Jman007
09-12-08, 05:07 PM
how many of you have ridden the the STP? How did you prepare?
Pacific Northwest - Seattle To Portland ride
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09-12-08, 05:48 PM
i've done it three times now, it's a great ride. are you planning a one-day or two-day adventure?
for me, training started out with 30-50 mile weekend rides during the winter, and continuing through the spring.
then in the summer time, kick it up to 70 mile rides on the weekends, and eventually at least one 120-150 mile ride (if you plan on doing it one day).
the cascade site has a much more structured training program here: http://www.cascade.org/EandR/stp/stp_mileage.cfm
i think the hardest parts are:
1) eating the right foods (that work for you)
2) conditioning your butt to sit on a saddle for half a day or more
luckily you've got quite a while to figure all this out!
for me, training started out with 30-50 mile weekend rides during the winter, and continuing through the spring.
then in the summer time, kick it up to 70 mile rides on the weekends, and eventually at least one 120-150 mile ride (if you plan on doing it one day).
the cascade site has a much more structured training program here: http://www.cascade.org/EandR/stp/stp_mileage.cfm
i think the hardest parts are:
1) eating the right foods (that work for you)
2) conditioning your butt to sit on a saddle for half a day or more
luckily you've got quite a while to figure all this out!
Jman007
09-12-08, 06:15 PM
as of right now I would to try and pull it off in one day. Thanks for the link. Are there any groups that ride together to prepare for this.
cheg
09-12-08, 08:01 PM
Cascade has a couple of groups that train together for one day STP, check here. (http://www.cascade.org/EandR/Activities_Calendar.cfm?query=cascadefreedailyride) The Cycle Tuesday crowd are serious hammerheads that train for fast pacelines on STP. It's a good idea to look at the recommended mileage on the STP web page for some general guidance. You don't really have to follow it to the letter. I've done STP 4 times, two one day rides on a single bike, one two day on a tandem, and a one day on a tandem. Most of my prep for the first time was a lot of bike commuting, like 4 days/week, and some weekend metric century and century rides. I think I did a couple of centuries and 4 or 5 metric centuries between Chilly Hilly and STP that year.
There are a ton of rides in the Seattle area to pick from. A good reference is here (http://www.northwestcycling.com/).
Have fun with it. It's quite a spectacle and about a flat as any long ride as you will find in the Northwest.
There are a ton of rides in the Seattle area to pick from. A good reference is here (http://www.northwestcycling.com/).
Have fun with it. It's quite a spectacle and about a flat as any long ride as you will find in the Northwest.
dbikingman
09-12-08, 08:46 PM
I am considering doing the STP too. I will be doing it in two days and have a place to stay along the route. What recommendations for the night prior to the start and getting to the start is there an official start or is it more of a rolling when you get there type of thing?
Daveyboy
09-12-08, 09:49 PM
i think the hardest parts are:
1) eating the right foods (that work for you)
2) conditioning your butt to sit on a saddle for half a day or more
++1. Apart from proper conditioning, the most important part is eating & drinking enough of the right foods. You'll really want to have that aspect nailed down well before the ride. Take time to find what does and doesn't work for you on your longer training rides (4+ hours).
I've done it twice, both times in one day. The longest I had ridden this year at one time was 110 miles in June (Flying Wheels + some.) But I had ridden a total of about 2,200 miles in 2008 before the STP - it helps to have some miles under your wheels. A large part of the ride is mental - having the fortitude to keep pushing yourself when you just don't feel like being on the bike anymore. :twitchy:
Also, while the course is "relatively" flat, be prepared for lot's of rolling hills in the second 100 miles. Cascade's official total elevation is about 2,000' - but it's probably more like twice that. The first year I made the mistake of really hammering the first 100 miles (we rolled into Centralia at about 10:30) only to die on the rolling hills in the hot afternoon sun. So, pacing yourself is also important.
Good luck, it's a pretty cool feeling when you roll across that finish line knowing what you just accomplished in one day!
1) eating the right foods (that work for you)
2) conditioning your butt to sit on a saddle for half a day or more
++1. Apart from proper conditioning, the most important part is eating & drinking enough of the right foods. You'll really want to have that aspect nailed down well before the ride. Take time to find what does and doesn't work for you on your longer training rides (4+ hours).
I've done it twice, both times in one day. The longest I had ridden this year at one time was 110 miles in June (Flying Wheels + some.) But I had ridden a total of about 2,200 miles in 2008 before the STP - it helps to have some miles under your wheels. A large part of the ride is mental - having the fortitude to keep pushing yourself when you just don't feel like being on the bike anymore. :twitchy:
Also, while the course is "relatively" flat, be prepared for lot's of rolling hills in the second 100 miles. Cascade's official total elevation is about 2,000' - but it's probably more like twice that. The first year I made the mistake of really hammering the first 100 miles (we rolled into Centralia at about 10:30) only to die on the rolling hills in the hot afternoon sun. So, pacing yourself is also important.
Good luck, it's a pretty cool feeling when you roll across that finish line knowing what you just accomplished in one day!
abadoki
09-12-08, 09:54 PM
Jman, if your in the Seattle/Tacoma area, Cascade has a great training program, call the Cascade Training Series. CTS starts in March with a slow, easy ride and each week they increase the length and difficulty of the rides. There are 5 different pace groups, so you can pick one that your comfortable with. If, it's either too fast or too slow, you can move up or back. The Red group is the slowest pace (11–12 mph), Yellow is (12-14 mph), Green is (14–16 mph), Blue (16-18 mph) and Orange is (18+ mph). I'm one of the ride leaders and this year lead both Yellow and Green. All though next year, I planning on riding with Blue. A riding buddy and I are planning on doing STP in 1 day. Hope this helps and check back on Cascades web site for more information on CTS.
