The Thursday Night Ride (Portland; every Thursday)

Starts at the foot of the Highway 26 bike path.

Better to buy a light and ride than to curse the darkness and get fat! Thus the Thursday Night Ride. This is an intermediate-level ride, and a great opportunity to improve technique and conditioning. I figure that if you’re nuts enough to come for a bike ride in the dark you might be motivated enough to want to become a better rider.

This is a great route — almost all bike path or low-traffic streets. It’s basically my “get ‘er done” ride, with 13 miles out and back and 1,400 feet of climbing. It can get longer and harder by doing some climbing in the cemetery, or doing the 3.5-mile Fairmount loop multiple times. Make it easier by skipping the climb to the top of Council Crest. There are also hill-repeat opportunities for the crazies.

GOOD BRIGHT LIGHTS, FRONT AND REAR, ARE MANDATORY! Duh.

There are no restroom facilities at the starting point.

This is an all-weather ride; only freezing weather will cancel it.

This ride will repeat until we “spring forward,” at which time it will move out to Helvetia.

Route stats: The basic loop is 13 miles with 1,400 feet of climbing.

Pace and terrain rating: TBA.

Type of ride: This is an intermediate-level training ride. We will regroup at hilltops and major turns. If you are concerned about your ability to keep up, feel free to give it a shot, but be a good sport and be prepared to make your own way back if the pace is too much.

Weather Cancellation Policy: Only extreme weather will cancel this ride.

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Mandatory for all riders:

Helmets must be worn at all times while riding. This is a requirement and not a request. Obey traffic laws and remember you’re a representative of the greater cycling community and should conduct yourself that way on the road. Represent us well!

Have your ride in good working order and bring a flat kit and the right size spare tube on all rides. If there is an issue with lack of proper working equipment, you may be asked to sit the ride out.

Please ask for help if you are ill-equipped prior to the ride — we will help if we can!