Want to stick it to the weather? On February 9th, Portland is hosting “The Worst Day of the Year Ride,” a trek designed to show we can endure just about any of the elements thrown at us throughout the year. The ride will encompass a 15 mile Odyssey across Downtown Portland, or if you like a challenge, a 46 mile course exploring the west side. Cross the finish line at the Lucky Labrador Brew Pub and enjoy some hot chili and soup to fight off the cold and celebrate!
The ride is an all inclusive, which means that once you register, you get to enjoy a long list of benefits, including fresh coffee and donuts in the morning, the above-mentioned meal at the finish line, support vehicles along the trail (just in case you need a lift) and well-stocked rest stops every four miles along the course.
Of course, costumes are encouraged, and if the Worst Day Flickr page is anything to consider, you’ll fit right in with a snorkel or some butterfly wings (or maybe both…). The ride hosts a costume contest which will be judged on four categories: Best Penguin and Friends, Best Group, Best Weather Theme, and Most Elaborate. Doing a song and dance to catch the judges attention might not hurt either.
You may want to register sooner than later. The ride is limited to 4,000 participants, and doing so earlier saves you a bit of money. Registration costs $36.50 for early birds, $40 at the pre-ride party (on February 8th) and $45 on the day of the ride. You can save an additional $5 on registration by grabbing a coupon at any partner locations, which include REI, Fat Tire Farm, River City Bicycles, and Hopworks Urban Brewery. Registering also gives you $10 off joining the Portland Bike Club. Club members are entitled to savings on bike events all year long, free beer, express ride check in and other cool perks.
If you would rather volunteer than participate, The Worst Day of the Year Ride requires nearly 250 volunteers to make the event possible. There’s lots to do, and volunteering gives you a free T-shirt, a ticket to the finish line party, and a free or transferable ride pass.
Interested in participating or volunteering? Have you done this ride in the past? We would love to hear about it on our Facebook and Twitter pages. Let us know if you’re planning on taking a ride on the Worst Day of the Year!