Jeff Wills
09-12-08, 11:19 PM
I am considering doing the STP too. I will be doing it in two days and have a place to stay along the route. What recommendations for the night prior to the start and getting to the start is there an official start or is it more of a rolling when you get there type of thing?
I've done STP a couple times as two-day events. I've stayed overnight in Vader- the Assembly of God church offers indoor space for sleeping bags and an unending feast. (Which is quite a feat with gangs of hungry cyclists descending upon them. However, they were serving homemade pies and cakes for breakfast Sunday morning.) Vader is at about 130 miles on the route, which makes the second day quite easy.
The official start is at the University of Washington. You might want to start a little later (6AM-ish) since the one-day riders tend to make the first couple waves very crowded. The very first (4:45AM to 5:15AM) waves are reserved for one-day riders, after that people are let off in groups of about 200.
The U of W dorms are decent lodging for the night before, and they're a couple minutes from the start line.
There are busses to the dorms from Portland on Friday (run by the Portland Wheelmen) or busses back to Seattle on Sunday (run by Cascade Bicycle Club). Take your pick.
I've done STP a couple times as two-day events. I've stayed overnight in Vader- the Assembly of God church offers indoor space for sleeping bags and an unending feast. (Which is quite a feat with gangs of hungry cyclists descending upon them. However, they were serving homemade pies and cakes for breakfast Sunday morning.) Vader is at about 130 miles on the route, which makes the second day quite easy.
The official start is at the University of Washington. You might want to start a little later (6AM-ish) since the one-day riders tend to make the first couple waves very crowded. The very first (4:45AM to 5:15AM) waves are reserved for one-day riders, after that people are let off in groups of about 200.
The U of W dorms are decent lodging for the night before, and they're a couple minutes from the start line.
There are busses to the dorms from Portland on Friday (run by the Portland Wheelmen) or busses back to Seattle on Sunday (run by Cascade Bicycle Club). Take your pick.
CliftonGK1
09-13-08, 05:25 PM
I did it this year for the first time, and as a one-day ride.
For preparation I did a lot hilly century rides (so flatter rides would seem like a cakewalk), and the longest ride I did in preparation was a 200km (125 miles).
Make sure you're properly fitted to your bike, because a one-day ride will take anywhere from 11 (fast) to 15 (moderate) hours. Even a slight maladjustment can become a majour pain after 10-12 hours.
Learn how much you need to eat, and what you can stomach for 13 or so hours. Some people can eat anything. Others, like me, can survive on gels and Clif bars for the whole ride. Figure out what you need to stay hydrated, and whether or not you'll be taking in calories via liquids. I used a combination (Accelerade, Clif bars and Accel Gels) and only used the rest stops for filling my water bottles.
Learn to pace yourself. This was my biggest challenge. Early in the year I couldn't help from burning myself out by 75 or 80 miles into attempted 125 mile rides. I'd feel good, and go out too fast... Learn your "all day pace" early in your training, and learn to stick to it.
For preparation I did a lot hilly century rides (so flatter rides would seem like a cakewalk), and the longest ride I did in preparation was a 200km (125 miles).
Make sure you're properly fitted to your bike, because a one-day ride will take anywhere from 11 (fast) to 15 (moderate) hours. Even a slight maladjustment can become a majour pain after 10-12 hours.
Learn how much you need to eat, and what you can stomach for 13 or so hours. Some people can eat anything. Others, like me, can survive on gels and Clif bars for the whole ride. Figure out what you need to stay hydrated, and whether or not you'll be taking in calories via liquids. I used a combination (Accelerade, Clif bars and Accel Gels) and only used the rest stops for filling my water bottles.
Learn to pace yourself. This was my biggest challenge. Early in the year I couldn't help from burning myself out by 75 or 80 miles into attempted 125 mile rides. I'd feel good, and go out too fast... Learn your "all day pace" early in your training, and learn to stick to it.
ericgu
09-14-08, 05:04 PM
as of right now I would to try and pull it off in one day. Thanks for the link. Are there any groups that ride together to prepare for this.
If you feel pretty comfortable doing a century, STP one-day isn't that hard to do. The biggest challenge is nutrition and hydration. You can make mistakes on a century and not have them effect you very much in a century, but they may kill you on a double. I had a great first century two years ago and a horrible last 80 miles. Turns out I was down on salt, and was hyponatremic. Nothing like riding by yourself and being miserable for 5 hours.
So, figure that out ahead of time.
As a comparison, STP one day is pretty easy compared to a ride like ramrod, as long as you can pace yourself and not be stupid in the first century.
If you feel pretty comfortable doing a century, STP one-day isn't that hard to do. The biggest challenge is nutrition and hydration. You can make mistakes on a century and not have them effect you very much in a century, but they may kill you on a double. I had a great first century two years ago and a horrible last 80 miles. Turns out I was down on salt, and was hyponatremic. Nothing like riding by yourself and being miserable for 5 hours.
So, figure that out ahead of time.
As a comparison, STP one day is pretty easy compared to a ride like ramrod, as long as you can pace yourself and not be stupid in the first century.
