The University of Portland is perched upon the cliffs overlooking the Port of Portland.  It is an easy ride from anywhere in the Portland Metro region and a convenient exit from I-5 for travelers.  There is plenty of free parking on campus for bikes and cars alike.Breakfast, and later dinner, is served in the Claudio Commons on the main quad.  Arrows and attendants will point you in the right direction. Bike parking abuts the patio making for easy check-in before the ride.

Riders receive detailed course maps with turn-by-turn directions on the back.  The maps are mostly informational as the course is well marked with orange directional arrows painted on the ground.  Support motorcycles and vans are on course, as well as ride-along mechanics and medics.  There is also a dedicated call center, just in case.

The courses are spectacular.  Saturday rides east, along the mighty Columbia River, up the historic highway to the majestic Vista House overlooking the Columbia River Gorge.  Sundays routes head south, on both sides of the historic Willamette River.  Visit the west coat’s first iron mill and the end of The Oregon Trail (Lewis and Clark).  The routes are mostly flat with some rolling hills and very few, and quite short, steeper climbs.  Rest stops appear every 15 miles and include great food, water and electrolytes, and mechanical support.

The finish line is a celebration indeed.  There are 4 different buffets to satisfy your well-earned hunger, including a 20-item organic salad bar.  Bottomless, award-winning Hopworks beer will whet your whistles.  Have your picture taken in front of the ice sculpture and varietal rose display while enjoying the live music atop the cliffs as the sun sets over Portland…bliss.

The ride benefits The Jackson Hill Foundation, so not only are you having a great time, you are supporting a great cause.  Enjoy.