We figured that yesterday before the programming started would be the best opportunity to take a bike ride along the river.

The dudes at CityBikes Workers Cooperative were friendly and helpful, and very patient. The shop is on Ankeny Street, which I knew I’d seen the night before on a walk around the SW neighborhoods. But it’s on SE Ankeny, so the walk itself was an estimated, and unnecessary, five miles. I’ll have a good attitude about it and say it was needed exercise but really it got me off to a late start, put me so far behind that I missed one of the programs I’d most wanted to see. So here’s some advice. Simple really, unless you’re like me and somehow find ways to make everything difficult.

Really, if you’re staying anywhere in the SW quadrant, take Burnside east across the bridge and take a right at the first street on the other side (you’re now in the SE part of the city). Go one block to Ankeny, then walk down a coupla blocks and CityBikes is on the right side of the street. The facade is colorful so you won’t miss it.

We paid $20 for a bike, helmet and lock included. And a map, with clear instructions on how to get to the nearest access point of the river trail.

Once fully down the east side of the trail (which rolls you through a wildlife area), cross the Sellwood Bridge to loop back up the west side of the river.

Here’s the real advice: Watch closely for the access point to get back on the trail once you get to the other side of the bridge. If you don’t, finding a way back to the trail is not an easy feat, and you’ll end up on the road or sidewalks. They’re well maintained so it never seemed dangerous. But the point is to ride along the river, no?

I’m guessing the entire trip would be around one hour and fifteen minutes. Unless, of course, like me, you disregard or misread the map and get off trail. All told, it’s an easy ride, and worth it if you have the time.

Finally, I’ll be very mom-ish: Don’t forget water.