"Worst Day of the Year Ride" will be held on March 1

(FEBRUARY 22, 2020) Despite the rain, bicycling is popular in Portland all year. Some people commute on their bike to work. Others use their bikes just for fun, especially when they have the opportunity to ride around town with family and friends. In fact, one of the most popular annual events is a group bicycle ride called the "Worst Day of the Year Ride." This year, the ride is on Sunday, March 1.

"It's cold, windy and raining," organizers say. "Let's go on a super-fun, pub-crawling, costumed bike ride."

Actually, this year, the weather forecast promises showers, but with temperatures in the 50s and not much wind.

This is the event's 18th year. There are two routes: a 15-mile urban course and a 42-mile hill climb course that is more challenging. Organizers will provide breakfast, lunch, fun rest stops, a costume party, and a special after-party at the Lucky Labrador Brew Pub in Southeast Portland.

The ride begins at 8:00AM and ends at 4:00PM. The cost is $44-$55, but kids 12 and under ride free. A ticket to the after-party is $19. If you are interested in participating, you can purchase tickets online.

(There's also a pre-ride party on February 29. Participants can pick up their materials, including maps, and have a beer and snacks. "It's Leap Day," organizers say, "and we will all be comparing tall tales and fish stories." Leap Day is February 29, the day in the calendar that happens only once every four years.