TABLE OF CONTENTS | FEAR FACTOR: The horrors of not wearing a helmet | BIKE GEEKS UNITE! Talking bikes with a former mayor, a messenger and a bicycle advocate | BIKE EVENTS CALENDAR: Bike events between May and September | AND THEN THERE WERE BIKES: History of Portland's bike movement | UNDER PRESSURE: A list of cool new bike gear | CAN'T WE ALL JUST RIDE ALONG? A ride-along with a bike cop | BIKE SCAVENGER HUNT Enter here | WWEEK.COM HOME

WW SUMMER '04 BIKE CALENDAR

MONTHLY

FIRST WEDNESDAY KBOO BIKE SHOW

Tune in to 90.7 FM or www.kboo.fm for bike-culture news, events and more, 9-9:30 am.

FIRST THURSDAY BY BIKE

Meet at 6 pm; locations change monthly. Check www.shifttobikes.org for more information. FREE

SECOND FRIDAY MIDNIGHT MYSTERY RIDE

Take a short jaunt in the moonlight to an unknown destination, meet fellow midnight riders.

Meet at 11 pm, ride at midnight. Ride starts are announced a week or so in advance. www.yeabikes.net/midnight for locations. FREE

THIRD FRIDAY BICYCLE PUB CRAWL

Sponsored by the Freaky Uppity Cycling Kids.

Meet at 6:30 pm, leave for second location at 8:30. Start locations are announced a week or so in advance. Listed at www.shifttobikes.org. FREE

SLUG VELO RIDES

A mellow tour with stops for coffee and yard sales. No one left behind.

Check www.slugvelo.com for dates and meeting locations. FREE

LAST FRIDAY BREAKFAST ON THE BRIDGES

Shift serves breakfast to bike commuters!

7-9 am on the bridges leading into downtown. www.shifttobikes.org. FREE

CRITICAL MASS

Make a political, environmental and societal statement by taking control of traffic with a group of fellow bikers.

North Park Blocks, at Northwest 9th Avenue and Couch Street, last Friday of each month at 5:30 pm. FREE

ROLLING PUB CRAWL

This is the good life. Combine leisurely bike rides with beautiful Oregon scenery and a thirst-quenching cold beer.

McMenamins Grand Lodge, 3505 Pacific Ave., Forest Grove, 992-9533, www.rollingpubcrawl.com. Two- to four-day tours June 27-30, July 26-29, Aug. 4-7 and/or Sept. 19-22. $479-$679.

WEEKLY

BIKE POLO

A semi-organized biking event for those adventurous enough to drink beer, ride, and wield a mallet.

Col. Summers Park, Southeast 20th Avenue and Belmont Street, www.axlesofevil.org. 6:30 pm Wednesdays. Alberta Park, Northeast 20th Avenue and Killingsworth Street, 2 pm Sundays. FREE

MONDAY-NIGHT MASTERS AND WOMEN PIR SERIES

It's fast and out of control--bike racing for men and women masters (30+) on a racetrack.

Portland International Raceway, 1940 N Victory Blvd., 975-8229, jim@eugeneevents.com, www.obra.org, 6:15 pm Mondays, May 3-Aug. 23. $12.

ZOOBOMB

Eat pizza, take the MAX to the zoo and bomb down the hill with fellow bikers.

Meet at Rocco's Pizza and Pasta, 949 SW Oak St., www.zoobomb.org. 8-9 pm Sundays. Bring $1.30 or a pass for the MAX ride. FREE

NOONTIME RIDES

These rides have been happening for about 10 years; the riders are serious, and the hills are steep.

Meet at the corner of Southwest Yamhill Street and Broadway, 228-5222. 12:20 pm Mondays and Thursdays. FREE

WOMEN-ONLY RIDES

Ride 20-30 miles through Portland at a moderate pace.

The Bike Gallery, 5329 NE Sandy Blvd., 281-9800, www.bikegallery.com. 9 am Sundays. FREE

WEDNESDAY WOMEN'S MECHANIC NIGHT

Pick a project and show up early for one of the six stands available and start work on that bike.

North Portland Bikeworks, 3951 N Mississippi Ave., 287-1098. 6-8 pm Wednesdays. FREE/donations.

SUMMER BIKE CAMP FOR KIDS

If you're between the ages of 8 and 15 and want to learn all about bike mechanics and riding, this is the place to be.

Community Cycling Center, 1700 NE Alberta St., 288-8864, www.communitycyclingcenter.org. 9 am-3 pm June 14-Aug. 30. $215/week.

VOLUNTEER ORIENTATION WEDNESDAYS

Come learn how to be involved in the biking community.

