Rated as the #1 cycling city in America, Portland is a bicyclist’s dream, with miles of bike path, bike boulevards, shops, and thousands of like-minded bicycle enthusiasts. The bicycle infrastructure makes traveling by bike enjoyable and easy year ‘round. Portland has great access to road rides for any ability, from meandering river paths to punchy forested roads. “Foodies” love Portland for the many restaurants and food carts available, as well as the rich micro-brew culture. No matter your taste or budget, there is always something around the corner.
 Situated roughly an hour from the Pacific Ocean and the high Cascade Mountains, Portland is the perfect gateway to weekend recreation. From skiing at Mt. Hood to walks on the beach, to touring northern Oregon’s countless wineries, the options are limitless. For those preferring to stay closer in, Portland offers hundreds of music venues, as well as museums, galleries, parks, and shopping. Portland’s mass transit system allows for easy transportation throughout the city. |
Portland Bicycle Rentals
The following Portland businesses rent fully outfitted commuter bicycles. It is highly recommended that you make arrangements in advance to ensure availability. Some companies offer a UBI discount. Be sure to mention your UBI enrollment when making arrangements. UBI bicycles are used for classroom instruction only and are therefore not available for student transportation.
We encourage you to bring your own bicycle. Portland has hundreds of miles of bike paths. UBI is located on one of the main north-sorth bike routes in the city, and Portland's commitment to cycling makes getting around town on two wheels very convenient. Bikes may be shipped to UBI via UPS or FedEx for a reasonable fee. Our shipping address is 3961 N. Williams Ave., Portland, OR 97227. We can also help you ship your bike back home again. Click here for more bike shipping information. You can also receive mail at the Institute as long as your name, c/o United Bicycle Institute, is on the address. Do not submit a post office forwarding order or your mail will be sent back by the postal service.
Daily Essentials
- Groceries: There are several major grocery stores, including Safeway, Wild Oats and New Seasons, within a 15 minute ride of the school .
- Restaurants: There are a number of restaurants within walking distance from UBI. Within a block there is a brew pub, Mexican restaurant, bakery, coffee shop, and an oyster bar. About half a mile from UBI is the Mississippi neighborhood, with many more restaurants to choose from.
- Laundry: There are several public laundromats near the UBI facility. All of the options listed on our lodging page for Portland (coming soon!) have laundry facilities, too.
- Newspapers: The Oregonian is the largest newspaper in Portland, and in the state of Oregon. Willamette Weekis a free weekly publication highlighting Portland events and current issues. This is a great resource for finding everything from music and performing arts to political rallies and art exhibitions. A must read, when looking for something to do on the weekends. The Portland Mercury is an alternative newspaper that is also a good source of information on local news, music and the arts.
Local Bike Riding
Bicycle Shops
There are scores of bike shops in Portland. Those listed below are closest to UBI:
Local Rides
There is a bicycle race or riding event almost every day in the Portland area. From the Alpenrose Velodrome to cyclocross to short track mtb racing, the options are endless.
The Oregon Bicycle Racing Association web site is a great resource for race schedules.
Rubber to the Road, a River City Bicycles sponsored site devoted to road riding in Portland and the surrounding areas, is a great resource for those looking to explore beyond the city streets. This site is full of great turn-by-turn directions and maps.
Bikeportland.org is must-visit for everything bicycle in Portland. This site offers many links (including all bike shops separated by neighborhood) and up to date bicycle related news stories.
Portland Tourist Attractions
- The Oregon Museum of Science and Industryr, (800) 955-OMSI, is one of the nation's leading science museums. OMSI offers hundreds of interactive exhibits, hands-on demonstrations and an Omnimax theater.
- The Oregon Zoo, (503) 226-1561, houses critters from all over the world (and a few from Portland), and features lots of educational and conservation programs.
- The Portland Japanese Garden, Proclaimed one of the most authentic Japanese gardens outside of Japan, the 5.5 acre Portland Japanese Garden is located in the city's west hills.
- Powell's Books. (800) 878-7323. It may be a stretch to call a bookstore a tourist attraction, unless it's Powell's. Book lovers will lose themselves here.
- Timberline Lodge, (541) 482-2897, on Mt. Hood east of Portland is a gorgeous historic building, and offers year-round skiing on Mt. Hood's Palmer snowfield. And there's that whole "Shining" thing.
- Mt. Hood Meadows, (800) SKI-HOOD, on Mt. Hood east of Portland, offers skiing and snowboarding during the ski season.
- Mt. Hood Skibowl, (503) 272-3206, boasts of being America's largest night-skiing area. Located east of Portland in Government Camp. They offer lifts for mountain biking during the summer.
- Mt. Saint Helens National Volcanic Monument, about 1.5 hours north of Portland, is a fascinating active volcanic landscape that just happens to offer some of the best mountain biking on the West Coast.
- The Willamette Valley wine country in the beautiful region surrounding Portland, is home to over 200 wineries.
For additional information about Portland, visit the Portland Chamber of Commerce.
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Commercial Transportation to and Around Portland
 | Portland International Airport (PDX) is served by most major airlines. Your local travel agent can provide you with current travel rates and will answer your specific air travel related questions. For specific PDX information visit FlyPDX.com or call (503)460-4234 or toll free at (877)739-4636. Once at the airport, transportation into the city is easily managed by the Max Light Rail system for less than $5. For more information on the Max light rail system, see below. |
 | Blue Star Airport Express, (503) 249-1837 offers transportation to and from PDX at a flat rate. Other cab companies include Broadway Cab, (503) 227-1234, and Radio Cab, (503) 227-1212. |
 | Greyhound's station is in downtown Portland, (503) 243-2361. |
 | Amtrak arrives in downtown Portland at historic Union Station (1-800-872-7245). Portland’s public transportation system, TriMet, is invaluable when confronting the city without wheels of your own. TriMet can get you anywhere you would like to go through there extensive bus and light rail system. The Max Light Rail can easily be taken from the Portland International Airport (PDX) into the city. Fares vary depending on your destination but an all day pass is $4.75 (rates are subject to change). For information, including maps and rates, visit Trimet.org. To find the best route, use TriMet’s “Trip Planner” for route and fare information. |
 A valuable resource, despite your chosen mode of travel, is a city -sponsored website, gettingaroundportland.org. This site offers useful information and tips for traveling Portland. A must visit if you have not been to Portland.
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