Do like the Stumptown locals: How to explore Portland by bike
JOHN LEE
Special to The Globe and Mail
Published
My trips to Portland have always been active and outdoorsy: I’ve actively hunted down the city’s brilliant microbreweries and I’ve greedily eaten outdoors at many lip-smacking street food stands. But through my calorific haze, even I’ve noticed that steely-calved Stumptowners spend a lot of time in the saddle.
Oregon’s biggest city is a cyclists’ haven. With more than 500 kilometres of trails, Bicycling magazine frequently names it one of America’s pedal-friendly capitals. I touched base with local Jonathan Maus – founder of popular blog Bike Portland – to get the inside track.
First off: where to rent. There are many places to hire wheels, but Maus suggests one that quickly connects you with the locals. “Cycle Portland Bike Tours in Old Town. Owner Evan Ross is a true gem in the community and he’s got a range of bikes that help you blend in with the locals. The prices are hard to beat, too.” See their website portlandbicycletours.com. More…
