Pacific Northwest - Waxing poetic about Portland.

I live in NH but traveled to Portland, OR last weekend for a technical conference (RailsConf). I visited Portland once a couple of years ago - before I got back into riding - and remember being impressed with the number of cyclists and bike lines. Now returning to visit it as a passionate cycling enthusiast, all I can say is WOW! Cyclists practically saturate the city (downtown, at least), and this place really is a cycling Mecca.

If I were to walk into a bar in NH with my bike helmet and gloves on and order a beer, I'd get more than a few strange looks. Out there, no one bats an eyelash. I've dealt with honking and/or screaming drivers who don't feel cyclists belong on the road, and if anything, Portland is the opposite (I witnessed many cyclists taking the lane and acting like they own the road, which seemed a bit inconsiderate to drivers from my driving-centric perspective). I even had the chance to ride in a bicycle pedicab (sp?) through downtown and drivers didn't freak out when they got stuck behind us - they passed around us if it was safe, and hung back if it was not.

To top off what I was able to witness, a couple of friends from the city loaned me a bike and we went riding around at 10 PM one night. Riding at night where I live is something I wouldn't even attempt doing out of fear for my safety. But we flew down roads with bike lanes and rode along some bike paths, everywhere we went seeing more cyclists, even at this hour of the night.

My wife is open to the idea of relocating to Portland, and seriously I think it could very well happen within the next year. I've been researching the pros and cons of it and talked with a lot of locals while I was out there. Dealing with the weather is something I'm willing to try. Anyway I'll be continuing my research but wanted to say how amazing this city is for cycling and bike commuting enthusiasts. It's really like entering another universe.

Scott

Another big pro of Portland is that there are a ton of great brew pubs if you are into micro brews.

You can't really just "deal with" the weather here. You have to learn to love the rain. I mean, you have to miss the rain when it isn't raining. If you can do that, you've got no worries. The sun shines all summer, and the temperatures almost never get above 85 or below 40. We've got two seasons, rain and shine, which last about six months each.

But don't underestimate the rain. The year I moved here, it rained every day in November -- literally every single day. I thought it was a freak thing, and it kind of was -- usually there are a few days scattered in there when it's just cloudy. A recent CNN article said it only rains once a year in Portland...from October to May. On the other hand, it's usually light rain.

Twelve years later, I love the rain. I really do.

A recent CNN article said it only rains once a year in Portland...from October to May.

CNN was much to kind. It rains here more like Oct. 15th to July 15th. Not very hard just a steady drippy drizzly. 40 years here of bicycle riding and counting.

At least you don't have to shovel the stuff like ZPL would in NH. I have lived in Central PA and East Georgia and would take Oregon weather over either of those. You can't beat May to October around here, and I will always put up with drizzlle and rain over umpteen feet of snow.

The year I moved here, it rained every day in November -- literally every single day. I thought it was a freak thing, and it kind of was -- usually there are a few days scattered in there when it's just cloudy. A recent CNN article said it only rains once a year in Portland...from October to May. On the other hand, it's usually light rain.

Twelve years later, I love the rain. I really do.
Was that November 1996 by chance?

Was that November 1996 by chance?

Yes. I moved here that June and got the glorious Oregon summer, and then they dumped that winter on me. :)

Yes. I moved here that June and got the glorious Oregon summer, and then they dumped that winter on me. :)
That was my first November, too. I moved here in September 1996. That was quite the winter. :)

the floods didn't happen until February

I moved to Portland from Miami Fl almost 2 years ago but didn't start bike riding on a daily basis til about a month ago, I was very scared because well, Miami is NOT a bike friendly place (we have the worst drivers in the country:( so needless to say I was a bit reluctant, until I bought my own bike for exercise purposes, now I love it! I just went from downtown to my house bike riding yesterday and it was amazing (must sound like a geek but anyone who knows me knows its a great accomplishment for me!) Its all about a bike friendly city that allows people like me from major cities appreciate how much fun bike riding can be and needless to say how good it is for the environment. About the weather, yeeeahh it sucks at time. But I think everything else about the city and the nice people that live here are worth it.

