Quad Bikes Now the In-Thing?
What kids get into these days seems to change regularly. And sometimes it is the kids who turn the adults on to new and exciting trends. For some of us who absolutely love bikes, we also love other wheeled vehicles.
What kids have a fascination on are different from long ago. In this time and age believe us quad bikes have become very popular. Now let’s get into it and know what quad bikes are. You might want to reconsider buying your kids a quad bike after reading this. Even after winning a real money top online casinos jackpot.
What are quad bikes?
Quad bikes are four-wheeled vehicles. The whole concept of quad bikes came from the farm vehicles that had the same type of the wheel that looks big and massive with grids. The wheels are different from the ordinary car wheels people know.
Now it has been recorded that over 21% of kids die or get injured from quad bikes. Controlling a quad bike needs skill. That is why they are not supposed to be passengers on board as this will make it more difficult to control it.
How a Child Might Be Injured
Cuts and bruises
Just like bikes, roller skating you name it. You have to be wearing protective gear because they know that accidents can occur but you have to make sure that you are prepared for when they happen. By not wearing protective gear a child might obtain cuts and bruises.
Falls or crushing
Failing to control the bike can cause the bike to roll over. This could fracture the child’s bones, chest, and other parts. And the worst that could happen is death. That is why above we did mention that the quad bike needs experience. You can hire someone with your real money online pokies cash prize so that they will help your child.
Strangulation
Quad bikes at home might seem like the safest place to ride them. But having a scenario where there are clothes on the washing line, they might cause strangulation if riding under the clothesline.
Announcing the Best Bike Rides in Oregon
ORbike is the region’s only resource solely dedicated to promoting bike events and helping people find their next bike adventure. Since 2005 we’ve worked with ride organizers all throughout the region to bring more participants to their events.
After a long and rewarding season of getting up at the crack of dawn, following course arrows, exploring new terrain and relaxing with finish line beers, we turn the authority over to our riders – and we let you vote on your favorite supported rides of the season.
375 of you weighed in on 70 regional rides and the results are finally in!
First Place: Tour de Fronds
Proof that size doesn’t matter!
This hidden expedition takes riders through the forested region of the Southern Oregon Coast Range, stationed out of the little-known town of Powers, Oregon. This volunteer-run event pours gushing waterfalls of heart and soul into the beloved ride every year.
In 2016 with a ridership hovering just around 200, we were astounded to see little Tour de Fronds snag first place (by a landslide) and then 4th place last year. “Well, the secret’s out now!” said one fan of the ride.
Back up at the top again, ride organizer Donna Freeman says being able to showcase that they are one of the best bike rides in Oregon has definitely helped increase their ridership every year.
It may not be easy to get to the start line, and that’s definitely part of the magical adventure that is Tour de Fronds.
Oh, and we should mention: Tour de Fronds didn’t just barely win first place: once again it was a landslide, pulling a whopping 26% of the votes!
Tour de Fronds is June 15, 2019.
The Art of Survival Century
Nature knows no borders.
This gem of a ride, also not large in size, is tucked away on the border of California and Oregon. The Art of Survival Century was started as a way to bring economic vitality to a struggling region. The area is home to one of the most tumultuous Japanese internment camps in US history, a tragedy the residents felt was holding them back from a healthy vibrancy they desired. This two-day ride, now heading into year six, is enlivening the gorgeous region.
The course features wetland wildlife refuges teeming with bird life, Lava Beds National Monument, the friendliest volunteers and homemade granola bars – what’s not to love? Oh yeah, and every rider goes home with a sack of fresh potatoes from the farmer down the road.
The Art of Survival Century takes place on Memorial Day Weekend every year. With camping on site and recreation destinations Crater Lake, Bend and Oakridge on the way to and from the ride, this event makes for a perfect holiday weekend getaway.
Day 1: Road
Day 2: Gravel
Day 3: Explore the region
The Art of Survival Century is May 25 + 26, 2019
Third Place: Petal Pedal
Blooming Fields of Flowers.
Just when the flower farms of the Willamette Valley are bursting with color, in comes Petal Pedal, an annual exploration of this richly hued region.