Oroluk Lagoon
09-14-08, 06:25 PM
Both of you ought to use the "Search" feature and search this forum for old threads on the subject "STP" or "Seattle to Portland". There is a wealth of great tips and info to be found.
I stayed overnight in my van at the Start and my wife drove it to an RV park near Vader. By going 130 miles on the first day, the 70-mile second day feels much easier by comparison. Plus the RV park is at the top of that nasty 12% grade coming out of Vader, so I had that behind me as well.
I arrived at Vader at 1:30, so probably could have done the one-day relatively easily. Maybe next year.
I stayed overnight in my van at the Start and my wife drove it to an RV park near Vader. By going 130 miles on the first day, the 70-mile second day feels much easier by comparison. Plus the RV park is at the top of that nasty 12% grade coming out of Vader, so I had that behind me as well.
I arrived at Vader at 1:30, so probably could have done the one-day relatively easily. Maybe next year.
moleman76
09-15-08, 09:52 AM
http://www.cascade.org/Community/forum/categories.cfm?catid=7 Cascade Bicycle Club's Community Forums has a topic for their rides, including, as you would expect, many questions and comments and good information on the STP.
This year, it was hot ... temps at the 150-mile mark into the 90's. A little different for most of us from the wet side of the mountains.
If you do any organized rides as part of your training -- a good idea, if you haven't been on the road with 100's of other cyclists, just to get used to anticipating where others might steer their bikes -- try to do at least one where a goal is to cut your stays at the rest stops as short as possible. Think of it like a 2-minute drill in football; the goal being to give yourself as much time, during daylight, to pedal those 204 mile.
This year, it was hot ... temps at the 150-mile mark into the 90's. A little different for most of us from the wet side of the mountains.
If you do any organized rides as part of your training -- a good idea, if you haven't been on the road with 100's of other cyclists, just to get used to anticipating where others might steer their bikes -- try to do at least one where a goal is to cut your stays at the rest stops as short as possible. Think of it like a 2-minute drill in football; the goal being to give yourself as much time, during daylight, to pedal those 204 mile.
Jman007
09-15-08, 10:05 AM
Thank you all so much, I really appreciate all of your suggestions and links.
CliftonGK1
09-15-08, 11:46 AM
If you do any organized rides as part of your training -- a good idea, if you haven't been on the road with 100's of other cyclists, just to get used to anticipating where others might steer their bikes -- try to do at least one where a goal is to cut your stays at the rest stops as short as possible. Think of it like a 2-minute drill in football; the goal being to give yourself as much time, during daylight, to pedal those 204 mile.
Not 100's... Thousands. They're considering upping the rider cap next year to 10,000 people. While I had fun with the ride this year, I'm not making plans to go back again because of how many people there are. I didn't have any problems with the standard scary things you hear about (newbs riding paceline on their aerobars, etc.) but I'm just not a fan of the huge crowds.
One of the best things is definitely to make those rest stops as short as possible, and if you can pass up the first two of them, then go for it. It will give you a distance advantage by rolling past the first couple of stops, where everyone is rolling in for coffee, hanging out and chatting, regrouping their giant crew which got split up through the U-district right after the start, fixing random stuff on their bike which wasn't adjusted properly, and so on.
I didn't hit up a rest area for anything aside from bottle refills until around the 60 mile mark. This gave me to opportunity to get out of the clumped up gaggles of riders, and settle into a steady pace where I wasn't surrounded by a dozen people.
Best hint (IMO): The smaller rest stops typically have fewer port-o-lets, but they're less frequented. You can hit up the smaller stops for a bio-break without having to wait 10 minutes in line for the toilet. Fill your at the big "sponsored stops" where they'll have all the free goodies. Empty out at the little stops where there's no line for the can.
Not 100's... Thousands. They're considering upping the rider cap next year to 10,000 people. While I had fun with the ride this year, I'm not making plans to go back again because of how many people there are. I didn't have any problems with the standard scary things you hear about (newbs riding paceline on their aerobars, etc.) but I'm just not a fan of the huge crowds.
One of the best things is definitely to make those rest stops as short as possible, and if you can pass up the first two of them, then go for it. It will give you a distance advantage by rolling past the first couple of stops, where everyone is rolling in for coffee, hanging out and chatting, regrouping their giant crew which got split up through the U-district right after the start, fixing random stuff on their bike which wasn't adjusted properly, and so on.
I didn't hit up a rest area for anything aside from bottle refills until around the 60 mile mark. This gave me to opportunity to get out of the clumped up gaggles of riders, and settle into a steady pace where I wasn't surrounded by a dozen people.
Best hint (IMO): The smaller rest stops typically have fewer port-o-lets, but they're less frequented. You can hit up the smaller stops for a bio-break without having to wait 10 minutes in line for the toilet. Fill your at the big "sponsored stops" where they'll have all the free goodies. Empty out at the little stops where there's no line for the can.
dbikingman
09-15-08, 05:24 PM
I appreciate the links and information. I don't know how I feel about a ride this big, but I have to give it a try, I won't be in a hurry and just enjoy the adventure. I know I will do the ride in two days thats a given. I have family that lives along the route, my brother lives just North of Winlock and that will probably be my goal for the first day getting me past the half way mark.
moleman76
09-16-08, 03:04 PM
Not 100's... Thousands.
