STP July 14-15 2007

[mimitabby]

Yes, that's a drag. There are only a few really "safe" weekends in Seattle for weather. that one might be IT.

[java]

I've done STP 6 times, the first time was back in 1986 when there was only a few thousand folks. STP is well organized given the size and scope of the event.

As an experienced cyclist though, one has to go into it being prepared for the wide range of skill sets of those riding along. Yes, there's folks riding two or three abreast not giving way to cars, yes there's those who forget to pull over when they come to a stop in the middle of the bike path. But I don't think there's a ride out there with 9000+ riders on the road that's without people who lack experience (or good judgement) when riding in large groups.

My DP and I get a kick out of seeing people of all shapes, sizes, backgrounds, ages and ability out there working to achieving a common goal. Who can forget the skateboarder, those guys on big wheels, and the unicyclist, not to mention the old guy on the cruiser bike wearing jeans and the fellow who cycled all the way using a one-armed hank crank?

For many, STP is as much a social event as it is a double century, but we have found that we prefer starting early to get ahead of those for whom this might be their first big event, and we stay away from the large food stops (and long porta-pottie lines).

We're planning to do it again in 2007.

[MM_QFC!]

Yes, agree with all of your points, java...and I'm also a 6-time STP veteran - I rode it in 2-days during my first STP weekend in 1999, but have been a 1-day rider ever since. Speaking of the high number of people to ride it, that was the main incentive for me to ride it in 1 day, as one-day'ers have the road pretty much to themselves after the halfway area, where most riders stop, get their gear bags and head to their overnight locations...They don't close the Longview Bridge for 1-day riders and by the time I got over it each year, it became a mind game, as it's all psychological at that point, being in the saddle for so long and I just used the incentive of a cold beer as well as a hot shower - in my hotel room across the street, to keep me headed towards Portland! Yes, it makes for a long day, but I have a leisurely dinner, and can sleep in the next morning, enjoy a hot, sit-down breakfast and walk across the street to enjoy the finish line festival and welcome in any friends who are doing it in 2 days...
It is, as someone here mentioned, a kind of a rite of passage here in the NW, however my cousin's husband has come in from Fairfield, CT to ride the STP every year since 1997! The club opens up online registration for the STP sometime in January and yes, there is also registration at the Bike Expo (3/10, 11/2007) and @8-9000 riders are allowed. Also, since the STP weekend was moved to July, there has more reliable dry weather...although I've had to ride through some cloudbursts enroute a couple of times...and, if you start early early enough, you can avoid the hottest part of the day on the road.
Re: RSVP - yes, this used to be limited to 200 riders, but I heard that that number was increased recently;I'd still recommend registering early though, as it's become a very popular ride and for good reason. There aren't as many inexperienced cyclists who ride the RSVP, as it's a hillier ride than the STP (which is considered a very flat double century route). There is a need to plan your lodging early too, for both the mid-point overnight as well as in Vancouver, as well as arranging for yours and your bike's transport back home. It's a beautiful route and the acronym actually means Ride Seattle to Vancouver and Party! For the past few years, it's been on the same weekend as the international fireworks show in Vancouver too - spectacular!
This ride used to be held on the first Friday/Saturday in August, but it looks like it very well may conflict with the Seattle Danskin triathlon next year, which is usually scheduled during that 3rd weekend in August...beware too that the Danskin registration fills up about as fast as the RSVP does though, so those of you who want to do both may have a tough choice ahead of you.
That's my $.02!
Tailwinds!
Mary

[Aint Doody]

STP?? Been there; done that--won't ever do it again.................

[Susan Otcenas]

I've done STP three times
1) 2 days on my single
2) 2 days on a tandem
3) 1 day on a tandem

The only way I can ever see doing it again is if I decide to try it on my single in 1 day. I tend to agree with TsPoet. It's really not very scenic and I don't especially enjoy riding with that many people. That's the great part about being a one day rider. After the REI rest stop in the morning, it really thins out. On my one day ride, we didn't even stop until mile 45. That got us out of the crowds fairly early on.

I'd very much like to do RSVP. I have several friends who've ridden it who say its a delightful ride. Much more scenic than STP. I also hear its a great route for a tandem (lots of rollers) so perhaps Jeff & I will make it up there this year. I've never been to Vancouver BC, so I may have to make a real vacation out of it!

Susan

[salsabike]

Susan! Vancouver is GORGEOUS. The secret to this weekend is to try to make reservations at the Best Western Sands Hotel on English Bay--then you just get some picnic food and books, and hit the beach two hours before the fireworks, which are out on a barge right in the bay. It is fabulous! We haven't done RSVP yet, but we did do the fireworks thing several years in a row, going up on the train. You really see fancy stuff. One year China did a wisteria tree in fireworks. Was just telling SadieKate about all this. Best neighborhood restaurant---Malaysian, the Banana Leaf, right around the corner on Denman. And not far away is the Great Blue Heron rookery in Stanley Park.

Can you tell I like Vancouver, yet??

[KnottedYet]

What if we all did RSVP next year, and made reservations there and did the fireworks, too?

I've got all kinds of connections for cars and rides and emergency contacts on the route.