The Slammer Tavern (500 SE 8th Ave.) will serve as the starting point for this year’s Portland Challenge. Registration begins at noon and the race begins at 2pm. It’s free to enter but the organizers ask participants and fans to make donations to the House of Peace and Love Project (see the official Portland Challenge website for a donation form and other information).
What is the Portland Challenge? This year the challenge is to cross the Willamette from the Eastbank Esplanade to Waterfront Park “without using money, motors, or bridges.”
The first Portland Challenge, in 2003, was more daunting. It too included a non-motorized river crossing, but began at Council Crest with the finish line at Mt. Tabor.
After the crossing buses will pick participants up at the Salmon Street Fountain and transport them back to the Slammer Tavern for a block party that will run until 10pm with live music and other activities.
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