The PDX.
Posted by Ryan | Filed under Oregon, People
People in Seattle weren’t shy telling us that Portland was a better place. We had our doubts. But in the end Portland may have won our hearts. It was US 30 that brought us over the bridge from Washington into Oregon and ultimately into Portland. It was a bustling road but it’s 2 meter shoulder was smooth, mostly free from debris, wonderful for cycling. From there google maps brought us through a maze of industrial buildings and railroad tracks. The roads seemed to be falling apart all around us. Yet, to our amazement as we edged closer into the city bicycle routing signs and bike lanes started popping up. And that set the stage for what is widely known: portland + cycling = heaven.
I hadn’t seen my good friend Marcus in 2.5 years since the night at Connor O’Neils in Boulder when he told me: “Ryan, go to medical school, you’ll love it.” It was those words that pushed me over the edge into my formal exploration of a medical career. So to visit him for a few days during his second year of surgery residency was a special treat for me.
Our delay getting out of Seattle was for the better. That meant that we would arrive the night before Marcus got his required day off from his regular 80-90 hour work weeks. Our second earliest arrival of the trip (4 pm) was quickly followed with showers, an introduction to Dena, (Marcus’ rad girlfriend), and a brisk walk to the car. We on our way to the first brewery magic.
By nights end we had visited four local breweries, a cupcake shop, and a famous steak joint (Ringside). At Rogue Ales, our last brewery of the night, we had a spirited conversation with a couple that had hiked most of the Pacific Crest trail. Certainly cycling can be tough at times, but can you imagine walking the length of the US? Ouch.
Marcus was our tour guide on Friday; we bicycled all over the city visiting some of the best spots known to man. Powell’s books, the water front, and of course Voodoo Doughnuts. Alex got his normal Apple Fritter while I opted for the actual voodoo doughnut. It was shaped like a doll with a pretzel through its heart. The day was perfect because it was relaxed. We had no mission, no destination, no time crunch. It was time spent with a great friend, gentle wind, tasty food, and bicycles. Oh, and then we finished the afternoon with a two hour nap.
The next day Marcus gave us a tour of the OHSU campus and hospital after he finished his shift. The campus is set upon a gigantic hill overlooking the city. The buildings are both old and new offering a unique styling that is both homey and institutional at the same time. I love it.
One last story. The next day Marcus brought us over to bishops barbershop, a store that epitomizes the hipster nature of Portland. Every stylist was sporting their own flavor of 80’s rock punk clothes and a seemingly random fluorescent color for their hair. As we waited we were offered MGD. And of course we took them. My stylist in particular, Veronica, was a firecracker. She asked me what I wanted. I told her. She said she’d use the buzz cutter thing. I said I didn’t want to look like a marine. She said don’t worry. I had to take off my glasses for the cut. She told me a bunch of stories; we laughed and such. I put my glasses on. I looked like a marine. Damn. But the MGD, her purple tights and mohawk seemed to make up for it.
Dena returned from her houseboating weekend adventure just in time to join us for dinner. The four of us met John Grubin (a former Journey of Hoper) and his girlfriend Julia for mexican food, gelato, and the last brewery of our northern Oregon stint. Man did we love Portland. Did we want to stay even longer? Yes. But Panama was calling, so regretfully we hopped back on the road after three splendid days off. Thank you Marcus and Dena. Thank you.