Did you hear about Sunday Parkways (http://www.portlandonline.com/transportation/index.cfm?&c=46103) happening this weekend?

My wife is open to the idea of relocating to Portland, and seriously I think it could very well happen within the next year. I've been researching the pros and cons of it and talked with a lot of locals while I was out there. Dealing with the weather is something I'm willing to try. Anyway I'll be continuing my research but wanted to say how amazing this city is for cycling and bike commuting enthusiasts. It's really like entering another universe.
Scott

My wife and I relocated from the East to West coast just over a year ago, but we ended up in Bellingham, WA. Portland and Vancouver, BC are my favorite cities in this part of the country. I love Seattle as well, and many of the smaller towns we have visited. It's just a great area. Bellingham is fantastic. Family is one of the reasons we moved to Bellingham, but we also wanted to live in a smaller city on the Sound. We lived in Washington, DC for ten years; and just wanted to see what a smaller city would be like. My wife has never been to Portland, but I have warned her that when we visit she is going to smack me for not suggesting we move there instead (actually...I think I did suggest that).

I visited Portland around 2000 for a conference, and spent an additional three or four days hanging out with some friends who moved to Portland in the mid 90s. One of the first things I noticed was how bicycle and pedestrian friendly it is. I also loved the architecture and parks... it's really one of the more attractive cities I've visited. I also like the weirdness of it. There are funky bars and interesting characters aplenty. Not to mention great food, wine, and beer.

You will find that many parts of the Pacific Northwest have most of these advantages, but Portland is a very unique place from the perspective of an outsider. As has been mentioned, you do have to adjust to the weather a bit. Personally I think the weather, on the whole, is much better than what we would experience in DC. Yes it rains frequently, but it is usually light enough to be out in. The bigger adjustment for us has been the lack of sunlight. Winter in Bellingham (which is significantly farther North, so maybe Portland is not so bad) means the sun is only up from about 8:30am to 4:30pm. If you work an 8-to-5 job the only sunlight you see will be during your lunch break... and that is likely to be overcast if not rainy. I think we both suffered a bit from seasonal affective disorder this past Winter. When it's already dark as you leave the office, things can get a little depressing. Lights and fenders are common accessories you see on pretty much every bike during the winter months. At least it doesn't get that cold, but it doesn't get that warm either...at least not until July. You just have to get used to being cold and damp, but not freezing. Just cold and damp. And maybe a little pasty.

Summers are so nice here that you almost feel guilty for being so comfortable while the rest of the country swelters in heat. The only thing that makes Summer hard is knowing that you will pay for those long days and perfect temperatures. You will pay it all back during the Winter.

Hopefully the job and housing markets in Portland are in good shape. The housing market in the Pacific Northwest is out of control in some areas. In Bellingham the cost of housing is way out of line with the salaries whether you're renting or buying. The job market in Bellingham is also quite slow. My wife and I work in fields where jobs were available, but we both took big pay cuts to move. The job markets and salaries in Portland and Seattle should be better.

Sean

Another for the rain.

I was on vacation last couple weeks in the east: Toronto, Niagra-on-the-Lake, Chicago, and it was hot and humid. Ugh. There were warnings to people about exercising---the weather conditions made the smog worse. I couldn't wait until I got back to cooler temps.

And, I got what I wished for. Yesterday AM it was cool and rainy. I had to wear my mittens on the commute in. This morning, cool, but no rain and no mittens. I am smiling now. :thumb:

But, if it was 75 and sunny, I wouldn't complain!

Today, it's 83 degrees and sunny. Perfect day for a ride or anything else. It will be like this for most of the time until October. Portland has glorious summers - typically starting in late June/early July and lasting into late September/early October. Very little rain, not humid, not too hot except for the occasional foray into the high 90s/100s. Makes the rainy parts of the year a bit more tolerable.

Portland has the best summers with lots going on.....Bridge Pedal, STP, Pedal Palooza, Naked Ride, Oregon beerfest, on and on on. I love this city and would not live anywhere else!

