trout Lake climb 14.5 miles (2000’ gain), including a short 10% incline and then a long ride down, down, with waterfalls, creeks, eagles and all the majesty this special country provides; a 10 mile climb up to Big Tire Junction and then on to one of the downhills you will never forget, back to Trout Lake. Total of 3,800’ elevation gain. Then lunch and the 51 mile loop. http://www.troutlake.org

Cycle Challenge-June 26 Salem Bicycle Club http://www.salembicycleclub.org A fundraiser for the Boys and Girls Club of Salem, Marion and Polk Counties. Three distances to choose from: a family ride inside Willamette Mission Park, a 35 mile route, and a more challenging 75 mile route.

Two County Double Metric Century-June 27 Capital Bicycling Club http://www.capitalbicycleclub.org Beautiful riding in Thurston and Lewis County. Five routes to choose from. Planned by cyclists for cyclists. You won't believe the food at the rest stops!

July

Northwest Tandem Rally-July 2-5 http://www.nwtr.org 25th Anniversary! Medford, Oregon Register before March 31st and receive a discount

Seattle to Portland (STP)-July 17 & 18 Cascade Bicycle Club http://www.cascade.org A 200 mile ride through the scenic valleys, forests, and farmlands of wester Washington and Oregon. Come join what Bicycling Magazine has listed as one of the best cycling events in the nation! PWTC runs the finish line and will welcome you home.

Cycle Oregon Weekend Ride-July 16-18 http://www.cycleoregon.com A 3 day "Head back to School: adventure in Monmouth. Explore bridges, ferries and forests around Cycle Oregon University. Sure to please!

Tour de Cure (fka Summit to Surf) July 31 http://www.diabetes.org/portlandtourdecure American Diabetes Association NEW START LOCATION: Tour de Cure is moving to the rolling hills of the Willamette Valley. The new ride will feature user friendly roads, beautiful scenic vistas, captivating views of the Cascades and a start/finish setting that encourages family participation for one and all. The Hillsboro Stadium will be the new start/finish location with four well planned routes to challenge riders of all levels, including a full century ride that features a 1600 ft. climb. Or, spend the day at the stadium participating in family activities ranging from tricycle laps, bike decorating contests, climbing walls and other activities promoting health and wellness.

Gourmet Century-July 31 Chris King Precision Components http://chrisking.com/company/events_gc_mmddyy A scenic 103-kilometer non-competitive bicycle ride through Yamhill County, the hub of Oregon Wine Country, located less than an hour's drive from downtown Portland. 5 rest stops, including a lunch stop and a gourmet dinner. The food will likely outshine the ride on this one!

Bike MS-Saturday and Sunday, July 31 & Aug. 1 http://www.nationalmssociety.org/orc/home Multiple Sclerosis (pledge ride) Portland, Oregon, with routes through the Willamette Valley and the Historic Columbia River Highway

August

Blackberry bRamble & Jamboree-August 1 Greater Eugene Area Riders (GEARS) http://www.eugenegears.org/rides/bramble The Jamboree community fun ride will take place on August 1st and start at 9 am at the EWEB Plaza on the River Trail just below the Defazio Bike Bridge. It will be a 20 mile ride through the neighborhoods of Eugene with stops planned at community centers and parks along the route. The route will consist of two 10-mile loops that roll back to the starting point for a short break. $5 for the whole family. Everyone gets a blackberry cobbler and ice cream after the ride. Fun for the whole family. Food, entertainment and T-shirts will be available. The bRamble is on Sunday, August 2nd and offers a full century, a metric century, and a 43 mile option.

Hottest Day of the Year Ride-Sunday, August 2 http://www.hottestdayride.com 15-mile urban bike loop starts and finishes at the new Lucky Labrador Brew Hall northwest location. Along the way you will discover the longest Slip 'n Slide Portland's ever seen - just in time to cool you off after the first leg of the course.

Providence Bridge Pedal- Sunday, August 8 http://www.providence.org/bridgepedal Try a 6 bridge, 8 bridge or 11 bridge route in this classic Portland ride.