Very true, but in my one-day experiences, you only have that sensation at the start, when there are 750 other bike-nuts standing around at 0445 waiting for the start. Once people start rolling out, you're really only aware of the other riders around you, and maybe the really quick ones ahead of you. The other 9,450 of them aren't going to crash into you anyway. However, from the pictures I've seen, it does get more dense among the two-day groups. Starting the second day with "only" 80 miles or so to go is a good idea.
If your "Fircrest" is the locale near Tacoma, you could incorporate much of the STP route from Puyallup to Tenino in some extended training rides. You can download the map from Cascade's site and/or find various tracings of it at bikely.com and other places.
Very true, but in my one-day experiences, you only have that sensation at the start, when there are 750 other bike-nuts standing around at 0445 waiting for the start. Once people start rolling out, you're really only aware of the other riders around you, and maybe the really quick ones ahead of you. The other 9,450 of them aren't going to crash into you anyway. However, from the pictures I've seen, it does get more dense among the two-day groups. Starting the second day with "only" 80 miles or so to go is a good idea.
If your "Fircrest" is the locale near Tacoma, you could incorporate much of the STP route from Puyallup to Tenino in some extended training rides. You can download the map from Cascade's site and/or find various tracings of it at bikely.com and other places.
drdoodlebug
01-30-09, 07:56 AM
I'm riding STP this year and am looking for anyone to share car transportation from Salt Lake City, Utah to Seattle. If you know anyone interested please have them drop me a line. Also, if anyone has suggestions on other boards to post about this, I'm open to advice.
VaultGuru
01-30-09, 03:11 PM
This will be our first STP and plan to do it on one day. My good friend and riding buddy is slightly taller than my wife, so I can easily adjust our tandem to fit him. We are both preparing for the Death Ride (as an alternate), so lots of hills and saddle time.
I have read about the paceline crashes so I am listening closely to any and all of you regarding your recommendations regarding getting in a paceline early in the journey. I'm thinking around 60 miles might be a safe time to join up. Comments?
I have read about the paceline crashes so I am listening closely to any and all of you regarding your recommendations regarding getting in a paceline early in the journey. I'm thinking around 60 miles might be a safe time to join up. Comments?
FlowerBlossom
01-30-09, 04:39 PM
You mean, at the 60-mile mark, join up with a pace line?
I don't see the logic of this. Sure, there's a ton of bunching up at the beginning, but, it's not necessarily bunching-up that causes the problems. Even seasoned veterans of the STP can crash in a paceline.
I rode most of the way solo, i.e., w/o a paceline, except once I found myself at the tail end of a paceline that lasted for about 3 miles. It passed me and then did not maintain speed---I caught up to it but could not pass. I kept a half-bike distance minimum, and finally lost it at a rest stop.
If you train properly, including hills as part of your training, you'll do fine w/o a paceline.
I don't see the logic of this. Sure, there's a ton of bunching up at the beginning, but, it's not necessarily bunching-up that causes the problems. Even seasoned veterans of the STP can crash in a paceline.
I rode most of the way solo, i.e., w/o a paceline, except once I found myself at the tail end of a paceline that lasted for about 3 miles. It passed me and then did not maintain speed---I caught up to it but could not pass. I kept a half-bike distance minimum, and finally lost it at a rest stop.
If you train properly, including hills as part of your training, you'll do fine w/o a paceline.
VaultGuru
01-30-09, 11:18 PM
Good advice FB. I was thinking that most of the testosterone might be gone by 60 miles. Might be relatively safe after that.
gageplate
01-31-09, 09:39 AM
Wow thanks for all the info. I am also signed up for the STP (first time). I am planning on doing it in two days with my stop just pass the halfway point. I am thinking of getting a hotel room for my wife and kid. Anybody have some suggestions for where to stay and somewhat cheap. Like i said i know i want to go past the halfway mark. Somebody had once said to stop in a certain town just before you hit a hill. Sugested hitting the hill on the second day when you are well rested. Thanks
Luwin1026
01-31-09, 09:49 AM
I did it back in 2007 in one-day, and it was my first century/double at the same time. It was an ordeal flying up there the day before and my bike being missing and not turning up until the wee morning hours the day of, but it all adds to the adventure at the end of the day.
The first 100 miles weren't bad at all, and pretty much the only real climb is a short hill in Puyallup (if I remember correctly). The hardest for me were the "middle" miles around 110-150ish - the rollers, and a large part of it is mental. A lot of good suggestions offered up here - make sure you figure out which energy bars/gel/drinks/etc. work for you before the ride instead of trying new things that day.
It's a ton of fun, and I'm leaning towards doing it again this year. But I'm going to fly up a few days prior this time around.
The first 100 miles weren't bad at all, and pretty much the only real climb is a short hill in Puyallup (if I remember correctly). The hardest for me were the "middle" miles around 110-150ish - the rollers, and a large part of it is mental. A lot of good suggestions offered up here - make sure you figure out which energy bars/gel/drinks/etc. work for you before the ride instead of trying new things that day.
It's a ton of fun, and I'm leaning towards doing it again this year. But I'm going to fly up a few days prior this time around.
moleman76
01-31-09, 10:35 PM
Anybody have some suggestions for where to stay and somewhat cheap. Like i said i know i want to go past the halfway mark. Somebody had once said to stop in a certain town just before you hit a hill. Sugested hitting the hill on the second day when you are well rested. Thanks
Centralia is halfway, Chehalis is about 5 STP miles further along, and the climb up to Napavine starts about 7 miles after that - half a mile long but seems longer in the middle of a one-day attempt.
