"Ride Like A Girl" Beginners Explore NE/SE Portland & Laurelhurst Park (10mi)

Exploring NE/SE Portland Neighborhoods & Bikeways with Picnic at Laurelhurst Park! 9:00am start (come early to order a cup of coffee!)

About the Ride: This is a beginner's road ride but will have some challenge to it. No bike paths, we'll be taking to the streets. East Portland is mostly flat, but we'll encounter some mild ups and downs (be prepared to practice using those low gears). Come and learn about "Portland Bikeways"; specially designed low-traffic roads for cyclists.

Length: Plan on this being a little longer than usual ride since we'll be stopping for a picnic (est. 3-4 hours). I also anticipate we'll need some extra breaks to catch our breaths after the bits of climbing we'll be doing. Bring a lunch or hearty snack!

Meeting Point: Palio Coffee and Dessert House (see above for address & link to map)

The Route: http://ridewithgps.com/routes/2738164

Lesson: Rules of the Road when Out and About Town! Our lesson will be given by Cynthia Newton, STCN Portland Trial Attorney and Bicycling Advocate!! You won't want to miss this informative session on safety tips and bicycle laws for cycling in the city and residential areas. Look for us inside the coffee shop.

Required:

Helmets must be worn at all times while riding. This is a requirement for all NW Butts on Bikes rides. This is one of the basic (and simple) ways we protect ourselves from injury. Please don't forget your helmet! Bring a right-size spare tube. If you get a flat, we can probably help, but you need to supply the tube! Your bike must be in in good working order. If you're not sure, stop by a local bike shop and ask a mechanic to look it over for safety and basic ridability. Western Bikeworks on NW 17th and NW Lovejoy is one of many friendly shops that are happy to do this. Anything more technical than a flat and you may need to walk the route or call someone for help. Let's do our best to avoid those scenarios by having your bike in good shape! Cell phone Never go on a ride without one! No ear buds please Strongly recommended:

riding/cycling gloves helps keep a good grip in spite of perspiration; protects your hands from blistering, and protects your skin in the unlikely event of a fall. sun/riding glasses (protection yourself from the sun and little flying bugs that can wreck your vision in an instant!) Water: Available at the trailhead - just remember to bring your bottle. Restrooms: Purchase something at the coffee shop and I'm sure you can use the restroom. Other restroom stops along the way at Clinton and Laurelhurst Parks.

Ride Leaders:Carolyn 503-913-3534 and Janet.

Pace and Terrain: This is a beginner ride with an easy pace of 10-14 mph. This is a comfortable riding speed for new cyclists and beginners. It is relatively flat on paved roads in SE & NE Portland. We will cross a few busy streets, making use of traffic signals. Using the scale below, I would rate as B2. For more information, contact Carolyn at ridelikeaPDXgirl@gmail.com .

Ride Difficulty Scale For Road Rides

Flatland Windless Cruising Pace

· A 12 & Under

· B 13-14 MPH

· C 15-16 MPH

· D 17-18 MPH

· E 19-20 MPH

· F 21-23 MPH

Terrain/Climbing Rating

· 1 = Flat

· 2 = Flat/Rolling

· 3 = Rolling

· 4 = Rolling / Hilly

· 5 = Hilly

· 6 = Hilly Mountainous

· 7= Mountainous

Weather Policy: This ride will only cancel for heavy rain. Light showers are no big deal, especially for such a short ride. Consider wearing a light wind breaker type jacket if showers are in the forecast. (I can't tell you how many times that days with showers in the forecast turned out to be dry and beautiful.)

Ride Like A Girl is a subgroup of Northwest Butts on Bikes Meetup group. It is a beginner cycling group for women who want to improve their cycling and bike safety skills. For more information contact ridelikeaPDXgirl@gmail.com