2-WHEELIN' IN OREGON

Are you a biker, either serious or just for fun? Then the place to spend a few days this summer is in Portland (OR). Drive or fly here, loading your bike on the top of your vehicle or shipping it. The fun begins not far from The Fulton House.

Here are just two upcoming events for the serious biker. First, on June 2 is the Pioneer Century Classic, beginning in Canby, less than 20 miles south of us. You have three distances to choose from: 45, 55 or 100 miles, and you bike through the beautiful foothills of the North Willamette Valley, where Oregon Trail pioneers headed more than 150 years ago to farm in the fertile land.

The second event (July 14-15) is a 200-mile route from the University of Washington in Seattle to Lloyd Center in Portland, just 10 minutes from The Fulton House. The ride is designed to be completed by riders in one to two days. In past years, the event has drawn up to 9,000 participants, ranging from 13 months to 85 years-old. The way to plan this event is to drive or fly to Portland, leave your luggage at The Fulton House (no charge) and then take Amtrak to Seattle with your bicycle; from the station to the race site beginning is easily bikeable, and you can spend the night before the race in a local motel. When you end in Portland, bike back to The Fulton House or catch a ride from a local. Then, plan on a long soak in our hot tub with a glass of wine from our complimentary bottle.

If you bike but don't wish to participate in a planned event, there's plenty of lonely roads to ride and explore around Portland. An example is Sauvie Island, located just north of the city, which you can bike around in just a few hours, joining the dozens of local bikers who spend their weekends here. For mountain bikers, there are unparalleled trails in either the Cascade Mountains or the Coast Range, both within easy driving distance from The Fulton House.

So, this summer come to Portland and enyoy a biking adventure.