A stinging heat hung under the blue skies at the River City Bicycles parking lot in Southeast Portland. The clink of shifting bike gears and skidding wheels echoed through the parking lot as the women of Sorella Forte congregated before their weekly 9 a.m. ride. Most already warmed up, they talked amongst themselves in anticipation of the 30-mile ride. Italian for “strong sister,” Sorella Forte welcomes women, Trans, femme and nonbinary riders of all levels. This year, they decided to advertise a few of their rides to the greater Portland community through Pedalpalooza, a community biking event in Portland that spans the entire summer. Catch the riders of Sorella Forte every Saturday, rain or shine, for a supportive sisterhood of cycling. Follow Sorella Forte on Instagram at @sorellaforte.
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This article appears in July 23, 2025.