3 Reasons to Pedal Portland

There’s a lot to love about this infamously “weird” city. But if cycling turns your crank, you might love living here, too.

Let it be known: Portland’s two-wheeled allure isn’t reserved for avid commuters. There’s technical mountain biking nearby and few metros eclipse Portland's vital road scene.

Take note of three reasons why Portland, Oregon’s in the running to poach Steamboat’s “Bike Town, USA” moniker.

1. Don’t pollute, bike commute.

Six percent of Portland commuters bike to work. That's the highest in the U.S for a large city, according to the Portland Bureau of Transportation. By comparison, the national average is 0.5%.

Folks aren’t cycling simply to avoid burning fossil fuels. There’s plenty to look at beyond the ocean of flannel and beards. The Willamette River divides Portland in half, so commutes often involve crossing bridges. Among the eight bridges that span the river, two are one-of-a-kind. The Hawthorne Bridge (pictured here), is the oldest lift bridge still operating in the U.S. Perhaps more impressively, the Steel Bridge is the only double deck telescoping vertical lift bridge in the world. 

Image via Lauren Dees

2. Are the mountains calling? Bike ‘em.

Image via Connor Wiles

Portland isn’t reknowned for mountain biking. That doesn’t stop enthusiasts from enjoying a plethora of technical and rolling rides about an hour away.

Syncline Trail, Old Hwy 8, White Salmon, WA

Length: 11 Miles

Difficult: Hard

The Syncline launches with a continuous climb. Downshift the difficulty by opting for the dirt road instead of the rocky switchbacks. The downhill is all gas as you wind through sections of tight forests, rocky fields and open orchards. Those who brave the technical twists are rewarded with Columbia River views.

3. Ride for fun (a novel concept).

Image via Connor Wiles

Portland’s got it’s fair share of Strava-addicted cyclists chasing down centuries and triathlons. If you’re training religiously, it’s easy to forget the child-like joy biking can inspire. Remember racing up a hill and then soaring back down? Portland is the perfect place to bike simply for fun. On one of those elusive sunny days, try this 18-miler on for size.

Mount Tabor and Rocky Butte

Length: 18 Miles

Difficulty: Intermediate

Remember pedaling up a hill then zooming down? Mount Tabor and Rocky Butte are the grown-up versions. Cyclists cruise through old Portland neighborhoods before pedaling to the top of active volcanoes. It’s definitely a workout, but each peak offers lush parks and gorgeous views of the Portland skyline. The reward? When gravity gets its way on the descent.