The true magic of this ride centers around three beloved components:
- A journey to Silver Falls State Park, for those who opt for the 100 mile course, and some intense climbing
- Ultra quiet rural roads with nary a cary in sight
- The ride is staged at The Oregon Garden, with onsite lodging, a hot tub, pool and more than 80 acres of themed gardens.
Petal Pedal is June 22, 2019.
Fourth Place: The Vineyard Tour
Follow the locals.
Every September, the riders of Umpqua Velo sculpt five routes that take riders on a gorgeous tour of the lesser known roads in their region.
The routes meander along the majestic Umpqua river as they pass by dozens of vineyards, wineries, forests, fields, and orchards. This fun ride is tucked away in a stunning region that is quickly gaining in popularity.
The Vineyard Tour is September 1, 2019
Fifth Place: The Columbia Century Challenge
Explore logging country.
We were blown away when this ride earned second place in its very first year, and it is back in the ranks this year.
Riders say they love the lush, forested routes and an opportunity to explore quaint and nearly forgotten towns like Mist and Apiary. The start locations varies every year as the various small towns band together to make this ride possible.
The Columbia Century Challenge is June 15, 2019.
Honorable Mentions
The following three rides tied for 6th place
- Blackberry bRamble (pictured) by Eugene Gears
- Monster Cookie by the Salem Bike Club
- STP by Cascade Bike Club
Other Top Rides
Thank You Event Managers!
We would like to send a huge thank you out to all of the region’s hard-working event organizers who put on fantastic rides for us to enjoy. These supported events get more people riding and smiling, and are an incredible way to explore the state of Oregon.
We can’t wait to see what you have planned for 2018!
Past Favorites
2019 Rides
2019 is sure to be a great year for bike events in the region! Many event organizers are already adding their events to our region wide calendar. Join our newsletter for updates on these and many other rides throughout the season.
The Stoke Report: 2018
Welcome to the Stoke Report, a celebration of incredible supported bike events in the Oregon region.
From gravel to dirt, forest to wide open road, urban to rural, we are so fortunate to have a wealth of bike events big and small that cater to every bike interest.
Cheers to the hardworking event managers who coordinate these events, to the volunteers who donate their time, to the riders who register and support the rides and to the dreamers who come up with the creative concepts in the first place.
Oh how we love dreamers!
So how did this year go for rides in Oregon? Let’s consult with the ORbike Stoke Report.
What got you stoked this year?
What did you love about the events this year? Be sure to add your Stoke Points below in the comments.
Special thanks to Mike Ripley for dreaming up the concept for The Stoke Report.
ORbike Holiday Gift Guide For Cyclists
Shopping for people isn’t always easy. Fortunately if they are cyclists, it is. There are a wealth of clever gifts out there for cyclists, and any one of these is sure to delight!
We put together a list of our favorite items, from splurge-worthy to modest and everything in between. The are a million cool gadgets and gear ideas for cyclists, but these are the few that have us most excited.
Oregami Luggage
Perfect for multi-day supported bike trips like Cycle Oregon. The multiple compartments make space for your helmet, and keep your chamois and your toothbrush very, very separate.
Oregami Luggage is based in Oregon and they understand the intricate needs of the bike obsessed, and they aim to make life on the road easier.
Walnut Studiolo Little Lifter
Walnut Studiolo us known for their fine leather bicycle accessories and the Little Lifter is one of their most clever. This tiny number packs a punch. The durable leather is made to last and is comfortable to hold, making it easy to carry your bike in style whenever you need a little boost.
Sugar Wheel Works Wheels
The wheels on your bike are one of the most important investments you can make. Most people ride the wheels that come stock on their bike, and replace them when necessary by machine built wheels from a bike shop.
When you ride sub-par wheels, you’re missing out on sweeter rides.
Sugar Wheel Works is a wheel building shop in Portland that ships worldwide. They work closely with all of their customers to design a wheel to meet the customer’s riding style, aesthetic and budget. Most hubs can be re-built over time, making these wheels an excellent investment in your bike life. Owner and Master Wheel Builder Jude Gerace is widely regarded as one of the world’s most knowledgeable wheel builders.
