Seattle to Portland Bicycle Classic

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The Seattle to Portland Bicycle Classic (STP) is an annual one and two day supported bicycle ride from Seattle, Washington to Portland, Oregon. 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". [1] The ride is organized by the Cascade Bicycle Club. The ride 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. [2]

The ride takes place mostly on quiet country roads avoiding the direct freeway route between the cities. The Cascade Bicycle Club describes the 2006 route as "pretty flat with the “Big Hill” coming at the 45-mile mark. It’s a mile long with about a 7 percent grade. Other climbs of note are the hills up and over the Longview and St. Johns Bridges. The majority of the ride is on beautiful, rolling rural roads". [3] In 2005 approximately 30 miles (48 km) of the 202 miles (325 km) were considered uphill with a combined ascent of approximately 2,000 ft (600 m). [4]

The ride is supported meaning that food is provided at stops approximately every 25 miles (40 km) along the route. In 2004 volunteers handed out "more than 11,000 bananas, 4 tons of watermelon, 13,000 bagels and 18,000 sandwiches" [5]. There is some mechanical support. The Cascade Bicycle Club also arranges transportation for riders to Seattle the day before as well as a return trip to Seattle after the ride.

The halfway point is near the towns of Centralia and Chehalis. For two-day riders, the hotels and guesthouses in the area cannot accommodate the thousands of cyclists, so schools, churches and other charitable organizations provide indoor spaces for riders to sleep and food for a fee. Some riders also arrange to camp in parks or fields near the halfway point.[4]

The first STP took place in 1979 and was a race. The ride has taken place every year since except in 1980 when it was canceled because of the eruption of Mount St. Helens. An alternative ride from Seattle to Vancouver, British Columbia was arranged that year. This new ride became the annual Ride from Seattle to Vancouver, BC and Party (RSVP). The following year Cascade Bicycle Club changed the event from a race to "recreational ride". Jerry Baker was the winner of the first STP race and rode in the first 26 STPs. Despite being a cycling event people have taken part on unicycles and inline skates. [5] [2] [6] [7]

Participation reached a peak in 1991 when the limit of 10,000 riders took part. In recent years the Cascade Bicycle Club has imposed a lower limit. The limit was 9,000 in 2006. [4]

The 27th annual Group Health Seattle to Portland Bicycle Classic was held on 15 July and 16 July 2006.

[edit] References

  1. ^ Johnston, Greg. "Miles to go before they sleep: Bikers pick a ride and go", The Seattle Post-Intelligencer, 1999-02-18. Retrieved on May 21, 2006.
  2. ^ a b Horowitz, Joanna. "Bike event rides into 25th year", The Seattle Times, 2004-07-16. Retrieved on May 21, 2006.
  3. ^ Group Health Seattle to Portland Bicycle Classic: Frequently Asked Question. Cascade Bicycle Club. Retrieved on May 21, 2006.
  4. ^ a b c Group Health Seattle to Portland Bicycle Classic: Ride Information & Description. Cascade Bicycle Club. Retrieved on May 21, 2006.
  5. ^ a b Bain, Lara. "Fueling up for Seattle-to-Portland bicycle classic", The Seattle Times, 2005-07-09. Retrieved on May 21, 2006.
  6. ^ Nokkentved, N.S.. "Teen will ride unicycle in STP", The Olympian, 2002-07-09.
  7. ^ About the Ride From Seattle To Vancouver, BC & Party: History. Cascade Bicycle Club. Retrieved on May 21, 2006.

[edit] External links

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