The STP – Seattle to Portland event has probably introduced more people to their first century ride than any single event. Experienced riders claim that the STP ride is the fastest they’ve ever completed a century. But it doesn’t stop there. After completing the first century you do another one, the next day. It might sound overwhelming but almost any cyclist with determination and a bit of preparation can do it. It’s easier than you think.

Biggest and Baddest

The 200-mile Seattle to Portland, or “STP,” bike ride is the largest bicycle event in the Northwest. The route takes you through the scenic valleys, forests, and farmlands of Washington and Oregon. Bicycling Magazine has listed the STP as one of the best cycling events in the nation. It’s not the toughest ride in the West or the most challenging, but it has plenty of rollers. It is missing the major climbs of similar rides — except for one big hill at the 45-mile mark. The lack of hills is what makes the STP so alluring to the average cyclist.

Bucket List

Even though it lacks the steep climbs of similar rides, it should be regarded as a physical and mental challenge for recreational riders and should be treated with respect, but it’s not a race. There’s no pressure to go fast. Put it on your bucket list if you haven’t already.

The Key to the STP

The key to the STP is that it’s implicit as a mostly flat route with temperate weather, aid stations, and a lot of camaraderie with other riders. Each and every rider has a blast that’s fueled by their abilities and drawing inspiration from those around them. The atmosphere of the STP is inspiring, and the miles drop behind you in a hurry.

Ten Thousand Riders

Cyclist participation in the STP is limited to 10,000 riders. Slots fill up fast. If you have any desire to participate, get online January 1st, the start date for open enrollment in the bicycle classic. Low license numbers are a badge of honor in the ride, if possible, get online when the ball drops on New Years Eve for the lowest of numbers. You’ll get recognized on the ride by fellow cyclists all along the route.

Sea Level

The elevation of the STP route is at, or just above sea-level, and the air is rich with oxygen. If your home town is higher than sea level, you’re accustomed to thinner air and you’ll be feeling super-charged, feeding on the oxygen-rich air along the STP Route. .

The Support

The STP is fully supported, with aid stations supplying food, water and sports drinks every 25 miles along the route. A typical line-up  handed out by volunteers might include more than 11,000 bananas, 4 tons of watermelon, 13,000 bagels and 18,000 sandwiches. There is some mechanical support at each rest stop, but if you have major mechanical issues, the halfway point supplies a mechanics who can deal with almost any bike issue that you might have, and it’s all included, free of charge.

Prepare Yourself

It’s not necessary to get a century under your belt before attempting the STP, but it’s advisable just to give yourself confidence. Prepare yourself mentally and physically. Realize it’s going to be somewhat tough. Your legs will get tired and your butt will get sore. If you come to grips with these vulnerabilities before they happen, you’ll be better prepared to overcome them. When you get tired, look at the riders around you, lots of them are in worse condition than you are. Look at the gray hair, middle-age bulge, or youthful exuberant riders on single-speeds, mountain bikes or cruisers. If that doesn’t give you the inspiration to keep pedaling, not much will.

The Launch

There’s a packet waiting for you after you register online. Find the location and pick it up the day before you launch. Bring your sleeping bag, and load it on a truck; they take it to your overnight stop for you. Start the ride as early as about 5 am if desired. Long distance riding is best accomplished with an early start, so get there, packet in hand, ready to launch. Starting before 5:30 am gives you the best chance to stay ahead of the masses, which is a bit safer, more enjoyable, and there’s smaller lines at the toilets and aid stations.  The launch site is at the Husky Stadium at the University of Washington. The launch consists of groups of 150-200 riders at a time, spaced a few minutes apart to keep everyone from bunching up.

Join a Paceline

It’s impossible to ride by yourself. There’s always going to be other cyclist around you. As the miles get longer, the pack thins out, and it’s a long, long line after that. If you’re invited into a paceline that’s fine, take it, but don’t assume it’s OK to suck the wheel of the rider in front of you. Get permission to join a paceline.  Meeting and riding with new people from around the world is one of the true joys of the STP.

Half Way Point

Centralia College is 99 miles into the ride and the most commonly used overnight spot for the ride. It’s a great scene with participant tents and vendor booths filling the college’s courtyard and it’s a perfect place to stop for a break. But if making this ride is a challenge for you, don’t overnight at Centralia. Continue on to Winlock or Longview. They have schools ready for you, and the gear that you have selected for the ride, sleeping bags primarily, will be there, waiting for you. The shower you get is a gift from heaven, followed by the traditional spaghetti dinner that’s the best one you’re ever going to have in your lifetime.

Not a Race

It’s not a race. Take your time and enjoy conversation with other riders, but don’t linger at aid stations. Too much time off the bike is counterproductive. Limit stops to no more than about 20 minutes or less if possible.

The Finish Line

The last few miles of the ride is punctuated with cheering spectators, all who want a piece of you. Picture yourself in the Tour de France. If you’ve ever wondered what it feels like to be a part of something this big, the STP is it. Cycling single-file down the last few blocks, through the colorful, narrow entry to the finish line with cheering people makes your heart race, and your adrenaline pound. You’ve done it. Expect to see tears of pure joy from other riders, and maybe even yourself, it’s infectious.