Events on the Horizon: Country Bike Ramble this Saturday (Oct 5) and a Mount Tabor (Sunset) Meander, Sunday October 13

First up, after having so much fun with my "Country Bike Ramble" during Pedalpalooza, I decided I wanted to do another one "before the rainy season REALLY begins." (Which is funny, if you've been in the NW the past few days, as we've gotten a few inches dumped on us in an "earlier-than-normal" storm.) This time I'm planning a more ambitious route in the ballpark of 30 miles. Even with the added length, we'll only leave the city once (and it won't be near where you think we would.) And hopefully this time I don't break a crank.  Here are the details:

ROUGH STUFF/COUNTRY BIKE (IN THE CITY) RAMBLE 

Saturday October 5

11:00am - 5:00pm

Fernhill Park, NE 37th Ave and NE Ainsworth St 

A ramble exploring the "country" aspects in the city while riding "Country" bikes. Expect a good deal of gravel/dirt action, climbs (you can walk it if you have to), meandering, and places you didn't think existed. We'll have food/picnic breaks along the way. Ride a bike geared towards comfort, not speed, and one that can handle off-road elements. Moderate pace, no one left behind. Lycra and carbon, no, shellac and seersucker, yes. Longer ride this time, estimated 30 miles with 3,000 ft cumulative climbing. Ride not a loop, but will end near transit and beer. Trailers not recommended.

And October doesn't just promise the return of Rocktober, but Walktober, the all-walking fun fest put together by Oregon Walks. (Think Pedalpalooza with feet instead of wheels.) Just like last year, I'm doing an event for them. I love Walktober because it gives me an excuse to do more walk-related events. (Remember when I used to do these more regularly?)

Mount Tabor Sunset Meander

Sunday October 13 

4pm. (Leaving coffee shop at 4:30pm.)

Seven Virtues Coffeehouse

5936 NE Glisan St

We'll ascend the Eastside’s highest point, Mount Tabor (643 ft/196 m), from the lesser known "North Slope" using sidewalks, stairways, and secret paths. From the summit, we'll watch the sun set over the city. Then we'll descend via the “back side” into the Montavilla neighborhood where we can eat some food and enjoy adult beverages. 

Walk not a loop, but there will be transit options available at the end. Sunset on Oct 13 is 6:23 pm, though the West Hills will mean it will set for us a bit earlier. Start point (Seven Virtues) accessible via MAX (Red/Green/Blue Lines, 60th Ave Station) and the 19 and 71 buses.