For a quarter of a century, the “Lawyer Ride” in Portland has stood as a testament to the enduring power of community, fitness, and professional camaraderie among legal professionals. What began in 1991 as a simple lunch-hour escape for two lawyers, Jim Coon and Ray Thomas, has blossomed into a cherished weekly tradition, marking 25 years of unwavering dedication to cycling, rain or shine. This isn’t just a bike ride; it’s a Portland institution, a place where legal minds converge, network, and push their physical limits amidst the scenic West Hills.
The Lawyer Ride, as it’s affectionately known, has become a legendary fixture in the Portland weekday cycling scene. Every Monday and Thursday at noon, a diverse group of attorneys, judges, and legal enthusiasts gathers at the southwest corner of Pioneer Courthouse Square. From humble beginnings with just Coon and Thomas seeking a mid-day fitness boost, the group has expanded remarkably. In the summer months, the peloton swells to over forty riders, a vibrant testament to its popularity. Even during the challenging winter months, when icy roads and persistent rain deter many, a core group of hardy participants ensures the ride’s legacy continues, highlighting its importance as a consistent source of motivation and connection.
In the demanding world of law, where stress and long hours are commonplace, the Lawyer Ride offers a vital outlet. It’s more than just exercise; it’s a dependable weekly ritual that fosters motivation, maintains fitness, sharpens focus, and cultivates both new friendships and strengthens existing bonds. The ride provides a unique space for lawyers to step away from the pressures of courtrooms and case files, and engage in physical activity while connecting with peers.
On a recent ride, the group was thriving, boasting two dozen riders at the starting point in Pioneer Square, with another half-dozen joining as the route progressed onto NW Cornell Road. The route itself, a constant for 25 years, is a crucial part of the Lawyer Ride tradition. Mondays are dedicated to fast-paced laps around the flat loop of SW Fairmount, near Council Crest. Thursdays, aptly dubbed “hill day” or “hell day,” challenge riders with a demanding ascent up Cornell to Thompson, with some opting for the particularly steep NW 53rd, before continuing to Skyline and descending back downtown through the verdant Washington Park.
The Lawyer Ride is renowned for its brisk pace, attracting riders eager to challenge themselves physically. However, beneath the competitive spirit lies a welcoming and inclusive atmosphere. During the climb up Cornell Road, connections are forged and strengthened. Introductions to fellow lawyers and even county judges are common. Snatches of conversation reveal the pulse of the legal community, with discussions ranging from recent $44 million settlements to the latest legal developments. This ride isn’t just about fitness; it’s a dynamic networking hub, a place to hear the latest legal “scuttlebut” and build relationships within the Portland legal fraternity.
Ray Thomas, a central figure in Portland’s cycling legal circles, is not only a ride founder but also a respected voice on bicycle law and advocacy. His publications and blog posts on platforms like BikePortland are invaluable resources for cyclists. Thomas has been instrumental in advocating for bike-specific legal changes, further solidifying his commitment to the cycling community. His law firm, Swanson, Thomas, Coon & Newton, is a testament to the deep professional and personal bonds formed through the Lawyer Ride, as co-founder Jim Coon is both his legal and riding partner. The ride even spans generations, with Thomas’s son Chris having participated for 19 years, starting at just 12 years old.
Reflecting on the ride’s 25-year milestone, Thomas shared that the concept of lawyers cycling together at lunchtime was considered quite novel in 1991. Today, it feels like a natural part of the Portland legal culture. This normalization might be attributed to the consistent presence of a classified ad in the Multnomah Bar Association’s newsletter for the past 25 years: inviting “middle-aged MBA members” to join the Monday and Thursday noon rides in the West Hills and Skyline.
Before the riders dispersed back to their busy schedules of offices and court appearances, Thomas, with a smile, made a final request: spread the word that the Lawyer Ride welcomes “more young and slow riders.” “We need more people to beat,” he quipped, a sentiment delivered with the characteristic wit of a seasoned lawyer. As the Lawyer Ride enters its next chapter, it remains a vibrant and essential part of Portland’s legal community, a testament to the enduring appeal of combining professional networking with the simple joy of cycling, now celebrating 25 years of tradition.
