(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.