So -- start searching for Chehalis lodgings now - they may be sold out already. You might be able to stay somewhere nearby / off to the side of the route / and have your support team shuttle you to and from the place where you spend the night.
Centralia is halfway, Chehalis is about 5 STP miles further along, and the climb up to Napavine starts about 7 miles after that - half a mile long but seems longer in the middle of a one-day attempt.
So -- start searching for Chehalis lodgings now - they may be sold out already. You might be able to stay somewhere nearby / off to the side of the route / and have your support team shuttle you to and from the place where you spend the night.
sharkey00
02-02-09, 01:18 PM
Wow thanks for all the info. I am also signed up for the STP (first time). I am planning on doing it in two days with my stop just pass the halfway point. I am thinking of getting a hotel room for my wife and kid. Anybody have some suggestions for where to stay and somewhat cheap. Like i said i know i want to go past the halfway mark. Somebody had once said to stop in a certain town just before you hit a hill. Sugested hitting the hill on the second day when you are well rested. Thanks
Well if you don't mind a bit of camping you can sleep on the baseball field in Chehalis. It is a great place to stay (has a community pool, showers, and some kind of food available). You really can't beat the price ( $0 dollars) and availability (plop your tent down wherever you please).
Well if you don't mind a bit of camping you can sleep on the baseball field in Chehalis. It is a great place to stay (has a community pool, showers, and some kind of food available). You really can't beat the price ( $0 dollars) and availability (plop your tent down wherever you please).
Daveyboy
02-06-09, 12:22 AM
I did it back in 2007 in one-day, and it was my first century/double at the same time. It was an ordeal flying up there the day before and my bike being missing and not turning up until the wee morning hours the day of, but it all adds to the adventure at the end of the day.
I remember reading about some poor guy that had to put his bike together the night before STP after his flight up from LA was delayed. Ouch.
I remember reading about some poor guy that had to put his bike together the night before STP after his flight up from LA was delayed. Ouch.
hodadmike
02-07-09, 11:14 AM
$95 plus handling fees? Wow. I've watched it increase from my first STP in the late '90s, when you got the tyvek jacket, a useful souvenir (saddle bag, fanny pack, multi-tool, etc.), and better food at the stops (pasta, pita sandwiches, etc.). Lately it's been the very ordinary bagels, fruit, cookies and PBJ with a window sticker or key chain.
It's still a fantastic ride, but with my job on the chopping block, my wife, son and I are out this year.
I'm aware that I can join the CBC and get a $10 discount.
I'm aware that I can go to the Seattle Bike Show and save the processing fee.
I'm aware that I can not ride the STP and come up with something better myself, which is what I will do.
It's still a fantastic ride, but with my job on the chopping block, my wife, son and I are out this year.
I'm aware that I can join the CBC and get a $10 discount.
I'm aware that I can go to the Seattle Bike Show and save the processing fee.
I'm aware that I can not ride the STP and come up with something better myself, which is what I will do.
gageplate
02-08-09, 10:39 AM
Can anybody tell me the next popular town after chehalis that i can stay in. I do not want to go as far as roy though. Thanks
moleman76
02-08-09, 05:18 PM
Roy is actually quite a ways before Chehalis. After Chehalis, the towns on the route are Napavine, Winlock, Vader, Castle Rock, Longview/Kelso, and then Rainier, Oregon.
I think there are places you can roll out a sleeping bag in the first 3 towns. Might be something near "downtown" Castle Rock over by I-5.
You could take a look at the ride guide on Cascade's site,
http://www.cascade.org/EandR/stp/index.cfm - look at the left for "lodging"
I think there are places you can roll out a sleeping bag in the first 3 towns. Might be something near "downtown" Castle Rock over by I-5.
You could take a look at the ride guide on Cascade's site,
http://www.cascade.org/EandR/stp/index.cfm - look at the left for "lodging"
Bmxovich
02-08-09, 06:35 PM
Can anybody tell me the next popular town after chehalis that i can stay in. I do not want to go as far as roy though. Thanks
There's a Holiday Inn Express opening in May in Chehalis. I booked a room there on-line, not cheap. A room with 2 queen size beds around $150 with tax if I remember correctly. But I don't know of anywhere else with an opening close to the middle of the route. I might bail and stay farther away as I have a driver that will pick me up pretty much where ever I die on the road.
www.holidayinn.com
There's a Holiday Inn Express opening in May in Chehalis. I booked a room there on-line, not cheap. A room with 2 queen size beds around $150 with tax if I remember correctly. But I don't know of anywhere else with an opening close to the middle of the route. I might bail and stay farther away as I have a driver that will pick me up pretty much where ever I die on the road.
www.holidayinn.com
gageplate
02-08-09, 06:40 PM
Yeah i was thinking of staying in Castle Rock. Anybody have any ideas for that area. Thanks
moleman76
02-09-09, 12:31 AM
Googling "castle rock wa lodging" will bring up some choices; they are across the freeway and maybe 2 or 3 miles (just guessing) from the high school rest stop.
There was a luggage drop at Castle Rock last year, and $15 lodging in the high school gym.
There was a luggage drop at Castle Rock last year, and $15 lodging in the high school gym.
zacster
02-09-09, 09:02 PM
I did this ride 4 or 5 times back in the eighties. The first time it took 16 hours, the second 12, the third 14 and the last time I did it in 10. On that last try I did the first hundred in 4:15 without any stops. I joined a huge paceline once we were out of the city somewhere along West Valley (I'm assuming the route is mostly the same once out of the city) and never looked back.
