Pacific Northwest - Best STP halfway point stop

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valrulez
07-12-10, 04:16 PM
Hey guys,

This will be my first STP ride and I was wondering for all you STP vets, which Is the best halfway point stop? The plan is to skip the Centralia halfway point and either camp out in Vader, Toledo or Castle Rock. I wanted to at least finish 130 the first day to avoid the madness in Centralia. Any thoughts or opinions on each of the stops? I was thinking of stopping at Castle Rock, but I don’t have any idea due to the fact that this is my 1st STP. Your inputs are greatly appreciated!

Thanks,

Val

HawgFuel
07-12-10, 04:35 PM
Last year was my first STP and I stayed in Castle Rock. Roughly 135 miles in. Cheap camping fee on the high school lawn, spegetti diner and pancake breakfast. I was sitting in the beer garden at the finish by 12:30 Sunday. I would recommend the location.
valrulez
07-12-10, 05:16 PM
Last year was my first STP and I stayed in Castle Rock. Roughly 135 miles in. Cheap camping fee on the high school lawn, spegetti diner and pancake breakfast. I was sitting in the beer garden at the finish by 12:30 Sunday. I would recommend the location.

Awesome hawgfuel. That's what I was thinking by looking at the map. Cheap and easy camping is the criteria. Thanks for your input. Castle rock it is!

MisterAngular
07-12-10, 05:21 PM
Castle Rock sounds like a good place to stop. The first time I did the STP (2007), we spent the night in Kelso. 150 miles was a bit much for the first day, and definitely my longest ride ever at the time. Seems like the serious hurtin' always begins somewhere between 120 and 130 miles.

Bradley
valrulez
07-12-10, 06:01 PM
misterangular,

I agree. I think 150 is too much for one day, and figured if I was going to ride that far, might as well make it one day. I was thinking Kelso too originally.
keithm0
07-12-10, 06:41 PM
In my one STP (2007) I stopped at Vader (roughly the 128 mile point). Hot shower, indoor camping in the lodge building, and great food (lasagna & cake for dinner, bacon & eggs & pancakes for breakfast).
Butcher
07-12-10, 08:49 PM
Portland! Makes the second day ride easier.
Shifty
07-12-10, 09:25 PM
Centralia. Motels, swimming pool, more food choices than other places, lot's of other riders hanging around, some entertainment in the evening. Vader = nothing but pasta dinner. It's a pretty easy ride into Portland from Centralia, get a good nights sleep and start early.
FlowerBlossom
07-12-10, 10:22 PM
^^^This.

And save the beer for the finish line.
moleman76
07-13-10, 04:09 PM
Portland! Makes the second day ride easier.
true, for Sunday's PTS return trip