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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.
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…
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Heck yeah, best ride of the year, I’ll be back again.
Sweet!
This was fun and grueling last year. Bring the pain.
Woot! Pain and suffering! Pray for ice and snow.
I’ll be there (DFL, but there).
Ron
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!
This was the highlight of my riding season last year. I hope to do it again this year.
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.
I’m there… it’s always a good time.
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..
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…
Only if I can go downhill, I saw the YouTube vids of the uphill struggles…. looks too painful! Good luck to all cyclists!
Here’s a map of the course, slightly more precise in following roads and downloadable to your GPS, on an alternative map service.
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
Depending on how strong you are, about 4hrs.
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…
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.
Tire suggestions: due to some fireroad accesses, then a 25 or 28 would be beneficial.
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.
I would be ther for sure..
Thanks all for an amazing ride! Hats off to the planners!
Where is the after party-beer drinking this year?
Will the Ronde be back this year?
Yes, we all want to know! D.R.V.O. 2010?