For holiday gift giving, Sugar Wheel Works offers gift certificates.
Showers Pass Waterproof Socks
Whether you commute to work or tear it up on the trail (or a combo of both), you know that not many things ruin a ride faster than cold, soggy feet. That’s why we love the bullet proof waterproof socks from Showers Pass.
The company, based in Portland, is known for their well waterproof gear that is made to last – even when enduring the rigors of everyday cycling.
Anker Solar Panel
When it comes to finding durable gear that lasts under the most rigorous conditions, we turn to Bikepacking.com, an excellent source of authentic info by people who truly ride – hard, remote and rugged.
The Anker Solar panel is a compact, reliable way to keep devices charged while out on the open road.
READ BIKEPACKING.COM’S FULL REVIEW >
Maker Made with Love – Bike Craft
Bike Craft is a holiday bazaar packed with maker made bike themed items, one stop shopping for all the bike lovers in your life. From small to large items, you’ll find a little of something for everything.
If you hate shopping, don’t worry: Bike Craft far more fun than the stale chaos of the mall or seclusion of online shopping. Filmed by Bike is styling out the event with music and a popup theater showing favorite bike movies from over the years while serving up their creative PedalPop popcorn.
Give the Gift of Rides!
Gift certificates to rides are the perfect way to ensure you have all your favorite riding buddies along for the ride!
Contact the individual rides to inquire about a gift certificate.
Happy Holidays!
From all of us at ORbike.com
Article headline photo courtesy of Walnut Studiolo
Calling All Filmmakers!
Filmed by Bike is a film festival that features the world’s best bike movies. Every May they host an expansive festival weekend in Portland with 80 juried films on screen. Top picks from the festival are added to the Filmed by Bike touring program, which travels to countries all over the world throughout the year.
It is always impressive to see the caliber of films that make the cut for the festival. With hundreds of submissions, it’s not easy to make it past the jury, so we thought we’d share a few top tips.
Locals Rule
Good news, PNW filmmakers! This year Filmed by Bike has a focus on local films so you just might have a better chance of your film being accepted if you’re from the region which they generally define as Oregon and SW Washington.
In the early years of Filmed by Bike, the vast majority of the films shown at Filmed by Bike were from Portland. As the festival has grown in international popularity over the years, submission now flood in from all over the world. But Filmed by Bike wants to honor local filmmakers, too, so they’re making a consorted effort to recruit regional films.
Shorter is Sweeter
Short films are what Filmed by Bike is all about. Edit and re-edit until every shot is stunning and necessary. Films longer than 10 minutes are rarely accepted.
Reach out to the Festival
It turns out, the team of Filmed by Bike is extremely accessible! Run your ideas by Films Manager Guthrie Straw and get suggestions and advice directly from the source.
Tell a (New) Story
Beautiful adventure footage is inspiring… to a point. But after a while, those films all start to look the same. So what is your story? Why should the viewers care? Bring them along on your journey by weaving through a story.
Have Fun With it
Filmed by Bike receives surprisingly few humorous films these days. A well executed funny one has a good chance of getting in.
What Would You Do?
Are you a filmmaker? Or a die-hard Filmed by Bike fan? What are your tips for the World’s Best Bike Movies?
Submit your Film
Filmed by Bike submissions are due 1/20/2019. In fact, they’re due January 20th every single year. When you’re ready to send in your film, visit the Submissions Page on their website for all the details you need.
Fingers crossed!
Vote for the Best Supported Bike Rides!
2018 was an incredible year for supported bike rides in our region. The weather was splendid – though a bit warm – and the season for fine riding was luxuriously long.
We’d like to congratulate and thank all the ride organizers who provide fantastic riding experiences in our region. We know your job isn’t easy and we sure-do appreciate your hard work to create fantastic rides.
We work year-round to support event organizers and help get more people to rides. But now, we’re taking a break to hear from you!
What Were Your Favorites?
Finally, you get to have your say! Declare your favorite supported rides by voting here.
Is a Ride Missing?
Don’t see your favorite listed above? Write it in on the form.