Community Cycling Center, 1700 NE Alberta St., 288-8864, www.communitycyclingcenter.org. 7-8 pm Wednesdays. FREE

MAY

BIKE COMMUTE DAY

Free food and drink for bicyclists who ride in.

Oregon Square Park, Northeast Holladay Street between 7th and 9th avenues. 7:30-9 am. FREE

LEWIS COUNTY HISTORIC BICYCLE RIDE

Scenic tour with four different routes through the countryside and views of the Cascade range. Food and showers included.

Stan Hedwall Park, Exit 76 off I-5, Chehalis, Wash., slick@localaccess.com, (360) 262-9647. 7:30-9:30 am Saturday, May 8. $20.

AUDUBON & BIKE GALLERY BIRDATHON

Bike Gallery and the Audubon Society have joined hands to raise money for birds. It's a 13-mile ride with the opportunity to spot at least 13 species.

Kelley Point Park, North Marine Drive and Lombard Street, www.bikegallery.com, 282-3455 ext. 232. 8 am Saturday, May 8. Minimum $35 in pledges.

KAISER PERMANENTE'S REACH THE BEACH

Choose from one of six different routes that take you from Oregon's wine country to the dunes of Cape Kiwanda.

Start time and location depends on route selected, rtb@lungoregon.org, 222-5868, www.reachthebeach.org. Saturday, May 15. $60.

FAT TIRE FARM SPRING FLING

Go have a fling on Mount Hood in a downhill bike event.

Hurricane Racing at Skibowl, 87000 E Highway 26, Government Camp, 503-272-0240, www.skibowl.com. 9 am Saturday, May 15. $5-$30 for permit.

LE TOUR DE VALLEY

Five fully supported rides, a five- to seven-mile hike or a leisurely walk to support the Special Olympics. Preregistration by May 12 guarantees a seat at the spaghetti feed.

Oregon Garden, 879 W Main, Silverton, 651-3013, www.bergfreunde.org. 8-10:30 am Saturday, May 22. $12-$20.

PENDLETON CENTURY RIDE

Study the history of eastern Oregon while pedaling on country roads and through the Umatilla Indian Reservation.

Pendleton Convention Center, 1601 Westgate, Pendleton, 800-547-8911, www.visitpendleton.us. Saturday-Monday, May 29-31. $35-$85.

COLUMBIA GORGE EXPLORER

Bike through the scenic gorge on this four-day tour covering 55-65 miles a day over Memorial Day weekend.

Meet at Starbucks, 11502 E Mill Plain Blvd., Vancouver, Wash., (360) 449-0804, www.pwtc.com, johoro@pcez.com. Friday, May 28. $4 (plus campground fees).

TRASH MOUNTAIN BOYS

Funny bike songs and other hilarity. A benefit for Shift.

At the Know, 2026 NE Alberta St., revphil@freegeek.org. 9 pm Friday, May 28. $15 members, $20 non-members.

CYCLE FOR THE VISION

Train in Portland with professional coaches in order to ride in "America's Most Beautiful Bike Ride" June 6 at Lake Tahoe. A benefit for Community Vision.

1750 SW Skyline Blvd., 292-4964, www.cvision.org. 9:30 am Saturdays through May 29. FREE weekly rides. Go to Tahoe by raising pledges.

JUNE

MOUNT HOOD CYCLING CLASSIC

Check out Oregon's own version of the grueling climbs and unbridled speed of the Tour de France in this five-stage, four-day race. Need current Oregon Bicycle Racing Association license.

Full Sail Brew Pub, 506 Columbia, Hood River, 541-980-2344, www.mthoodcyclingclassic.com. 5 pm first race, Thursday-Sunday, June 3-6. $75-$95.

SPRING CENTURY 2004

The ride offers three well-supported routes that travel past farms and orchards in the Willamette Valley.

694 NE 4th Ave., Canby, 266-1136 or 257-7982, www.pwtc.com. 7 am Saturday, June 5. $13-$20.

RACE ACROSS OREGON

This challenging 538-mile ultra-racing event through the Cascades will change your life. Must be Ultra Marathon Cycling Association member.

Portland Airport Holiday Inn, 8439 NE Columbia Blvd., (541) 738-0549 or (541) 760-1024, gcavet@comcast.net, www.raceacrossoregon.com. 5-9 am start times on Saturday and Sunday, June 5-6. $250-$725.

TRUE AMATEUR CRITERIUM SERIES

Learn to ride criteriums in a safe environment with experienced riders who help smooth out the rough edges. Must be Oregon Bicycle Racing Association member.

Greenhill Tech Park, 11th and Terry streets, Eugene, comotionclassic@aol.com, www.obra.org. 6 pm Mondays in June. $10.

MOUNT TABOR SERIES

Race on a 1.3-mile hilly loop around the upper reservoir.