Covered Bridge Bicycle Tour- August 8 Mid Valley Bicycle Club http://www.mvbc.com/event-CBBT.html Explore the rural roads and depending on the route, cross up to 5 historic covered bridges in the Mid-Willamette Valley. You will experience scenic views, open fields, rolling hills and only a few traffic lights.

RSVP (Ride from Seattle to Vancouver B.C. and Party)-August 13/14 Cascade Bicycle Club http://www.cascade.org An event of 183 uncrowded miles (105 & 78 mile days) along scenic back roads with flat sections., rolling hills, and many hilly sections as well. Start in Seattle and finish in beautiful Vancouver, BC, at the Coast Plaza Hotel. There you'll enjoy a great finish line festival that includes a no host bar and live music!

Alpine Century Ride- August 14 Yaquina Wheels Bicycle Club http://www.alpinecommunity.net/ This ride is a fundraiser for the Alpine Community Center. This is the 4th year for this ride through some of Oregon's wild and scenic beauty in the central Coast Range, challenging ascents and descents, rest stops and SAG support and fresh local food served to you at the completion of the ride. Starting in Monroe, OR, the 50-mile or 100-mile routes include 4000 ft elevation gain and loss, plus the chance to ride the gorgeous Alsea Scenic Byway and Lobster Valley Road.

Lancette Memorial Ride- August 15 Ride benefits the Clackamas Women’s Services http://www.lancettememorialride.com Routes include a family ride, 25 or 62 miles. Ride starts from Legacy Meridian Park Medical Center, 19300 SW 65th Avenue, Tualatin, Oregon 97062

Yaquina Lighthouse Century- August 21 Yaquina Wheels Bicycle Club http://www.yaquinawheels.org/Century.html All routes start & finish at the Yaquina Head Outstanding Natural Area Visitor Center. Experience some of Oregon’s most picturesque back-road riding with panoramic ocean, bay and river views, as well as the Coast Mountains and wonderful old-growth forests. You’ll see crashing waves and quiet backwaters on each ride. 100 mile Century; 62 mile Metric Century or 25 mile family ride.

Portland Century- August 22 http://www.portlandcentury.com Portland’s premier century ride with 25, 50 and 100 mile options and unrivaled amenities. Bull Run, Marine Drive, Alameda Ridge, Ladd’s Addition, Willamette Blvd., Hawthorne Bridge, Powell Butte Park, Springwater Corridor, Smith and Bybee Lakes, Pioneer Courthouse Square and Downtown Broadway. It’s all about Portland.

Beaverton, Banks & Beyond-August 28 NorthWest Bicycle Safety Council http://www.nwbicyclesafetycouncil.org/ This is a very popular summer event. Ride the red carpet 64 mile extended metric century out to Stub Stewart State Park or turn around at the half way point making it a 32 mile ride. This is an easy level B route with a slight incline out to the park. This scenic, moderately challenging 64 mile loop explores beautiful farmlands as you wind through country roads and work your way toward the paved Banks-Vernonia State Trail, which is rider-friendly to both road and mountain bikes.

Ride Around Puget Sound- Saturday & Sunday, August 28 & 29 http://www.rapsodybikeride.com 5 Bike Clubs With 170 miles of rolling hills, doing RAPSody in one day is hard, two days is challenging fun. The route crosses the Tacoma Narrow Bridge, uses portions of paved trails, and provides many wonderful Northwest views. Starts and ends in Tacoma.

September

Cycle Oregon-September 11-18 http://www.cycleoregon.com

The Group Health Golden Valley Bike Ride - September 11 This year's route explores the beautiful hills and canyons of Klickitat County between Goldendale and Glenwood. Ride starts at the Goldendale Grange Hall, 228 E Darland, Goldendale, WA 98620. Details at: http://www.goldenvalleybikeride.com

Cycle Umpqua 2010 Vineyard Bicycle Tour – September 11 If you're not riding Cycle Oregon this year, then join Cycle Umpqua for a delightful one-day bicycle tour of the vineyards in the Umpqua Valley! Details at: http://cycleumpqua.com

The Pfizer People's Coast Classic-September 12-17 Charity ride for the Arthritis Foundation http://www.thepeoplescoastclassic.org A six day beautiful Oregon coast ride from Astoria to Brookings Fully suported ride with camping, breakfasts, dinners warm showers and transportation back to the starting line or Portland included.