I commute to work from SE Portland to Lake Oswego everyday, rain or shine and 90% of my trip is on bike paths and residential streets. I look forward to my commute and it makes my work bearable.

Come for a visit....the bike community is the BEST!

i hate the bike culture here and most of the people are jackasses. regardless of whether they are on a bike, or not.

^^^ that's real positive! way to go dude!

:thumb:

:lol:

i hate the bike culture here and most of the people are jackasses. regardless of whether they are on a bike, or not.
I'm sure they're quite fond of you, too.

i hate the bike culture here and most of the people are jackasses. regardless of whether they are on a bike, or not.

So what you're saying is, cyclists are every bit equals to others in Portland? :roflmao2:

All I have to say about Portland weather is -- freezing rain, WTF? Living in Seattle, I simply couldn't comprehend what our southern neighbors did wrong to deserve such a curse.

The only month you can really plan on not having rain is August; any outdoor company picnics or the like should be planned for then, lest it be rained out. July is usually fairly safe after the 4th, but then again, it looks like rain today.

It's called weather or "whether"..."whether" you can handle the weather or not. Everyplace place has it, everyone has to deal with it, be it snow, tornados or a bit of drizzle, it's everywhere it's everywhere.
Bump your budget to include a weatherproof jacket, some shoe covers, a fender job and it's nothin' you can't handle, especially with a cup of the sweet nectar of the NW known as "real" coffee to warm your innards after a damp ride.

Livin' the lifestyle in Portland for years now and lovin' everyday!

I agree to a point, and for the most part the discussion of NW weather is overblown, but it is a serious problem for many people. I lived in Seattle for 21 years and simply couldn't handle it. I hated not seeing the sun, I hated the way the constant grey made me feel, I hated all of my outdoor plans being ruined by freak unexpected storms. The impact of the water itself can be minimized by good wardrobe and planning -- hell I rarely wore a jacket and never used an umbrella. However, the impact of the constant dreariness is not as easy for many people to manage.

I'm always amazed that east coasters don't seem to mind digging their cars out of the snow every day all winter long. To me, that seems like a complete and utter dealbreaker, I would never want to put up with that -- but the people who lived there just seem to shrug it off, you just get used to it, it's part of life. I don't think the depressing weather in the NW is as easily shrugged off by many people. It's not an inconvenience the way digging out of snow is, it's a bit more insidious.

Andy_K is right, you need to be able to love it. If you dislike it before you move to the NW, you're likely kidding yourself if you say you'll be able to get used to it.

I just spent 3 days in Hood River.

Hood River
Hood River
Hood River

Closest thing to paradise on earth, IMHO.

I agree to a point, and for the most part the discussion of NW weather is overblown, but it is a serious problem for many people. I lived in Seattle for 21 years and simply couldn't handle it. I hated not seeing the sun, I hated the way the constant grey made me feel, I hated all of my outdoor plans being ruined by freak unexpected storms. The impact of the water itself can be minimized by good wardrobe and planning -- hell I rarely wore a jacket and never used an umbrella. However, the impact of the constant dreariness is not as easy for many people to manage.

I'm always amazed that east coasters don't seem to mind digging their cars out of the snow every day all winter long. To me, that seems like a complete and utter dealbreaker, I would never want to put up with that -- but the people who lived there just seem to shrug it off, you just get used to it, it's part of life. I don't think the depressing weather in the NW is as easily shrugged off by many people. It's not an inconvenience the way digging out of snow is, it's a bit more insidious.

Andy_K is right, you need to be able to love it. If you dislike it before you move to the NW, you're likely kidding yourself if you say you'll be able to get used to it.

People do get tired of digging themselves out, then, summer comes and they complain about heat/humidity and wish it was winter again. :roflmao2:

The difference is, in the east, you get some darn cold days in the winter---but these are those high pressure cells that are cloudless. Some of the clearest, brightest (light) days that I have experienced have been in the winter. You get sun and reflection off the snow, a double-whammy.

