Since this is your first one, you have no benchmarks. The folks that put on the STP do a first class job. You get all the support you need, and then some. Compare the STP to the Solvang Double in CA (Planet Ultra) and you will really appreciate the STP ride. We loved it.

You could always get someone who loves you to drive down to Portland and bring you back, but it might ultimately cost you more than the bus ride