Climate Ride California - September 21-25 A 5-day, 320-mile, fully supported charity ride from Eureka to San Francisco. Climate Ride's beneficiaries include 1Sky, Green America, & Rails-to-Trails Conservancy. Details at: http://www.climateride.org

Peach of a Century-September 26th Salem Bicycle Club http://www.salembicycleclub.org Includes a full 100 mile route and a 62 mile route. Both start and end at Chemeketa Community College.

Kitsap Color Classic-September 26 Cascade Bicycle Club http://www.cascade.org Several loops take riders along the gorgeous Kitsap Peninsula and range from 33 to 64 miles. Enjoy the fall colors and a fun weekend exploring the peninsula.

October

Harvest Century - Saturday, October 9 8th annual ride benefiting Community Vision. Details at: http://www.harvestcentury.org. Traverse over rolling hills through falling autumn leaves on Oregon’s traditional last event of the year. All routes start and end at the Friendship Plaza at Washington County Fairgrounds in Hillsboro, Oregon.

The Missing Links-Resources & Maps

- A list of bicycling resources...

The following MAPS have been produced by the PWTC. The suitability information for the bike routes is advisory only and depicts conditions for riders of “average” ability and experience. No independent evaluation for suitability has been undertaken by the PWTC. The parties involved in the production of these maps in no way warrant the safety and suitability of the suggested bike routes. Bicyclists should be aware that traffic, weather conditions and other factors change from time to time and can influence and alter the suitability of the suggested routes. Map users assume the entire risk of determining whether or not a route is suitable for them. The PWTC makes no warranty or representation as to the content or accuracy of these maps.

Maps

Bike Clubs

Organizations

Bike Shops

Bike Rental

Welcome to PWTC Rides

- For new and developing riders.

Portland Wheelmen Touring Club (PWTC) offers a series of rides called Welcome to PWTC. You need not be a member to participate. These rides are especially for the newer or less experienced rider but are probably too ambitious for a novice rider.

The expectation is that the rider can pedal along at 12 to 15 mph on the flats and complete a 30 mile ride.

These are group rides whcih means the group of riders generally stays together throughout the ride. The ride leader will guide the group and offer riding suggestions as needed. Theses rides provide a safe, friendly opportunity for newer riders to get out and ride with other cyclists. More information may be obtained by calling the ride leader listed.

Here is the 2010 Welcome Rides

Our Ride Schedule also lists the Welcome to PWTC Rides for the current month.

To view pdf files you need Adobe’s Acrobat Reader - a free, downloadable plug-in.

Family Rides

- PWTC and River City Bicycles have teamed up to offer some fun rides especially for families and novice riders.

An adult must accompany children and all riders must wear helmets.
Bring some water
Eat a good breakfast before the ride. You'll feel better and have more energy.
All rides are relatively flat and "out & back" routes so you may head back whenever you want.
Bring a snack, fruit or energy bar.
Check your bike prior to the ride. A well maintained bike will get you through the ride. Seek professional help if necessary!
All children under age 18 must be accompanied by an adult.

Here is the 2010 Rookie Ride Schedule.

Our Ride Schedule also lists the Family Rides for the current month.

For additional information contact the ride leader listed on the schedule.

Weekly Rides

- Monday through Friday, these faithful rides are here for you.

Every Monday...

Monday Morning Meander

Distance 20-40 miles. Leaves at 10:00 a.m. from NE 99th and Irving, just 1 block north of Glisan Street. There are usually 2 or 3 distances available on these loops through the East County area. Non-group ride. Level B/C. Ride leader: Bud Rice, 503-667-0683.

Monday Night East Side Ride

Distance 15-30 miles. Leaves at 6:15 p.m. from Wilshire Park, NE 36th & Skidmore. Length and route will vary with the season and weather. Reflective clothing is strongly recommended for early evening dusk riding. Regroup ride. Level B/C. Ride leader: Dennis Mowdy, 503-281-6852.

Every Tuesday...