Been living in the NW since 1965(Seattle, Portland, Olympia, Vancouver). On the Westside of Oregon/Washington there isn't much variation weatherwise from Vancouver BC clear down to Eugene, OR but Puget Sound moderates the weather a little, giving somewhat cooler Summers & a bit warmer, but still cool/wet Winter. There are times when it will snow North of Seattle/Everett but rain to the South.

The biggest negative I noticed living in Portland was the Winter wind throughout the Eastside of the city. The wind chill makes it feel colder & Winter commuting is more difficult. It is much windier than Seattle or Olympia. This is caused by the geography of the Columbia River Gorge and sometimes produces ice storms or snow in the Eastside while there is just rain Downtown & on the Westside. Don

I've only been to Portland a handful of times, but am off the opinion they should trade some of those rivers for some hills. :D

So what you're saying is, cyclists are every bit equals to others in Portland? :roflmao2:

All I have to say about Portland weather is -- freezing rain, WTF? Living in Seattle, I simply couldn't comprehend what our southern neighbors did wrong to deserve such a curse.

The only month you can really plan on not having rain is August; any outdoor company picnics or the like should be planned for then, lest it be rained out. July is usually fairly safe after the 4th, but then again, it looks like rain today.

Hmmm? I'd rather deal with rain than wild fires and EVENTUALLY lack of water because in 10 years, LA will be like Las Vegas with serious water rations.

So it rains, big whoop, put on a rain jacket and get on with your day. If you can't handle that, move out.

Hmmm? I'd rather deal with rain than wild fires and EVENTUALLY lack of water because in 10 years, LA will be like Las Vegas with serious water rations.

I'll make sure to avoid LA then.



So it rains, big whoop, put on a rain jacket and get on with your day. If you can't handle that, move out.

Seems to contradict the above.

It is capable of getting nasty at times!
I'm about 70 miles S of the WA/OR bridge, I've gone out to my car and found 2" of solid ice covering the it. Definitely not typical, but...then again, I've only seen 1 tornado in nearly 30 years of living here.

All I have to say about Portland weather is -- freezing rain, WTF? Living in Seattle, I simply couldn't comprehend what our southern neighbors did wrong to deserve such a curse.

I've often remarked that winters in Portland (imho) are among the worst to attempt to travel in precisely because of that. Mild winters + Gorge winds mean we often get wet slushy snow, freezing rain, or random ice storms. Often the snow will melt a little during the day, freezing overnight to a nice icy base under the next day's snow.

Winters in the Rockies and Minnesota seemed easier to get around in by comparison.

PDX is rather susceptible to those rapid changes. Many times, I-84 is shut down as is I-5 down to Salem. I'm another 25 miles, so often I'll still be fine.
50 years ago, if I slipped on the ice, I got up. Now, I hope....

Portland, Oregon sits in the largest Temperate Rain Forest on Earth which goes from approximately Eureka, California to Juneau, Alaska. Any cities that sit in this region are known for rain, with the exception of a few "Banana Belts" micro climates in the San Juan Islands around Friday Harbor and the Southern Coastal portion of Oregon from Gold Beach to Ashland.

I find the rain one of the best things about Portland, overcast days, and a light mist keeps everything green and fresh and roses grow like weeds here.
From an international perspective the climate, most notably the overcast days and drizzles have been compared to the weather of London and even more so Paris.

Portland, Oregon is the most beautiful and European of USA cities, while Vancouver, British Columbia is the most beautiful and European (with a wonderfully sizable Asian community) of North American cities.

Keep in mind that in Portland, Oregon you mostly just experience two seasons, a long Spring and an equally as long and beautiful Autumn. A true Summer and Winter are basically non-existent here and are at best a month or two long each, respectively. Rarely do you get ice or snow in the city proper of Portland in the winter, and rarely in the summer does the temperature rise above 90 degrees Fahrenheit.

Oregon is fortunate enough to host two of the top three bike communities in the USA, they are in order below:

1. Corvallis, Oregon
2. Boulder, Colorado
3. Portland, Oregon

Portland is of course the #1 Bicycle friendly community for large cities in the USA, having lived in Boulder I can confirm that Boulder is far superior to Portland for a bike friendly town to live in. Corvallis which I am moving to at the end of the month far out shines both Boulder and Portland.

