Heyo! Yesterday (07/10/2025) I had the pleasure of taking part in another Some Sorta Sycling Squad group ride. Every couple weeks the owner (Nick) of Something Cycles puts on a super chill no drop group ride to a random spot in Portland! This is actually my second time tagging along, first time was my first group ride ever so I tried to just focus on soaking in the experience rather than documenting it. This time now that I had my wits about me more I tried my best to capture the fun.

I recently have made a point to try and take part more in the Portland community to “prove” to myself that it is where I would like to move my family to long term. Currently I live about 30-90 minutes from Portland (depending on traffic) in a town that is NOT bike friendly, among other things so I wasn’t sure if I was romanticizing Portland or if my handful of experiences have just been that much better.

I like to consider my self very directionally aware, once I have gone to a place I have a permanent mental picture moving forward. As a car driver I have been to Portland a lot, and thought I had a good grasp of the layout. Going into these group rides I didn’t try to “figure out” where we were but just willingly followed along. The super fun thing about this is that I am constantly going on trails/greenways I didn’t even know existed and getting views of Portland and its neighborhoods that only are possible on these paths! It has completely shifted the way I view Portland.

Group headed towards i5 right before the Hayden Island exit.

North Portland Harbor, Hayden Island (on the left).

Going over the i5 Bridge was another one of those butt hole clenching moments. Like I told the guys once we made it to the other side, I am not afraid of heights but I also really like living…

Group riding up to the i5 Bridge to cross over into Vancouver, WA.

Random but huge props to Mike who rode on a beautiful Raleigh SINGLE SPEED, I didn’t even realize until we were like 10 to 12 miles in! I swear some people just like to suffer 😉

Single Speed Raleigh in question.

After taking a quick water break we casually rode along the Columbia on the Vancouver side chatting and enjoying the relaxed atmosphere of the waterfront. After some grueling hills filled with multi-million dollar mansions we arrived at my personal favorite part of the ride – descending the Glenn Jackson Bridge! For those not familiar the Glenn Jackson Bridge (or i205 Bridge) spans approximately 600 feet (180 meters) across the Columbia River with its highest point standing at 144′ (45 meters).

Descending the Glenn Jackson Bridge (i205 Bridge).

Descending the Glenn Jackson Bridge was nuts. We all agreed after the fact we had some more speed to give and Strava still clocked us at 28mph (45kmh). The concrete sections also had slight divots in them so it had a very subtle “flow” or bounce to it that made for another layer of spice. I think what made this especially weird feeling for me is how long it took to descend (at least 5 minutes), while typically in a car you get across in a minute at most so it was the first time I ever truly understood the scale of that bridge!

After that we made our way towards the Barley Food Pods for some grub which was very needed at that point. We first had to cut through a number of neighborhoods and even Gateway Green!

Squad climbing a hill out of Gateway Green.

My Primos Dame locked up safe and sound so I could get food.

Once we got there I treated myself with some carnitas tacos and a Coke (perfect combo in my opinion) that were delicious and truly hit the spot. I sadly did not take a photo because I am not a food influencer but in hindsight I should have lol. We all hung out for a while longer chatting it up and eating before calling it a night and heading our separate ways.

My couple take aways are: riding in a group of like minded people is always better than solo, bridges and intrusive thoughts go hand in hand, and I really, really, REALLY love Portland (I knew this already though).

Something Cycles shop, 811 E Burnside Street, Portland, Oregon, 97214.

If you’re reading this (which means you read till the end, or skipped to the bottom which is odd…) thanks! I really enjoy sharing my thoughts and experiences either to help others with questions they may have or to show that it really is easy to put yourself out there and have a great time. Keep an eye out for my review on the Primos Dame, some gear I have picked up recently and some other general topics I have been wanting to discuss like: underbiking, how to pick the “perfect” bike for you, etc. Anyways, talk to you soon, PEACE!