Pacific Northwest - Bike Travel options from PDX to North Portland area

I'm debating whether it's easier to take the MAX from the airport toward downtown and take a road north, or to take the bike from the airport and continue westbound on NE Killingsworth St.

I need to get to the Peninsula Park Rose Garden area if that helps. I will traveling with my folder.

Please give me suggestions as to what roads are tolerable. I am used to cycling in LA/SF traffic, so you don't have to pamper me too much. ;)

EDIT: What about the NE Marine Drive then go South before the 5 somewhere. That looks promising.

This will be totally easy for you. I've got some wonderful bike maps. Let me look at them today and I'll get back to you. :)

Are you coming in time for the NAHBS?

East Hill

EDIT: What about the NE Marine Drive then go South before the 5 somewhere. That looks promising.

Marine Drive to NE 33rd or N Interstate are pretty good routes, depending on your time of day and how far south you're traveling. I can't remember the names of all the side streets around 33rd once you get closer to Killingsworth.

They did build that new path between Airport Way and Marine Drive that makes it a lot easier to get to the path along the river.

I had a chance to look at my map. I would take 82nd out of the Airport. There is a bike lane on that stretch, though the map below doesn't show it. (I've got a newer paper version.) Then take a right onto Killingsworth and travel that all the way to N. Williams. Turn right, then make a left onto Ainsworth. You'll ride right past the Rose Garden that way. This is bare bones practical, and if you're from California, you won't have a problem riding this route.

Try using these (http://www.portlandonline.com/shared/cfm/image.cfm?id=181862) maps (http://www.portlandonline.com/shared/cfm/image.cfm?id=181710) online if you want something more scenic. Most LBS'es have them available for free.

you can take the MAX red line from the airport to the Rose Quarter and transfer to the MAX yellow line to get to North Portland, or you can ride part or all of the distance. I wouldn't take Marine Drive unless you feel comfortable sharing a fairly narrow levee-top road with heavy 50 mph traffic including a lot of big trucks.




http://trimet.org/images/maps/maxsystemmap.gif

I had a chance to look at my map. I would take 82nd out of the Airport. There is a bike lane on that stretch, though the map below doesn't show it. (I've got a newer paper version.) Then take a right onto Killingsworth and travel that all the way to N. Williams. Turn right, then make a left onto Ainsworth. You'll ride right past the Rose Garden that way. This is bare bones practical, and if you're from California, you won't have a problem riding this route.

Try using these (http://www.portlandonline.com/shared/cfm/image.cfm?id=181862) maps (http://www.portlandonline.com/shared/cfm/image.cfm?id=181710) online if you want something more scenic. Most LBS'es have them available for free.

I spoke w/ my buddy who I'm visiting and he recommended I just take Max until I get close to Williams and take that North. But plugging in your directions via gmap-pedometer.com I see that it's only 6.5 miles from the Airport to his house. Thanks for the maps, they remind me of the LA Metro version. Depending on the weather and how I feel, I may just start from the Airport.

As for re-assembling my bike. Is there a shuttle that will take you to the Economy lot? Ideally there'd be a covered area where I can put it back together...

Thanks for the suggestions.

And unfortunately I won't be there for NAHBS (the weekend after). Too bad as I just got my Bike Friday.
;)

yes there is a shuttle, and I would only recommend taking Killingsworth until about NE 42nd, after than (deeper toward north Portland) it is no good (cars parked on shoulder, 30+mph traffic). If you can bear it I would take Killingsworth to (right) on NE 33rd then (left) to NE Ainsworth, as the rose garden is actually on Ainsworth as it crosses into N Portland.

good luck and keep looking at your maps.