That said I can confirm that Portland has many positive attributes and the best way to see Portland is by Bicycle. The Eastbank Esplanade and the Springwater Trail are two of my favorite Bike/Pedestrian Only trails, The Waterfront Loop from the Steel Bridge to the Sellwood Bridge is spectacular, the west bank (below the Waterfront Park) is a gem to go through and rarely traveled. For a real challenge head NW via St. Helens and ride across the St. Johns Bridge. Also when on the Springwater Trail don't forget to stop and visit Sellwood, perhaps the coolest neighborhood village in Portland. Stop at New Seasons in Sellwood and pick up a lunch and have a picnic at Johnson Creek further up the Springwater Trail.

While the drivers here are more friendly remember that Portland is occupied by many people from elsewhere most notably California and the East Coast, unfortunately some of them bring their bad driving habits with them and are less then hospitable at times. Also the tourist on the Waterfront Park make it top spot to avoid while riding a bike, the Pedestrians often don't understand the concept that it is a shared bike/pedestrian path, even with an audibly loud bell and vocal warning they persist to stay in the way, often times it is better to walk the bike through the Waterfront Park. The Eastbank Esplanade is much better but can be troublesome also, once you pass OMSI and The Portland Opera house and connect on the Springwater Trail you will find the true pleasure of Portland by bike. If you can pick up the "Portland by Bicycle" map this will be your best guide if you are new to the city and unfamiliar with the bike routes. I picked up my copy at the Saturday Market for free, it is also available online at:

http://www.portlandonline.com/TRANSPORTATION/index.cfm?c=34809&a=70221

Try to stick to the "Multi-use Paths" (purple) which are closed to Motor Vehicles and the "Bike Lanes" (Blue), you'll find that you will often have to go also on "Shared Roadway" (solid green), which are mostly fine as marked on the map. Some other fine maps that are a great reference which are also put out by the City of Portland Office of Transportation are the "Portland Walking Maps" which also show the Multi-Use Paths, Bike Lanes and Shared roadways, these maps I picked up for free at Weir's Cyclery in North Portland, they may also be available online at the link above.

If you are moving to Portland for the first time don't make the mistake and move out to the burbs for cheaper housing, while your square footage will increase your quality of life will greatly decrease. I live in the historic Alphabet District in the NW side of town; and love it, but if I was to stay in Portland I would move to Sellwood. Avoid the Pearl like the plague!

If you are looking for the best of the best in Bicycle friendly communities Boulder, Colorado and even more so Corvallis, Oregon far out shine Portland, Oregon.

Again, if you must live in a "big" city and desire a bicycle friendly environment Portland, Oregon is the best.

Portland, Oregon sits in the largest Temperate Rain Forest on Earth which goes from approximately Eureka, California to Juneau, Alaska. Any cities that sit in this region are known for rain, with the exception of a few "Banana Belts" micro climates in the San Juan Islands around Friday Harbor and the Southern Coastal portion of Oregon from Gold Beach to Ashland.

I find the rain one of the best things about Portland, overcast days, and a light mist keeps everything green and fresh and roses grow like weeds here.
From an international perspective the climate, most notably the overcast days and drizzles have been compared to the weather of London and even more so Paris.

Portland, Oregon is the most beautiful and European of USA cities, while Vancouver, British Columbia is the most beautiful and European (with a wonderfully sizable Asian community) of North American cities.

Keep in mind that in Portland, Oregon you mostly just experience two seasons, a long Spring and an equally as long and beautiful Autumn. A true Summer and Winter are basically non-existent here and are at best a month or two long each, respectively. Rarely do you get ice or snow in the city proper of Portland in the winter, and rarely in the summer does the temperature rise above 90 degrees Fahrenheit.

Oregon is fortunate enough to host two of the top three bike communities in the USA, they are in order below:

1. Corvallis, Oregon
2. Boulder, Colorado
3. Portland, Oregon

Portland is of course the #1 Bicycle friendly community for large cities in the USA, having lived in Boulder I can confirm that Boulder is far superior to Portland for a bike friendly town to live in. Corvallis which I am moving to at the end of the month far out shines both Boulder and Portland.