We didn't have bikes that fit us perfectly back then. They would fit, but not the way we've become obsessed with fit now. We didn't have clipless, light wheels, indexed shifting, powerbars, hrm's or computers either.
We didn't have bikes that fit us perfectly back then. They would fit, but not the way we've become obsessed with fit now. We didn't have clipless, light wheels, indexed shifting, powerbars, hrm's or computers either.
reidconti
02-12-09, 06:36 PM
Not 100's... Thousands. They're considering upping the rider cap next year to 10,000 people. While I had fun with the ride this year, I'm not making plans to go back again because of how many peop
Last time I did it (2003) they allowed 10k riders. Did they decrease that number for awhile?
I guess the crowds don't bother me much. But then, I hear people complain about 2-3k people on other organized rides. Can't please everyone. I think it's certainly worth doing at least once.
Last time I did it (2003) they allowed 10k riders. Did they decrease that number for awhile?
I guess the crowds don't bother me much. But then, I hear people complain about 2-3k people on other organized rides. Can't please everyone. I think it's certainly worth doing at least once.
Mysta316
02-12-09, 09:41 PM
A buddy and I are doing the ride for our first time this year. were getting a hotel in centralia so we can sleep in a bed and take a hot shower.
Im thinking of leaving with the 1day group so there are not as many people on the start.
Im thinking of leaving with the 1day group so there are not as many people on the start.
moleman76
02-12-09, 09:55 PM
Well, since they really have no way to tell if you're a one-day or two-day rider -- no different colors for your number, or whatever, sure, get to the start line by 0445 and start with the 2500-3000 one-day hopefuls before 0515. [I think that there are some one-day riders who sleep in a bit and start later, there were sure a bunch of people who passed me last year and I rolled out with the first group!]
The balance of the start time, from 0515 to 0730, is for everybody ... the other 7500 riders.
Since they let groups of riders off every 10 minutes or so (to mitigate the traffic through Seattle, at least, creating the potential for some gaps between bikes), with 16 or so starting groups, that's hundreds at a time ... but potentially fewer in each group if you start later.
Unless you really can't sleep that morning, if you're doing a two-day ride, there's no real reason to start at 5:00 am if you're only going to Chehalis or Centralia; unless, of course, you want to get to your room as quick as possible for extra sleep that night!
The balance of the start time, from 0515 to 0730, is for everybody ... the other 7500 riders.
Since they let groups of riders off every 10 minutes or so (to mitigate the traffic through Seattle, at least, creating the potential for some gaps between bikes), with 16 or so starting groups, that's hundreds at a time ... but potentially fewer in each group if you start later.
Unless you really can't sleep that morning, if you're doing a two-day ride, there's no real reason to start at 5:00 am if you're only going to Chehalis or Centralia; unless, of course, you want to get to your room as quick as possible for extra sleep that night!
FlowerBlossom
02-13-09, 10:10 AM
I rode last year and admittedly was nervous about all the other people on the ride. I rode "solo" (if one can ride solo in a ride of 10,000 :D).
I left the start 15 minutes after the official start time for the 2-day riders. I avoided pace lines. I figured that if I needed a pace line to get to Portland, then, I shouldn't be doing the ride. I couldn't stop them from forming behind me but if came upon one and I couldn't pass, I'd keep a 2 bike length distance between me and the end of the paceline.
Stops at intersections are where there will be lots of crazy bunching-up and other stupidity. I very much disliked being the first through an intersection because I didn't know what the people behind me where doing. So, I'd line up nice and proper behind the last person on the very right, and keep my distance and my eyes open and maintain at least a one-bike-length distance until bodies cleared. Then, I passed beyond the intersection if need be. That would take, um, 1 minute or so, to be on my way at my usual pace.
Sorry to be boring you with common sense, but, trust me, there's not always the best common sense out there.
I left the start 15 minutes after the official start time for the 2-day riders. I avoided pace lines. I figured that if I needed a pace line to get to Portland, then, I shouldn't be doing the ride. I couldn't stop them from forming behind me but if came upon one and I couldn't pass, I'd keep a 2 bike length distance between me and the end of the paceline.
Stops at intersections are where there will be lots of crazy bunching-up and other stupidity. I very much disliked being the first through an intersection because I didn't know what the people behind me where doing. So, I'd line up nice and proper behind the last person on the very right, and keep my distance and my eyes open and maintain at least a one-bike-length distance until bodies cleared. Then, I passed beyond the intersection if need be. That would take, um, 1 minute or so, to be on my way at my usual pace.
Sorry to be boring you with common sense, but, trust me, there's not always the best common sense out there.
papawizo
02-14-09, 08:33 AM
A buddy and I are doing the ride for our first time this year. were getting a hotel in centralia so we can sleep in a bed and take a hot shower.
I have ridden STP more than 10 times. I would always recommend that two day riders get 115 miles the first day. Get to Castle Rock or Winlock because that second you are less fit than the first day. The miles can become a bit tough. I used to stay in Toledo which put me well over 100 miles. My last two day years I rode to Longview. I was THE first to finish on day two at 9:30 AM, one year. It was great riding alone from Longview to the finish. Hotels were available as well.
