dtrain

I just found out about a first-time century in Portland in a couple of weeks. Have you other guys heard of this one? The Portland Century on Sunday, August 27th (www.portlandcentury.com).

Looks like a ton of give-a-ways for $35 (in-store registration at REI, River City, etc.). Should be free for me since I'm giving this plug.

"Riders meet at Portland State University; enjoy a cup of Portland Roasting Company coffee and a continental breakfast before heading to the city’s outskirts. The mostly-flat 40, 60 and 100-mile routes take advantage of the Portland city pathways, bike lanes, and lesser roads that ring the Rose City.

Three on-course rest stops will offer snacks, drinks, and mechanical support. SAG vehicles will assure that nobody gets stranded.

The finish line offers an unparalleled local gourmet meal:
- Grilled wild Coho Salmon with a Marion Berry beurre-blanc compote
- Grilled organic asparagus from the Portland Farmers’ Market
- Rice Pilaf with Oregon hazelnuts and dried Oregon cranberries
- Mixed green salad with a Marion Berry vinaigrette
- Fresh berry cobbler a la mode
- Local wine and Oregon Honey Beer

All riders receive a pound of Portland Roasting coffee, a six-pack of Oregon Honey Beer, Clif Bars, a commemorative poster and other goodies."

55/Rad

Hmmmm....

Dtrain - you gonna do it?

dtrain

Well, let's see...

Low registration fee = very good
Breakfast = good
Route = pretty good (Some climbing out by Bull Run/Oxbow Park...but not too bad.)
Salmon dinner = good
Pound of coffee = very good
Six pack of beer = excellent (Linebackers love beer. )
Cliff Bars = good
Poster = sure, whatever
__________________________

Adding that up...carry the one...round the decimal...yeah, I think I will. Now that my brief triathlon career is over, it's time to focus on my other goal for this year: my first century. I was thinking the Peach (down in Salem in late September) would be my first go at 100...but I think I'm ready now and this looks like a good time. You in 55/Rad?

P.S. - Welcome back. It got a little quiet around here without you. I'll send you a PM with some interesting developments. Are you joining us this Sunday?

55/Rad

I really would like to do this one - but I'd have to change some plans as I'm scheduled to be in LA that weekend.

I haven't heard about Sunday - what's going on? Doesn't matter as I'm in Seattle this weekend helping my Mother-in-Law move. Harrrrummmmph.

55/Rad

dtrain

Just the Bridge Pedal (https://www.bikeforums.net/showthread...=211449&page=2) this Sunday...no big deal. But it should be fun as Jakey, 'Masher, and Chisolm will be there as well as dls333, Berns, and some others (including Mr. and Mrs. Dtrain). But moving your mother-in-law will be fun too, so that's cool.

pityr

Sounds like a ton of fun. I would love to do it if I hadn't planned on getting married that day.

It doesn't say what time it starts. If its early enough I could get in 60 mile ride before the afternoon ceremony

Jakey

I am planning on doing it.

Chisolm

I'm planning on doing it, if I can find someone to watch my kids that day...The route could be a bit boring, but the food looks great!

Berns

Let's see how I feel after the Bridge Pedal... I really am that slow and out of shape guys!

JRider

Gonna be in Black Rock City that day but would like to attempt my first century someime in the near future. Anything going on in September?

I'll be at the Bridepedal on Sunday as well. 10/express start. Go Team RamRod!

bertt

Sounds like fun I'm in.

Shifty

The Peach century in Salem is September 24, nice ride too! https://www.salembicycleclub.org/majrides/majrides.html

Berns

I think that a couple of friends might do the shorter ones... we'll see as we get closer.

Berns

Who's planning on doing this? If there's a group... I'll try and do better with the visiting.

dtrain

I signed up at REI after yesterday's Bridge Pedal. Planning on doing the full century.

Jakey

Planning on it..but I dunno if I will do the full century or not...

bertt

I just signed up for the 100 miler. Who else is doing this ride?

Berns

Jakey... you still planning on riding? Do the 40-miler with me. Trust me, you'll think it's slow. But we'll have fun, crack some jokes and when we get to the finish line before the 60 and 100 milers... we'll will have drank all of the beer.

Jakey

I think I am going to do the 60 miler. Centuries are fun, but I have found that a metric is about the perfect length for me. Just long enough so that its worth riding, but short enough so that I can pretty much go hard the whole time if I choose. In the next week I may get talked into the full 100....but I don't wanna hammer it, and I haven't ridden much lately....nor will I get a chance to ride much this week..so...eh...

drmain

Would I be crazy to do the 40 miler with my mountain bike or is that very do-able?

Chisolm

I guilted my wife into watching the kids on Sunday, so I am in for the century. It doesn't start until 8:00, so if it is still hot next weekend those last 25 miles could be painful!

It looks like a relatively flat route with the exception of the miles from Gresham to Troutdale along the Little Sandy and Sandy rivers. It would be great to start and ride together for the first 20-30 miles even if we all aren't doing the full century.

drmain--I think you could do the 40 miles on your mountain bike if you have a decent fitness base. Before buying my road bike, I did a couple of centuries on my mountain bike with slicks. Having slicks would help make the miles pass easier, but you could still do it on slightly knobby tires. Your average speed might be a bit slower than with a road bike, but I found my position on the mountain bike is very comfortable for longer rides.

dtrain

I think the 60 and 40 mile routes aren't 'open' until even later, but I'm not sure. I'm all for riding the first part of the century together (Chisolm, bertt, and...?). I'm guessing there's a good chance I get dropped in the climbing leg of the ride and will have to limp back with some random slower group. Watch out for me on those downhill sections though.

bertt

Name a time & place and I'm there.

Berns

I registered yesterday for the 40-miler. Anyone here doin' it? Meeting place?

PedalMasher

I'm pretty sure I'm in for the century. About 80% at this point.

Since they are serving breakfast/coffee, I plan to be at the start before 7AM to enjoy the breakfast and go easy the first couple hours. Probalby best thing is to exchange cell numbers, I read on the Portland blog they are shooting for 750 entrants so that's not too big - we should be able to find each other.