Bridge Pedal puts Portland cyclists on a lofty perch
An opportunity like this only comes ‘round once a year. | Photo by Andrew Wallner
Have you ever been driving across the vaulted Fremont Bridge, soaking in the sight of Portland swathed in the rosy glow of sunrise, and thought to yourself, “I wish I could stop and stay awhile?”
Well, this weekend is your chance. On Sunday, Aug. 13, the Providence Bridge Pedal & Stride returns as a celebration of bicycling and community, where people can experience several of Portland’s bridges (and their vistas) without vehicle traffic.
Here is the schedule of the day’s events.
Fremont Express | 23 miles | Starts at 7 a.m. | $60 | Enjoy sweeping views from the top deck of the Fremont Bridge, which celebrates its 50th birthday this year. Access it via North Cook Street and Vancouver Avenue (on the east side) at 6 a.m.
All smiles at sunrise
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Photos by Andrew Wallner
Main Ride | 20 miles | Starts 7:30-8:30 a.m. | $30-$40 | Cross over seven bridges, including the top deck of the Marquam Bridge, while traveling on car-free streets.
Bridge Stride | 5 miles | Starts at 8 a.m. | $25-$35 | No wheels? No problem. Join fellow walkers on an urban hike that takes you over the Fremont and Steel bridges.
Family Ride | 13 miles | Starts 8:30–9:15 a.m. | $25-$35 | Load up the loved ones and roll through town. Kids aged 12 and younger can get stamps at each bridge’s canopy to complete the 6-Bridge Challenge.
Kids Pedal | 3 miles | Starts at 10:15 a.m. | Free, registration is required | Young cyclists can participate with a shorter route that traverses the Hawthorne and Steel bridges.
More things to know before you go:
Each route will end at the finish line at Southwest Naito Parkway and Ash Street.
90s Trivia Tournament | Thursday, Aug. 10, Thursday, Aug. 17, Thursday, Aug. 24 | 7 p.m. | The 4th Wall PDX, 1445 SE Hawthorne Blvd., Portland | $20 | Rewind the tapes to the era of Blockbuster and Tamagotchi during this three-week competition that will test your knowledge of movies, TV, and music.
Secret Roller Disco | Thursday, Aug. 10 | 7-9 p.m. | Lloyd Center Ice Rink, 2201 Lloyd Center, Portland | Free | Polar bears, penguins, and ice princesses are invited to this unique opportunity to roller skate on an ice rink — or at least the smooth and dry concrete beneath one.
Friday, Aug. 11
Comedy in the Park | Friday, Aug. 11 | 6:30 p.m. | Laurelhurst Park, Southeast Cesar E. Chavez Boulevard + Stark Street, Portland | Free | Bring a blanket and join Kickstand Comedy for this summer-long series featuring some of Portland’s favorite local and national stand-up comics.
Storyville Confidential: Live Jazz Cabaret | Friday, Aug. 11 | 9 p.m. | Jack London Revue, 529 SW Fourth Ave., Portland | $25-$225 | Travel back in time and space to the golden ages of Harlem, Paris, Berlin, and New Orleans with this classically steamy show featuring Kitten de Ville & the Bridgetown Sextet.
Saturday, Aug. 12
Oaks Bottom Wildlife Refuge Litter Pick Up Event | Saturday, Aug. 12 | 9-11 a.m. | North Parking Lot & Trailhead, Southeast Milwaukie Blvd., Portland | Free | Pitch in to keep the ecosystem pristine — the wildlife thanks you.
Hot Wheels Monster Trucks Live Glow Party | Saturday, Aug. 12-Sunday, Aug. 13 | Times vary | Veterans Memorial Coliseum, 300 Winning Way, Portland | $20-$60 | Get revved up for a motor spectacular of massive proportions.
Sunday, Aug. 13
The Good Feels Market | Sunday, Aug. 13 | 10 a.m.-2 p.m. | 1854 N. Lombard St., Portland | Free | Support the small businesses and local makers that put a smile on your face.
Body Positive Block Party | Sunday, Aug. 13 | 11 a.m.-4 p.m. | Electric Blocks, 1615 SE Third Ave., Portland | Free | Celebrate self-acceptance while having fun shopping art and fashion pop-ups, snuggling therapy goats, playing yard games, and more.
Gov. Tina Kotek has announced she will co-chair a task force focused on tackling the economic issues facing Portland’s Central City. Local elected officials and business and community leaders will meet monthly, eventually presenting their suggestions at the Oregon Business Plan Leadership Summit in December. (Portland Tribune)
Biz
Can you picture an adventure park — complete with ziplines, treehouses for camping, and a mountain roller coaster — on the edge of the Columbia River Gorge? Riverbend Timber, LLC can. The company has proposed such an endeavor for its property at 4101 Canyon Creek Rd. outside of Washougal. (KOIN)
Plan Ahead
Next week, Soter Vineyards will host a Stellar Auction to benefit the Carlton Observatory, a citizen-science project that’s raising money to build a multi-use campus and community resource. Attendees can enjoy a night of vino and delicious farm-fresh food, while bidding on planets, galaxies, and constellations to adorn the future facility.
Arts
You have through Saturday, Sept. 2, to see “Black History IS History,” a curated group exhibition at the Multnomah Arts Center. The gallery features sculptures, paintings, and mixed media pieces from creatives around the PNW. Join a Zoom talk with four of the artists on Saturday, Aug. 26, 11 a.m.-12:30 p.m. (The Oregonian/Oregon Live)
Eat
Studying burns a lot of brain fuel. Whether you’re a freshman or returning student at Portland State University, knowing where to eat around campus is key. Eater’s guide maps out the dining halls, coffee shops, food carts, and more to set you up for success in the coming academic year. (Eater Portland)
Active
Portland Rock Gym is reaching for the top spot with what it says will be the largest climbing facility in the country (for its footprint). The 64,000-sqft space hopes to open this October in Cedar Mill’s Peterkort Towne Square. Yoga and other fitness activities will be offered. (Portland Tribune)
Opening
When Elephants on Cedar Hills opens on Wednesday, Aug. 16, it will represent a return-to-roots of sorts for CEO and co-owner Anne Weaver. In the mid-1900s, her immigrant grandparents opened one of Beaverton’s first grocery stores and butcher shops in the railway station. Guests can expect grab-and-go bites and more.
Vote
Culture
There’s $15,000 on the table in the 2023 America’s Farmers Market Celebration
Help your local farmers market rank in the AFMC’s list of America’s favorite markets. | Photo by RDNE Stock project via Pexels
The bright burst of a freshly picked blueberry in your mouth, the excitement of seeing the first heirloom tomato of the season, a warm loaf of bread nestled into your tote bag... just thinking about our favorite local farmers market fills us with pride.
It’s time to turn that appreciation into a vote — so that the entire nation can know Portland has the best farmers markets around.
The 2023 America’s Farmers Market Celebration (AFMC) is open to votes through Monday, Sept. 18, to find a “People’s Choice” farmers market as the top-endorsed market in the country. The prize? Up to $15,000 for the top five markets to spend on marketing, communication, and other needs.
The most popular market in each state also wins $100 — so get voting.
If you don’t hear from me next month, it’s because all 5 feet 7 inches of me tried out for the Rip City Remix and made the team... That joke is what we call a slam dunk (I think? I’ve never actually grabbed the rim).
On a less absurd note, the Portland Trail Blazers’ G League affiliate will actuallyhold an open session — it costs $300 — for prospective players on Saturday, Sept. 16.
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