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We're warming up for another exciting cycling season and just returned from covering the Coast Hills Classic last weekend -- our first mountain bike event of 2012!

The city of Newport brought mountain biking back to the coast this year with an awesome course featuring gorgeous ocean views, open meadows, sick downhill, gnarly single track, killer climbs, and a muddy course. Stay tuned to CrankMyChain for our forthcoming video capturing all the action, scenery and sunshine! Thanks to presenting sponsor Bike Newport for throwing down an awesome party Saturday night and showing us their amazing coastal hospitality.

Congratulations to winners Ross Brody of Lake Oswego and Sue Butler of Portland! Way to represent at the coast!!

I went General Assembly last night to hear what was going to happen now that Occupy Portland has been given it’s eviction notice and to announce today’s 11.11.11 Occupy your Bicycle and Ride to the General Assembly (followed by War Memorial ride).  http://shift2bikes.org/cal/#11-2673

The general consensus is that there needs to be a party and potluck Saturday night and camp needs to be cleaned and cleared of much of the stuff (tents and other belongings) in advance.  Occupiers want as many supporters as possible to protect and hold the camp in a non-violent fashion.

Action committees were formed.  I joined with the folks who wanted to see bicyclists and pedestrians gather and circle the park.  It was decided that we call the action Swarm after a similar action from Copenhagen Denmark.  See videos below.

Protect the occupation!  Swarm this Saturday Night Nov 12, on foot or on bicycle.

11pm at Salmon St Fountain (SW Naito and Salmon in waterfront park) we meet to circle and rally around Chapman and Lownsdale Squares.  Also feel free to arrive in affinity groups on the hour at the site all night/morning long.  Bring good spirits, costumes, music, street theater!

Also bring rain gear (yellow/fluorescent), warm clothing, coffee, and a festive attitude.  Don't bring drugs, alcohol or violence. Be prepared to stay up late or be called back later since we won't know when the Swarm will be needed most.  Text PDXOccupy to 23559 to receive critical updates.

Tonight’s ride should be a good warm up for tomorrow’s.

[video=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-Oo6qhPLgW0]

Team CrankMyChain is doing its civic duty by cranking out 380 miles in order to raise funds for the arthritis foundation. Our goal is to raise $2500 by the end of this week. Won't you help? The link to donate to Team CrankMyChain is here: http://bit.ly/crankthecoast Why support the Arthritis Foundation? The Center for Disease Control (CDC) estimates that there are over 50 million people in the United States diagnosed with arthritis, which is over one-fifth of the general population. Their estimate grows to 67 million, or one-quarter of the general population, by the year 2030. Arthritis is a disease that affects people of all demographics, including 300,000 children affected by chronic auto-immune diseases conditions. The CDC also estimates that roughly one-third of diagnosed cases of arthritis result in some form of limited mobility or disability and costs the US economy $128 billion annually. The Arthritis Foundation is the only national not-for-profit organization that supports the more than 100 types of arthritis and related conditions. Founded in 1948, the Arthritis Foundation has multiple service points located throughout the country. The Pacific Northwest Chapter covers Washington, Oregon and Alaska. The Arthritis Foundation is the largest private, not-for-profit contributor to arthritis research in the world, funding more than $380 million in research grants since 1948. The foundation helps people take control of arthritis by providing public health education; pursuing public policy and legislation; and conducting evidence-based programs to improve the quality of life for those living with arthritis. For every dollar raised by the Arthritis Foundation: 49¢ goes towards funding research approved by our Peer Review Process. 19¢ goes towards Public Education programs, such as our Kids and Teens camps. 8¢ goes towards Patient and Community Services, such as Lifestyle Improvement exercise programs. 4¢ goes towards Professional Education programs, updating medical providers on the latest in arthritis treatment. 10¢ cents goes towards Fundraising efforts. 10¢ cents goes towards Administrative costs.