I'm heading to Portland for a business conference Oct 25-29 (Oregon Convention Center), and plan to take an extra 3 days to enjoy the area. I've gotten some maps and guidebooks from a friend who used to live there. My big question now is: Is it worth bringing my bike along? It's an extra 50 lbs to lug in a big (but airline-legal without excess baggage charges) suitcase. [The bike doesn't weigh 50 lb, but with all the padding, shoes, helmet, tools, etc, thrown in it almost does.] I might possibly use the bike in the city a bit during the conference, but mostly during my 3 extra days, to tour the city, and possible venture out to the Gorge area for a couple of days. Biking and hiking are on my agenda. I could just rent a car for a couple days to visit the Gorge and hike. I hear that late October/early November is the rainy season. Does that mean pouring rain every day so I won't want to bike, or part-time drizzle?