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[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...

[java]

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...

There is one truck stop in Kelso at the Hall of Justice, bags should arrive around 3:00 p.m. Saturday. You'll have to pick them up there and then bring them back the next morning for transport into Portland. Cascade has a bunch of info on their website--here's a link to their STP page with lots of info. You may find the ride details link helpful for specifics re: baggage service.

http://www.cascade.org/EandR/stp/index.cfm

Good luck and have fun!

Mary