STP first timer, is it really this much dough?
 

Ok, this will be my first STP. I was expecting to shell out about $100 all in, with a bus ride back, etc. I was a bit suprised the bus ride back is an additional $60. Anyone else think this is expensive?

The train normally costs ~$30 one way (not sure about STP weekend though!). That option might be worth checking out (not sure about bike fees, availability, etc.).

I don't think so its been ages since you could do a STP with ride back for under $100, The train is about $50 and you will need to box your bike. the last one leaves at 615pm

Besides $160 is cheap for a weekend of fun

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 :lol:

The $60 covers your ride back in a comfy charter bus, and transport for your bike. Not a bad deal, really.

STP is pricey, but worth it if you enjoy large rides. I'm not a "crowd" kinda guy, so it's not my thing; but I did it in 2007 for the experience and it really is well done and a lot of fun.

I guess the registration fee is more or less a donation to a variety of organizations.

You would be surprised how much of the registration fee is taken up by overhead to put on the ride. Cascade does very well by the STP.

You can always just jump on your bike, ride to Portland, and take Amtrak back. Cascade charges a fee to ride with their logistics support, but the roads are open every day.

Do you really have to box your bike? I rode the train from Seattle to Centralia last summer and they just hung my bike on a hook. Guessing that STP weekend will be a little more crowded though!!

Because there are so many bikes that weekend, they add a few cargo cars. The bikes have to be boxed to be put into the cargo cars.

Yeah, One hotel in the U District, one hotel in Portland, gas, food, and shopping money keeps my wife mellow for the one day ride. I figure it costs $200 for tickets [Me and my stoker daughter] and $700. for the ride back.

I've been told that that Amtrak doesn't have anymore room for bikes on Sunday