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Clean Currents is touted as the “by the industry, for the industry” water power conference + trade show, and part of what makes the event so special is the community it fosters outside the workshops, technology demonstrations, sessions, and exhibition floor.
Over the past few years, a group of water power and bike riding enthusiasts have gathered before the start of Clean Currents to explore and connect. Last year, a group of more than forty riders gathered for a ride alongside Ohio’s Little Miami River.
For Clean Currents 2024, the bike gathering, dubbed “Tour de NHA,” will convene once more on October 7, at 8:30 AM PT for a 35+ mile ride along Oregon’s Willamette River; ride participants can also elect to take part in a shorter 15 mile format of the route.
The Tour De NHA Bike Outing is a great opportunity to get to know your peers and deepen existing friendships – all set against a backdrop of water power.
THE LOCATION
The Willamette River is a major tributary of the Columbia River, accounting for 12% – 15% of the Columbia’s flow. The Willamette and its tributaries form the Willamette Valley, a basin containing 2/3 of Oregon’s population and the state’s world famous wine region.
The ride, which begins alongside the banks of the Willamette, takes riders along the Springwater Corridor Trail, a 21-mile long paved, off-street path, which follows the former railway line.
The Springwater Corridor Trail then connects to Milwaukie, Oregon’s Trolley Trail, a 5-mile paved, off-street path built alongside the existing MAX light-rail train, where the former Portland Traction Company’s streetcar line once operated. This unique section of the ride offers a look at the neighborhoods and communities of Oregon’s early towns.
As riders cross over the Willamette River, the group will be treated to winding, paved paths cutting through the many parks dotting the banks of the Willamette before reaching Oregon City.
Oregon City is the county seat of Clackamas County, Oregon, and the city is home to 37, 572. As the first city west of the Rocky Mountains to be incorporated, Oregon City flourished in the mid-1800’s, as the industry alongside the Willamette was powered by hydro. The Willamette Falls Electric Station was one of the nation’s first hydro plants. Additionally, the first long-distance transmission of electricity in the U.S. occurred when the Willamette Falls Electric Company successfully transmitted power to Portland in 1889.
Currently, Portland General Electric owns and operates the T.W. Sullivan Hydroelectric Plant, which houses some of the original equipment from the plant’s early origins, and the project provides over 15 MW of renewable electricity. For interested ride participants, they can visit Oregon City’s Municipal Elevator, which was constructed in the 1950’s and provides an amazing view of the surrounding area, including the hydropower project.
RIDE DETAILS
Riders of all distance appetites are welcome. There will be a 15 mile route and a 35+ mile route, both with very few hills as we ride on bike trails along the Willamette River.
- Both rides will start (wheels rolling) at 8:30 AM PT on Monday, October 7. Bike rentals are available from the Cycle Portland bike shop, and we’ll start from their shop at 180 NW 3rd Avenue, just over a mile from the Convention Center.
- The bike shop is normally open from 10:00-6:00 every day, but they are going to open for the group at 8:00 a.m. on the day of the ride. That said, the more people who can pick up their bike on Sunday before closing, the better chance the group will have to get rolling on time.
- A wide variety of bike types can be rented through the shop’s website. Note on your reservation that you are with the NHA Group leaving at 8:30 on 10/7/24. As another alternative, the shop has set up the following options specifically for our group:
- The two routes are:
- Shorter ride: Bike shop to Milwaukie, Oregon, along the Springwater Corridor Trail, which is 7.5 miles each way. This route will be identical to the longer ride, but will deviate in that it turns around sooner.
- Longer ride: Bike shop to Oregon City along the Springwater Corridor Trail, 18 miles each way. Stop in Oregon City (probably for a snack) and for a view of the 1889 hydroelectric powerhouse there, as viewed from the top end of the Oregon City Elevator.
FOR MORE INFORMATION
Interested participants can learn more about the ride here, and can sign up for the ride when registering for Clean Currents.
There is no fee to NHA to sign up for the ride, but you do need to rent or bring your own bike.
