PVyrus

I know it’s a ways off, but I just recently realized that I could afford the entry fee now! It would be a great motivator for getting into shape, give me something to look forward to, and provide a taste of bike touring I live only 17-miles from the starting line so getting there would be no problem, but my main concern is getting back.

What happens when the ride is over with? Is it like, “Yay I made it to Portland! Now what?” Where do you sleep that night? What’s the best way to get back to Seattle? With over 8000 riders do you think some just group up and ride back? Would the places that let the two-day riders sleep for free also keep their lawns open for those heading home? I’m a bit of a penny picker (min wage job, $100 comfort bike, Value Village attire), so I’m open to inexpensive ideas. Oh, and share your stories! Thanks

More info at - https://www.cascade.org/EandR/stp/index.cfm

EmmCeeBee

I haven't ridden STP but I'm sure it's a blast. It's like a rolling city, 8000 or more riders determined to make it 200 miles or die partying. The vast majority of riders make it to Seattle by car with friends or family, either for the start or at the end. Aside from that, Amtrak would be the best bet -- but it's bound to be sold out early for the event.

That, and the cost, are the reason I haven't ridden it. Being a fast mass ride, it's not a good choice for loading up and carrying camping gear. So camping in either city is kind of out of the question. Sure, there's always some people ride with panniers/gear, but it'd be tough to keep up for a two-day ride and at that point I'd say "Why pay the entry fee?" You can tour Seattle-to-Portland any time (in the summer....)

I live near Portland, and STP is big news every spring. But the actual day of arrival is kind of anti-climactic. People pack up and move out, I think very few actually ride back up north.

Your best bet is to hook up with others before the event and share their ride.

And keep in mind: this ain't touring. Nothing wrong with a fast mass ride, but other than a long distance on wheels, the experience is diametrically opposed to touring. Kind of like comparing the exit rush at Seahawk's Stadium to a two-week backpack trip.

-- Mark

PVyrus

Yeah it wouldn't be the dreamy camp-touring thing, but the "long distance on wheels" is what I had in mind during the comparison, but you're right that I could do that by myself anyway, lol. Although experiencing a "moving city on wheels" would be an adventure in itself! I definatally wouldn't carry any camping gear on me, I don't even have any , but I think they ship your stuff to your nightly rest point and then to the finish line anyway. Thanks for the suggestions, I'll have to check out that Amtrak option, and I also just remembered that I have family somewhere near Portland, so maybe finding a place to stay until the bus lines clear out wouldn't be so hard after all

Bwah, I need bike-camping gear, there are so many places here in Washington that look soooo tempting!

Oh, and the way the Seahawks have been playing lately, the exit rush after the game soon might be comparible to a two-week backpack trip!

cheg

Whether you do it in one day or two, you can get a bus provided by Cascade Bike club back to Seattle the same day you arrive. There is a limit to how late they run. You can also stay over night at a hotel in Portland and come back the next morning. There is a bus on Monday morning. The bikes come back by moving van to the starting line.

In 2004 I did it in one day and came back Saturday night. In 2005 my wife and I did it on a tandem in two days and came back on Sunday evening. We are shooting for one day on the tandem this year and I made a reservation at the hotel by the finishline for Saturday night.

Some probably do ride back but I'm not up to that. I'm not sure you have the right bike for 4 centuries in 4 days. Maybe the Seattle International Randonneurs can help you out. They are into unsupported long distance riding.