While staying at the Portland vacation homes, you'll soon discover the biking culture of Portland. It's known for some of the best bike rides in the country. One of the best ways to explore the place is by using a bike. Although you can go for guided bike tours, or you can take a bike and zip off on your own. There are even bicycle festivals you can enjoy. If you are a bicycle newbie, you will find a lot of inspiration and encouragement in Portland with its communities of bike enthusiasts.
Easy Bike Trails for the Newbie
Portland is known as one of the most bicycle friendly places in the country. If you are trying to get the hang of bicycling, there are some routes which are easy enough for the beginner. One is the 12-mile Sauvie Island which is a flat road. You can cycle through fields and lot of wildlife. This trail is a loop path. Look out for the corn and pumpkin fields and cycle past Oak Island.
Another easy route is the Springwater Corridor. It combines with the Eastbank Esplanade for 18 miles of off-road trails. This is a place to polish your skills and bring your kids, too. Ride past Oaks Bottom Wildlife Refuge and take a look at the birds near Johnson Creek. You will also pass a few city farms. The Corridor goes all the way to the rural area called Boring.
Bicycle Challenges
For a veteran bicyclist staying at a Portland vacation home, there are some great bike challenges. The best and most challenging trail is the West Side hills. Be prepared for steep and rocky hills. Look out at the breathtaking views of the valleys of Mt. Hood, Mt. St. Helens and others. Watch out for scary blind curves and steep downhill roads.
For a little less excitement, go for the Mount Tabor & Rocky Butte. You will go past the Eastside areas. Then you will come to the two parks which have been made on extinct volcanoes. Once you come to the hills, be prepared for a vigorous ride.
Hosted Bicycle Tours and Excitement
If you want to go on hosted tours, then try the Pub Peddler Brewery Tour. Check out some of the best microbreweries and sample some Rogue Beer and Bavarian Sausage. You can also try the River Bridge Tour and see some of the bridges and learn the histories that lie behind them.
For a heady rush, try the Portland Night Ride which happens every July. People come in costumes and lit up bikes. The course is glowing to mark the route. Sing karaoke, dance at the disco party stop and eat unlimited midnight doughnuts. This is a moonlit bike ride for all night riders.
Amidst such excitement, don't forget to check out Vamoose.com for some great deals on vacation homes. Your holiday will be perfect with a perfect place to crash at. Run a search using your choices of location, price and amenities.