Harvest Century: 2014’s Final Organized Bike Ride


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September is coming to a close, and with it, Portlanders are saying goodbye to sunshine, sandals and the end of the cycling season. The region saw more than 50 organized bike rides this year, from the New Year’s Day Ride on Jan. 1 to Pedalpalooza in June and beyond—but there is only one left.

The 12th annual Harvest Century Bike Ride, slated to take place this Sunday, Sept. 28 from 6:30 a.m.–5:30 p.m. in Hillsboro, offers pedal pushers one final opportunity to participate in a ride this year.

Organized bike rides are growing in number and popularity, as cycling rapidly gains momentum amongst the people of Portland and beyond. The city’s vast, diverse and ever-growing cycling culture is a haven for outdoor enthusiasts and recreation devotees alike. Organized bike rides draw in all types of cyclists from leisure riders to committed commuters and from long-distance travelers to beginning bikers. The Harvest Century Bike Ride is no exception, and it’s an outstanding opportunity for both seasoned and novice riders to enjoy the autumn air and meet fellow cycling fans.harvest

Cyclists participating in this Sunday’s ride will choose between three route distances: 45 miles, 75 miles or 100 miles. A three-mile family course is also open for riders from 2:30–4:30 p.m. All courses begin and end at the downtown Hillsboro Civic Center. The 75- and 100-mile courses are open from 7 a.m.–5:15 p.m., while the 45-mile route is open from 9 a.m.–5:15 p.m.

All routes start out heading northwest from Hillsboro before turning south toward Forest Grove. From there, 45-mile riders will loop back up to Hillsboro, while the rest of the cyclists head south toward Newberg. Those riding 75 miles will split off and head east through Sherwood before going back up to Hillsboro. Cyclists taking on the full 100-mile adventure will continue east from Newberg, going through Wilsonville and Canby before turning northwest through Sherwood and back to Hillsboro.

Like all organized rides, Harvest Century isn’t about speed or competition. Rather, the event pushes riders to experience new things and appreciate the breathtaking scenery just outside Portland’s city limits. Bicyclists are encouraged to take breaks along the way and can expect rests for hot cider, volunteer care and even wine tasting at a local vineyard (five tastes for $5).

Upon finishing the course, riders will be met with food, beer and live entertainment at the Finish Line Party from 12:30–5:30 p.m. There will be events and activities for both children and adults. With the registration fee, cyclists also receive breakfast before the ride and a hot catered dinner in the evening. Late registration is open until the day of the event and costs $65, while registration for the family route is free. Proceeds from the ride go to Community Vision, Inc., a local company that supports and helps those with disabilities.

Before you take a break from your brakes for the winter months, head out to Hillsboro this Sunday for the last organized bike ride of the year. Whether you’re up for three miles or 100, you’re guaranteed to have a great experience and attain new appreciation for autumn in the Pacific Northwest. Like the saying goes, life is full of ups and downs, so put your hands in the air and enjoy the ride!

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Kat Banks
Kat Banks hails from the deserts of Arizona and jumped ship to Portland in 2010. Within a year, she ditched her Arizona sports loyalties and became an avid fan of all things Portland, regularly attending Blazers and Timbers games (including their MLS opener in 2011!).
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