Criteria
- Paid rides
- Supported (Offers regularly stationed rest stops and a finish line celebration)
- Not a race. Non-timed (or extremely casual about the timing – we’re flexible)
- Has at least one distance option of more than 20 miles
- Is located in the Greater Oregon Region – a start location most Oregonians can reasonably drive to.
2017 Favorites
See the results from last year’s awards here >
COMMENTS (not votes) Below
We love hearing from riders about this season’s rides! But just remember: don’t use the comments section to vote – it won’t count.
Photo Gallery
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- Mudslinger Events Gravel Epic bike race in Waldport Oregon on the coast
Remembering Gary Dunkley
Have you ever had one of those rides where you thought you just wouldn’t make it across the finish line?
If you were one of the fortunate ones, you had Gary Dunkley by your side. The stalwart volunteer spent many rides not socializing with friends but instead riding sweep, ensuring every single rider made it across the finish line. He was content to creep along making small talk or simply quietly rolling along with riders needing support.
It is with a heavy heart I report Gary Dunkley has passed away. His body was found along an embankment in SW Portland. According to The Oregonian, no foul play was suspected and further details are not yet available.
“Gary was unique in his love to help the very last rider,” says Neal Armstrong, CEO of Axiom Event Productions. “At points of struggle and fatigue, Gary would find riders who needed encouragement to finish those final miles. With an easy style and a million incredible stories, he would keep them going. He embodied the role of keeping people safe and motivated people to finish their goals.”
My own memory of Gary is of a guy who just kept showing up. At first he was a stranger, some random fella who signed up to volunteer for ride along support. But very quickly, Gary was always there, and events just weren’t the same without him.
I recall one time when he was scheduled to ride support for Jackson’s Ride the Gorge, a former road ride in the Gorge with steep climbs and strong winds. Right before the ride, Gary’s bike suffered a major mechanical. Without enough time to get it fixed, Gary grabbed his mountain bike and showed up bright and early to the start line in Hood River – like it was no big deal. I recall him saying something to the effect of “Well, I said I’d be here and I didn’t want to leave you hanging.” Gary slogged through that entire ride on a heavy old mt. bike, like it was no big deal, happy to take in the gorgeous views, honor his volunteer commitment and be there for the fellow riders – his clan – who might need him.
But to those of us who were the event organizers, it was a big deal.
“Gary was a stand out person who always committed to supporting riders through every mile,” says Event Director Brad Nelson. And, like Neal, Brad emphasized, “Gary always had an interesting story to tell.”
Gary, from Portland, loved being active – paddling, bike riding – and enjoyed the opportunity to meet new people through these activities. He was dedicated to his interests, and he will be sadly missed
“Gray was one of the strongest people I have met,” says Brian Hinsley, who often worked the events for which Gary volunteered. “He would not quit on anyone.”
The weather is gorgeous right now. If you’re out on a ride, think of Gary. Do something nice to support someone else, in Gary’s honor. He would have liked that.
Easy Clean Up on the Trail
This gorgeous fall weather has meant the trails are in prime condition for adventure resplendent with color and the perfect temperature.
But no matter how lovely the day, getting muddy and dirty comes with the territory… and that’s sort of what we like about a day in the woods. Sort of. When it comes to cleaning up for snack time, post-ride beer time or whatever else encourages you to remove the trail from your skin, a wipe is a convenient way to make magic happen.
But what kind of wipes should you use? Most of us don’t want something overly fragrant. And it has to be safe for the environment. We like Combat Wipes, a 100% biodegradable option for staying tidy on the trail. These wipes are good for you, and good for nature. That’s a match made in trail heaven.
Better still, these wipes come in the perfect size package that makes them easy to pack, and not only when you’re on the trail. If you’re a bike commuter, these wipes make it a snap to do a quick post-ride clean up before heading to a meeting. Handy both on a hot day with a sweaty brow, or rainy days with road grit face spray.
We tested these out on finicky kids who usually have to be pried away from splashing in puddles and climbing in trees in order to wipe down their hands and faces, but the easy-to-use package makes it simple to quickly pull out a wipe, knock off the fuss, and send your little ones on their way.
Combat wipes can tackle oily, sticky messes as well as standard dirt and grime, making them a must-pack item for your next adventure.
