Kenneth C. Martin Blogs: Weekend Event Guide: Ladd’s 500, FOB’s Donut Ride, Bryant Bridge cleanup, and more

Thursday, April 12, 2018

Weekend Event Guide: Ladd’s 500, FOB’s Donut Ride, Bryant Bridge cleanup, and more

The Bryant Street overpass needs some sprucing up. Come out and lend a hand on Sunday if you can.
(Photo: J. Maus/BikePortland)

The Weekend Event Guide is sponsored by Abus Bike Locks. Thanks Abus!

There’s so much to choose from this weekend it’s hard to decide! Hopefully you have time to attend at least one of the events in this week’s guide.

We’ve got a great slate that includes everything from a bonus Park(ing) Day to the infamous Ladd’s 500 relay, and even a chance to help tidy up the carfree Bryant Bridge.

Have fun out there…

Friday, April 13th

State of the City – The Conversation – 12:00 pm to 1:30 pm at The Sentinel Hotel (downtown)
This looks like an interesting event that will follow Mayor Wheeler’s scripted State of the City address (happening today). He’ll sit down for an interview with Chief Investment Officer at Meyer Memorial Trust Rukaiyah Adams (she’s also one of the main leaders of the Albina Vision project) and will take questions from the audience. Would not be surprised if the I-5 Rose Quarter project and/or Vision Zero come up. More info here.

Gold Sprints Benefit for Junior Track Racers – 6:00 pm to 8:00 pm at Velo Cult
Help raise money for local racers headed to Track National Championships by spinning some pedals, get inspired for the upcoming track season, cheer on your friends, and enjoy the wonderful vibe at Velo Cult Bike Shop and Tavern. More info here.

Midnight Mystery Ride – “At midnight we ride” – Location TBA
Come out and meet and/or make friends at the traditional “MMR”. Start location posted to the official website on Friday. More info here.

Saturday, April 14th

Portland Park(ing) Day – 10:00 am to 6:00 pm in the Central Eastside Industrial District
PBOT has teamed up with Design Week Portland and they’re kicking off the event by allowing people to take over public spaces (aka parking spaces) with creative installations. More info here.

The Ladd’s 500 – 10:00 am at Ladd’s Circle
With its official motto of, “It’s spring, let’s do something stupid” this 500-lap fun relay has become a much-anticipated tradition. Open to everyone crazy enough to ride 100 miles around Ladd’s Circle — or do it as part of a team. Relay in the street, party in the circle! More info here (and don’t miss great live bands at the after-party hosted by PAZ PDX).

Sunday, April 15th

Coast Hills Classic MTB Race – All day in Newport, Oregon
This event combines great ocean views and gnarly off-road trail-riding for a fun day of racing. Proceeds from the event support youth programs at Newport Recreation Center. Make a weekend out of it! More info here.

Friends on Bikes Donut Ride – 9:00 am to 11:30 am at Laurelhurst Park
This is a ride for women and trans/non-conforming people of color that will start with a feast of donuts and (Ristretto Roasters) coffee, then ride to the top of Mt. Tabor and loop back via the Esplanade to Irving Park. Everyone who completes the ride gets a free dozen from Pip’s Original! More info here.

Bryant Pedestrian Bridge Cleanup – 9:00 am to 12:00 pm
The Piedmont Neighborhood is hosting a clean-up effort to show some love for this carfree I-5 bridge. Bring shovels and work gloves if you have them and be ready for the trash-picking, mulching, and graffiti scrubbing! More info here.

River City Bicycles Free E-Bike Group Ride – 9:30 am to 11:30 am
E-bike curious? You should be because motorized bikes are slowly but surely taking their place one our streets. If you’ve been wanting to try them out, this is a great opportunity. River City is giving free rentals of the latest and greatest models. Hit the link for an RSVP email so they can get your bike charged and ready. More info here.

Stay plugged into all the bike and transportation-related events around the region via our comprehensive event calendar.

— Jonathan Maus: (503) 706-8804, @jonathan_maus on Twitter and jonathan@bikeportland.org

Upgrade your inbox: Sign up here to get the Weekend Guide and all our stories delivered via email.

BikePortland needs your support.