Tuesday Morning Triple Challenge

Distance 30/60/90 miles. Leaves at 9:00 a.m. from St. Matthew's Episcopal Church, 11229 NE Prescott, take the front entrance to the back parking area. Three mileage options are offered to accommodate rider’s desire or the weather conditions. Non-group ride. Level C. Ride leader: Dick Weber, 503-658-3403.

Tuesday Night Classic

Distance 27 miles. Leaves at 6:00 p.m. from Wilshire Park, NE 36th & Skidmore. The original Tuesday night ride that still goes around Kelley Point. Formerly dominated by racers and rascals, this is what happens when we get older – 18-22 mph. Reflective clothing is strongly recommended for early evening dusk riding. Regroup ride. Level C. Ride leader: Phil Whitmore, 503-274-9755.

Tuesday Night West Side Ride

Distance 25-40 miles. Leaves at 6:00 p.m. from Tualatin City Park at Tualatin and Boones Ferry Roads in Tualatin. Get out of the urban jungle on a different route each week. There will be a few new rides mixed in with the old favorites in Washington, Clackamas, Yamhill and Marion counties. Most rides include a hill or two with distance and terrain chosen to match the weather conditions and daylight. There is a group of riders who like to get a head start on the main group but there will not be a ride leader present. Reflective clothing is strongly recommended for early evening dusk riding. Non-group ride. Most rides Level C/D and include high-speed pack riding. Ride leaders: Del Scharffenberg, 503-353-0073, Tom Napier, 503-246-1917 and Richard Marantz, 503-246-7185.

Tuesday Night East Side Spin Down

Distance 18-38 miles. Leaves at 6:15 p.m. from St. Matthew’s Episcopal Church, 11229 NE Prescott, take the front entrance to the back parking area. Length and route to be dependent on the weather. Moderately paced, riders should be able to maintain 15-16 mph. Reflective clothing is strongly recommended for early evening dusk riding. Regroup ride. Level B/easy C. Ride leader: Joan Cullen (Member-at-Large), 503-762-1629.

Every Wednesday

Wednesday Morning Triple Challenge

Distance 20-90 miles. Leaves at 10:00 a.m. from St. Matthew's Episcopal Church, 11229 NE Prescott, take the front entrance to the back parking area. This ride rotates through a number of routes through Oregon and Washington. Non-group ride. Level C/D. Ride leader: Bud Rice, 503-667-0683.

Wednesday Night Double Volcano

Distance 26-30 miles. Please note this ride starts on May 17th. Leaves at 6:00 p.m. from Woodstock Park, 47th & SE Steele. Double your climbing fun, after all, Wednesday is A.K.A. “hump day”! This ride can be challenging, yet it’s always moderately paced and social. For this season the 1st and 3rd week will feature the Mt. Tabor and Rocky Butte combination, while the 2nd and 4th week we will climb the more challenging Mt. Scott and Rocky Butte combination. Both routes include a flat out and back to the Parkrose area. Reflective clothing is strongly recommended for early evening dusk riding. Non-group ride. Level C/D. Ride leader: Cathy Varner (Recording Secretary), 503-788-5394.

Wednesday Night Group Ride

Distance 15-25 miles. Leaves at 6:00 p.m. from Laurelhurst Park’s north entrance, 2 blocks west of SE 39th on SE Ankeny. Join us on this moderately paced group ride that explores various routes through NE and SE Portland. Reflective clothing is strongly recommended for early evening dusk riding. Group ride. Level B. Ride leader: Bud Rice, 503-667-0683.

Every Thursday...

Thursday Morning Triple Challenge

Distance 30/60/90 miles. Leaves at 9:00 a.m. from St. Matthew's Episcopal Church, 11229 NE Prescott, take the front entrance to the back parking area. Come out for a short leg stretcher or spend the day on one of the longer routes offered. Non-group ride. Level C. Ride leader: Frank Haynes, 503-695-5633.

There is NO night ride on the first Thursday of the month.

Club meeting night. Everyone is welcome to attend!

Thursday Night East Side

Distance 26 miles. Leaves at 6:00 p.m. from Wilshire Park, NE 36th & Skidmore. We climb Rocky Butte, ride through Maywood and Parkrose neighborhoods, descend towards Marine Drive, but the out-and-back is on Airport Way with the return back to the start via Cornfoot Rd. Reflective clothing is strongly recommended for early evening dusk riding. Regroup ride. Level B/C. Ride leader: Dennis Mowdy, 503-281-6852.

