Portland Century

I'm training right now for the 100. Those hills, those hills!

Hey; I expect to be in shape for the Century by the time of the ride...but just barely. I'm still new enough to the Portland area to have no idea what the "Bull Run" area is like. How steep is the climb & descent? (Is it like El Tigre on the Rosarito to Ensendada ride?)

Hey Beau - elevation profiles will be up shortly. There are really only two major climbing areas. The first one is coming out of Eagle Fern Park (up and down, up and down) and the other is after the Roslyn Lake rest stop (lots of up). The rest is smooth sailing. Please stay tuned to this blog or our website to see elevation profiles.

I did the Portland Century last year and it was the worst organized ride I have ever participated in. The food that was promised was not available and the rest stops were not stocked. When we reached the bull run rest stop, they were out of water and had no bathrooms. Then after riding over 70 miles in the 100 degree heat and finally reaching the the last rest stop, again all out of food, except boiled eggs that had been sitting out in the sun all day and hot water that had been sitting out in the sun. I had to stop at 7-11 and buy my own water. I was really looking forward to getting my gourmet meal at the end. However when we completed the 100 mile tour, of course no food left. Well okay, they did have frozen chicken but no salmon and the vegetables were all gone and so was the dessert. Apparently they were not expecting the number of people that registered but they still took the entry fee and did not supply the support. I emailed them after the ride to express my frustration and they told me too bad. Not a good ride and I will not be joining it this year!

Your loss, Jennifer. You must have missed all of the after ride information the organizers sent out. They know they messed up and they just didn't realize this ride would be as popular as it was so they were ill prepared for gigantic crowds. I also heard from a friend that they had real bad sabotage on the streets, with signs being removed so we would get lost, by some late night jerks probably.

I for one think the ride is a wonderful idea and something we've needed for a while so I am willing to give them a second chance. A group of my coworkers and I will be riding together for the second year in a row.

I knew the ride was what it was but I also heard the follow up (which I apprecaited) and it looks like it is going to be a great ride this year! I'm prepared for a hot day, bringing two water bottles and a small pack with special snacks because I am picky. I'm also training but don't think you need to train! I am only training because I really want to do the century but I have never done one before. I'm not much of a climber (slow and steady) so I'm working up to it.

I did this ride last year. Signage was poor and we got pretty lost, though with a group that apparently knew the way back - thankfully! And I've seen better stocked rest stops in other events. That said, we're giving it another try. Surely they learned a lesson from last year!
In response to Terese - Bull Run has several great climbs. They're worth every drop of sweat, though. Some of the views are spectacular!

I love this ride. I know mistakes happen and I wish it was more organized last year, but I know how hard it can be when something is more popular than thoughtt to be and as a result there are lines and such.

I'll be out there again this year and I'm ready for the 25 miler because I'm riding with my MOM!!!!

Well, this year's ride was very much improved from last year. I know people who skipped this yearr's ride becausee they thought the organizers were too defensive about last year's faults, but it turns out the Portland Century folks learned a lot of lessons. Signage was great; stops were adequately stocked, with LOTS of water; there was ample evidence of people patrolling to help out riders with problems; and at the end the meal (thank you Madisons) lived up to expectations, with none of the shortages of the first year. So, yay, and congratulations to the Portland Century organizers for going out of their way to arrange a great century. Oh yeah, unlike last year's miserable 95 degrees, this year it was perfectly overcast--just right for a ride like this. :)