Photo Essay: Inaugural Native and Indigenous Bike Ride a Success
Pedalpalooza’s first ride geared exclusively toward Native and Indigenous riders drew attendees from as far away as the Gila River Indian Community in Arizona.
Forty Native and Indigenous community members, ranging from young children to elders, plus a dog named Ocho, attended Pedalpalooza's inaugural Native and Indigenous Bike Ride on Saturday, August 27, 2022.
Organizers Alexis Vazquez and Nanette Beyale say they’re pleased.
"So many people came together for this," said Beyale. "Imagine what we could do if we made it an every year thing. It could just get bigger and bigger."
The 7-mile, party-paced ride rolled out at 3 p.m. from the Hampton Opera Center on the east side of the Willamette River. Riders headed to Colonel Summers Park, then crossed the river to breeze along the scenic South Waterfront. The finale was a celebration at Portland State University's Native American Student and Community Center with fry bread, music and vendors.
All photos by Jarrette Werk / Underscore News
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Featured image: Alexis Vazquez, left, identifies as Taino, a group of people Indigenous to what is now Puerto Rico, and uses they/them pronouns. Vazquez proudly displays the Navajo Nation and Puerto Rico flags as they lead the riders to the next stop during the ride.
Jarrette is a multimedia journalist with experience in digital news, audio reporting and photojournalism. He joined Underscore in June 2022 as a staff reporter and photographer, in partnership with the national Report for America program. Originally from Montana, Jarrette is a proud member of the Aaniiih and Nakoda Tribes of the Fort Belknap Indian Community. Prior to joining Underscore, he served as an associate producer for Nevada Public Radio’s (KNPR) “Native Nevada Podcast,” an eight-part podcast series highlighting the culture, issues and perseverance of the 27 tribal nations in present-day Nevada. He has been a member of the Native American Journalists Association since 2017 and has participated as a Native American Journalist Fellow four times, including once as a mentor-in-training. He has earned a national Hearst Journalism Award and regional Edward R. Murrow Award for his reporting.