Kristyna Wentz-Graff/The Oregonian

By Lizzy Acker

Breaking news! On Monday morning, the moon is scheduled to block the sun! It’s called an eclipse and it is definitely happening!

Portland, unfortunately, will only experience 99.2 percent obscuration of the sun and not the whole deal, meaning there will be very strange shadows under trees but the city won't experience a minute or two of daytime darkness. The difference has been described, in this newsroom, as "the difference between going to prom and getting married."

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So if a partial view isn't enough for you, but you aren't interested in braving what promises to be the worst traffic of all time ever [commentary], why not hop on a bike and ride to totality? It will take you a couple hours but honestly, you'll probably be going faster than cars parked on Interstate 5, hoping for traffic to move.

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There are several ways you can bike to totality, and the best for you might depend on where you live in Portland. All of the routes below are over 2 hours long. The closest spot depends on which part of Portland you live in (see: geography).

Also, and this is important, we have not tested these routes. We put them in Google Maps. Always exercise caution, on bikes and while driving. Make sure you are prepared. These are long rides. Bring a lot of water and snacks and bike tubes. Wear your bike helmet. And don’t forget eclipse glasses.

If you want to join a ride or learn more about riding to the eclipse, check out Bike to the Eclipse or these route options from Ride With GPS.

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Downtown Portland to Canby, 24 miles

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This two hour and 19 minute route will take you down the Springwater Trail and the Trolley Trail and is probably one of the shortest routes to totality, especially if you live on the east side of the Willamette River.

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Southwest Portland to Butteville, 32 miles

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This ride will take you almost three hours, but you can always stop before Butteville -- once you pass Newberg and cross over the Willamette River, you should be in the path of totality.

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Montavilla to Mulino, 24 miles

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This route is just a few minutes longer than downtown to Canby, but this one takes you on the I-205 multi-use path, down through Clackamas, past High Rocks Park and through Oregon City.

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Can't make up your mind? Compare them all!

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