That said I can confirm that Portland has many positive attributes and the best way to see Portland is by Bicycle. The Eastbank Esplanade and the Springwater Trail are two of my favorite Bike/Pedestrian Only trails, The Waterfront Loop from the Steel Bridge to the Sellwood Bridge is spectacular, the west bank (below the Waterfront Park) is a gem to go through and rarely traveled. For a real challenge head NW via St. Helens and ride across the St. Johns Bridge. Also when on the Springwater Trail don't forget to stop and visit Sellwood, perhaps the coolest neighborhood village in Portland. Stop at New Seasons in Sellwood and pick up a lunch and have a picnic at Johnson Creek further up the Springwater Trail.

While the drivers here are more friendly remember that Portland is occupied by many people from elsewhere most notably California and the East Coast, unfortunately some of them bring their bad driving habits with them and are less then hospitable at times. Also the tourist on the Waterfront Park make it top spot to avoid while riding a bike, the Pedestrians often don't understand the concept that it is a shared bike/pedestrian path, even with an audibly loud bell and vocal warning they persist to stay in the way, often times it is better to walk the bike through the Waterfront Park. The Eastbank Esplanade is much better but can be troublesome also, once you pass OMSI and The Portland Opera house and connect on the Springwater Trail you will find the true pleasure of Portland by bike. If you can pick up the "Portland by Bicycle" map this will be your best guide if you are new to the city and unfamiliar with the bike routes. I picked up my copy at the Saturday Market for free, it is also available online at:

http://www.portlandonline.com/TRANSPORTATION/index.cfm?c=34809&a=70221

Try to stick to the "Multi-use Paths" (purple) which are closed to Motor Vehicles and the "Bike Lanes" (Blue), you'll find that you will often have to go also on "Shared Roadway" (solid green), which are mostly fine as marked on the map. Some other fine maps that are a great reference which are also put out by the City of Portland Office of Transportation are the "Portland Walking Maps" which also show the Multi-Use Paths, Bike Lanes and Shared roadways, these maps I picked up for free at Weir's Cyclery in North Portland, they may also be available online at the link above.

If you are moving to Portland for the first time don't make the mistake and move out to the burbs for cheaper housing, while your square footage will increase your quality of life will greatly decrease. I live in the historic Alphabet District in the NW side of town; and love it, but if I was to stay in Portland I would move to Sellwood. Avoid the Pearl like the plague!

If you are looking for the best of the best in Bicycle friendly communities Boulder, Colorado and even more so Corvallis, Oregon far out shine Portland, Oregon.

Again, if you must live in a "big" city and desire a bicycle friendly environment Portland, Oregon is the best.

Wow, have much of an opinion????

For the record, I lived in Portland some 15 to 18yrs ago, moved away and moved back 7 yrs ago. In between my "life in Portland" I lived in Boulder. As a very serious cyclist, both pleasure, touring and racing I 100% hated Boulder as a cycling friendly city. The attitude of cyclists as well as the populace was so elitist it stunk. Rude, unsafe group rides, attitude filled races and a very limited choice of terrain, either up up and away into the altitude or flat to slightly rolling, barren and hot to the east.

Even saying Boulder and Portland in the same sentence as it pertains to the cycling "community" shows a lack of cycling experience in both cities. If you want cycling facts on Boulder vs Portland just check things such as bike/car accidents, % of bike commuters, miles of dedicated bike lanes, number of registered racers, number of bike clubs, number of daily orgnaized group rides, average number of bikes owned per household, amount of city funds dedicated to bike projects in the last 5 or 10yrs etc etc. Boulder doesn't come close. Davis California outshines Boulder by miles and Portland vs Boulder isn't even a discussion.

As for your remarks about living in the Portland 'burbs or Pearl District, I won't even go there and no, I don't live in the burbs, but I'm open minded/intelligent enough to know there are pluses and minuses to living in both places including cost/value, schools, commute times, access to good cycling routes, safety etc etc.
I have many cycling friends including numerous team members who live in the "burbs" and wouldn't live anywhere else for many good reasons. I also have tons of friends "in" Portland and they feel the same way as my "burb buddies" about their neighborhoods.

