Ladd’s Addition in southeast Portland transformed into a vibrant carnival this past Saturday as hundreds of participants engaged in the eighth annual Ladds 500, a unique event where riders circle a closed roundabout for an entire day, completing 500 laps in a spectacle that combines the spirit of a bicycle race with the atmosphere of a college party.
The roundabout at the center of Ladd’s Addition was buzzing with energy, as the founder David Barstow Robinson describes the Ladds 500 as ‘an exercise in inanity.’ With its playful motto ‘Let’s Do Something Stupid,’ this event has captured the hearts of many, allowing community members to come together for a day of fun and camaraderie.
Initially started in 2016 among a group of bike messengers and punks seeking a fun, free activity, the event took a two-year hiatus during the COVID-19 pandemic but returned with even more enthusiasm.
Participants began arriving at 9 a.m. to set up elaborate camps filled with canopies, grills, and lawn chairs, reminiscent of a tailgate at a major sporting event. Throughout the day, attendees enjoyed freshly made pancakes and other treats as they cheered for the riders circulating the roundabout.
The modes of transportation at the Ladds 500 were as diverse as its participants. While many opted for traditional bicycles, others took to unicycles, tandem cycles, roller skates, and skateboards. Costume creativity also reigned supreme, with riders donning outfits ranging from dinosaurs and dalmatians to lobsters and colorful wigs.
Participants embraced the quirky nature of the event. One team, calling themselves ‘Gnomes Addition,’ stood out in large, pointy gnome hats. Member Burton Jaursch remarked on the uniquely Portland vibe of the gathering, expressing how the event seemed odd yet perfectly in tune with the city’s culture.
Completing 500 laps is no easy feat, especially considering the crowded field of riders. Jaursch recalled taking nearly eight hours to finish last year.
Kira Smith, a member of the ‘Rock Lobster’ team, counted laps from the edge of the circle, admitting to a bit of playful cheating from the previous year where her team had two riders on the course simultaneously. ‘It’s like a mockery of a relay race,’ Smith confessed. ‘We’re not gonna ever get to 500 even with cheating, so it doesn’t really matter.’
Aside from the fun, the Ladds 500 promotes advocacy for safer cycling infrastructure in Portland. Smith shared her concerns about cycling in East Portland, an area known for high pedestrian fatalities, reflecting on how events like this can draw attention to cycling safety.
With the event’s growing popularity, so too have the logistical requirements. Robinson noted that the event’s total costs, including permits and amenities such as portable toilets, now reach into the five-figure range. This year marked the first time they secured a street closure in addition to the park permit.
Despite the increasing costs associated with the event, Robinson emphasized one core principle: the Ladds 500 will always remain free for the public, embodying its spirit of community, creativity, and fun.
As the Ladds 500 continues to evolve year after year, it represents more than just a whimsical bicycle relay; it signifies a celebration of community spirit, creativity, and the love for cycling in Portland.
image source from：https://www.opb.org/article/2025/04/13/ladds-500-exercise-in-insanity/