Every Friday...

Friday Morning Quickie

Distance 20-40 miles. Leaves at 10:00 a.m. from St. Matthew’s Episcopal Church, 11229 NE Prescott, take the front entrance to the back parking area. This ride offers a variety of routes from Troutdale and the Women’s Forum Park to North Portland or Vancouver. Non-group ride. Level B/C. Ride leader: Bud Rice, 503-667-0683.

Portland, Oregon’s Largest Bicycle Club

- The Portland Wheelmen Touring Club was founded in 1971 to promote cycling and to provide a social organization for bicyclists.

Boasting over 800 members, the primary focus of the club is recreational riding with up to two dozen rides being offered on a weekly basis, including rides every day of the year and many evenings. Rides are listed in the monthly Riders Digest available at most Portland area Bicycle shops and online.

Membership: PWTC welcomes riders of all abilities. The annual membership includes a monthly newsletter, club discounts at many area bike shops, and is a great way to network with cyclists in the area. To join, print out this Membership Form or pick up a form at most area bike shops.

Club meeting: Held the first Thursday of the month at 7:00 p.m. at the Bethany Lutheran Church, 4330 NE 37th Ave. Portland. (Access meeting room by ramp to basement on Skidmore Street. Map

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Constitution and By-Laws

PREAMBLE AIM:

The aim of this organization shall be to promote the general interests of cycling in all its phases; to encourage and facilitate touring, rides, cycle outings and all forms of recreational cycling activities; to defend and protect the rights of cyclists; to secure a better understanding and recognition of the need for safer riding conditions; to encourage the allocation of facilities for cycling on public lands; to cooperate with the public authorities in the observance of all traffic regulations; and to promote the regulation and recognition of the bicycle as a vehicle used for pleasure, health and transportation.

PURPOSE:

The main purpose of this club will be bicycle riding and promotion of bicycle related activities in the community.

ARTICLE ONE

NAME:

The name of this organization shall be the Portland Wheelmen Touring Club, hereinafter referred to as “The Club”. The official colors shall be red, white, and blue.

ARTICLE TWO

MEMBERSHIP:

Anyone who has an interest in bicycling is eligible for membership.

ARTICLE THREE

DUES:

Club dues shall be governed and reviewed annually every June by The Executive Board, hereinafter referred to as “The Board”. These shall be payable annually to The Club.

ARTICLE FOUR

OFFICERS:

The following officers shall be elected by the general membership:

President
Vice-President
Recording Secretary
Membership Secretary
Treasurer
Assistant Road Captain, becomes Road Captain
Four Members-at-Large

The Board shall consist of all elected officers.

DUTIES OF THE PRESIDENT:

Conduct all Club meeting and Board meetings; represent The Club in legal matters; appoint a nomination committee and conduct elections; be a standing member of all committees; appoint temporary Board member if that Board member resigns.
DUTIES OF THE VICE-PRESIDENT:

Act as the President pro-tem in the absence of the President. Assist the President in committee representation; act as the Chairperson of the Special Events Committee.
DUTIES OF THE RECORDING SECRETARY:

Maintain a written record of all Executive Board and General Membership Club meetings.
DUTIES OF THE MEMBERSHIP SECRETARY:

Process new members’ applications; maintain the membership files; prepare an annual report on membership to be presented to the membership during the 1st quarter of each year.
DUTIES OF THE TREASURER:

Management of Club finances; preparation and/or filing of all necessary tax reports or returns; prepare and submit to the membership an annual financial report during the 1st quarter of each year.
DUTIES OF THE ROAD CAPTAIN AND ROAD COMMITTEE:

Be responsible for the planning and organizing of Club rides; recruit and train ride leaders as needed; maintain a catalog of rides and establish the “Rules of the Road”. The Board may, at its discretion, review any proposals for rides and shall cooperate with the road committee to make certain that all rides are adequately planned. The Board may, by a majority vote, cancel any proposed ride.
DUTIES OF THE FOUR MEMBERS-AT-LARGE:

Assist the President and Vice-President in carrying out the Executive duties of the Board.

