Last weekend was the third running of De Ronde Van Oeste Portlandia. This is one of my favorite cycling events. As one rider says, "There is enough character building here to get a crack whore into heaven." Truer words....
The ride is about 50 miles and is either up or down. The climbs are short and steep, some up to 25% grade. There is no entry fee, no sanction, no medal, and nobody cares if you finish. The road is marked with yellow lions that tell you when to make turns. The Portland riding season begins in earnest when you see a fresh painting to the Ronde lions. The ride starts on a 4 mile ascent up Saltzman road which is either gravel or mud, chose your line. Then it is up to Brynwood, which is the legendary hill of the ride. In the movie at the end of this post, you will see many people either walking or falling over as they attack this hill. Last year I snapped my rear hub on that climb because I was applying so much torque. Awesome!
This is the flyer that announces the race. About 600 people show up at the start. It is pretty much word of mouth. One of my favorite parts is just getting to the start. Pulling out of my street, there are dozens of riders heading to the same place. The closer we get, the more riders join in, like tributaries in a river. Or like termites coming out of the woodwork, depending on your perspective.
These yellow lions mark the course. It is the lion of Flanders and the ride is loosely based on the Tour of Flanders race which happens in Europe the following day.
At the start, we are all smiles. That will be quickly wiped away as we open our suitcases of courage and find we forgot to pack.
The man in front is Ron "Chechu" Kizziar. I am in the clear jacket and Jeff Lahti is the blue arm coming out of my right elbow.
This is me up a climb called College Rd. That is not a smile but a grimace. This climb is featured in the short movie below.
Springs Classics protagonist Jeff Lahti on the final stages of College. The glasses he is wearing were stolen from work. Jeff also buys his formal wear from Walgreens. True story.
Alec Denes making it look easy. At 17% grade, he is hardly breaking a sweat. Maybe it's becuase he just coughed up his right lung a few meters ago.
You have to admire the riding kit though. He designed the jersey for his ortho group. I may just change specialties to get my hands on one of those.
The finish at Council Crest Park. Right center of the picture is Tucker O, I am standing in front of him.
Overall an excellent day.
Enjoy the show.
">Photos (the nice ones)thanks to: http://www.dmroth.com
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