Details on the 2009 De Ronde van Oeste Portlandia

Flyer for ’09 event.
Download PDF, 150K-)

When organizers of the “De Ronde van Oeste Portlandia” (or, Tour of West Portland) first did the ride back in 2007, they were shocked when 100 people showed up.

Last year, despite the guarantee of 8,000 of climbing (depending on whose GPS you looked at) over 45 miles, an estimated 400 people showed up on a rainy day to challenge themselves on the steep and unforgiving course.

Story continues below

advertisement

As its legend has grown, now the ride is nothing short of a true spring classic reminiscent of the De Ronde Van Vlaanderen in Belgium that inspired it.

This year, organizers tell me the route is a bit longer and includes one more climb than last year. Here’s the route (view it online):

Here are the details of this year’s ride:

    2009 De Ronde Van Oeste Portlandia
    47 miles, 5,400 feet of climbing
    Saturday, April 4th at 10:00 am
    “Ride from the brewpub at (2730 NW 31st) until you collapse at Council Crest Park”

And if you plan to go, remember…

Jonathan Maus (Publisher/Editor)

Jonathan Maus (Publisher/Editor)

Founder of BikePortland (in 2005). Father of three. North Portlander. Basketball lover. Car owner and driver. If you have questions or feedback about this site or my work, feel free to contact me at @jonathan_maus on Twitter, via email at maus.jonathan@gmail.com, or phone/text at 503-706-8804. Also, if you read and appreciate this site, please become a supporter.

Subscribe
Notify of
guest

22 Comments
oldest
newest most voted
Inline Feedbacks
View all comments
jeff
jeff
15 years ago

Heck yeah, best ride of the year, I’ll be back again.

toddistic
toddistic
15 years ago

Sweet!

Grimm
15 years ago

This was fun and grueling last year. Bring the pain.

Ron
Ron
15 years ago

Woot! Pain and suffering! Pray for ice and snow.

I’ll be there (DFL, but there).

Ron

old&slow
old&slow
15 years ago

I have signed up for Ride the Rockies in Colorado this summer which has 5000 ft climbs every day at 10,000 ft. so this will be a piece of cake! Actually I just hope to make it to the finish!

Kevin Wagoner
Kevin Wagoner
15 years ago

This was the highlight of my riding season last year. I hope to do it again this year.

Mike of the slow and old clan.
Mike of the slow and old clan.
15 years ago

This is so evil that my very soul cringes in fear.

I will be there.

I will bring cupcakes…for me.

I will eat the cupcakes in front of you at the end of the ride….which is an evil thing to do.

I will blame the ride for making me do an evil thing.

Zaphod
15 years ago

I’m there… it’s always a good time.

Krampus
Krampus
15 years ago

Just watching the video from last years ride was painful.. I’m not a hill guy… I winced in pain at my last visit to San Fran, watching cyclists haul up those impossible hills.. think happy thoughts, think happy thoughts..

David Anderson
David Anderson
15 years ago

aw, do I dare? the day after I turn 57? Heck I did the Tour of Unknown Coast last year and that’s 95 miles and 9500′ of climbing (most in the last half), soooo…

Candy
Candy
15 years ago

Only if I can go downhill, I saw the YouTube vids of the uphill struggles…. looks too painful! Good luck to all cyclists!

Jack Newlevant
15 years ago

Here’s a map of the course, slightly more precise in following roads and downloadable to your GPS, on an alternative map service.

Patrick
15 years ago

How long does it take to get to Council Crest? I’m trying to get friends to meet my group there upon completion for a Fest of sorts, but I have no idea what the average arrival time is. Any clues?

of…
Hoe laat arriveerten de rijwielen?

Dank je wel

Saul
Saul
15 years ago

Depending on how strong you are, about 4hrs.

dennis veatch
15 years ago

5400 ft of climbing my arse. I did it last year, it was a blast, and I recorded 7400 ft with an excellent signal the whole time. Really a lot of fun…

Byron
Byron
15 years ago

A threesome from Olympia will be coming down for this. I for one am very nervous. Our terrain here is not nearly as steep, and my lowest gear is 39×29. At least if we bail somewhere along the route, a pub can’t be too far away. Can someone give me tire advice? I can go with Pro2 700×23 or 700×25.

dennis veatch
14 years ago

Tire suggestions: due to some fireroad accesses, then a 25 or 28 would be beneficial.

Tom
14 years ago

So every one knows that the 2009 De Ronde Van Oeste Portlandia is not a Sunday ride in the park. But it certainly would make a good warm up ride for a Mountain Bike Race.

If you really want to show how tough you are come out to Hornings Hideout and race the Hornigns Hustle. A special Prize will be awarded to the Man and Woman that finish both rides and places highest in there class at the race.

More details are coming.

Van Leasing
14 years ago

I would be ther for sure..

stretch
stretch
14 years ago

Thanks all for an amazing ride! Hats off to the planners!

Where is the after party-beer drinking this year?

Eric Dams
Eric Dams
14 years ago

Will the Ronde be back this year?

Ben
Ben
14 years ago

Yes, we all want to know! D.R.V.O. 2010?