APPOINTED OFFICERS AND DUTIES:

The positions of Editor, Publicity Chairman, Program Coordinator, Refreshment Coordinator, Librarian and Historian shall be appointed by the President with the approval of the elected members of The Board.

DUTIES OF THE PUBLICITY CHAIRMAN:

Provide the media with information on Club-sponsored events; see that the major Portland area bicycle stores have PWTC information and application available to their customers.
DUTIES OF THE HISTORIAN:

Maintain a historical record of club newsletters, past elected officers, minutes of club meetings and any other items of historical interest to the general membership.
DUTIES OF THE PROGRAM COORDINATOR:

Procure the monthly general membership meeting location, and arrange for the entertainment program portion of the meeting.
DUTIES OF THE REFRESHMENT COORDINATOR

Make all necessary arrangements for refreshments to be served at the general membership meetings.
DUTIES OF THE LIBRARIAN:

To purchase, maintain, and make available to the general membership books, magazines, tapes or any other appropriate forms of information.
DUTIES OF THE EDITOR(S):

To collect information of interest to the general membership of The Club, including the ride schedule, and publish on a monthly basis the official Club Bulletin, which shall be known as the “Quick Releases”.

ARTICLE FIVE

ELECTIONS OF OFFICERS:

The President, Vice-President, Recording Secretary, Membership Secretary and Treasurer shall be elected at the regular Club meeting in December and serve a one-year term beginning the following January.

Two Members-At-Large shall be elected in June and two in December, each serving one-year terms beginning in July and January, respectively.

The Assistant Road Captain shall be elected at the regular Club meeting in December and June, and serve a six-month term beginning the following January and July, respectively. At the end of the six month term as Assistant Road Captain, the existing Road Captain’s term shall expire and the Assistant Road Captain shall become the new Road Captain, serving a six-month term in the position.

THE MECHANICS OF THE ELECTIONS PROCESS SHALL BE AS FOLLOWS:

At the March and September Club meeting the President shall appoint a Club Member in good standing to be the Nominations Committee Chairperson. This Chairperson shall then choose a committee consisting of from three to seven Club members in good standing, including the chair.

The Nomination Committee shall recommend to The Board a slate of candidates for the next election of officers. The recommendations of the committee shall be presented at the April and October Board meetings.

The Committee shall then present the candidates at the May and November Club meetings, and accept and make note of any additional nominations from the floor.

The Committee shall submit the list of candidates to the Quick Releases staff for publication in the June and December issues of the Quick Releases.

Additional nominations from the floor will be accepted on the date of the elections. All candidates shall be elected by a plurality of the total votes cast for each office. If however, a candidate is running unopposed, the members present may choose to elect that candidate by unanimous acclaim.

Any Club member in good standing may introduce a motion for a vote of confidence for any elected officer. The motion shall be presented at one meeting, published in the next issue of the Quick Releases, and voted on at the following regular Club meeting. If said elected officer loses the vote of confidence by two-thirds of the total votes cast, the officer shall re replaced immediately by nominations from the floor, and by a vote of the membership present.

In the event that any elected officer, except the President, resigns or is unable to serve a complete term of office, the President shall appoint a temporary replacement, and a permanent replacement for the balance of that officer’s term shall be nominated and elected at the next regular Club meeting.

In the event that the President resigns or is unable to serve a complete term off office, the Vice-President shall immediately assume the office of President, and the vacant office of Vice-President shall be filled as per the preceding paragraph.

ARTICLE SIX

MEETINGS:

Regular meetings of the Club’s general membership shall be held on a weekday during the first week of the month. If special meetings are required, the President may schedule such a meeting after consulting with the board.

Executive Board meetings shall be held at least six times a year, at a time and place to be determined by the Board with the proviso that at least one meeting shall occur during each quarter of the calendar year. The Board may reschedule meetings which conflict with holidays or other events.

ARTICLE SEVEN

ORDER OF BUSINESS:

The order of business at regular meetings shall be:

Reading of minutes of previous meetings.
Treasurer’s report.
Report of Officers and committees.
Old business.
New business.
Announcement of new members and guests.
Announcement of rides, special meetings, etc...
Announcement of program- The Board and /or President, for the sake of convenience or courtesy to guests, may periodically schedule entertainment or educational programs to precede the regular business meeting.
Adjournment.