The point in my "counterpoint" is this, use an open objective mind when comparing peson, places and things and your opinion will be much more accepted and respected, especially when it comes to cycling.

There are numerous shops in Boulder where, if you walked in with a touring bike you'd be looked at as a second class citizen. In other shops if your bike wasn't worth multiple $1000s of dollars you were treated the same way. Being both a serious racer as well as a recreational tourer I experienced this quite often, even though I had/have a stable of over 10 serious multi-thousand dollar custom bikes along with a few tour machines and "townie" bikes.
I've never had this experience at any shop in Portland and I frequent quite a few being a serious equipment geek.


Did you ever do the famous Boulder "Hardware store ride" aka McGuckins ride aka CycleLogic? Or the Meridian ride near Denver? Those group rides say it all about the Boulder cycling community. I did them once and never returned.

Best of luck in Corvallis. Hopefully in the future you'll give us your opinion of Portland vs Boulder vs Corvallis and be a little bit less close minded in your observations.

Wow, have much of an opinion????

For the record, I lived in Portland some 15 to 18yrs ago, moved away and moved back 7 yrs ago. In between my "life in Portland" I lived in Boulder. As a very serious cyclist, both pleasure, touring and racing I 100% hated Boulder as a cycling friendly city. The attitude of cyclists as well as the populace was so elitist it stunk. Rude, unsafe group rides, attitude filled races and a very limited choice of terrain, either up up and away into the altitude or flat to slightly rolling, barren and hot to the east.

Even saying Boulder and Portland in the same sentence as it pertains to the cycling "community" shows a lack of cycling experience in both cities. If you want cycling facts on Boulder vs Portland just check things such as bike/car accidents, % of bike commuters, miles of dedicated bike lanes, number of registered racers, number of bike clubs, number of daily orgnaized group rides, average number of bikes owned per household, amount of city funds dedicated to bike projects in the last 5 or 10yrs etc etc. Boulder doesn't come close. Davis California outshines Boulder by miles and Portland vs Boulder isn't even a discussion.

As for your remarks about living in the Portland 'burbs or Pearl District, I won't even go there and no, I don't live in the burbs, but I'm open minded/intelligent enough to know there are pluses and minuses to living in both places including cost/value, schools, commute times, access to good cycling routes, safety etc etc.
I have many cycling friends including numerous team members who live in the "burbs" and wouldn't live anywhere else for many good reasons. I also have tons of friends "in" Portland and they feel the same way as my "burb buddies" about their neighborhoods.

The point in my "counterpoint" is this, use an open objective mind when comparing peson, places and things and your opinion will be much more accepted and respected, especially when it comes to cycling.

There are numerous shops in Boulder where, if you walked in with a touring bike you'd be looked at as a second class citizen. In other shops if your bike wasn't worth multiple $1000s of dollars you were treated the same way. Being both a serious racer as well as a recreational tourer I experienced this quite often, even though I had/have a stable of over 10 serious multi-thousand dollar custom bikes along with a few tour machines and "townie" bikes.
I've never had this experience at any shop in Portland and I frequent quite a few being a serious equipment geek.


Did you ever do the famous Boulder "Hardware store ride" aka McGuckins ride aka CycleLogic? Or the Meridian ride near Denver? Those group rides say it all about the Boulder cycling community. I did them once and never returned.

Best of luck in Corvallis. Hopefully in the future you'll give us your opinion of Portland vs Boulder vs Corvallis and be a little bit less close minded in your observations.Finally, a response. I was beginning to wonder if there was any life here.

You know your right on all points, with only one logical fallacy NO need to attack a poster to get your opinion across. Not sure why my post made such an illicit response from you come forth.

In the larger picture when you compare Portland, Boulder, and Corvallis to other cities in the USA they are far superior.

I am not a Cycling elitist and probably never will be, but I only live in communities where I can live free from the burden of car ownership. While riding my bike is a pure joy it is also my primary form of transportation by choice.