3 Tips for Shooting Better Photos by Bike
Taking photos while riding a bike is hard! Dangerous even. I’ve been taking photos on my bike with an iPhone, cheapo digital cameras and DSLRs now for many years.
There are plenty of gadgets you can spend your whole paycheck on to make better pictures, but the best and cheapest way to improve your photography is thinking and learning.
Here are three tips I’ve found extremely helpful when shooting photos by bike.
Camped in Paddler’s Meadow on Steens Mountain
Take lots of photos
Best advice I have is take photos. Lots of photos. That camera isn’t doing any good in your backpack, pannier, desk drawer. Have it accessible and stop and take photos constantly. This unfortunately involves lots of racing ahead, stopping, shooting, and then hurrying to catch back up. I really like the Peak Designs Capture Camera Clip on my backpack strap for super quick access. Porcelain Rocket makes a nice padded handlebar camera bag too. Look at them all and choose the best by looking at the bad designs to note what makes the good ones good and the bad ones bad.
Use a large memory card and don’t fret about the editing you’ll have to do later – it’s worth it.
Eula Ridge, Oakridge Oregon
Move around
I’m not a professional photographer by any means, but what I’m lacking in technical knowledge I make up by running around a bunch. I squat, lay down, climb trees and jump in creeks to try to get a unique crop. Being able to identify the aspects of what makes a scene interesting is crucial. Find an angle that includes the neat clouds, an out of focus branch in the foreground, a rider, or some natural elements that frame your subject. Sometimes it works out. (the Oakridge shot from above I literally scrambled 20′ up a downed tree to get). Bonus: you’ll be a stronger riders, as a result.
Spend time looking at photos you love and think about what makes them attractive to you, then try to emulate that set up as you move around shooting.
Stormy sunset, Syncline Trail System
Photos are just light
Photos are light bouncing and soaking. Pay attention to what’s going on with it. Are the shadows crazy? Is your subject backlit? Is there some strange fog or weather system? Before I got the above mountain bike shot of Syncline, the weather was wet and dreary all day long making for some pretty flat photos. But right before the day drew to a close, the sun popped out and lit up the trees and grass on the hillside before disappearing again. I didn’t have time to grab more than that one underexposed shot before the moment had passed, but it works!
How do you take photos?
Do you love to document your bike adventures? How do you manage to take photos while riding? Share your ideas (and questions!) below.
Gabriel Amadeus is an expert bikepacker who has explored much of Oregon’s rugged outback. He is a designer, explorer, photographer and writer. Gabriel is also one-third of Limberlost, the adventure tour company on a mission to share a richness of life.
Weigh In on New Options for North Tualatin Mountains
NW Trail Alliance wants you input on an expanded opportunities for people to enjoy and explore the North Tualatin Mountains.
From their most recent newsletter:
Last fall our partner in recreation, Metro, initiated a land use process with Multnomah County. This is an important step in delivering on the plan to offer a parking area, trailhead and about five miles of new trails at Burlington Creek Forest. Metro hopes to obtain approval from the county early next year and break ground for trails as soon as summer 2019.
Please review Metro’s application and provide comment to Multnomah County on the project here.
Comments from mountain bikers like you, supporting Metro’s application will help ensure this project comes to fruition!
A few highlights to consider including in your comments could be:
- Metro is recommending trails optimized for off-road cycling to meet the existing and growing demand for this type of nature based recreation and it’s important to provide a variety of opportunities for people to experience nature in different ways
- Throughout the planning process, Metro has taken an approach based in science and shaped by community input that ensures healthy habitats and provides meaningful experiences.
- With careful planning, it’s possible to create opportunities for people to enjoy nature while also protecting it. Well-designed and constructed trails will limit habitat impacts by minimizing erosion and stream crossings, by providing corridors for wildlife to move, and by leaving the canopy intact.
- The shared trails will be family friendly and designed for beginning and intermediate riders. Northwest Trail Alliance will be a key partner for Metro in the maintenance and monitoring of these trails.
- Make sure to share a brief story of why you enjoy cycling on soft surface trails and how you, your friends and your family connect to nature.