If all goes as planned, flowers will not be all that’s blossoming in the month of May. In four weeks, my social life will bloom with the youthful vigor of spring tulips and daffodils as I move out of my parents’ house and into an apartment on Portland’s Eastside. While the physical transition spans a mere fifteen miles, my relocation marks yet another small but mighty landmark of my early/mid twenties. It’s all about little victories these days, and as a 5’3”-er I can’t help but applaud tiny triumphs. So, like any responsible young person on a budget, I made a celebratory purchase: some new threads to ensure a seamless transition. [For those fortunate few not fluent in hipster speak, let me translate: I bought a new pair of clothes so I can look hip in my new neighborhood]. Yep, I invested in a second pair of skinny jeans. And, since the month of “May” suggests a time of permission and freedom, I have also decided to turn my purchase into a complete Portland ensemble by buying a new bike. Throw on a fake mustache, and I’ve got one mean Eastsider uniform.
Truth be told, I know very little about bikes. Sure, there’s the cool factor, but I want to be able to do more than roll up my pant leg and sneer at Humvees. As much as I joke about the elitism of cycling, Portland’s bike-culture suffers from a serious amount of snobbery. The pressure to have the “right” kind of bike can be downright intimidating. Often times, if you don’t know the brands or understand the terminology, it’s easy to feel discouraged. Fortunately, there are several bike shops in Portland that offer a comfortable space to learn. After poking around several Portland bike shops, I was thrilled to find a wide array of maintenance and basic introductory classes for female cyclists. Many stores also hold weekly rides for women and prioritize an inclusive atmosphere. In light of my new purchase, I am relieved to find a bastion of support within the seemingly pretentious subculture of urban cyclists. The jeans may be skinny, but there’s still room for a wide heart. See for yourself at the following women-friendly bike stores in Portland:
North Portland Bike Works – a non-profit community bike shop offering new & used bikes, parts and accessories with a full-service repair shop. NPBW also host workshops designed for people to learn how to fix and maintain their own bikes in a non-intimidating environment. “Women and Trans Night” takes place every Wednesday from 6-8pm for women and trans-gendered adults to work on their own bicycles. The workshop operates on a sliding-scale and/or donation basis.
The Bike Gallery – featuring a ladies only group bike ride departing from the Woodstock location. The Bike Gallery also hosts a Ladies Night from 6-7pm on the last Sunday of every month. Wine and appetizers are served in an environment that allows women to talk with other female riders in the community. A different product is highlighted every month, and “expert female staff members are available on site for friendly advice in a casual group format or one-on-one.”
River City Bikes – check out their 9am Saturday rides. A 20-30 mile ride with a guarantee that “no one is left behind.”
Community Cycling Center – Women’s Basic Bicycle Maintenance for women-identified individuals over sixteen years of age. Classes can be a bit pricey ($150 for ten hours) but all five classes are taught by female mechanics and include topics regarding specific concerns for the female rider. Derailers and Drivetrain classes for women also offered.
Veloshop – only in Portland will you find a vegan owned and operated business. Veloshop tries their best to stock and use animal and environmentally friendly products. They are also woman-owned and highly supportive of women racers. Veloshop sells their own lycra racing apparel instead of the corporate logos on most racing clothing.
Sorella Forte – a Portland cycling club “open to all women who share a passion for riding a bike — ANY bike.” According to their website, Sorella Forte supports “women who want to race as well as recreational riders looking for others who want to ride on a regular basis.”
Scared of Portland’s bike scene? Take refuge at one of the many women-friendly bike shops.