Mount Tabor Park, Southeast 69th Avenue and Belmont Street, 936-2575, home. comcast.net/~clarkritchie/mttabor. 6-7:55 pm start times Wednesdays, June 9-July 14. $14 first race, $5 second race.

PEDALPALOOZA

Shift has organized an entire two week's worth of biking fun, including a naked ride (ouch), culminating with its own version of a county fair.

Full calendar of events is available at www.shifttobikes.org, 542-6900. 7 am-whenever Thursday-Saturday, June 10-26. Most events FREE.

STRAWBERRY CENTURY

Choose from a 55-, 70- or 100-mile ride through the hilly countryside on the back roads of Linn County.

Lebanon Union High School, 1700 S 5th St., Lebanon, www.santiamslowspokes.org. 7 am Saturday, June 12. $13-$45.

TOUR DE BLAST

Ride through the heart of the Mount St. Helens blast zone.

Toutle Lake High School (sponsored by Rotary Club), 5050 Spirit Lake Highway, 360-423-7329, Toutle, Wash., www.tourdeblast.com. 6:30 am Saturday, June 19. $30-$35.

ELKHORN CLASSIC STAGE RACE

A cyclist's dream comes to life in this challenging three-day, four-stage timed event. Oregon Bicycle Racing Association membership required.

Baker City High School, 2500 East St., Baker City, www.elkhornclassic.com. 9 am Friday-Sunday, June 25-27. $80.

MOUNTAIN LAKES CHALLENGE

Formerly known as the Ashland Triple Challenge, this event features two century loops and a 27-mile option.

Walker Elementary School, Corner of Ashland and Walker streets, Ashland, (541) 535-5276, www.siskiyouvelo.org. 7:30-10 am start times Saturday, June 26. $10-$30.

MULTNOMAH COUNTY BIKE FAIR

Shift's twist on the county fair. Crazy bike competitions, a midway of bike games, bicycle ballet and more. Competitions open to all.

Colonel Summers Park, Southeast 20th Avenue and Belmont Street, www.shifttobikes.org. 2-7 pm Saturday, June 26. FREE

WATERMELON RIDES

An event offering four moderately challenging routes through the central Willamette Valley.

Polk County Fairgrounds, 520 S Pacific Highway West, 623-3048, www.salembicycleclub.org/majrides/majrides.html. 9 am Sunday, June 27. $15-$20 membership fee.

JULY

SWEET SUMMER CYCLE

Tour the neighborhoods' best dessert shops by bike.

Arbor Lodge Park, North Bryant Street and Greeley Avenue, Tuesday, July 6. Unthank Park, North Failing Street and Kerby Avenue, Wednesday, July 7. 823-5266, www.portlandtransportation.org. 6-8 pm FREE (except for desserts).

SEATTLE TO PORTLAND BICYCLE CLASSIC (STP)

Tour the Northwest with 8,000 other bikers in a 200-mile, one- or two-day trek. It is a must for the bicycle enthusiast.

University of Washington's E-1 Parking Lot on Montlake Boulevard, Seattle, (260) 522-3222, www.cascade.org. Start 4:45-7:30 am Saturday-Sunday, July 17-18. $70-$80.

BIKE OREGON WINE COUNTRY

Velo and vine meet to kick off the summer ride season in the countryside alongside Oregon's wineries. Go for the sample tastings and ribs! Rides will continue every Sunday in August.

Eola Hills Winery, South Pacific Highway 99W, Rickreall, 623-2405, www.eolahillswinery.com. 2-8 pm Saturday, July 24 ($25), and Sundays in August, $65 for one ride, $50 each for multiple rides.

BEST WAYS TO GET TO ST. JOHNS

Get a guided tour that will show you the safest and easiest route from North Portland to St. Johns.

Arbor Lodge Park, North Bryant Street and Greeley Avenue, 823-5266, www.portlandtransportation.org. 6-8 pm Tuesday, July 27. FREE

BIKE GALLERY'S MIDSUMMER NIGHT CITY BIKE TOUR

Take a bike tour under a full moon. All rides, roller skating, and skate rental at Oaks Park are free to registrants.

Oaks Amusement Park, foot of Southeast Spokane Street, 282-3455 ext. 232, www.bikegallery.com. Midnight Saturday night, July 31. FREE

SUMMIT TO SURF

Ninth annual benefit ride for the American Diabetes Association offers eight routes between Mount Hood and Hood River.

Welches Elementary School, 24901 S Salmon River Road, 736-2770 ext. 7293, www.summittosurf.org. 6-8:30 am Saturday, July 31. $35-$45, plus $50 in pledges.

AUGUST

PARKS AND TREES TOUR

A scenic tour of Portland's parks and heritage trees.