I have ridden STP more than 10 times. I would always recommend that two day riders get 115 miles the first day. Get to Castle Rock or Winlock because that second you are less fit than the first day. The miles can become a bit tough. I used to stay in Toledo which put me well over 100 miles. My last two day years I rode to Longview. I was THE first to finish on day two at 9:30 AM, one year. It was great riding alone from Longview to the finish. Hotels were available as well.
papawizo
02-14-09, 08:38 AM
The way to stay ahead of the crowds is to start with the first group and don't stop until Spanaway. Than stop in Centalia. Every 50 miles. You'd be amazed how many people are spending hours stopped every 15 miles. I always had enough stuff with me to eat a few calories. If you train to ride 50 without a stop it isn't hard. That is how slow people, such as myself, pass fast riders.
PW
PW
Jasper Storm
02-14-09, 08:53 AM
[QUOTE=papawizo;8359205]The way to stay ahead of the crowds is to start with the first group and don't stop until Spanaway. Than stop in Centalia. Every 50 miles.
At the top of "the hill" there is a gas station at the intersection where you turn left. It has a couple of Port-a-lets behind it. You can relieve yourself there and spend a couple $$ for cold water at the mini mart (avoiding the crowds at the Spanaway stop), and ride on to Yelm.
At the top of "the hill" there is a gas station at the intersection where you turn left. It has a couple of Port-a-lets behind it. You can relieve yourself there and spend a couple $$ for cold water at the mini mart (avoiding the crowds at the Spanaway stop), and ride on to Yelm.
alpinist
02-14-09, 08:55 AM
So how frequent are the rest stops? This will be my first STP too, and I plan on doing it in one day, and hitting the starting line as early as possible. Sounds like the way to go is to blow past the rest stops when possible, at least in the beginning.
alpinist
02-14-09, 09:02 AM
Everybody-
Besides the usual food, water, tubes, pump, tools... What did you carry with you, or what did you wish you had?
Besides the usual food, water, tubes, pump, tools... What did you carry with you, or what did you wish you had?
zacster
02-14-09, 09:10 AM
When I did it in the 80s there were only 3 rest stops, at each 50 mile mark or so. On my one fast ride I blew by the first, and collapsed at the second. But it was fast. When I checked to maybe do the ride again I saw that there were many more rest stops, but I can't tell you how many. Check the Cascade web site, I'm pretty sure that info is there.
I had a friend that lived in Tenino, just off the route at about the 75 mile mark. I would ride to his house from Seattle as a training ride. One year I didn't do the ride and he had a bunch of people staying at his house that were doing the 2 day. I was down there with them. I remember the next morning, really early, and they were getting ready to go and none of them looked like they were up for another 100. This is the reason I always did the one day ride, especially if I stayed at his house. I'd never get moving.
One year it was pouring down rain and I decided to bail at his house. I took a shower, got comfortable, then the sun came out. I decided to go for it. When I met up with the groups again they all looked at me as if I was just tagging onto the ride, all fresh.
I had a friend that lived in Tenino, just off the route at about the 75 mile mark. I would ride to his house from Seattle as a training ride. One year I didn't do the ride and he had a bunch of people staying at his house that were doing the 2 day. I was down there with them. I remember the next morning, really early, and they were getting ready to go and none of them looked like they were up for another 100. This is the reason I always did the one day ride, especially if I stayed at his house. I'd never get moving.
One year it was pouring down rain and I decided to bail at his house. I took a shower, got comfortable, then the sun came out. I decided to go for it. When I met up with the groups again they all looked at me as if I was just tagging onto the ride, all fresh.
Jasper Storm
02-14-09, 09:11 AM
So how frequent are the rest stops?
Mileposts:
11
24
41
55
74
88
102-Centralia
107
128
137
145
162
175
188
204-Finish line
All have water and toilets, food selection varies.
Mileposts:
11
24
41
55
74
88
102-Centralia
107
128
137
145
162
175
188
204-Finish line
All have water and toilets, food selection varies.
Jasper Storm
02-14-09, 09:20 AM
Everybody-
Besides the usual food, water, tubes, pump, tools... What did you carry with you, or what did you wish you had?
Electrolyte replacement (Endurolytes, Sportlegs, etc)
Don't worry about carrying too much food- the stops have plenty. Maybe some gels for an emergency.
Besides the usual food, water, tubes, pump, tools... What did you carry with you, or what did you wish you had?
Electrolyte replacement (Endurolytes, Sportlegs, etc)
Don't worry about carrying too much food- the stops have plenty. Maybe some gels for an emergency.
moleman76
02-14-09, 11:03 AM
Everybody-
what did you wish you had?
Last year (when it was about 95 deg F in Longview at 4-5 pm), the heat got me and I DNF-ed just across the bridge in Oregon. If I had "known" how hot it was, I would have been forcing more liquids (and soft foods) in.
So, my "wish I had had" item is one of those zipper pull thermometers. Cheaper than upgrading my bike computer to one with the temperature readout.
Sunscreen would be good. Sunglasses, definitely.
what did you wish you had?
Last year (when it was about 95 deg F in Longview at 4-5 pm), the heat got me and I DNF-ed just across the bridge in Oregon. If I had "known" how hot it was, I would have been forcing more liquids (and soft foods) in.
So, my "wish I had had" item is one of those zipper pull thermometers. Cheaper than upgrading my bike computer to one with the temperature readout.
