Annual Awesome

Every summer, the Whiteaker Block Party (pictured, 8/3) seems to grow by another block. Check out our 8/1 issue for a rundown of the music, food, art and more that heat up the Whit in the dog days of summer. And don’t forget the Oregon Country Fair (7/12-7/14) and Eugene Celebration (8/23-8/25) for more awesome local culture.

Promote active living and open streets in the process. The third annual Eugene Sunday Streets takes place in downtown Eugene (7/21), with another edition in the Bethel Neighborhood (9/8). Walk, bike, roll, scooter, skate or even ride a pogo-stick and discover the benefits of active transportation in a safe and traffic-free environment.

Take a stroll through the Eugene Wetlands through the WREN Wetland Wander, held the second Tuesday of every month (6/11, 7/9, 8/13, 9/10). Check wewwild.blogspot.com for info each month.

Immersing yourself in lavender is as easy as it is fragrant at the Oregon Lavender Festival (7/13-7/14) at McKenzie River Lavender. Take a big whiff!

If mountain biking up hills and through the woods is your thing, check out Oakridge’s Mountain Bike Oregon. There are two three-day rides this summer (7/19-7/21 and 8/16-8/18) during which bikers can, among other things, ride riverside trails and experience heart-pumping descents throughout the area surrounding the picturesque Cascade Mountains.

Not old enough to participate in MBO? Kids can get experience on a mountain bike ride for them. Take part in Kids Mountain Bike Day (9/23)in Oakridge, during which kids can learn the basics of riding a mountain bike, including positioning and how to stay balanced navigating trails full of obstacles. In addition, shuttled rides to nearby Flat Creek, Aubrey Mountain, Larison Rock and Alpine Trail will be offered.

Want to climb Mt. Hood or take a trip to the North Umpqua Waterfalls? Join the Obsidians, a group out of Eugene that specializes in mountaineering, and enjoy the splendors of these settings and many more throughout the summer. Along with climbing and hiking, the Obsidians offer an eclectic mixture of events, including trail runs and bike tours. Experience something new on an almost daily basis with a cavalcade of other outdoor aficionados.

Enjoy a family affair full of biking, camping and even some swimming if so desired with the Kidical Mass Family Bike Camping Trip (6/15-6/16). The ride begins at Monroe Park, from which participants will bike through Eugene to Armitage Park, the destination for fun and games, dinner, camping under the stars and a pancake breakfast.

After stuffing your face with pancakes, eat some pie. Register for and take part in Eugene’s Blackberry bRamble (8/14) and get dessert as a reward for your efforts. There are three different rides, spanning 40, 62 or 100 miles, and no matter which one is chosen experience a scenic route, good food at rest stops and the ultimate prize: free blackberry pie and ice cream.