On Sunday, nearly 300 people pedaled across Portland for the first ever Plaid Pantry Century \u2014 a 102.7-mile route that took riders (and a few rollers) to 53 store locations. It was the type of ridiculous, free, fun event that Bike Summer is beloved for.<\/p>\n
I was part of a relay team that split the route into five legs. My 22-mile leg began at the Plaid Pantry on SW 45th and Multnomah. Once I took a selfie with my teammate (a step organizers required as proof of hand-off), my mission was to follow the route eastward into Sellwood and ultimately to SE 104th and Holgate. That Plaid location was one of six control points on the route. In order to officially finish the ride, participants needed to make a purchase and keep the receipt.<\/p>\n I found the route to be unexpectedly fun. I\u2019ve done a lot of centuries and typically the majority of the miles are on quiet backroads where I put my head down and contemplate life\u2019s big questions as my brain ticks off the miles. There was hardly a dull moment on Sunday\u2019s route. It forced me to experience new roads, destinations, and connections between neighborhoods. Along the way I reveled in quintessential Portland landscapes like bustling cafes, parks buzzing with activity, and city views that reminded me of why I love this city.<\/p>\n![\"\"](\"https:\/\/bikeportland.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/08\/plaid2lead.jpg\")
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