Visiting Portland in April...any shops that rent bikes?

[Andy]

I may be coming to Portland for a few days the end of April (2006) for some work-related training. I want to do some mountain/hill riding while I am there, since we don't have hills or mountains here in my part of Michigan!

For simplicity, I'd like to just rent a decent quality road bike.

Does anyone know of any shops out there that rent road bikes? If not, I may have to think about bringing my own.

Also, what is the weather like out there during the end of April/first of May?

Thanks!
Andy
Sault Ste. Marie, Michigan

[BillD]

Andy,
The weather in April/May could be nice or it might rain.... no way to tell this far in advance. Check the 10 day forecast for zip code 97203 at weather.com just before you leave. Here's a list of bike rental shops;

BIKE RENTAL

Hope you enjoy your stay in Oregon.

Bill

[shewmaker]

Robobike in Sellwood rents tandems, battery powered, recumbent and cargo bikes. Don't think they have anything you would describe as a road bike, though.

[Alan]

Originally Posted by Andy

I may be coming to Portland for a few days the end of April for some work-related training. I want to do some mountain/hill riding while I am there, since we don't have hills or mountains here in my part of Michigan!

There are plenty of hill climb rides starting in downtown Portland, rising into the West Hills, some through Forest Park. You will just miss the De Ronde ride, which I think does about 5,000 feet of climbing in 50 miles. Info in the articles and a link from the ride's website might give you some tips on preferred low-traffic ascents:

http://bikeportland.org/tag/de-ronde
http://www.rondepdx.com/

Also check out these maps, especially the Northwest and Southwest sections:

http://www.portlandoregon.gov/transportation/34809

There are PDFs online or you can order hardcopy maps.

Does anyone know of any shops out there that rent road bikes? If not, I may have to think about bringing my own.

I don't have any experience renting bikes in Portland but this place has what you want, has been around for awhile, and is located downtown:

http://www.portlandbicycletours.com/...eed-road-bike/

If you wanted to check out the fire roads in Forest Park, Fat Tire Farm rents mountain bikes within riding distance of the trailheads:

http://www.fattirefarm.com/our-rentals/

They also offer this advice which is wise for any rental:

Our bikes are provided with a helmet and flat pedals. If you prefer clipless pedals bring some with you (don’t forget your shoes) and we will be more than happy to install them for you when you pick up the bike. Other things you might want to bring are weather appropriate cycling gear, multi-tool, flat repair kit, pump, and of course water and food.

Also, what is the weather like out there during the end of April/first of May?

As Bill says, that's unpredictable. It will be spring-like, with leaves and flowers sprouting everywhere. Chances are good of seeing some rain and some sun several times in the same day. Temps should be mild by your standards, 40s at night, 60s day, +/- 10ºF. A wet 50º can be very cold on a long descent; gloves and a windbreaker, maybe even rain paints, would be welcome.

[thumbprinterr]

you will miss the ronde ride but the route is clearly marked on the pavement with lion stencils pointing the way; that combined w/the gps should get you through it fairly easily. if you do this route be prepared for hills, more hills, and then a few more hills. its closer to 8k of vertical in 45 miles. good times!

[K'Tesh]

Run! Zombies!



This thread pre-dates my joining by several months.

Thanks for the suggestions guys, there is some good info to be had in them.

[Alan]

Originally Posted by K'Tesh

Thanks for the suggestions guys, there is some good info to be had in them.

Bwahahaha! I didn't even look at the date on it, I just saw a couple replies and threw in my ¢¢ worth. Thanks for pointing that out...too funny!

[thumbprinterr]

Originally Posted by Alan

Bwahahaha! I didn't even look at the date on it, I just saw a couple replies and threw in my ¢¢ worth. Thanks for pointing that out...too funny!

same here! doh.

[jeff]

...and he's not coming back anytime soon - - but good advice & info, nevertheless.

actually intended that to be "Andy" in the subject line but Alan works, too.

[EDIT]K'Tesh here... Fixed the subject line for you.[/EDIT]