Cycling, Portland style
For the fifth year, hundreds turned out for one of the steepest road rides in the nation: Ronde PDX, officially known as De Ronde Van West Portlandia. The route: 47 miles, 7,700 vertical feet ascent, 26% max grade (twice). No prize but honor, no fee but massive calories, no support but what comes from your bibs, no sanction, no sponsors. Only the lion of Flanders mark the route. Yes, Portland has perhaps the largest cyclocross series in the world and yes, it's one of the most bike friendly cities in the nation. But the toughest hill climb too? Anyone got anything steeper?
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