Sunscreen would be good. Sunglasses, definitely.
moleman76
02-14-09, 11:10 AM
Sounds like the way to go is to blow past the rest stops when possible
Or, don't plan on both visiting the porta-potties and loading up on food at the REI and Spanaway stops.
Grab the food (or, at Spanaway, must be local health district concerns, let them hand you the food), put it into some baggies in your back pockets and head out. Stop at the little community places to "rest".
If you do an organized ride or two to train, treat a couple of its rest stops as training exercises -- how fast can you get in/out ...
Or, don't plan on both visiting the porta-potties and loading up on food at the REI and Spanaway stops.
Grab the food (or, at Spanaway, must be local health district concerns, let them hand you the food), put it into some baggies in your back pockets and head out. Stop at the little community places to "rest".
If you do an organized ride or two to train, treat a couple of its rest stops as training exercises -- how fast can you get in/out ...
mattm
02-14-09, 12:19 PM
The way to stay ahead of the crowds is to start with the first group and don't stop until Spanaway. Than stop in Centalia. Every 50 miles. You'd be amazed how many people are spending hours stopped every 15 miles. I always had enough stuff with me to eat a few calories. If you train to ride 50 without a stop it isn't hard. That is how slow people, such as myself, pass fast riders.
PW
+1 this was my approach last year - i didn't stop at all for 60 mi, and even then it was at a gas station (no lines!)
i ended up finishing pretty close to a pack of "racers" that stopped more than i did (i only stopped about 5 times the whole way, never at the official stops). i didn't break any records, but was happy with a (mostly-solo) 13 hour finish time.
and the funny thing is that after the ride at work, many people bragged about their 19-20 mph average speeds. funny thing was, i finished before many of them, with a 17.7 mph avg!
PW
+1 this was my approach last year - i didn't stop at all for 60 mi, and even then it was at a gas station (no lines!)
i ended up finishing pretty close to a pack of "racers" that stopped more than i did (i only stopped about 5 times the whole way, never at the official stops). i didn't break any records, but was happy with a (mostly-solo) 13 hour finish time.
and the funny thing is that after the ride at work, many people bragged about their 19-20 mph average speeds. funny thing was, i finished before many of them, with a 17.7 mph avg!
reidconti
02-14-09, 01:47 PM
Sunscreen would be good. Sunglasses, definitely.
Sunscreen should be considered a no-brainer on a double century :)
Sunscreen should be considered a no-brainer on a double century :)
InTheRain
02-14-09, 10:00 PM
If you are an inexperienced long distance rider, then the nutrition part may be the most difficult part to figure out. My best experience with the STP is the year that I didn't eat hardly any of the food at the rest stops. The only food that I ate was 3 small boiled potatoes with a little butter and salt at the rest stop in Vader. Other than that I carried several bags of Perpetuem and mixed it with water at the rest stops. I also used "sport leggs" for electrolyte replacement along the way.
Much of the food that is available at the rest stops includes fresh fruit, pbj sandwiches (really dry), bagels, and cliff bars. These things all taste pretty good, and you feel pretty good for a while after you eat them, but they don't seem to sit too well in your gut the further you get down the road. I got the idea of relying 90 percent on Perpetuem from a multi-day adventure racer (hiking, biking, kayaking.) It gave me plenty of carbs and even has some protein (helps keep the blood sugars up a little longer) and is very easy to digest. I think the only thing I would add to this nutrition plan would be to carry some jerky (more salt and pretty tasty.)
The more miles you can get in before the ride the better off you will be. However, no matter how good of shape you are in, your first time isn't going to be easy and pleasurable. It's just a long time in the saddle.
I wouldn't worry about pacelines. A lot of people don't appreciate someone jumping into a paceline that they haven't ridden with before. Yes, you can conserve a lot of energy in a paceline, but many of those groups are clipping along at a pretty quick pace and each rider just a few inches off of each others rear wheels. One wrong move and you take out a bunch of riders... you're not going to be really popular. It's a simple enough ride that you should be able to do it by yourself and not count on others to pull you to the finish.
Much of the food that is available at the rest stops includes fresh fruit, pbj sandwiches (really dry), bagels, and cliff bars. These things all taste pretty good, and you feel pretty good for a while after you eat them, but they don't seem to sit too well in your gut the further you get down the road. I got the idea of relying 90 percent on Perpetuem from a multi-day adventure racer (hiking, biking, kayaking.) It gave me plenty of carbs and even has some protein (helps keep the blood sugars up a little longer) and is very easy to digest. I think the only thing I would add to this nutrition plan would be to carry some jerky (more salt and pretty tasty.)
The more miles you can get in before the ride the better off you will be. However, no matter how good of shape you are in, your first time isn't going to be easy and pleasurable. It's just a long time in the saddle.
I wouldn't worry about pacelines. A lot of people don't appreciate someone jumping into a paceline that they haven't ridden with before. Yes, you can conserve a lot of energy in a paceline, but many of those groups are clipping along at a pretty quick pace and each rider just a few inches off of each others rear wheels. One wrong move and you take out a bunch of riders... you're not going to be really popular. It's a simple enough ride that you should be able to do it by yourself and not count on others to pull you to the finish.
gageplate
02-14-09, 11:28 PM
Just curious. Does anybody know if there is a place to stop in casle rock where i can lay out a tent and a sleeping bag. i know some of you have mentioned that there are places to do that in chehalis but do the towns further down the road offter something like that. and if so, can you tell where and is it something i can find on the net. Thanks again for all the advice from people the have alread done the STP.