The Seattle to Portland Bicycle Classic, or STP, is an annual one and two day supported bicycle ride
from Seattle, Washington to Portland, Oregon in the United States. The STP "is considered one of the
10 biggest recreational bicycle rides in the country, drawing riders from across the nation and from
other nations", and has been operating for more than 25 years.[1] The ride is organized by the Cascade
Bicycle Club. It is approximately 200 miles (322 km) in length. Most riders complete the distance in
two days; however, about 15% complete the ride in one day.
I decided to do a 2-day ride for my first attempt. A lot went through my mind what if I cannot finish,
I've never done long distance riding that far. Although 2 century rides in a row don't scare me.
My plan was to ride 140 miles to Castle Rock and camp. And I only need to ride 60 miles the next day.
Started off on Saturday morning at 5:30am. It was dark and old, but slowly I was following the group and
trying to pick riders of the same speed. I have to admit, riding alone was very hard and boring, and felt
guilty at times taking advantage of drafting other people.
First stop at REI in Kent, I bumped into Trey and Ryan, so I skipped the whole stop and rode with them, but
for not long, they lost me at a traffic light. For the next 70 miles, I rode with many many groups. A group
of 4 drafted me for a while. Thanks. Then I rode alone just behind every other mixed groups.
My goal was to reach Castle Rock for the day, hitting 220km. I got there at 3 pm, thinking about pushing to
finish it in one day, but decide not to. Rather I enjoyed a relaxing evening at the local high school.
On the second day, I don't feel too sluggish to start, ready by 6:00am but decide to wait till 6:30am where I
can ride with some folks. Highlights of the 2nd day, crossing Columbia River on a steel bridge, a very long hill
climb where I pushed in front of an old folk.
Best food for the whole trip. PBJ sandwich at the Castle Rock High School. I had two. 2nd place, the Ice-cream
popsicle at Centralia.
At dawn, people were still wandering and looking for the bag transfer truck.
Figuring out whether I should hit the wave !
I guess I am in this wave of riders
At 8:50am, at my first stop of 80km. Cold, hungry and ...
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