About walking into a shop and if your bike wasn't worth thousands of dollars you are treated like a second class citizen, my wife and I had that happen to us right here in Portland. Never had that happen in Boulder.

KRhea, since you are the more Open Minded and More Intelligent and far superior cyclist I am humbled in your presence by your tart response, yet I certainly hope that other forum members are more respectable in their response then you, other wise this "newbie" will go elsewhere. Nobody seeks out belligerent verbal abuse by choice.

Also KRhea I realize that you are a far superior being but remember spell check is your friend. http://cafelinux.org/forum/Smileys/TheBlacy_small/big_smile.png

Also, lighten up a bit your taking life way to serious.

Peace & Love http://cafelinux.org/forum/Smileys/TheBlacy_small/victory.png

I don't see what the big fuss is about rain in Portland. 24 years in Portland and I hardly noticed it. It's nothing compared to the monsoons I have to deal with now.

While the drivers here are more friendly remember that Portland is occupied by many people from elsewhere most notably California and the East Coast, unfortunately some of them bring their bad driving habits with them and are less then hospitable at times.

I like to say that Oregon drivers combine the slowness of WA drivers with the aggressiveness of CA drivers. They'll cut you off without signaling, then drive 50. Every time I drive by the "Welcome to Oregon" sign in the Siskiyous I add, under my breath, "... license and registration, please." Although I've never been pulled over in Oregon, the absurd speed limits keep me on my toes.

I got pulled over Sunday evening on the way back to our motel in Clackamas. Apparently I didn't yield enough to a police vehicle that was pulled over on the side of the road. I was let go with a warning, but he said it was a $405 infraction otherwise.

The problem was I needed to be in that lane so I could turn right at an intersection. I have a love hate thing with Oregon I guess. I love their beer, bikes and food. I hate their laws, politics and sports teams. Until those things change, Oregon will be a nice place for me to visit. :)

While all the conversations have been about PDX, I apologize for perhaps hi-jacking the topic. I spent 4 1/2 months in PDX summer 06, enjoyed it very much. Was very warm especially in JUly when It got to 100 deg.

I traveled thru the area west to the ocean and south to Gold Beach looking for a place to perhaps build a house. The ? i have is does the weather other than summer vary much from PDX south to the CA. border, Colder? wetter? any area perhaps dryer or not COLDER. I don't mind rain or cloudy, but extreme cold for long periods not a favorite idea

Did anyone hear this yesterda (http://www.npr.org/templates/story/story.php?storyId=92836910&sc=emaf)y?

... I 100% hated Boulder as a cycling friendly city. The attitude of cyclists as well as the populace was so elitist it stunk.

the irony of this post. there are so many snobby *******s in portland involved in the bike community.

While all the conversations have been about PDX, I apologize for perhaps hi-jacking the topic. I spent 4 1/2 months in PDX summer 06, enjoyed it very much. Was very warm especially in JUly when It got to 100 deg.

I traveled thru the area west to the ocean and south to Gold Beach looking for a place to perhaps build a house. The ? i have is does the weather other than summer vary much from PDX south to the CA. border, Colder? wetter? any area perhaps dryer or not COLDER. I don't mind rain or cloudy, but extreme cold for long periods not a favorite idea

Oregon has kind of funny weather. Portland has probably the most moderate temperatures in the state, due to its proximity to the coast, the Gorge and its relatively low elevation. The further south you go, the warmer it gets in the summer and the colder it gets in the winter, especially south of Eugene, due to the elevation gain. Medford/Ashland will often be 10 degrees warmer than Portland in the summer or have snow when it's raining in Portland. East of the Cascades is usually hotter or colder than Portland as well. Maybe the best overall weather in the state is the south coast - Brookings area in particular. It's usually pretty nice there and it doesn't get as much rain as other parts of the state. But, you're pretty isolated there. It's a long drive to any major city. Portland gets a bad rap for having miserable weather, but it has pretty moderate temperatures, I think. If you don't mind the rain, it's a great place to live.

what is with all the complaining? It really does not rain here that much. Tighten your skirts and keep on riding