Dates announced for “De Ronde” ride weekend

2013 De Ronde -2

Riders roll out for the 2013 edition.
(Photo by J. Maus/BikePortland)

It’s baaaack.

The “De Ronde PDX” and its companion ride the “La Doyenne” will once again test your fitness and your sanity with a grueling two-ride weekend that promises over 15,000 feet of climbing.

Organizers of the unsanctioned, unpermitted rides have just announced the dates as April 5th and 6th. That gives you about one month to get your legs and lungs ready for the challenge.

The “De Ronde” is the original ride. It weaves 54 miles through Portland’s West Hills and offers over 7,200 feet of climbing, including some of the steepest pitches in the county. Some of the grades are so steep that some riders simply fall over and many others are forced to dismount and walk. Last year, organizers hatched a plan to offer even more free suffering with “La Doyenne.” That route offers similar statistics and takes riders on a loop in Happy Valley (southwest of Gresham).

Since its first edition in 2007, the De Ronde has become a cult classic with hundreds of riders following a route marked by yellow stencils of the Lion of Flanders.

We’ve covered the event extensively here on BikePortland over the years. For a glimpse of what it’s like, see our past stories and photos. OPB has also did a great story a few years back that’s worth checking out.

— Check the route and more details at RondePDX.com.

Jonathan Maus (Publisher/Editor)

Jonathan Maus (Publisher/Editor)

Founder of BikePortland (in 2005). Father of three. North Portlander. Basketball lover. Car driver. If you have questions or feedback about this site or my work, contact me 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 paying subscriber.

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rob
rob
10 years ago

yikes! just four weeks

Psyfalcon
Psyfalcon
10 years ago

Too bad the second day starts from the far side of town. Might have to start that one in the middle.

davemess
davemess
10 years ago
Reply to  Psyfalcon

Yeah, I might do the same. The closest point to my house is only a mile or so, but the start/finish is a solid 45+ mins away.

Andrew Springer
9 years ago
Reply to  Psyfalcon

La Doyenne has a new Westside start this year. Thanks for the feedback! http://ridewithgps.com/routes/4390111

Rob
Rob
9 years ago

Are we going to get a date announcement this year? Website makes it sound like it is not the same date as Flanders this year but delayed a few weeks?

Mike bodd
Mike bodd
10 years ago

It is officially TIME TO CLIMB.

mike
mike
10 years ago

Why does this always occur when I am at my fattest? It’s winter for the love of God!!!

teo
teo
10 years ago
Reply to  mike

..don’t blame the deities — it’s scheduled to coincide with the Ronde van Vlaanderen in Belgium

John Liu
John Liu
10 years ago

Hmm. What is the steepest grade? What gearing do you all use?

davemess
davemess
10 years ago
Reply to  John Liu

If you’re in shape a 39 x 25 will work. There are two incredibly steep sections (Brynwood and College), where you’re standing and trying to stay upright (both these are over 20% I believe). The rest are steep, but not that steep.

Chris I
Chris I
10 years ago

23% on Brynwood? A lot of people have to walk. A triple up front is nice.

John Liu
John Liu
10 years ago

Aieee! I can’t climb that on my road bike, its low is 39/21. So, is turning up on my MTB the height of shame? I could use a false name and wear a disguise.

davemess
davemess
10 years ago
Reply to  John Liu

Good excuse for a new cassette? Didn’t know they still made the old 21 max cassettes.

A.K.
A.K.
10 years ago
Reply to  John Liu

A mountain bike would be a poor choice as much of the route isn’t that steep and is on regular pavement. Get a new chain and a 11-25 or 12-28 cassette.

Psyfalcon
Psyfalcon
10 years ago
Reply to  John Liu

I have a 30/34. Might still walk College and Brynwood. Its hard even with mountain bike gearing, my lungs just wouldn’t sustain spinning up those hills at 4mph. Road bike gearing, well, I think my legs will be jelly.

ADS
ADS
10 years ago

Brynwood is probably the steepest. SW College is no joke, either. If you are intimidated by the group ride or can’t make the date, you can always ride it some other time…just follow the yellow lion stencils (and make sure you have a backup map).

B
B
10 years ago

If you are riding it on your own on a different day and not familiar with the route a backup map or GPS is definitely needed. Last year there was one spot in particular where someone painted over the lion stencil by the following weekend…

KRhea
KRhea
10 years ago

The majority of riders are using compact cranksets at the very least with may folks running Shimano/Sram 27 or 28t cassettes and Campy 29s. If you’re a race dude that actually “trains” or are an uber fit/strong climber a standard 39/25 might do the trick but for the VAST majority of riders that ain’t gonna work and certainly not on either Brynwood or College that’s for sure. If you don’t mind walking, great, but if you actually want to pedal up every climb a wider set of gears is the way to go and yes, there are a lot of triples on the ride as well as riders who install a wide range cassette and possibly a longer cage rear derailleur just for this ride and then take it off the remainder of the year. It’s a great ride and a heckuva accomplishment. Lots of roads most folks have never ridden and didn’t know existed. If you’ve never climbed Saltzman from Hwy 30 to Skyline it’s worth it just for that section, gravel, broken pavement, dirt and this year mud for sure all while going UP….

Dave
Dave
10 years ago

That ride’s a “someday” for me–and I’ll really cheat, use my Bike Friday with 20″ wheels plus triple chainring. A 21″ low gear should make Brynwood rideable!

muddyjoker
muddyjoker
10 years ago

Sooo hard….Sooo fun!!

lunchrider
lunchrider
10 years ago

years ago a guy from Multnomah County told me that Brynwood was 26%
but it is doable!

MA
MA
10 years ago
Reply to  lunchrider

Brynwood easily at 26% in some sections especially as you make the dreaded right turn. Just to add to the fun, at one of the steepest sections is one of those lovely concrete speed bumps/water bars you have to gut over. The final 15ft to Skyline really hurts.

College is only minimally less steep, but a lot narrower. Towards the top you feel like you are climbing out of a hole in the ground, heading towards the light. Who the heck ever okay’ed building roads like this? 🙂

Mark C
Mark C
10 years ago

Normal people will want to have at least a 34×27.

Mike bodd
Mike bodd
10 years ago

Who is the oldest participant? I did it last year for my first time at 45. Planning to hit the lions again this year.

MA
MA
10 years ago
Reply to  Mike bodd

I did it at 57. I’m sure there are lots of older hardcore racers also.

CIRCA Cycles
10 years ago

I chewed on nails, walked on glass and slept in fire. And then I rode my bike a lot. 39-25.