Giro PDX | Sud

This is a beautiful and challenging free group ride that tackles a lot of steep climbs starting and ending in SW Portland.

Open to anyone masochistic enough to ride it.

Route Description

Hard. Beautiful. Varied. Eye opening. Classic. You will ride through SW Portland, Lake Oswego, West Linn, and Stafford Triangle. You will conquer beautiful and challenging climbs and likely wonder “How did I not know this exists so close to home?!” You will see many jaw dropping homes new and old. In between the mansions you will ride past horses, cows and vineyards. You will discover intersting nooks and crannies of the area. It is mostly paved. However there are three sections of single track in WL and LO city parks that allow bikes. 53 Miles 7,228′ Climbing

Inspiration

Giro di Lombardia – La Classica Delle Foglie Morte. The Race of the Falling Leaves – A climber’s race that also circumnavigates a lake. Be sure to visit the shrine to the Madonna del Ghisallo atop Cook’s Butte on the day of the group ride.

Bike and Tire recommendations

Bring your road bike with climbing gears. There are very steep sections. I have ridden all of it on a race bike with 23mm slick road tires, though 25’s or 28’s will be better and give more confidence in the dirt. Trails have almost no roots and rock. It is mostly nice buff trail. There are a couple roots on the exit of Cook’s Butte Park that make for a little technical riding. You can do it. Using CX or treaded tires will be a benefit 1% of the route and a detriment 99%.