Arbor Lodge Park, North Bryant Street and Greeley Avenue, 823-5266, www.portlandtransportation.org. 6-8 pm Tuesday, Aug. 3. FREE

BRIDGE PEDAL

Ride over the bridges in one of the largest cycling events in the United States. A unique opportunity to ride over seven bridges in Portland without automobile traffic.

281-9198, www.providence.org. Start times 7-9:30 am Sunday, Aug. 8. $20 individual/$15 juniors.

OREGON BICYCLE RIDE

This year's ride will follow quiet roads, dense forests, and several waterways, including the Rogue and Umpqua Rivers, and magnificent Crater Lake.

River Forks Park, Roseburg, (541) 385-5257, www.oregonbicycleride.org. Sunday-Saturday, Aug. 8-14. $675-$715.

EXPLORE NORTHEAST NEIGHBORHOODS

Pedal your way around the Lloyd, Alberta and Piedmont districts.

Unthank Park, North Failing Street and Kerby Avenue, 823-5266, www.portlandtransportation.org. 6-8 pm Wednesday, Aug. 11. FREE

20TH ANNUAL MS 150

Go the distance in the fight against MS. Teams and individuals of all ages and abilities can choose from a two-day, 150-mile course, a one-day, 75-mile option or a two-day, two-century option.

Pacific University, Forest Grove, 503-223-9511 or 1-800-FIGHTMS, www.ms150oregon.com. 8 am Saturday-Sunday, Aug. 14-15. $40.

VINE RIDE

Choose from three distance options starting at George Fox University. A benefit for Northwest Medical Teams.

George Fox University, 414 N Meridian St., Newberg, 800-390-6189, www.vineride.com. 6 am Saturday, Aug. 21. $42.

SMITH AND BYBEE LAKES

Who knew? North Portland's best bird-watching spots have a new bike trail.

Arbor Lodge Park, North Bryant Street and Greeley Avenue, 823-5266, www.portlandtransportation.org. 6-8 pm Tuesday, Aug. 24. FREE

RAPSODY 2004!

Pedal 150 miles around Puget Sound, gain 9,400 feet in elevation, and do it in one or two days.

Tacoma Dome Station parking structure, 430 E 25th St., Tacoma, Wash., 206-577-6999, www.rapsodyride.org. 6 am Saturday to 5 pm Sunday, Aug. 28-29. $75.

SEPTEMBER

BIKE COMMUTE CHALLENGE

It's an eco-sensitive way to get to work, and you can see how you measure up against your co-workers.

Bicycle Transportation Association, 717 SW 12th Ave., 226-0676, www.bta4bikes.org. All of September. FREE

CYCLE OREGON "BIG BLUE"

It's not a ride, it's an experience: 65 miles a day filled with amazing scenery, nights packed with great food and entertainment.

Seven Feathers Casino, Canyonville, (503) 287-0405 or 800-292-536, www.cycleoregon.com. 7 am Saturday, Sept. 11-18. $725. SOLD OUT.

EUGENE CELEBRATION CYCLING CLASSIC

A road race, a circuit race and kids events make this a biking event for all abilities and ages.

Crest Elementary School, 1155 Crest Drive, Eugene, (541) 975-8229, www.orbike.com. 10 am Monday-Tuesday, Sept. 20-21. $73 (with Oregon Bicycle Racing Association membership).

HOOD RIVER CYCLOCROSS CLASSIC

Kick off the 'cross season with a ride that offers a nice balance of hairy corners, wide-open fields, single track and pavement.

Hood River Valley High School, corner of Tucker and Windmaster roads, Hood River, 541-352-9333. 10:30 am Saturday, Sept. 25. $25 (with Oregon Bicycle Racing Association membership).

UMPQUA VALLEY FALL CENTURY

Spend a fall day biking in one of three moderate, fairly flat rides in and around Roseburg.

Stewart Park, Roseburg, 541-957-1020. 8 am Saturday, Sept. 25. $15.

PEACH OF A CENTURY

It's a peach of an event that includes a full 100-mile route and a 100-kilometer (62-mile) route that will make you feel fuzzy all over.

Chemeketa Community College, 4000 Lancaster Drive NE, Salem, (503) 399-5000, ttilque@operamail.com, www.salembicycleclub.org. 8 am Sunday, Sept. 26. $15-$20.

WILLAMETTE WEEK'S BIKE SCAVENGER HUNT

Get clues, ride the city, hunt for answers. You've got four hours to get it right and win a prize. How's that for special? Register at Willamette Week, 822 SW 10th Ave., 243-2122, wweek.com/bikescavengerhunt or REI, 1405 NW Johnson St., 221-1938, www.rei.com. 9 am Saturday, June 19. $10.