Photos: 10th annual Worst Day of the Year Ride

– More images below/Gallery
(Photos © J. Maus)


Once again, we had relatively beautiful weather for the Worst Day of the Year Ride. This was the 10th anniversary of the event, which has become one of the largest organized rides in Portland. Organizers estimate nearly 4,000 people signed up for one of the two routes.

People of all shapes, sizes, ages and colors — many of them in hilarious costumes — took part in the ride. See the silliness in a few selected shots below (you can view the full gallery here)…

Worst Day of the Year Ride 2011-37

Worst Day of the Year Ride 2011-10

The Amtrak came roaring by as the Steel Bridge was full of people.
Worst Day of the Year Ride 2011-5

This is the Glide Cycle. A rather curious velocipede. See more photos of it here and here.

Worst Day of the Year Ride 2011-16

Jim “K’Tesh” Parsons in his full Klingon regalia.

Worst Day of the Year Ride 2011-42

Get it?

Worst Day of the Year Ride 2011-19

Ride organizer Ayleen Crotty. She’s been at all 10 Worst Day Rides and she’s still not above dressing up like a penguin.
Worst Day of the Year Ride 2011-35

Unsuspecting passersby were a bit flummoxed by the crowds on the Esplanade.

Team Recycle gets my award for best group costume. They had skirts made from plastic bags, cans hanging from their bikes, and globe balls on their heads.
Worst Day of the Year Ride 2011-22

And finally, a moment of Zen…

Hope you enjoyed the show. Learn more at WorstDayRide.com and view our complete photo gallery here.

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.

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K'Tesh
K'Tesh
13 years ago

My 2011 Worst Day of the Year Ride Photos can be found at:
http://www.flickr.com/photos/ufobike/sets/72157626045187862/

Paul Cole
Paul Cole
13 years ago

As a passerby (jogging in the opposite direction), I was also flummoxed as to why people were riding 3 or 4 wide on the narrowest part of the Esplanade.

KJ
KJ
13 years ago
Reply to  Paul Cole

I have had the same experience on my bike salmoning with the gigantic run/walk for the “insert cause” events on the esplanade while on my bike. It’s just what large masses do people do! It’s actually fluid mechanics, I think.

I get off the esplanade when I can, take another route and let them have their fun. It’s one day. =)

Loved seeing all the bikes stream past on the Esplanade when I was at work this morning, defiantly wished I was outside!

A.K.
A.K.
13 years ago
Reply to  Paul Cole

And I was flummoxed by all the runners participating in the Sunday run, that were all over Waterfront park, some even running two or three abreast!

(Every group does it, nothing to see here, moved along…)

Sven
Sven
13 years ago

Why is it called the worst day of the ride? Could you at least link to an explanation so people who don’t know what you are talking about could get a clue?

K'Tesh
K'Tesh
13 years ago

Sven
Why is it called the worst day of the ride? Could you at least link to an explanation so people who don’t know what you are talking about could get a clue?

http://www.worstdayride.com/

http://bikeportland.org/2010/02/16/worst-day-ride-now-second-largest-in-the-state-29562

Andrew
Andrew
13 years ago

Lordy, this should have been held during this morning’s commute! Worst weather of the year ride!

NW Biker
NW Biker
13 years ago

I was out there yesterday for the first time on this year, and had a great time. Lots of people having fun, lots of funny costumes, and all in all, a great day. We were all layered up with rain gear and didn’t need it!

David Carlsson
David Carlsson
13 years ago

Any word on the guy that was injured on the Eastbank Esplanade? I didn’t see the accident, but saw him being taken away on the motor-cart thingy. We saw another guy go down on the tracks approaching the broadway bridge, though he got up.

Ayleen + Team Penguin
13 years ago

Your photos are great, as always, Jonathan! Thanks for being out there. What a great way to celebrate 10 strong years of supporting the Community Cycling Center. Woo-hoo!

Huge thanks to everyone who rode the ride, and to the 250 volunteers who helped make it possible.

If you like the Worst Day of the Year Ride, check out the other great events by Good Sport Promotion here:
http://www.GoodSportPromotion.com/events.html