Portland Highland Games
Men: How much do you know about yourself if you’ve never attempted to heave a 20-foot, near 200-pound wooden pole into the air while outfitted in a flowing plaid kilt? Such a feat is just one of many manly beskirted contests to contemplate at Saturday’s Portland Highland Games. Arrive early for the Kilted Mile race or stay late to observe the aforementioned Caber Toss. Take in a game of shinty (or, camanachd, if we’re being a wee bit more particular) in between. Either way, you’ll never think of skirts in the same way.

Star Party
I’m never one to wish for a speedy end to a long summer day here in the Northwest. But this weekend provides an exception. On Saturday, the US Forest Service is hosting a free star viewing party up at Timberline Lodge’s historic amphitheater. The kid-friendly proceedings come complete with telescopes and a pair of professors of astronomy on hand to help distinguish the difference between Orion’s bow and Pegasus’s wingtip. Got a room for the night? Feel free to get a galactic buzz at the onsite beer garden.

Sunday Parkways
The latest Sunday Parkways edition heads over to East Portland this weekend. Lents, Ed Benedict, and Bloomington Parks will anchor the 4.5-mile loop around town for this go-round. And with vendors like Voodoo Doughnuts, Organic Scoop Ice Cream, and Island Dream Shave Ice dolling out treats, there’ll be no shortage of sugar-charged pedal power for cranking out a loop or two. But what is in short supply: Opportunities to meander around these lazy circuits of summer fun—after this weekend, there are only two Parkways dates left.

Seattle to Portland Bicycle Classic
So Lance stumbled in the Tour this year. But back stateside, there’s still plenty of inspiration to be had for spoke and spandex set. Consider the Seattle to Portland Bicycle Classic. Now in its 31st year, the event is the largest multi-day race in the Northwest, with some 10,000 riders saddling up for the 200-mile road ride. Get all the motivation you need to consider tackling the course next year by observing this year’s participants as they descend upon Northeast Portland’s Holladay Park where the annual finish line shebang is planned. Still iffy as to whether you could give it a go? Here’s a festival fast fact that will have you reaching for your own yellow jersey: Nearly 20 percent of 2009’s riders were first-timers.