Oregon Rolls Out Five New Scenic Bikeways!

From the Travel Oregon Blog By Eileen Garvin

Roadies rejoice! In September, the Oregon Parks and Recreation Department announced five new scenic bikeways.

The 132-mile Willamette Valley Scenic Bikeway, which was the first in the state (and in the nation, no less) is now joined by five more: Sisters to Smith Rock Scenic Bikeway, Metolius River Loops Scenic Bikeway, McKenzie Pass Scenic Bikeway, Old West Scenic Bikeway, and Blue Mountain Century Scenic Bikeway.

Sisters to Smith Rock Scenic Bikeway covers a 36-mile high desert route from Sisters to Smith Rock State Park near the town of Terrebonne. The rolling ride includes views of the beautiful Deschutes River and Smith’s breathtaking red rock spires.

Metolius River Loops Scenic Bikeway is a series of loops that starts and ends at the historic Camp Sherman Store and Fly Shop. These family-friendly rides follow paved Forest Service roads along the scenic Metolius River and range from three to 22 miles.

The McKenzie Pass Scenic Bikeway covers 35 miles between Sisters and the Limberlost Forest Service Campground. The route includes a challenging climb, amazing views of Mt. Washington and the McKenzie River and a fast descent through dense forests.

The Old West Scenic Bikeway, a 178-mile loop, starts in John Day and travels in a counter clockwise loop through Austin Junction, along the Middle Fork of the John Day River, through Monument and the John Day Fossil Beds.

The 108-mile Blue Mountain Century Scenic Bikeway starts in Heppner and heads south to Ukiah, north to Nye Junction and back to Heppner. The route travels through forest, rangeland and eastern Oregon’s rolling hills.

The routes highlight the dramatic and varied natural beauty of Oregon. Route descriptions are available on the Oregon Parks and Recreation website, and signage is currently being installed along the routes.

The program is a partnership between Cycle Oregon, Travel Oregon, the Oregon Department of Transportation and Oregon Parks and Recreation Department.

For more information on cycling in Oregon, visit rideoregonride.com

‘On Bicycles’ – New must-have cycling book

http://www.OnBicycles.com

 I heard about this new Cycling book and thought I would pass it along.

Just announced! Death Valley Tour 2012

Join us on a fully supported epic adventure to soak up the sun in Death Valley this February 5th-14th. Now taking reservations/ deposits for the 10 day trip that visits four National Parks, several Hot Springs, and is on a low to no-traffic roads!  Weather predictions include sunny skies and an average temp of 72 degrees. What a great time of year to visit this beautiful desert landscape! Participants are in charge of supplying their own bikes, and transportation to the starting point. For a full list of trip details and expenses please contact us for an info packet. Thanks for your interest in this years Death Valley Tour and have a great day.

First Thursday Success

Pereira Cycles

Thanks to those who joined us this Last Thursday for an awesome Tour of Bike Culture Events. We celebrated in style and visited the ARTCRANK Poster show for a few microbrews and some Poster viewing. Fantastic artwork this year, I got a new piece for the office and was happy to support the fundraising event. Next up we rolled over to the Museum of Contemporary Craft to see the Oregon Manifest Constructors design Challenge finalists, beautiful bikes. Growing in size, our group descended upon the foodcarts as we reached the Lizard Lounge Street Party. And thanks to bikeportland.org for this sweet invite they put together.

Oregon Manifest

Join us Tonight for our 5 year anniversary Art Culture Bike Ride

Join Portland Bicycle Tours on a Free Ride next First Thursday October 6th,
Celebrating the Opening Night of the Oregon Manifest Exhibit at the Museum of
Contemporary Craft, ARTCRANK Poster Show, and our Fifth Year of leading Bike
Tours and Community Rides in Portland!

Ride leaves from the Portland Bike Tours shop at 345 NW Everett St. at 6 pm.
Come see the 2011 Oregonized Bike Show before we leave – Artists come
together to celebrate and promote the rich history and culture of Portland.
Through a variety of media, local artists will explore the joy of cycling and
the explosion of design and culture it has inspired.
Our first stop will be Portland ARTCRANK at The Cleaners at the Ace for
Poster viewing and to support Bikes To Rwanda, a non-profit partner in the
ARTCRANK event.
Continuing on- our next visit will be the Museum of Contemporary Craft,
to see the top three winning bikes of the Oregon Manifest Constructors Design
Challenge, two honorable mention bikes, and the student winner will join the
three Design Firm/Bike Craftsmen Creative Collaborations on display. Museum
admission is free on First Thursdays but donations are always appreciated.
Next we will pedal our way to the Lizard Lounge First Thursday Street
Party where there will be music, refreshments on tap and a selection of Food
Carts to nourish you. This ride ends at the Lizard Lounge and is not a loop.
Ride with us and share your excitement and love of bike fun! Can’t make it to
the start? Join us along the way. Questions? Email us at
info@portlandbicycletours.com

Port Townsend to Seattle Ninja Bike Ride

I’m a huge fan of these guys – check out their Ninja Ride!

Join us this Saturday for a ride to the Vernonia Salmon Festival

Join us this Saturday for a ride to the Vernonia Salmon Festival! We will ride the beautiful Banks to Vernonia trail, which is a short shuttle ride away from our shop in Downtown Portland. Ride with us as we navigate this beautiful rails to trails project that winds its way through the heart of the Oregon countryside. Join Vernonia locals and spectators from all around to watch the returning Salmon fight their way up- stream to spawn, a spectacular sight indeed. Tickets are $89 per person and include: bike, shuttle, guide, and light snacks.  Need to get out of town? Join us on this weekends ride, or on another. Questions? info@portlandbicycletours.com

Banks to Vernonia Bike Ride
BOOK NOW