ARTICLE EIGHT

COMMITTEES:

The committees of this organization shall be appointed as needed by The President and The Board.

DUTIES OF COMMITTEES:

Committee chairman shall keep a written history of, organize and direct the activities of the committee, make regular reports of the committee’s activities to The Board, and maintain a complete financial record of the committee’s activities.

ARTICLE NINE

EXPENDITURES:

The following people are authorized to sign checks

President.
Treasurer.

With the exception of administrative funds, i.e., secretarial supplies, the procedures to be used for all expenditures will be regulated and set by The Board.

ARTICLE TEN

RULES OF ORDER:

Robert’s Rules of Order shall govern The Club in all questions of parliamentary procedure.

ARTICLE ELEVEN

AMENDMENTS:

Amendments to this constitution may be proposed by any member of The Club and may be incorporated into this constitution if approved by two-thirds vote of the membership present at the regular meeting at which the vote is taken. The proposed amendment must be presented at a previous meeting and be printed in The Club Bulletin prior to the meeting.

July: Notes from the Community Liaison

Mt. Bachelor Classic

LaPine Weekend

Contact Info:

The Bullards Beach Weekend

Contact & Organizer Info:

The Gourmet Century

PWTC FAQ’s

PWTC FAQ’s

2010 Rookie Ride Series

The Clark County Cruiser

New Club Jersey!

Contact:

PWTC on Facebook!

Riding in Groups

Ride Leaders

Ride Leader Forms

PWTC Library Catalog Now On-line

Ride Schedule

Every Monday…

Every Tuesday...

Every Wednesday…

Every Thursday…

Every Friday…

July 29th- August 15th

Canada Loaded Tour:

Saturday, July 31

Lacamas and Battleground Lakes - Metric Century 8:

Saturday Morning Alphabet Ride:

WELCOME RIDE: Lacamas Lake Loop:

Saturday Morning Social:

Sunday, August 1

Annual PWTC Picnic Ride:

ROOKIE RIDE - Columbia River Bike Path:

Saturday, August 7

Oregon City Loop with extra climbing - Metric Century 9:

Moulton Falls/Basket Flats (Anything but flat) Ride:

Saturday Morning Alphabet Ride:

WELCOME RIDE: Around the Compass Explorer:

Sunday, August 8

Sunday Morning Suit Your Self Ride:

Sunday Morning Social:

Covered Bridge Bicycle Tour:

Lents Park-Troutdale-Lents Park:

August 13, 14 & 15th

BULLARDS BEACH WEEKEND:

Friday, The Bandon Loop:

Saturday, The Coquille River Loop:

Sunday, The Coquille River, Seven Devils, Lighthouse Loop:

Saturday, August 14

East Washougal - Metric Century 10:

Battleground Coffee Ride:

Saturday Morning Alphabet Ride:

WELCOME RIDE: West Side Ride:

Crown Point/Multnomah Falls Ride:

MEET PWTC OR BACK IN THE SADDLE AGAIN:

ROOKIE RIDE: Springwater on the Willamette:

Sunday, August 15

Sunday Morning Suit Yourself Ride:

Clark County Wine Tour:

Lents Park-Troutdale-Lents Park:

Saturday, August 21

Two Volcanoes, Oregon City Loop and more - Metric Century 11:

Saturday Morning Alphabet Ride:

Hills Around Corbett:

A Gresham Family Ride:

Sunday, August 22

Sunday Morning Suit Yourself Ride:

WELCOME RIDE: Willamette River Ride:

MEET PWTC OR BACK IN THE SADDLE AGAIN:

ROOKIE RIDE: Champoeg Park:

Buds Annual Ride and Yard Party:

Lents Park-Troutdale-Lents Park:

August 27, 28 and 29th

LAPINE WEEKEND:

Friday, Lapine to Lapine to Lapine Loop:

Saturday, The Twin Lakes Loop:

Sunday, Sunriver for Coffee:

Saturday, August 28

Larch Mountain - Metric Century 12: