best bycicle gear for portland oregon?

Q. ok so i just got a bike but i haven't really used one since i was a kid. i've started riding and realized there's a lot of gear i need to get. i've been doing some online shopping but i figured my best bet would be to ask the consumers... you guys! so here's what i'm looking for let me know what brand/type is the best and if there's anything i missed that ill need please feel free to let me know!
AS a side not : i'm in portland oregon Right now, it's colder than a witches tit and it will be raining cats and dogs soon
Warm weatherproof jacket
Warm weather proof gloves
leggings or tights
under armor for the top half
front and rear lights
lock
some sort of bag to cary things in
a cell phone holder to hold my phone where i can see it as ill be using it for a gps
anything light and safety oriented!
ok i think that's it. but again if i missed anything please tell me!
thanks so much for your help! and i hope y'all have some great gear/brand/product type, suggestions for me!

Answer
Good info can be found through R.E.I. website under "Expert Advice: Cycling"
http://www.rei.com/expertadvice/cycling#tab_4

Clothing - http://www.rei.com/expertadvice/articles/bike+clothing.html
Commuter Bike Gear - http://www.rei.com/expertadvice/articles/commuter+bike+gear.html
How to Care for Technical Fabrics - http://www.rei.com/expertadvice/articles/fabric+care.html
How to Choose Rainwear - http://www.rei.com/expertadvice/articles/rainwear.html

Lights? Only one choice in my book - http://www.rei.com/product/786357/planet-bike-blaze-superflash-bike-light-set

Panniers, or as you described it "some sort of bag to cary things in" - http://www.avenirusa.com/parts-and-accessories/bags/#pannier These can be found on Amazon.

Locks? Only 2 choices - OnGuard U-Bolt lock - http://www.onguardlock.com/?page_id=329 or Kryptonite U-Bolt lock - http://www.kryptonitelock.com/Products/List.aspx?cid=1001

Any hotels, malls, fun thing to do near Portland Amtrak Station in Oregon?

Q. Hello, how are you?

Im from California, and I am planning to visit Portland in Oregon by taking a Amtrak train on the second week of Feburary for few days. so, I was wondering, since I am new to Portland, do you know any hotels, malls, fun activities nearby the Amtrak Station?

Secondly, is the train station nearby Downtown Portland? Portland International Airport?

Lastly, since Im just visiting there for few days, Im interested to visit the state capital, which is Salem, and Im interested in taking the train but I dont have a clue :(. Do you know which train to get there? Is it free? How long to arrive?

Thank you for your time to read this :)
*10 points for best answer!

Answer
Stick with Portland. Salem is not far away and you'll probably pass through it on the train ride...but Portland will be the place to be. Have a fun visit.

The Amtrak station is walking distance to a lot of things and Portland has a great bus and light rail system.
This is a great resource for getting around. Check it out.
http://trimet.org/

Nearby Shopping
Lloyd Center is just across the river
http://www.lloydcentermall.com/
Pioneer Place is downtown
http://www.pioneerplace.com/html/index19.asp
The Pearl and NW 21/23 streets have all sorts of shops and restaurants
Powell's Books is a fabulous and HUGE bookstore
http://www.powells.com/

Gardens / Zoo / Etc.
Portland Classical Chinese Garden
http://www.portlandchinesegarden.org/
Portland Japanese Garden
http://www.japanesegarden.com/
Oregon Zoo - ride a train, see some animals
http://www.oregonzoo.org/
Oregon Museum of Science and Industry - see a submarine, watch an omnimax movie
http://www.omsi.edu/

Parks
Forrest Park - hike in the woods in the city.
http://www.portlandonline.com/parks/finder/index.cfm?PropertyID=127&action=ViewPark
Waterfront Park - check out the waterfront park
http://www.portlandonline.com/parks/finder/index.cfm?PropertyID=156&action=ViewPark
The International Rose Test Gardens
http://www.rosegardenstore.org/thegardens.cfm

Rent a bike
http://www.portlandonline.com/transportation/index.cfm?a=hbjhe&c=deibc

Explore the Shanghai Tunnels - get reservations.http://members.tripod.com/cgs-mthood/shanghai_tunnels_FAQ.htm

Like Music and Shows?
Local events Calendar
http://www.travelportland.com/event_calendar/

Bars / Clubs (admittedly I didn't go out much - but I liked these spots)
Lotus Cardroom and Cafe
http://portland.citysearch.com/profile/8456490/portland_or/lotus_cardroom_and_cafe.html
Dante's
http://www.danteslive.com/
Doug Fir Lounge
http://www.dougfirlounge.com/

Great Burger and Brew
Barley Mill Pub - Deadhead Heaven - my kids loved this pub too - kids allowed until 10 p.m.
http://www.mcmenamins.com/index.php?loc=10

Like Art?
http://portlandartmuseum.org/

Drag Shows?
http://www.darcellexv.com/


Out of Portland, but really cool
Multnomah Falls
http://trips.stateoforegon.com/multnomah_falls/

Powered by Yahoo! Answers

Title Post: best bycicle gear for portland oregon?
Rating: 94% based on 932 ratings. 4,1 user reviews.
Author: Unknown

Thanks For Coming To My Blog