Pedal power propels cyclists over Portland’s bridges for Providence Bridge Pedal
July 25, 2008
WHAT: The 13th annual Providence Bridge Pedal and Bridge Stride, presented by the Oregonian, offers new routes with more lanes for cyclists, more time for riders to complete their routes and a family-friendly route with a registration discount.
WHEN: Providence Bridge Pedal Health and Wellness Expo: Saturday, Aug. 9
Providence Bridge Pedal and Providence Bridge Stride: Sunday, Aug. 10
DETAILS: More than 16,000 cyclists are expected at this year’s Providence Bridge Pedal, the second largest community bicycle ride in the country and the third largest in the world. They will pedal more than 500,000 miles on the streets and bridges of Portland. For those who prefer to walk, Providence Bridge Stride offers a five-mile alternative that includes the Fremont and Steel Bridges.
New this year:
New, 11-bridge, 37-mile ride for serious cyclists. This ride starts early and away from downtown with a police-escorted ride over the Fremont Bridge.
A family-friendly shorter ride with special discounts. This ride also starts later to ensure “fast” cyclists and families do not merge enroute.
More traffic lanes devoted to cyclists on the Ross Island Bridge– two lanes this year instead of one.
More time for cyclists to complete their routes.
The finish line has moved to Southwest Naito Parkway and Davis.
Going green: cyclists are encouraged to bring their own water bottles instead of relying on the plastic cups provided in past years. There will be plenty of cold, fresh water to refill water bottles along the route.
Once again this year, a portion of Providence Bridge Pedal proceeds will boost Providence Heart & Vascular Institute’s efforts to save the lives of people suffering heart attacks or other cardiac events. Providence Heart and Vascular Institute will use its portion of the proceeds to buy automated external defibrillators (AEDs) and donate them to selected gathering places in the community, such as stores, schools and libraries. An AED is a portable device used to restore normal heart rhythm to people experiencing cardiac arrest.
The Events:
9 a.m. – 5 p.m.
Saturday, Aug. 9
Providence Bridge Pedal Health and Wellness Expo (free)
DoubleTree Hotel – Lloyd Center
Here’s the best tip for a quick start to Providence Bridge Pedal – pick up your registration materials at the Health and Wellness Expo on Saturday and head straight for the start line on Sunday. The Expo also features activities for children, games, contests, and the latest in bicycle and fitness information.
Sunday, Aug. 10
Providence Bridge Pedal and Providence Bridge Stride
(registration required)
Bicycles take over the streets of Portland. This year’s most challenging ride takes seasoned cyclists over bridges 11 different times – starting with an exhilarating ride over the Fremont Bridge, through downtown on I-405 and over the Marquam Bridge. The 11-bridge ride is 37 miles long. Shorter options – a 24-mile and 14-mile ride are also available. All routes cross the top decks of the Fremont and Marquam bridges. Those who enjoy crossing the bridges on foot can take part in the 5-mile Providence Bridge Stride.
11-bridge ride – 37 miles Noteseparate start time/location: 6:30 a.m. – 7:30 a.m., North Kerby Street ramp to the Fremont Bridge.
Fee: $30 ($40 day of event)
Not recommended for young children
8-bridge ride – 24 miles
Start time/location: 7 a.m. – 7:30 a.m., Southwest Naito Parkway and Salmon Fee: $25 ($35 day of event)
6-bridge ride – 14 miles
Start time/location: 9 a.m. – 9:30 a.m., Southwest Naito Parkway and Salmon
Fee: $20 adults ($35 day of event)
$10 children under 12 ($20 day of event)
$50 families (up to four family members; discounted rate not available day of event)
Bridge Stride – 5 miles
Start time/location: 8:30 a.m., Southwest Naito Parkway and Ash
Fee: $15 adults ($20 day of event)
$10 seniors ($15 day of event)
Free for children under 12
Registration forms for all events are available online at www.providence.org/bridgepedal. Forms are also available by calling the Providence Bridge Pedal Hotline at 503-281-9198. Mail-in entries must be postmarked by Aug. 2.
