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[java]

Sounds like you're planning to get to Longview the first day. I've done that--it's nice to have the road pretty much to yourself after the first 100 miles or so--most of the 2-day riders finish their first day in Centralia/Chehalis.

As regards the food stops, they have the usual stuff. Bagels, bananas, grapes, PBJ, bars, etc. but since you've got a longer day than most of the riders, you might want to consider skipping the big food stops altogether. You would save a boatload of time by instead stopping at some of the little stores/delis along the way. This is particularly true from Seattle - Chehalis. You won't see too many stores after that though, so you'll want to have stuff on board once you get past the 100 mile mark--it's a bit more sparsely populated between Chehalis and Longview.

The big food stops are so crowded that we found we were wasting a lot of time to get our "free" banana or handful of grapes. Even worse are the lines for the porta potties.

As it turns out, Cascade also pays for additional porta potties to be placed along the route. We've always found some not far after the big rest stops. Cascade does that to prevent business owners along the route being inundated with riders looking to make a pit stop. It does work well for the riders who want to skip the food stops.

Anyway, we've found we've saved a bunch of time avoiding the big rest stops, and we don't have to go far to get to a place where we can take a bit of time to take a break and eat, etc.



Mary

[mimitabby]

We like the food stops, they're great; and there are usually lots of portapotties too.

Eden pretty much covered the food; there's also energy drinks available too.

Half the fun of these rides is going to the food stops, you don't have to stay all day!

[Starfish]

I've only done this ride once, but I'm not big on large gatherings and lingering stops. STP has 'em, but as others wrote here, you can get by without stopping at most of them, if you want.

Also, especially in the first 100 miles, I experienced locals sitting out along the route in lawn chairs, and holding out bananas as I rode by!

[salsabike]

They have great food. It's quite amazing. And if you start early, you can beat most of the food lines and eat quite well.

Have fun! We've done it twice and had a blast.

[Shiraz]

I did the ride last year and was amazed at the amount and variety of food. We started each morning by 5:30 - 6:00 and really did not have long waits. I think its a great idea to ride 150 miles. I wish we had. You can also purchase food if you like. We did at the mid point. It is very organized and well supported. Good luck and have a great time. Make sure you give a report when you return!

[mimitabby]

YOU will not believe how many fellow riders there are! it's staggering!

[bikerchick68]

wow! thanks for all the great info... I received my registration card in the mail on Saturday...

teigyr... I think I fly in to SeaTac... but it's on the 10th (Tues) midmorning...

it's GREAT to know there will be real food... usually 70-80 miles in I need some real food... I did a ride locally last weekend that was 70 miles... it was a first time for this event and the food was minimal... since it was their first event I figured it might be that way and brought Clifshots with me...

that's good to know about the extra porta potties... I skipped a SAG at Solvang one time... and 10 miles later was ducked behind a shrub to take care of business... NOT easy... I NEVER skip SAG's now.

I have one more question... I read in the packet I received that the ride organizers will bring 2 bags to your 1st nights stop... we rented a hotel room at mile 152... do they do this for all riders or only for those who stop at the 100 mile mark? I was planning to get a handlebar bag so I could stuff it with clothes I'd need...

thanks again for all the great input...